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LATEST ISSUE OF
Kirkus Reviews
Best-seller Jeannette Walls talks about mining her own history for her new novel, The Silver Star.
Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



New and Notable Titles for February

Cover art for SOLO
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star SOLO
by Rana Dasgupta
"Graceful and unpredictable, a daring and exceptional achievement."
Intricate and imaginative, a remarkable novel of music and science, politics and passion, that bridges history and modern times. Read full book review >
Cover art for RAT CATCHER
FICTION
Released: Jan. 19, 2011
Kirkus Star RAT CATCHER
by Andy Diggle, illustrated by Victor Ibañez
"Diggle's (The Losers: Book Two, 2010, etc.) taut, fast-moving narrative and Ibañez's in-your-face, Will Eisner–like artwork combine in a remarkably entertaining tale."
A rat catcher catches rats (informers) for the mob, but in this dark graphic novel it's an art to separate the rats from the cats. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE BIRD HOUSE
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE BIRD HOUSE
by Kelly Simmons
"Hope at the bottom of the box, not least for more from this talented author."
An intergenerational school project unlocks a Pandora's box of unsettling truths. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE CALLIGRAPHER'S SECRET
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE CALLIGRAPHER'S SECRET
by Rafik Schami, translated by Anthea Bell
"An engaging, rich, deceptively revelatory if lengthy insight into Syrian society."
Affectionate, insightful, tangential tales of life in 1950s Damascus enfold the central story of a mismatched marriage and a runaway wife. Read full book review >
Cover art for SHORTCUT MAN
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star SHORTCUT MAN
by P. G. Sturges
"This freelance vigilante fantasy is the first of a crime series most likely to appeal to movie buffs who wish the punchy dialogue from vintage film noir could be spiced with some serious sex."
The son of legendary filmmaker Preston Sturges debuts with the fast, funny, nostalgia-laden tale of a hero who slices through Gordian knots. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE DANGEROUS EDGE OF THINGS
FICTION
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star THE DANGEROUS EDGE OF THINGS
by Tina Whittle
"Tai's next adventure can't come soon enough. She's adorable, Trey is worthy of her and Whittle's first foray into crime fiction is noteworthy."
If you're wondering who can give Stephanie Plum a run for her money, meet Tai Randolph. Read full book review >