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PREMIUM
Last Seen Wearing
Author Leslie S. Klinger’s introduction and notes for this latest Library of Congress Crime Classic note that Waugh (1930–2008) wrote this first acclaimed police procedural, basing it on true crime cases and TV’s Dragnet. The methodical story follows the police investigation step by step. Students of the mystery genre will want to read this title, originally published in 1952, which appears on the Mystery Writers of America list of 100 Best Mysteries of All Time.
PREMIUM
The Rat Began To Gnaw the Rope
Readers who like classic hard-boiled mysteries with a dash of humor will thoroughly enjoy this rollicking, well-plotted work. Fans of Sue Grafton’s writings will read this and appreciate that she came by her talents honestly.
PREMIUM
To the Dark
The third “Simon Westow” mystery, following The House Girl, is for readers who appreciate realistic historical atmosphere and details of the sometimes grim life in a 19th-century factory town. Fans of Jeri Westerson’s “Crispin Guest” series will appreciate the mystery and ambiance.
A simultaneously disheartening and uplifting journey for readers interested in social justice, racial politics, and current events.
This satisfying conclusion to Hibbert’s “Brown Sisters” trilogy provides a happily ever after for the third Brown sister. Through Jacob and Eve, both characters on the autism spectrum, Hibbert explores themes of self-discovery and belonging with her trademark humor and sensitivity, providing plenty of heat as her characters begin to understand each other.
Hepworth’s latest (after The Mother-in-Law) is written from one sister’s perspective with the other’s thoughts in diary form. It’s a warped tale of twisted memories and skewed perceptions that will make fans of psychological thrillers say, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming.”
A unique blend of memoir and social history that should have broad appeal to anyone who has breasts or has ever worn a bra.
PREMIUM
Refugee
With this heartfelt account, Mbolela succeeds in humanizing often-forgotten people trying to live a more fruitful and safe existence. A welcome memoir.
A must read. This is one of the rare books that is so well crafted, the narrative(s) flow so effortlessly, that you only feel the power of the story and don’t realize the complex structure underneath.
PREMIUM
What’s Mine and Yours
Deploying multiple voices does diminish the depth of character development, but Coster’s cast of characters is unique, creating a tapestry that allows the various individuals to explore a past they may try to escape but can’t leave behind completely. Despite its sprawling time line and multiple perspectives, the novel remains an intimate portrait of families shaped by love, motherhood, race, and class.
PREMIUM
Changing the Rules
The plot is more successful as a 21 Jump Street–style mystery than as a romance. Fans of Bybee’s “Richter” series may enjoy catching up with familiar characters in this spin-off, but the romance feels too underdeveloped to attract new fans.
PREMIUM
In Search of Mycotopia: Citizen Science, Fungi Fanatics, and the Untapped Potential of Mushrooms
Mushrooms are having a moment. In Search of Mycotopia could be a natural sequel for the many readers who enjoyed Merlin Sheldrake’s Entangled Life.
An absorbing, thoughtful, and balanced look at a master of his medium.
This strong debut is filled with exciting action and worldbulding, intriguing characters dealing with themes of colonization, military conscription and indoctrination, and an explosion of feelings. Readers will be clamoring for more of Touraine and Luca before they finish.
A helpful resource for the many children (and parents) who struggle during these anxious times.
PREMIUM
Every Vow You Break
Swanson’s (Eight Perfect Murders) new novel is a good match with Lucy Foley’s psychological wedding thriller, The Guest List. Readers will bask in the creepiness of being stranded on a remote island, considering how far some might go to punish those who break sacred promises.
PREMIUM
Plunder
This thoughtful and thought-provoking memoir of family secrets and family lore, like Daniel Mendelsohn’s The Lost, will appeal to readers of family histories.Shorto, Russell
As a whole, this collection showcases the vastness of Black thinking and writing, and nicely complements works by Martha S. Jones and Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers. Complete with a list of suggestions for further reading, this winning anthology is a must for all interested in Black history, but unsure where to start.
PREMIUM
The Best of R. A. Lafferty
The stories in this collection sum up the quintessential Lafferty, but the standouts in this volume are the heartfelt introductions. Readers wondering about this writer who influenced their current favorite authors, and those who have seen references to this influential author but are having difficulty finding his work, as much of it has gone out of print, will enjoy this collection.
Purchase this lighthearted, enlightening work for readers who don’t mind puns and some snark along with in-depth research.
Romano-Lax’s (Plum Rains) brilliantly conceived characters, delicate exploration of abuse and childhood trauma, and examination of vengeance and its power to heal will entrance from the very first page. Her latest is a tour de force that will appeal to a wide variety of readers,
PREMIUM
Legacy of Death
Book two in this series is a slow-paced, old-fashioned account of estate life in Victorian England. The mystery takes second place to the social commentary about education, social conditions, and class. Only for those interested in the living conditions in late–1800s England.
