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PREMIUM
That Summer
Weiner’s ability to take a complex, painful situation and spin it into an engaging, thoughtful story about women’s inner lives is showcased throughout this novel. The beautiful beachside settings and aspirational lifestyles that women’s fiction readers gravitate toward are on full display, but the depth of the story is what shines. A likely summer blockbuster, this will have readers looking forward to the third volume in trilogy.
PREMIUM
The Stepsisters
This engaging character study by Mallery (The Vineyard at Painted Moon) is sure to please her many fans as well as readers of similar authors such as Nancy Thayer and Debbie Macomber.
PREMIUM
The Woman with the Blue Star
An inspired-by story centered around Sadie and Ella’s friendship, Jenoff’s latest book (after The Lost Girls of Paris) takes place entirely in Kraków and moves back and forth between the perspectives of the two young women as they navigate war, love, loss, friendship, and family. This is a heartfelt, emotional tale about human connection, hope, survival, and struggle during one of humanity’s darkest moments.
Originally published in 2013, the book was reedited by author Mary Logue, and is now the first in a proposed four-book series featuring Sam Rivers. Fans of Paul Doiron’s The Poacher’s Son or the Joe Pickett books will appreciate this descriptive novel with an intriguing plot and well-written characters.
PREMIUM
The Last Thing To Burn
Dean (Red Snow) has written a horrific tale of human trafficking in this gripping and powerful novel. Recommended to fans of stories that explore the sheer human will and determination to escape unimaginable situations.
PREMIUM
The Next Wife
Bring the popcorn for this high-noon of a novel, replete with deliciously snarky dialogue and a satisfying twist.
This is a serious yet fantastical look at relationships, family, and feminism, told in a singular voice; book groups should take note. The closest read-alikes are Life After Life, by Kate Atkinson, and Replay, by Ken Grimwood.
LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting for Ocean Prey by John Sandford.
The St. Cyr series, and this entry in particular (following Who Speaks for the Damned), is highly recommended for readers who want their history appropriately dark and gritty, their politics dirty and corrupt, and their mystery fascinating, convoluted, and just as relevant now as it was then. Sebastian St. Cyr, with his foot in the aristocracy and his eye on justice, is a hero to be followed into whatever dark corner he investigates.
PREMIUM
The Company
Spencer, author of various series featuring police officers (“Jennie Redhead”; “Monika Paniatowski”) offers an intense, convoluted stand-alone. It’s not always easy to piece together Rob’s twisted thoughts and the police investigation, but readers who enjoy Spencer’s works might want to try.
PREMIUM
A Fatal First Night
Readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a touch of romance will enjoy the period details and strong female characters, as well as Ella’s colorful parrot, Montezuma.
Fans of the series will want to read this book in one sitting. It’s wickedly full of twists, turns, and a dizzying array of pop culture references and witticisms.
PREMIUM
Five Ways To Disappear
This mystery has dark elements that contrast with the beautiful locale; it will please fans of the series, as well as those who appreciate noir novels in general. The characters are well developed, with their faults laid out for readers. The several strands of the plot are all brought together quite acceptably in the denouement, except for Cal’s earlier crime, which is left to readers’ imagination; the author intends this to be the last book in the series.
PREMIUM
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club
A delightful read for fans of light paranormal romances or cozy romances in general.
PREMIUM
Open Your Heart
Readers who prioritize hot sex scenes and character-driven plots, as well as fans of Hodges’s previous novels, will enjoy this installment.
This novel’s engaging entertainment is enhanced by its dual time line that uncovers Juliet’s secrets, and a plot enlivened by coincidences and romance. A must-read for Bowen fans and historical fiction enthusiasts.
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Where in our origin story and with what force did our foundation crack so deep that, without even realizing it and with just one breeze, we crumbled down on top of ourselves, unable to get back on our feet? We can’t shake ourselves and stand up again, and even if we could, we are not what we used to be before the collapse. – from I’ll Be Strong For You
LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting for Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez.
PREMIUM
David and Ameena
Rao (coauthor, Centaur) makes her solo debut with a novel rich in imagery and emotions. It challenges the reader to look deep into the characters through their actions, as an almost omniscient narrative voice hints at their future. Love or hate them, they are memorable. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Song of the Forever Rains
Mellow’s (The Animal Under the Fur) exciting premise is rather slow to start, and the romantic heat between Larkyra and Darius is tepid until the very end. Although the teenage heroine gives the book young adult crossover potential, readers will be left uncertain why Larkyra was in the dark as to Darius’s motives.
