Ilana Masad

An excellent work of people-first journalism, Donovan X. Ramsey's book offers a vivid and frank history and highlights how communities tend to save themselves even as they're being targeted.

The 22 stories in Sidle Creek charm, surprise, and convey a deep love of the people and place — the Appalachian plateau of western Pennsylvania — that author Jolene McIlwain has long called home.

Claire Fuller's beautifully written new novel follows 51-year-old twins who never left home, forced finally to cope with the outside world and some unpleasant family secrets after their mother dies.

The author of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo had long been investigating the death of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. Journalist Jan Stocklassa convincingly and humbly picks up where he left off.

Edward Berenson looks at what led up to the false narrative that Jewish people murder Christian children and use their blood, its perpetuation, and the single 1928 U.S. allegation of blood libel.

With her well-researched, beautifully written book, Rachel Monroe addresses the desire to consume stories of murder and mayhem — and what it reflects about us and the world around us.

Linda Taylor rose to infamy during the 1970s, when prize-winning reporter George Bliss brought her criminal activity to light — and then-candidate Ronald Reagan turned her into the Welfare Queen.

Writer Casey Cep's book delivers a gripping, incredibly well-written portrait not only of Harper Lee, but also of mid-20th century Alabama — and a still-unanswered set of crimes.

Who killed the Bordens more than 100 years ago remains unsolved. Like a lawyer, author Cara Robertson lays the facts and evidence before us, occasionally pointing towards the biases of the day.

Christina Thompson deftly weaves her fascinating narrative of European travels and attempts to understand the Polynesian puzzle in her new book, though European colonization is not fully addressed.