The Book Review: Find a new thriller to love

Plus: talking with Nnedi Okorafor about her most personal book yet.

View in browser|nytimes.com January 14, 2025 Naï Zakharia By Joumana Khatib Dear readers, This past week I reviewed a new thriller, Sara Sligar's "Vantage Point," a chilling psychological puzzle stuffed with apparitions and fabulous displays of wealth and charlatans in outerwear. I expected it to be a page-turner, a change from my usual literary diet. I had no idea that it would lead me to an important, and overlooked, work in the American canon. "Vantage Point," as it turns out, was inspired by one of the first novels in the American canon: "Wieland; or The Transformation," by Charles Brockden Brown, published in 1798. I'd never heard of Brown; most of my colleagues hadn't, either. The only people in my circle who recognized his name were friends with graduate degrees in English, who chirped on about how his work exemplified typical Gothic themes. Both novels follow cloistered families that are being manipulated by shadowy outside forces — to devastating effect. And yet "Vantage Point" works smoothly as a contemporary psychodrama; I was surprised to find the 200-year-old bones of a previous book buried deep within it. I guess that's pretty Gothic, too, come to think of it. This could be a good thriller for you if you like women in distress, outlandish technology or highly literary source material. But if you're looking to be thrilled in another way, take a spin through our new guide devoted to helping you find a great thriller to read. I'd wager there's something for everyone there (but just in case, there's a way for you to tell us what else you'd like to see!). I hope you enjoy whatever reading you have close at hand. See you next week. The New York Times Let Us Help You Find Your Next Thriller Whether you're looking for a classic or the latest and greatest, start here. By The New York Times Books Staff FIND YOUR NEXT BOOK TO READ Let Us Help You Find Your Next Book Reading picks from Book Review editors, guaranteed to suit any mood. By The New York Times Books Staff . editors' choice 6 New Books We Recommend This Week Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times. The New York Times 20 Books Coming in January Novels by Adam Ross, Han Kang and Nnedi Okorafor; nonfiction by Imani Perry and the "Hipster Grifter"; and more. The Book Review The Books We're Excited About in Early 2025 The latest from a Nobel laureate, a "Hunger Games" prequel and more. 38 MIN LISTEN In other news Nnedi Okorafor has won just about every major science fiction and fantasy award. In her latest novel, "Death of the Author," she draws on a deeply personal, and traumatic, experience to write her most autobiographical novel yet. The beloved illustrator Charles Santore died in the middle of a project, leaving behind a beautiful start but a large amount of work to complete. Enter his son, who finished the art — which returned him to painting after drifting away for years. RECENT BOOK REVIEWS Nonfiction She Threw a Great Party. And No Matter Your Party, You Were Invited. In "The Woman Who Knew Everyone," Meryl Gordon offers a thorough biography of Perle Mesta, Washington's colorful, and oft-mocked, "hostess with the mostes'." By Alexandra Jacobs Fiction Sex, Drugs and Clubbing Are a Means of Escape for This 'Good Girl' Aria Aber's exciting debut novel finds the daughter of an Afghan refugee sidestepping disapproval and racism as she dives into Berlin's nightworld. By R.O. Kwon Nonfiction How the Dream of School Integration Died A powerful new book by the law professor Michelle Adams recounts the failed effort to integrate Detroit's schools and the case's relevance today. By Jeffrey Toobin Fiction Pregnant and Abused, These Young Women Fight Back With Witchcraft Grady Hendrix's new novel, "Witchcraft for Wayward Girls," is a timely look at the mistreatment of women, with a dose of horror, monsters and magic. By Hugh Ryan nonfiction She Changed History, Then Erased Her Own In "The Secret History of the Rape Kit," Pagan Kennedy explores the tangled story of a simple but life-changing innovation, and the woman who fought for it. By Cindi Leive We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter, which is made possible through subscriber support. Subscribe to The New York Times. Love this email? Forward to a friend. Want this email? Sign-up here. Have a suggestion for this email? Then send us a note at books@nytimes.com. Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for Books from The New York Times. To stop receiving Books, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018