Over the course of the book, readers will discover what caused the rift between Holly and Samantha. However, the most engaging part of the story is how the characters dig themselves out of their ruts in order to give themselves a chance to look toward the future.
This debut novel will appeal to historical fiction readers, Francophiles, those who enjoy stories about mother-daughter relationships, and fans of Woody Allen’s 2011 movie, Midnight in Paris. The historical mystery, beautiful setting, and vivid characters make this a must-read.
PREMIUM
Death with a Double Edge
This atmospheric and fast-paced novel is a welcome addition to the series. Those who enjoy the interaction between Daniel and Miriam fford Croft may be disappointed since she only makes a brief appearance in this novel. Recommended to fans of historical British mysteries, such as those by Charles Finch and Charles Todd, as well as fans of Perry’s other series.
PREMIUM
Hour of the Witch
Bohjalian’s (Midwives) historical novel is full of twists and turns. Though not a typical suspense novel, the story has many of the page-turning plot lines of a thriller, and is sure to keep readers enthralled. Though it’s set in the 1600s, Mary’s story resonates today, as it addresses the role religious and societal expectations can play in the lives of individuals. A must-read and highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Transient Desires
Brunetti continues to delight, and this will do well in libraries where the series has proved popular.
PREMIUM
Local Woman Missing
The latest from Kubica (The Good Girl; The Other Mrs.) will appeal to fans of Lisa Jackson and Gregg Olsen and readers who enjoy missing-persons novels. The twists, turns, and an unpredictable ending make it irresistible.
For fans of true crime and podcasts such as Serial, this riveting mock podcast docudrama ratchets up the suspense as readers glimpse every angle of the story from a 360–degree view.
PREMIUM
The Watcher Girl
Kent’s (When I Was You) psychological suspense thriller delivers with an interesting premise, captivating characters, and unexpected twists.
PREMIUM
Something Unbelievable
A moving intergenerational story with an unforgettable wartime narrative steeped in literature.
PREMIUM
The Bohemians
Historical fiction readers will treasure this engaging story peppered with notable figures from Lange’s circle of friends, including D. H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, Maynard Dixon, and Frida Kahlo. Darznik (Song of a Captive Bird) deftly depicts Lange’s transformation into a renowned photographer, as well as the blatant prejudice that Caroline encounters because of her Chinese lineage.
Xavier might be the main course of this tale, but there are many components here, including the role and power of women, broken government, poverty, prejudice, and judgment, all richly blended in an unforgettable work of magical realism by Ross (Come Let Us Sing Anyway).
PREMIUM
American Orphan
Framed as the story of a successful writer looking back on his youth, the novel treads ground similar to Santiago Baca’s memoir A Place To Stand. Despite the familiarity of the material, this is a powerful story of triumph, a tale that juxtaposes hard-edged depictions of youthful brutality with luminous descriptions of the natural world that sustained him through his troubles.
PREMIUM
The Mysteries
Silver (Mary Coin; Little Nothing) paints an evocative picture of the early ’70s. This compelling domestic drama, with heartbreak at its center, depicts the everyday mysteries that lead up to the big one
With tinges of Tom Jones, this is a seriously entertaining romp through one of London’s most historic districts, alongside a band of resilient have-nots who are determined to win out over an entitled heiress.
PREMIUM
The Guncle
A funny, gentle tale of family and friends, and a salve for the wounds they often cause.
Austin uses seasons in the church calendar to identify stages in Gilda’s journey, moving from Advent to Easter as she captures the essence of Gilda’s angst and redemption. Along the way, her characters are hilarious, relatable, exasperating, and endearing. For all readers of fiction.
PREMIUM
Swimming Back to Trout River
Hard to put down, this beautifully written novel is filled with optimism; its characters each seek to do their best under the circumstances and make decisions leading to a better future. Feng makes her mark in this promising debut, and she successfully weaves in several unexpected plot twists as the narrative unfolds, leaving readers to long for a sequel.
At once a love letter to the Salt City and a smart and introspective device for illuminating the present through the very recent past, this novel flattens the American desire for self-realization in the face of catastrophe.
Jackson-Brown (House Repairs) paints a vivid picture of family and community persevering in the pressure cooker of the Deep South. Readers will be drawn to Opal’s intelligent and authentic voice, as the books confronts issues of racism, injustice, and white privilege head-on. This is a powerful Own Voices contribution to the historical fiction genre, joining titles such as Alka Joshi’s The Henna Artist and Kim Michele Richardson’s The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek in their unflinching look at the past.
