This week, we feature a satirical tale of espionage and a no-holds-barred assessment of the real state of American education.
Espionage
‘Spies and Other Gods’
By James Wolff
Wolff has created a character-rich environment in his new spy novel, which will keep readers guessing at what will happen next. A Parliamentary oversight committee for British intelligence has brought in a young researcher to investigate an anonymous complaint against the agency. Nothing is as it seems among the book’s many players, and the secrets they keep result in casualties. An engaging story that takes a rather satirical look at the world of espionage.
Atlantic Crime, 2026, 272 pages
Texas History
‘Boomtown: The True Story of the Wickedest Town in Texas’
By Joe Pappalardo
In 1927, the Texas Panhandle oil boomtown Borger, Texas, was the widest-open town in Texas. Bootlegging, speakeasies, gambling, and prostitution brought in almost as much money as the oil wells that prompted its founding. Bandits made it their home. The city government was complicit. To clean it up, Texas governor Daniel Moody, sent in a squad of Texas Rangers led by Ranger legend Frank Hamer. This book relates how the Texas Rangers tamed Borger during a six-month stay in the town.
St. Martin’s Press, 2026, 352 pages
Novel
‘Hiding in Plain Sight: A Dangerous Search for Justice in Postwar Germany’
By Marion Kummerow
World War II is over, and Roxy and David Goldman survived the Nazi death camps. Roxy is Roma (gypsy). David is Jewish. They now live in Essen, where David works as a repairman in a factory. Roxy learns the commandant of the death camp she endured is alive in Essen under a false identity. She wants justice but is stymied by a British officer afraid that arresting the German might complicate his life. Roxy perseveres. A fast-paced adventure of a cat-and-mouse game to obtain long-awaited justice.
Marion Kummerow, 2026, 244 pages
Nonfiction
‘Higher Education in America: It’s Worse Than You Think’
Edited by Kevin D. Roberts
In his Foreword to this collection of articles by researchers, college administrators, and professors, Hillsdale College president Larry P. Arnn writes of higher education, “We have converted a sublime activity into a manufacturing operation.” The book examines key aspects of that operation—economics, the bureaucracy, and the leftist political bent—and the damage done to universities. A fourth section offers solutions. A much-needed, goal-specific call for change in our colleges.
Encounter Books 2026, 308 pages
Classics
‘The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War’
By Michael Shaara
First published in 1974, this novel has elicited high praise from four-star generals to general readers for its vivid, realistic depiction of the Battle of Gettysburg. Most of the characters are historical personages, like Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua Chamberlain. Shaara’s recreation of the battle offers a sublime look into the minds of these men and what the war meant to them. The novel also provides an excellent study in leadership. A great summer read for adults and teens.
Ballantine Books, 1996, 368 pages
For Kids
‘The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons’
By Natascha Biebow and Steven Salerno
This engaging picture book tells the story of Edwin Binney, who created Crayola crayons. It details the chemistry and creativity behind the first Crayola box. In spite of setbacks, he persevered to create a tool that opened a world of color for children everywhere. A fun celebration of creativity, perseverance, and the joy of invention.
Clarion Books, 2019, 48 pages
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