Ishiguro’s latest novel is without resolution but will leave the reader with wonder.
PREMIUM
The Tankies
Ennis’s talent for revealing character through naturalistic dialogue combines with illustrations detailing the chaotic brutality of battle to emphasize the human cost and spiritual toll of war in this stirring, tragic trilogy.
PREMIUM
Dead Space
Wallace (Salvation Day) showcases themes of xenophobia, corporate profit, and AI evolution in this absorbing space thriller.
PREMIUM
Gifting Fire
The sequel to Stealing Thunder continues to entertain as a beautiful romantic fantasy series inspired by Pakistani culture.
Captivating and beautifully written, this collection will appeal to a wide variety of audiences, and those not as familiar with Yemeni history or the Arabic language will assuredly be inspired to learn more. Recommended for all collections.
Library directors, senior library management, and marketing staff looking to implement long-range plans for growing their customer bases and increase community engagement will find useful strategies here.
Even dedicated television hounds are sure to discover something new. Well organized, readable, often humorous, and highly recommended.
The follow-up to the acclaimed The Goblin Emperor brings back a favorite character and expands the elaborate world Addison has created. Fans of the first book—and new readers—will find this novel delightful and immersive
PREMIUM
Wings of Fury
King (“Hundredth Queen” series) takes a fresh look at the Greek pantheon to create a clamor for the next book of this new series.
During an early scene, Zorrie and her friends toss flakes of radium paint into the air and stare with wonder at its seemingly miraculous glow. Through an ordinary life of hard work and simple pleasures, Zorrie comes to learn the real wonder is life itself. A quiet, beautifully done, and memorable novel.
Villoro is not for the casual reader but for those who are interested in a deeply complex yet personal social history of Mexico City. The book serves as a nice complement to The Mexico City Reader (2004).
PREMIUM
Sybille Bedford: A Life
This comprehensive Bedford biography will most appeal to readers who are familiar with either her work or mid-century Western literature in general. More casual readers might find the cast of characters dizzying, but the book does a fine job of capturing the spirit and challenges of the time.
A must for all students, researchers, and general readers with an interest in Black lives, this essential overview of the CCP’s legacy offers fresh understanding of the history of organized Black activism and commitment to community efforts for equal rights. Highest recommendation.
PREMIUM
Just as I Am
Recommend to readers who enjoy engaging and sassy memoirs, and those interested in learning about 20th-century Black theater, film, and television.
An essential book for bird watchers, especially hummingbird lovers, as well as anyone interested in natural history.
PREMIUM
Crash Site
Readers willing to roll with the bawdy humor and gore on display will find themselves increasingly engaged in a legitimately suspenseful plot and anxiously awaiting follow-ups from this wildly talented debut author.
As many of us rethink the power dynamics that shape our jobs and workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaffe’s passionate call to reimagine our relationships with work and one another, and imagine new possibilities, is indispensable reading.
PREMIUM
The Second Bell
Houston projects her background of Polish mythologies and dark fairy tales onto this fanciful debut. Redemption, sacrifice, and generosity underpin this story about mother-and-daughter relationships. Fans of mythical yarns and medieval fantasies will enjoy this easy-to-read fable.
PREMIUM
The Kindest Lie
Johnson’s debut novel will appeal to a wide range of readers, who will be drawn into the despairing lives of her characters. Ruth’s predicament comes to a most satisfying conclusion.
Heiny brings back some familiar elements from 2017’s Standard Deviation, as laugh-out-loud scenes seamlessly flow into deep consideration of what it means to be a family and the power of accepting one another, eccentricities and all. This irresistible delight is a much-needed balm during these unnerving times.
PREMIUM
Poison Flowers & Pandemonium
A genuinely fun, energetic collection, as well as a lasting testament to Sala’s distinct talent.
Library staff will appreciate suggestions on rethinking customer services from this framework and the tools to implement it.
A wide-ranging overview that will result in hours of browsing and serve as a strong jumping-off point for research projects or deeper study.
Overall, this fascinating, sometimes brutal, and in a few minor instances, rambling narrative will grasp the attention of readers interested in the Holocaust and modern German history.
In this lively and admirable study, Stewart offers a balanced and thoughtfully well-written appreciation of George Washington’s life and leadership. A must for fans of biographies.
Winner of the prestigious Prix de la Francophonie, Tunisian-born, Paris-based Manai’s first book to be translated into English is a fascinating account of parallel conflicts between bees and hornets and between villagers and fanatics. The enormous talent on display here recommends a second reading to relish the author’s storytelling ability.
