I had to move my books: what I found

It's easy for me to forget books I want to read if I don't keep them visible on my reading tables. That's why this temporary upheaval is turning out to be less burden and more treasure. These five books include a thriller, a first novel, short stories, and more. Also, I found a letter from the wife of a Vietnam soldier tucked inside a military classic.

A thriller set in Guatemala

There's a hovering sense of danger in this novel about greed and corruption fueled by decades of political crime. Its cast of characters includes an antiques dealer involved with conniving government officials and businessmen, a human rights activist pursuing truth, and a hit man assigned to murder. Here's my review of "The Country of Toó" by Rodrigo Rey Rosa.

A psychological page-turner brilliantly crafted

A chance encounter at an airport and a delayed flight together offer the perfect opportunity for a man to tell the story of how he rescued a drowning swimmer and what came after, a story he’s never shared with anyone. Prepare to stay up all night (or to drop everything) to read “Mouth to Mouth,” Antoine Wilson’s newest novel, a story within a story that explores themes of deception and manipulation. Read the review here.