Five picks for February

Buzz Reads is a column about books by reviewer Cindy Burnett. Each month, Cindy recommends five recently or soon-to-be released titles.

The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten (magical realism) – In this quiet but profound book, Nils Vik, a ferryman in rural Norway, sets out on his last ferry trip, on what will be his last day on earth. As he travels along the fjord with his dog, who died years before, he encounters other dead individuals who played a part in his life and whom he met while ferrying them to and from his village. His logbook is a physical reminder of everyone he transported over the years; some of these trips made sense to him at the time and others seemed insignificant but as he reflects on them all together, he comes to see the connections that weave throughout this life. This beautiful book tells the story of a life well-lived and focuses on the impact people have on each other, both large and small. I listened to this one and thoroughly enjoyed the audio production. The Ferryman and His Wife is a must-read for anyone who enjoys lyrical prose and moving stories.

Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams (thriller) – When two friends, Tess and Allie, set out on a caving adventure, things quickly take a dark turn. They are followed by a mysterious stranger who will not leave them alone and who eventually traps Tess deep inside a narrow cave. Allie is nowhere to be found when Tess finally escapes 24 hours later, and when the police begin to investigate these horrific events, it is quickly clear that someone from Allie’s past may have targeted the girls. The more the detective investigates, the more questions arise. This heart-pounding thriller kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading it; Adams has written the best thriller that I have read in a long while – brilliantly plotted and very claustrophobic. This book will appeal to thriller lovers and/or those who enjoy well-plotted books.

Impostor by L.J. Ross (mystery/thriller) – Impostor is a gripping page turner from beginning to end. Dr. Alexander Gregory is a forensic psychologist known for helping evaluate and understand even the most violent offenders. So when a young mother is brutally killed in Ballyfinny, Ireland, the small insular community is shocked and certain that the murder was committed by an outsider. The Garda (the Irish police) have no leads, so Dr. Gregory is recruited to profile the murderer and help bring the perpetrator to justice, though the townspeople do not welcome the intrusion. The twists and turns are carefully crafted, the characters are well developed, and the sense of place is very strong. I highly recommend this initial foray into a new series and am anxiously awaiting the remaining books. This stellar mystery series was published elsewhere previously, and the publisher is releasing the rest of the series throughout 2026. This one is a great fit for fans of clever mysteries, stories with a strong sense of place, and engaging protagonists.

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven (historical fiction) – Meet the Newmans stars an American family whose life is beamed out to the country on a weekly basis in a television show entitled “Meet the Newmans,” creating the illusion that viewers know these individuals, while in reality the Newmans’ carefully curated public image hides all sorts of secrets. Niven explores perception versus reality, identity, gender roles, and family as she slowly tells each Newman member’s story. While the book is set in the 1960s, many of the issues the Newmans face feel all too timely in 2026 while others harken back to a time the reader will be glad to have left behind. One fun aspect to the story is the behind-the-scenes glimpses into the world of television in the 1960s. This book will appeal to those who loved Lessons in Chemistry, a historical setting, and family dramas.

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page (contemporary fiction) – Tilly Nightingale is grieving the death of her husband when she receives a call about a birthday gift from him at her local bookshop. Too ensconced in her grief, she hasn’t read a book in months. When she arrives at the book shop, she learns that Joe picked out 12 books for her – one for each month of the upcoming year with an accompanying letter to guide her through her first year without him. As she slowly makes her way through the selected books, Tilly begins her recovery journey as she reconnects with those around her and develops some new relationships as well. The posthumous gift of books from Tilly’s husband was a fabulous plot device, and the manner in which he carefully selected each book was delightful. I am a firm believer that books can solve almost anything and help heal us in ways few other things can, and This Book Made Me Think of You proves that theory. This book is perfect for those who love books about books and stories about grief and healing.

Editor’s note: Book reviewer Cindy Burnett also writes our weekly Page Turners column at thebuzzmagazines.com. She hosts an award-winning book podcast entitled Thoughts from a Page Podcast www.thoughtsfromapage.com, runs the Instagram account @thoughtsfromapage, and regularly speaks to groups about books.