A running tally of the books that I have reviewed this year, updated and reranked after each book that I finish. Explore the latest reviews and discover hidden gems with insights from BarlinsBooks, your literary companion for top new releases.

★★☆☆☆ Two young girls try to catch the Yorkshire Ripper in 1979, but their "list of suspicious things" is just a vehicle to clumsily comment on prejudice.

★★★★☆ A snake-handling drifter crosses paths with a soldier recently back from Vietnam; together they help his family escape an abusive situation.

★★★★★ A "tradwife" and Instagram influencer has cultivated a seemingly idyllic life for herself and family, but it's all upended when she wakes up one day in 1805.

★★★★☆ A man returns home to Potsdam, NY to care for his father after a stroke, forcing him to confront past demons that led to his abrupt departure.

★★★★☆ A war novel blended with humor and social commentary that pits peace-loving settlers of a planet against an invasion of giant robots intent on killing them.

★★★★★ A moving generational novel that authentically captures a litany of life moments, from the highs of true love to the challenges of addiction.

★★★★☆ A heist/hostage situation at an elite restaurant is the vehicle for this novel to explore marriage and parenting as much as the heist.