Some of the best speculative fiction comes from taking a kernel of reality and extrapolating it both outward and inward, building a compelling and interesting world anchored by a baseline of truth.

Gabe Hudson’s “Gork, the Teenage Dragon”

Genre mashup brings together kid detectives and Lovecraftian horror

Book marks eighth installment in Stross’ Laundry Files series

Novel tells a tale of art, adultery and the meaning of success

Novel explores trials and tribulations of psychic family

Daniel Wallace novel an intimate, funny portrait of a late bloomer

Chevalier’s “New Boy” retells “Othello” on the playground

Edan Lepucki’s second novel an exceptional offering

Elizabeth Strout’s latest an exceptional, engaging literary feat