PREMIUM
Antiquities
Ozick’s 30th published work (she is in her 90s) gently evokes the loneliness, helplessness, and regrets of old age. The novel initially seems a wisp of a story, but scattered within are clues that add layers of meaning to Petrie’s faded memories, as well as the impact of his own barely acknowledged anti-Semitism on his life’s trajectory.
PREMIUM
Double Blind
St. Aubyn’s impressive trove of knowledge of wide-ranging topics like artificial intelligence, epigenetics, climate science, and wilding takes nothing away from an entertaining story about love and friendship.
PREMIUM
Adulting
Talley’s latest (after The Wedding War) could have easily been a whimsical romance novel with some cautionary Hollywood tabloid fodder plot points, but the difficult topics (and possible triggers) of addiction, child abuse, rape, and suicide instead make it a more serious look at two women who need to heal in order to try to make peace with their pasts and move forward with their lives. For fans of women’s fiction with a little romance thrown in to break up the serious plotlines.
PREMIUM
Aviary
With so many (perhaps too many) characters and story threads, one worries whether McNamer (Red Rover) will be able to bring them together by the end, but she does. The conclusion is satisfying, but mention of a mysterious illness afflicting one resident returning from a cruise in early 2020 casts an ominous shadow. Recommended for readers eager for nonquaint novels about seniors.
PREMIUM
Love in Case of Emergency
German novelist and award-winning short story author Krien (Someday We’ll Tell Each Other Everything) has produced a sensitive, intricate study of the connected stories of her characters, who seek a shield against the deep loneliness caused by unwanted solitude or by being with the wrong person. Readers will find something relatable in one or more of the lives of these women.
Blau’s intelligent, witty novel (after the critically acclaimed Drinking Closer to Home) captures the essence of the ’70s with humor and immensely appealing characters. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Hummingbird Salamander
VanderMeer brings his trademark atmospheric and heavily lyrical writing style to the arena of species extinction and climate degradation. He shows that, in a creepily curious way, taxidermy and extinction are intertwined fates for doomed animals. There is an implied connection to the present COVID-19 pandemic, with dire consequences. Recommended for fans of the author, though mainstream readers may find the story deliberately inscrutable.
PREMIUM
When in Vanuatu
The abrupt ending, which focuses on tying up loose ends, doesn’t match the languid pacing of the rest of the novel, but it is a satisfying resolution. This intimate and deeply personal story will appeal to readers who enjoy emotionally potent, descriptive stories about women’s inner lives.
PREMIUM
When the Stars Go Dark
This melancholy but gripping tale uses backstory and flashbacks to propel the mystery forward. Part suspense, part self-discovery tale, this first attempt at crime fiction from historical fiction author McLain (The Paris Wife) is hard to resist. Fans of the author’s other works will not be disappointed.
PREMIUM
Secret Mischief
Blake’s seventh “Fidelis & Cragg” mystery (following Death and the Chevalier) is slow-paced, with a startling conclusion. Readers who enjoy historical and legal perspectives will appreciate the careful attention to detail in a story showing how the accused had to prove their innocence.
PREMIUM
Bad Moon Rising
The third “Bad Axe County” mystery, following Dead Man Dancing, is a grim, atmospheric story set in a bleak territory. Fans of Tricia Fields’s gritty Josie Gray mysteries or Chris Harding Thornton’s dark Pickard County Atlas may appreciate the bizarre cast of characters and the harsh setting of this book.
PREMIUM
Independent Bones
Haines follows A Garland of Bones with an issue-oriented mystery that delves into the stories of women who fought for their independence, alongside accounts of domestic abuse. Despite the heavy overtones, there’s room for humor as dogs and cats assist with the investigation. Fans of the series will enjoy the depth of the story, along with the characters’ personal development.
PREMIUM
While Justice Sleeps
Although it’s not successful as a thriller, the book’s plethora of women role models, including a chief justice, and its “inside DC” look at political skullduggery make Abrams’s novel a well-informed political and legal narrative.
This debut historical mystery contains echoes of Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and Jack the Ripper. The unreliable narration combines with richly detailed writing in a mystery with a shocking conclusion.
PREMIUM
A Peculiar Combination
Louisiana librarian Weaver (Murder at Brightwell) launches an engaging new series that sparkles. Infused with witty romantic conflict, this historical mystery with convincing period details concludes with enticing story threads for future entries. For fans of Susan Elia MacNeal and Allison Montclair.
PREMIUM
Last Seen
The book’s gritty and violent realism reads like the San Francisco cousin to James Lee Burke’s “Dave Robicheaux” series, but with plot convolutions that feel like melodrama. (Cassie’s story line moves quickly from unlikely into the realm of unbelievable.) The lead character, O’Higgins, never develops beyond his collection of personal issues, leaving the book without a captivating core. While Harrington (The Good Physician) is an author to watch, this ambitious police procedural is ultimately unsuccessful.
