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Readers will love the fast-paced wit of both Amy and the supporting characters while she discovers who she is, where she wants to be, and what is truly in her heart.
PREMIUM
My Magnolia Summer
Plot discrepancies and uneven pacing detract from full enjoyment the narrative, but fans of Dorothea Benton Frank will appreciate revisiting Sullivan’s Island.
PREMIUM
Time’s Mouth
Those who enjoy reading about California counterculture and cults may be intrigued.
PREMIUM
Onlookers: Stories
Full of ambivalent love, modern Southern charm, and contemporary concerns, the stories in this collection are timeless as well as sharply contemporary.
PREMIUM
One Summer in Savannah
While emotionally ambitious in its choice of topic, this debut takes on too many challenges and fails to fully execute.
PREMIUM
The Lookback Window
This forceful, necessary novel, which includes graphic descriptions of sexual assault, depicts the often silent suffering and unfathomable effects of sexual abuse. Readers of Garth Greenwell or Eimear McBride will find it well worth diving into.
PREMIUM
The Last Lifeboat
Gaynor’s immersive novel pairs well with Jessica Mann’s nonfiction book Out of Harm’s Way: The Wartime Evacuation of Children from Britain, in which firsthand accounts and extensive research relate the experiences of children who were removed from their families and taken to foreign countries. Similarly, Julia Kelly’s novel The Lost English Girl takes place at the very beginning of the war when children were being evacuated to the countryside.
PREMIUM
A Child for the Reich
Newton’s latest historical novel (following The Girls from the Beach) brings to light the kidnapping of Czech children during World War II. Readers who like this genre will enjoy.
Smith wrestles contemporary themes surrounding women’s independence, racism, and class disparity from centuries-old events in her beautifully crafted historical. Readers of Geraldine Brooks or Hilary Mantel will be enthralled.
PREMIUM
The Year of Second Chances
The level of chaos in Robin’s life overwhelms the issue of widowhood at times in the novel, but there is a strong setting and many elements to engage readers. Recommended for fans of Emiko Jean or Marisa de los Santos.
This page-turner has depth of feeling and intriguing historical details that will sweep readers off their feet.
PREMIUM
Gone to the Wolves
Wray deftly explores late adolescence with its roller-coaster intensity of friendship and the music that binds everything together, in this case heavy metal and its mythological fantasies, which here become all too darkly real.
PREMIUM
The War Pianist
Robotham’s entertaining and well-paced novel is a great addition to any collection of World War II historical fiction.
PREMIUM
Where Ivy Dares To Grow
Thompson combines a gothic novel, a time-travel romance, and a frank depiction of living with mental illness. Most compellingly, the protagonist’s mental state is central to the narrative without driving the plot.
Shin successfully crafts yet another beautifully presented and heart-rending tale, giving readers much to ponder. Not to be missed, it will appeal not just to fans of Please Look After Mom but to anyone who enjoys strong, introspective storytelling; also a good candidate for book groups.
PREMIUM
Silver Nitrate
Moreno-Garcia (The Daughter of Doctor Moreau) has written a love letter to Mexico City’s film industry and an excellent entry into the popular horror subgenre of occult films. Suggest to fans of The Shoemaker’s Magician by Cynthia Pelayo, Experimental Film by Gemma Files, and The Remaking by Clay McLeod Chapman.
PREMIUM
The Paris Mystery
This atmospheric historical mystery by the author of The Jade Lily reveals a Paris on the verge of war, in all its captivating beauty and excess. Suggest for fans of Cara Black or Betty Webb’s Lost in Paris.
PREMIUM
All That Glitters Isn’t Old
Whitney may be the amateur sleuth, but Goldy certainly calls the shots in this third book of the series (following Something Fishy This Way Comes). Perfect for cozy fans who enjoy a solid narrative, adventure, and a dash of romance.
Two-time Hugo finalist Tingle (Straight) has a huge cult following, and his brilliant mainstream debut does not disappoint. Suggest to fans of authors such as V. Castro and Hailey Piper, who take well-worn tropes and explore them through marginalized perspectives, creating something breathtaking and wholly new.
Yet another not-to-miss release by the popular and critically acclaimed Tremblay (The Pallbearers Club), showcasing a discomfort that is reminiscent of Shirley Jackson but still new and thought-provoking.
PREMIUM
The Body in the Back Garden
Luke is an exasperating amateur sleuth, but readers who crave LGBTQIA+ cozies may enjoy his escapades.
PREMIUM
The Murder Wheel
Fans of Golden Age locked-room mysteries will appreciate the homage in Mead’s sequel to Death and the Conjuror.
PREMIUM
The Isolated Séance
The author of the Crispin Guest mysteries writes about Victorian street life and desperation in a pastiche relieved by humor. Suggest Vicki Delany’s “Gemma Doyle” series as a read-alike.
