Grady, James. Shadows on Sidewalks. Pegasus Crime. May 2026. ISBN 9798897101238. 256p. $29.95. NOIR

Grady’s (Six Days of the Condor; Club Yokohama) unforgettable novel features a presciently cynical protagonist who must outwit the minds of an amoral family. Jim Traven is the local boy who made good after leaving his hometown of Sidner, MT, and becoming a writer. When he returns to Sidner, he becomes embroiled in a plot reminiscent of his bestselling novels as he is summoned to the home of the affluent scion Ronald Zane. Zane and his lawyer have a proposition for Jim and hope he will accept. Zane wants Jim to engage in an illicit affair with his wife, Lana, so he can publicly divorce her, tricking his mother and ensuring his inheritance. Jim is quite taken with Lana, and he doesn’t feel inclined to stick to a script dictated by her husband and his lawyer. Jim begins to take active measures to protect himself and Lana as they commence their liaison, making sure to continually look over his shoulder. VERDICT Grady’s latest work is skillfully executed. It features all the hallmarks of a modern-day noir novel, brimming with smart dialogue, femmes fatales, and the shady dealings of the wealthy and powerful.—Philip Zozzaro

Worley, Olivia. Man of My Dreams. Minotaur. Jun. 2026. ISBN 9781250372338. 320p. $29. SUSPENSE

Worley’s (So Happy Together) suspense novel will have readers guessing from start to finish. Romance author Ivy Harcourt seems to be living the dream, with one bestselling novel under her belt and a life in New York City. But her agent is pressing her for her next novel, with which Ivy is struggling, and she’s lonely after her relationship imploded. Given that her track record with men isn’t too great, Ivy isn’t sure she’ll ever be romantically happy. Enter Liam, whom Ivy meets in the most meet-cute way when his dog gets loose and she catches it. Liam is charming and handsome and seems to be captivated by Ivy. There are just a few details that nag at her. Liam seems to be the embodiment of the hero of her novel in progress, a British architect also named Liam. Is he hiding something from her? Is he the person who’s sending her threatening notes? Ivy will have to figure out these questions before she’s drawn even deeper and her own secrets come out. VERDICT Worley does a nice job creating tension as Ivy spirals in a story that is twisty enough, if a bit wild, to appeal to readers who enjoy unreliable narrators.—Jane Jorgenson