Prairie Fox Reads

  Book Review:   Venus, Vanishing: A Novel   by Rebecca Birrell Rating:   ★★★★☆ (4.02 out of 5 stars) Disclaimer: I received a free advance review copy (ARC) of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, critiques, and analyses presented below are entirely my own. Publication and Context Title:   Venus, Vanishing: A Novel Author:   Rebecca Birrell Expected Publication Date:   October 27, 2026 Publisher:   Henry Holt and Co. Page Count:   352 pages Format:   Softcover (ASIN: 1250457238 / ISBN: 9781250457233) Genres:   Historical Fiction / Queer / LGBT / Lesbian / Adult Contextual Backdrop: Slated for release in late October 2026,   Venus, Vanishing   is positioned as a blisteringly passionate entry into queer historical fiction. Drawing direct comparative nods to celebrated authors of the genre like Sarah Waters, Yael van der Wouden, and Alice Winn, Rebecca Birrell’s novel centers on the in...

        Book Review:   11/22/63   by Stephen King Date:   May 20, 2026 Publication and Context Title:   11/22/63 Author:   Stephen King Edition:   First Scribner Hardcover Edition Publication Date:   November 8, 2011 (Reviewed here in retrospect for its 15th anniversary) Publisher:   Scribner (A Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.) Page Count:   849 pages ISBN:   978-1-4516-2728-2 (print) / 978-1-4516-2730-5 (eBook) Genre:   Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Time Travel, Thriller Target Audience:   Adult readers of speculative fiction, historical thrillers, and literary Americana. Publication Context: Arriving in the late fall of 2011,   11/22/63   marked a distinct pivot in Stephen King’s oeuvre. While King is widely heralded as the master of contemporary horror, this novel leans heavily into historical historiography and science fiction. Written during a time of modern political polarizatio...

  A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons: An Academic Review Date:   May 20, 2026 Star Rating:   ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars) Disclaimer: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. This provision has in no way affected the objectivity or content of this review. Bibliographic Details Title:   A Botanist’s Guide to Parties and Poisons   (Saffron Everleigh Mystery #1) Author:   Kate Khavari Edition:   First Edition Publication Date:   June 7, 2022 Publisher:   Crooked Lane Books Page Count:   262 pages Format:   Hardcover ISBN-13:   978-1639100071 /   ASIN:   1639100075 Genre:   Historical Mystery / Fiction / Romance Target Audience:   Adult readers of historical fiction, cozy mysteries, and “STEMinist” literature. Introduction: Purpose and Thesis Balancing an executive career managing a large cadre of government employees, alongside the chaotic joy of raising four c...