PREMIUM
Death Washes Ashore
The sequel to Death by the Bay is a descriptive mystery with a strong sense of place. Readers who enjoy well-plotted atmospheric stories featuring small-town sheriffs, such as Victoria Houston’s “Loon Lake” mysteries, should enjoy this book.
The ninth in the series (after A Noël Killing) continues the author’s focus on ambiance and the good life in Provence: the food, the wine, the art. Foodies who enjoy mysteries like David P. Wagner’s Italy-set “Rick Montoya” titles will appreciate the emphasis on gourmet meals in this police procedural.
PREMIUM
Black Water Sister
An immersive tale of family secrets, deities, spirits, and religious belief. Cho offers a complex emotional roller-coaster of a read.
PREMIUM
Million Dollar Demon
Rachel Morgan comes back strong in her 15th outing (after American Demon), as she takes on a new master vampire and finds herself dealing with emotional turmoil and high-stakes action in equal measures.
This is thought-provoking science fiction that will leave readers musing long after the book is finished.
PREMIUM
Peaces
Fans of Oyeyemi will enjoy another romp, though her work’s not for everyone—her quirky takes on existential questions and the world of perception are suited to particular tastes.
PREMIUM
The Sanatorium
A Reese Witherspoon book club pick, this title will be in demand in libraries, but listeners will likely be happier with recent titles by Ruth Ware or Lucy Foley.
PREMIUM
The Mask of Mirrors
Recommended for those who enjoy dark fantasy with elaborate worldbuilding.
PREMIUM
Send for Me
Fans of historical fiction will appreciate this well-written, character-driven tale.
PREMIUM
When a Rogue Meets His Match
Gideon is a highly competent hero who more than meets his match in heroine Messalina, and McNab brings their verbal sparring and chemistry to life.
PREMIUM
Shiver
The denouement of the locked-room mystery, which is a little disappointing, comes out of left field. Libraries may want to order on request, but it isn’t a crucial purchase.
Impeccably researched, Lowell’s latest emphasizes justice. This love story tackles weighty issues but remains suspenseful and spellbinding.
Henry’s latest will appeal to readers who are drawn to stories with emotion, poetic language, and a strong sense of place, like Kate Clayborn’s Love Lettering.
Readers won’t be able to put this Own Voices Muslim romance down. Highly recommended for most public library collections.
PREMIUM
Talk Bookish to Me
The inclusion of the “book within a book” plot device, where the historical romance that Kara is writing mirrors her own relationship, took time away from the central romance. Meanwhile, a sudden third-act surprise reveal and a location change, from New York City to Italy, may leave some readers struggling to believe in Ryan and Kara’s happily-ever-after. This novel will suit readers who enjoy romances like Emily Henry’s Beach Read that focus on personal growth and change.
PREMIUM
A Wicked Bargain for the Duke
The protagonists can be annoyingly stubborn (an honest conversation would easily clear up the central conflict), but fans of Frampton and her detail-rich historicals will find themselves pleasantly transported.
The characters seem so real that readers will find themselves searching the internet, hoping to find that Opal and Nev are actual people. Walton has penned a true wonder of a debut novel, bringing real events into her story. Walton has a true storytelling voice, and her writing is impeccable.
In this Prix Goncourt–winning novel, internationally acclaimed Belgian author Nothomb (Fear and Trembling) creates a masterpiece. While deceptively short, the book combines empathy and longing to create a fully realized characterization, wise beyond words. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
In the Company of Killers
Christy’s credentials are excellent—National Geographic’s former head of special investigations; his earlier nonfiction title The Lizard King—but Company doesn’t quite make it, with a cookie-cutter plot and weak characterization.
The mysteries are dark and twisty, and the moments of danger are plentiful. Amaia’s experience with trauma gives her insight into people’s thinking; she uses this knowledge to hunt down new demons. Fans of noir fiction will devour this book.
The follow-up to The Finders sets a relentless pace. Corrupt politicians, the mob, a brutal killer, and a shocking death combine in a fast-paced story of an ordinary man and his extraordinary dogs. For fans of Paula Munier’s or Susan Furlong’s books featuring dogs.
These stories by well-known authors span a wide range under the umbrella of “mystery.” Mystery enthusiasts will be hard-pressed to find a story they don’t like. Recommended for readers interested in all facets of mystery, suspense, crime, or detective fiction.
An enlightening and broad introduction to the popular vampire menace trope, this fun read is a perfect anthology for most libraries. It presents plenty of treasures for fans new and old to discover.
