This eclectic collection of fiction offers a tantalizing array of stories, from a 19th-century mystery to thought-provoking short tales, a powerful narrative of a woman doctor challenging the establishment, and a chilling middle-grade adventure. Each work promises to transport readers to distinct worlds, blending elements of suspense, social commentary, and the supernatural.

Unraveling Secrets, Crossing Borders, and Confronting the Establishment

Exploring the Exile Zone: Rabasa's Captivating Short Stories

Two-time Minnesota Book Award winner George Rabasa, raised in Mexico and now dividing his time between St. Paul and the Yucatan Peninsula, presents a captivating collection of short stories that transcend borders and boundaries. "In the Exile Zone" delves into the lives of characters who have fled their homeland, navigating the complexities of exile and the pursuit of redemption. Rabasa's masterful storytelling weaves together tales of a couple's precarious existence after a life of crime, a divorcing couple's struggle to let go of a peculiar possession, and a woman's quest to sell a mysterious relic. With fully realized characters and a blend of suspense, humor, and the unexpected, Rabasa's stories leave readers both entertained and contemplative.

Navigating the Perilous Path of the Underground Railroad

Kathleen Ernst's "A Most Perilous Journey" transports readers to the 19th-century Underground Railroad, where Wisconsin widow and German emigrant Hanneke Bauer becomes entangled in the dangerous mission of helping an enslaved person escape to the North. Blending historical fiction with the pace of a thriller, Ernst's novel immerses readers in the high-stakes world of the abolitionist movement, where Hanneke must confront deadly slave hunters and grapple with the emotional toll of her involvement. As Hanneke faces miserable nights, close calls, and the dilemma of not becoming attached to those she helps, the story offers a vivid and suspenseful exploration of this pivotal chapter in American history.

Challenging the Status Quo: A Woman Doctor's Struggle for Equality

In "Poised," debut novelist Cheryl Bailey, a retired gynecologic oncologist, delves into the experiences of Shelly Riley, a talented oncologist navigating the male-dominated medical establishment of 1990s Kentucky. Shelly's story is a powerful reminder of the barriers women doctors have faced and the resilience required to overcome them. As Shelly strives to complete her fellowship and implement much-needed changes in the hospital, she encounters resistance from her male colleagues who are unwilling to embrace progress. Bailey's novel offers a compelling and insightful look into the challenges faced by women in the medical field, while also highlighting Shelly's dedication to her patients and her unwavering determination to make a difference.

Trapped in a Haunted House: A Chilling Middle-Grade Adventure

Juliana Brandt's "Exit Nowhere" takes readers on a thrilling journey as a group of children find themselves trapped in the haunted Rathfield Manor. When Barret Eloise and her classmates choose the eerie landmark for a research project, they quickly realize they've stumbled into a nightmare. Forced to play deadly games with a mischievous child ghost, the kids must navigate the supernatural perils of the house and confront their own fears to find a way out. Brandt's middle-grade novel skillfully balances the creepy atmosphere of the haunted manor with the heartwarming story of Barret Eloise's renewed friendship, offering a captivating blend of horror and emotional resonance that will delight young readers.