This important, absorbing work shows that the full story of the Cuban Missile Crisis must be told from its global perspective. See Martin Sherwin’s Gambling with Armageddon for another account that places the Crisis in its Cold War context.
Part introduction to quantum mechanics and cosmology, part memoir, and part sociological study, this work challenges readers to question the nature of how science is done in contemporary society, as well as what it means when everyone has a seat at the cosmological table. For general science readers, gender and feminist studies students, and those concerned about the role feminist and racial politics plays in STEM professions.
Readers will devour this action-packed, wildly sexy, witty, and ultra-cool crime story built around the complicated relationship between three charismatic women and rejoice to discover a note at the end promising they’ll return for further adventures in future volumes.
This impressive selection is highly recommended for geologists or for anyone with an interest in what lies beneath our feet.
Like the stars its title invokes, Joudah’s latest is mysterious and ruminative, a challenging work perhaps ill suited for poetry novices but offering plenty of dark beauty for those willing to probe its cryptic depths.
This well-researched book offers a definitive account of Calhoun, and will appeal to anyone interested in early American history.
This will make a valued addition to audiobook collections of most sizes and target audiences.
The latest from Gurwitch will have readers rolling with laughter one minute and picking up the phone to commiserate with friends or family the next. The author is a delightful eccentric aunt-to-all with her wit, caring, and unbeknown-to-her wisdom. For fans of Nora Ephron and Sloane Crosely alike.
PREMIUM
The Zoologist’s Guide to the Galaxy: What Animals on Earth Reveal about Aliens–And Ourselves
A highly entertaining, science-based consideration of what alien life might be like.
A solid read for those interested in biological sciences research, and anyone looking to learn more about aging in general.
Tidhar (By Force Alone) propels an ensemble of historical figures and literary characters through a knotty and thrilling plot packed with intrigue and visceral action, illustrated with a keen eye for historical detail by McCaffrey (Anno Dracula–1895: Seven Days in Mayhem).
PREMIUM
The Dating Plan
Desai’s sophomore novel (after The Marriage Game) will have readers laughing, with family dynamics and personal growth rounding things out for an enjoyable read.
Timely, valuable, and essential reading for all librarians and educators.
Another standout from Lamott that will have wide appeal.
A valuable addition to public library collections, the latest from Loftis will especially engage those interested in World War II history and espionage.
Though dry reading for many, this work may be a fit for those familiar with the Economist’s Pocket World in Figures and for those who want to draw their own conclusions about the spread of ideas relating to gender equality and economic and religious practices.
Readers of military service accounts will be absorbed.
PREMIUM
Ready Player Two
The story will make much more sense, and be far more enjoyable, to listeners already familiar with Ready Player One (either the book or the movie) and those who have general knowledge about movies, music, and games from the 80s. The audiobook version is definitely worth the time investment due to Wheaton’s expert narration.
PREMIUM
Meet Me in Paradise
Hubscher’s debut novel is the perfect book for anyone longing for family, travel, and romance. Prepare for some tears mixed with the happy-ever-afters.
Likely to appeal to readers of ghost stories and psychology alike, this well-researched chronicle pulls directly from firsthand accounts, interviews, news articles, séances, photographs, and other sources to provide as comprehensive a view as possible from this side of history.
An engaging read for fans of polar and Arctic history.
For anyone interested in inspiring students and helping them develop their full potential as global citizens.
PREMIUM
Of Women and Salt
While the nonlinear structure of the narrative sometimes makes the story feel disjointed, Garcia has carefully layered the novel so that each chapter delivers revelations about the motivations and psychological burdens of the characters that add to understanding on the part of the reader (though not necessarily the characters, who are not always party to the secrets of their mothers or grandmothers). A relevant and timely work delivered with empathy.
PREMIUM
Criminal Justice in America: The Encyclopedia of Crime, Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections
This is a solid, browsable reference work that will appeal to the public and law enforcement as well as undergraduates focusing on criminology, sociology, psychology, or law.
PREMIUM
The Little French Bridal Shop
Dupee’s debut novel doesn’t have a happy-ever-after ending. It’s crisply written, but readers may find the characters a little opaque; the reasons behind their actions aren’t always clear. Still the book is strung through with the hope that life’s hard times don’t last forever. Readers will enjoy seeing Larisa and Jack find that hope.
PREMIUM
The Postscript Murders
Readers of Griffiths’s Edgar Award–winning The Stranger Diaries, or her “Ruth Galloway” mysteries, will welcome this book with a diverse cast of well-developed characters. However, the story drags at times. Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club is a stronger pick for those looking for unusual amateur sleuths.
