INGENIOUS TIME-TRAVEL THRILLER plot could have benefited from richer characterization, a more careful edit. C PLUS

DIVIDED
Taitrina Falcon
2015

A PERKY SOUTHERN SLEUTH goes undercover at a combination spa and psychics’ retreat. Alas, all too muddled.

FASCINATING PREMISE–a woman’s diary of a year spent celibate by choice–doesn’t pan out. Psychobabble ahoy!

PRIZE-WINNING FRENCH NOVEL disappoints; despite beautiful prose, everything happens “offstage”. Frustrating! C PLUS

UNFORGIVABLE
Simon & Schuster
2010

SOME LAUGH-OUT-LOUD funny bits enliven a drearily cynical look at marriage by a couple, both writers and actors. C PLUS

YOU SAY TOMATO, I SAY SHUT UP: A LOVE STORY
Crown
2010

SNARKY, MEAN-SPIRITED chickfic about an ugly-duckling-turned-swan making her handsome, flirty boyfriend ugly. C PLUS

THE MAKEDOWN
5 Spot
2009

INFURIATINGLY SELF-INDULGENT book offers some fun stories about the butcher’s craft, too much angsty wallowing. C PLUS

CLEAVING: A STORY OF MARRIAGE, MEAT, AND OBSESSION
Little, Brown and Company
2009

WELL-CRAFTED BUT TRULY REPULSIVE thriller about a charismatic sociopath taking lottery winners hostage. C PLUS

RAVENS
Grand Central Publishing
2009