PREMIUM
I Would Haunt You If I Could
Filled with thought-provoking, character-driven, psychologically horrific tales that veer slightly and satisfyingly into the weird, this collection is reminiscent of the deeply unsettling and disorienting worlds of Samanta Schweblin and Dan Chaon or the backlist gem Travelers Rest, by Keith Lee Morris.
An excellent example of historical horror, this novel holds obvious appeal to fans of Alma Katsu’s The Hunger, but it is also reminiscent of Andy Davidson’s captivatingly creepy occult fable The Boatman’s Daughter, with its rich and compelling characters and strong, ominous sense of place.
PREMIUM
There Comes a Midnight Hour
A great introduction to an overlooked master whose popularity peaked earlier this century. Much like Kathe Koja’s Bram Stoker–nominated Velocities, this collection will bring new readers to an important author who had a clear influence on some of today’s top horror story writers, such as John Langan and Nadia Bulkin.
For fans of the space where true crime, paranormal phenomena, and horror overlap, such as in the fiction of Clay McLeod Chapman and Emily M. Danforth.
The slasher trope is making a comeback, so this title will be in high demand with readers who enjoyed Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones, The Dark Game by Jonathan Janz, and Brian Keene’s backlist gem Castaways.
PREMIUM
Walk Among Us: Compiled Edition
There is no need to know anything about the RPG in order to enjoy these modern, original, women-focused novellas of vampire menace that take the old trope in exciting new directions. Just make sure you have other recent works by these authors in your collections, as readers will be clamoring for more upon completion.
PREMIUM
Near the Bone
Henry has expertly walked the line between psychological suspense and horror to crowd-pleasing results for years, and this title is no exception. Hand out freely to fans of Sarah Pinborough, Jennifer McMahon, and Zoje Stage.
Readers of epic fantasy novelists, like Tolkien or Brandon Sanderson, will enjoy this journey, which is by turns fun, magical, or terrifying for the travelers. Buehlman (The Lesser Dead) offers a departure from his horror novels in this fantasy with dark undertones. With fabulous examples of invented languages and dialects, this title is transporting.
Highly recommended for lovers of Naomi Novik’s Spinning Silver and her “Scholomance” series, as well as readers who enjoy their fantasy steeped in myths from infrequently represented people and places.
This hauntingly beautiful, fractured retelling of Little Red Riding Hood is dark, emotional, and filled with tense action. Whitten’s debut is epic and enthralling.
Parker-Chan’s debut is forceful, immersive, and unforgettable. This inspired queer retelling of Chinese history is an exciting read.
PREMIUM
The Helm of Midnight
This tale has creative worldbuilding and an intense focus on the psychology of a killer. Its unresolved ending will leave readers either frustrated or eager to tackle the next installment in the series.
Any fan, casual or academic, of Tolkien’s work will find this book entertaining and informative. Highly recommended.
Correction: This review has been edited to add the translator credit.
Suri (Realm of Ash) has created this world with great deliberation, including details about clothing, cuisine, and architecture. Malini and Priya both have depth and nuance, and their attraction to each other is written with care and sensitivity. Changing viewpoints help move the action along, but this is the first book in a trilogy, which inevitably means that some of the plotting will set the stage for books to come. Offer this to fans of Tanaz Bhathena or S.A. Chakraborty.
PREMIUM
Wendy, Darling
Feminist twists and creeping dread abound in this intriguing retelling of Peter Pan.
With poignant prose documenting historical scenarios but also invoking currently resonant issues--environmental responsibility, immigration and displacement, workers’ and women’s rights, social ills laid bare by calamity--Hannah’s (The Great Alone) absorbing tale will enthrall a wide swath of readers.
PREMIUM
Happy Endings
Lam’s debut novel is an Own Voices delight filled with love, friendships, and sex positivity. Perfect for fans of Jasmine Guillory and Abby Jimenez, this sizzling tale is dynamic, funny, and relatable.
PREMIUM
Wilde Child
Longtime historical romance fans and newbies to the genre (particularly those whose interest was piqued by Bridgerton) will delight in this well-done addition to a solid series.
PREMIUM
How To Train Your Earl
The book is carefully plotted, with instant chemistry between the leads, and a heroine with some depth. Readers need not have read the other books in the “First Comes Love” series to follow the story; those who enjoy gambler rakes and angst-ridden heroines will find it enjoyable.
PREMIUM
An Earl, the Girl, and a Toddler
Move over, Bridgertons. There’s a new set of scandalous aristocrats waiting to take London society by storm.
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