PREMIUM
The Survivors
Harper (The Lost Man) again excels at creating atmosphere and depicting tense interpersonal relationships. But unlike her previous stand-alone, this story’s suspense doesn’t escalate satisfactorily. Instead, the author delivers a nuanced rumination on guilt, community, and family that’s best for readers of domestic fiction or light mysteries.
This is friends-to-lovers romance at its finest, with an endearing Gilded Age couple who are clearly made for each other. Shupe (“Uptown Girls” series) fans will welcome this first installment in a new series.
A worthy companion to the lauded Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson, this is essential reading for all who care about justice in contemporary America.
With finely delineated characters and a deft comic touch, Costa Prize winner Boyd (Restless) precisely skewers the absurdity of the movie business while sending his trio of characters toward a not uniformly pleasant reckoning with truer versions of themselves.
This work will prove valuable for teachers and parents with its hands-on activities.
Those interested in trends in urban planning or ethnic studies will appreciate Baldwin’s thoughtful exploration of urban campus sprawl.
This start of a cinematic new series is an intense police procedural. Readers will be immersed in the investigation by a talented team, while also privy to the actions of a brilliant killer.
It is more important than ever that China’s history be widely known, and this irresistible volume will help readers recognize its many cultural legacies.
Zanglein comprehensively covers a wide range of accomplished women, and does all of them justice. This book is perfect for those interested in women’s history and adventure stories.
PREMIUM
The Friendship List
A fun read filled with both lighthearted humor as well as emotional depth.
Readers searching for that modern retelling of Sense and Sensibility will find more than enough commonalities to feel that they have gotten their Jane Austen’s worth in Edmondson’s debut; those less familiar or just looking for a contemporary story filled with dirty politics, family drama, and a touch of romance will discover plenty to sweep them away.
As with any collection, some stories are stronger than others, and the author doesn’t have much opportunity to develop the plot. Castillo shines when she focuses on the Amish lifestyle, and in the longer stories with more opportunity to delve into the plot. Kate Burkholder fans will want to pick this up while waiting for the next full-length offering from the author.
PREMIUM
The Life She Wished to Live: A Biography of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, Author of The Yearling
A comprehensive, well-researched portrait of the life of Rawlings and her creative struggles that will engage a variety of readers.
A skilled debut of politics, secrets, and magic that will grab readers from the start.
Dodgion’s pull-no-punches style and determination in the face of daunting situations bring an obscure figure to vivid life. The title should appeal to jazz aficionados, who will recognize many of the musicians with whom she played, as well as those interested in ways in which women have flourished in the creative arts.
Kenner provides a behind-the-scenes look at the rap business and a musical genius. Rousing and powerful, this work will be devoured by Hussle’s fans and appreciated by students of Black culture and the music industry.
PREMIUM
Are We There Yet?
First-world problems abound in this Midwestern family drama, but West makes the most of her material. For readers who enjoyed Bruce Holsinger’s The Gifted School, Lauren Weisberger’s When Life Gives You Lululemons, and Laura Zigman’s Separation Anxiety.
Skillfully blending fantasy and stark reality while blurring the line between the metaphoric and the tangible, Yejidé (Time of the Locust) successfully tells the story in fits and starts as each major character adds a piece to the puzzle. YA and adult fiction readers alike will enjoy. Highly recommended.
In this taut, psychologically powerful tale, long-listed for the 2019 International Booker Prize, Wieringa’s masterly descriptions create a sense of foreboding. Wieringa excels at characterization while raising serious questions surrounding identity and immigration in a deceptively brief work. Highly recommended.
This engrossing account, which reads like a novel, offers a combination of riveting personal stories and little-known history, and will draw in readers from the first page. A must-read.
A beautifully photographed addition to the family of America’s Test Kitchen books that will draw in cooks of all levels.
PREMIUM
Consent
Prolific author Lyon, who achieved international success with her first novel, 2010’s The Golden Mean, is on track for more acclaim with this suspenseful, seamlessly constructed novel of intricately mingled lives. It’s already been long-listed for Canada’s prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize.
Told with humor and grace, Abdurraqib’s stories will inspire and provoke thoughtful meditations on how Black lives matter in all areas of life and art.
With a nod to Ivan Doig’s straightforward folksy style, this impressive second novel after Painted Horses tells an earnest, heartfelt family story with laugh-out-loud humor, deep-seated family conflicts, and distressing coming-of-age crises. Enthusiastically recommended.
PREMIUM
Sun-Daughters, Sea-Daughters
Ogden (Frozen Fairy Tales) takes “The Little Mermaid” to outer space and imagines the desires beyond love and land. This novella will tug at the heart of every reader.
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