From its resourceful, resilient protagonist to its seamlessly constructed, au courant plot, everything about Ware’s newest novel is guaranteed to keep her fans up way past their bedtimes.
This book can be enjoyed from cover to cover or as a choose-your-own spooky adventure; either way, it will entice all who encounter it to seek out more horror. Libraries should consider having a reference and a circulating copy and may want to make extra copies of the reading checklist in the back to hand out.
PREMIUM
The Last Dance
Exuberant, apposite, and very amusing, Miller’s wit and his observations about modern life and policing will delight new fans.
PREMIUM
A Fatal Affair
A thriller with surprises aplenty and a breezy pace that includes well-written characters and the singular challenge of looking for truth “in a sea of professional liars and seducers,” this novel is sure to have wide appeal.
PREMIUM
You Can Trust Me
Readers who enjoy an on-the-run thriller such as Adrian McKinty’s The Island or Wanda M. Morris’s Anywhere You Run, mixed with a dash of seduction, suspense, and twists, will enjoy this compelling tale.
PREMIUM
Peg and Rose Stir Up Trouble
This Golden Girls–style cozy mystery has plenty of humor and style. Readers should expect a slow burn, since the narrative action fails to ignite until midway through the story. Perfect for cozy aficionados looking for a new series and some laughs.
PREMIUM
The Splinter in the Sky
Ashing-Giwa’s debut will appeal to fans of A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine and those who enjoy a decisive protagonist who throws herself into the action.
PREMIUM
The Sun and the Void
Written with passion by an debut novelist born and raised in Venezuela; all of the hallmarks of an epic fantasy are here, but the story gets off to a slow start.
PREMIUM
Immortal Longings
Best-selling YA novelist Gong’s (Last Violent Call) adult epic-fantasy debut combines a plot of corrupt politics and rotting empires with the adrenaline rush of combat and intrigue and a romance that is literally for the ages, based on the tempestuous relationship in Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Lovers of Sarah J. Maas’s epic romantasy novels and the kickass fighting queens in Jennifer Estep’s “Gargoyle Queen” series won’t be able to turn these pages fast enough.
Terrific action sequences do not detract from the emotional arc that Kel follows as a war survivor. Valdes (Fault Tolerance) delivers with her epic worldbuilding and characterizations in this sharp and poignant novel.
PREMIUM
Gryphon in Light
This book begins a new trilogy within the Valdemar world. Readers who discovered or rediscovered Valdemar in Lackey’s recent Beyond will find enough links to the events of that origin story to see this later Valdemar as a new but still beloved place, as will regular readers of the series.
PREMIUM
The Saint of Bright Doors
Dreamlike and inventive, this unusual novel is a complicated read that ably pairs the mundane with the mystical.
PREMIUM
Contrarian
Recommended for readers of politically focused fantasy and those who enjoy seeing a good man fight the good fight, even if not with sharp-edged weapons.
Soria’s novel will grab readers right from the first page with her strong women characters and unexpected twists on a classic tale, as it alternates between the present and past, slowly revealing the real story and the depth of the characters. Fans of Marissa Meyer, Holly Black, and Rebecca Ross will enjoy this read.
PREMIUM
Cassiel’s Servant
While many parts of the story are familiar, Joscelin’s point of view will revitalize fans of the series and draw new readers to this lush epic fantasy. Libraries should prepare for requests for the original series.
PREMIUM
Counterweight
The first novel to be translated to English from South Korean author Djuna (whose identity remains a mystery), this quick-moving puzzle of an SF story is intriguing and fascinating as it imagines a future where humanity is intertwined with AI.
PREMIUM
The Weaver and the Witch Queen
Gornichec showcases her knowledge of Icelandic folklore and history, while her storytelling reveals the complex and engrossing lives and emotions of her characters.
This novel is a whole lot of fun. Fenra and her gang are both smart and smart-alecky, keeping themselves and readers going on a rising tide of witty banter and out-of-the-frying-pan-into-the-fire action. Highly recommended for those who like a little swash in their buckle and enjoy watching smart people save the day.
Strahan (The Book of Dragons) has compiled a delightful collection of original stories about an iconic fantasy archetype.
PREMIUM
Wildwood Magic
Full of women wielding the magic of the land, often through skills like beekeeping, sewing, or singing, Reece’s latest is an enchanting tale full of magical moments that also confronts the harm that hate and fear can inflict.
PREMIUM
A Second Chance for Yesterday
The first novel by siblings Rachel Hope Cleves (Unspeakable) and Aram Sinnreich (The Essential Guide to Intellectual Property) draws on their work as a historian and a futurist. Combining accessible prose, exciting action, and deeply philosophical issues, this book would be a win for any library catering to science-fiction readers.
This captivating debut literary thriller entwines the searing stories of several women who suffered at the hands of the same man. This cautionary tale satisfies in its culmination of long-overdue justice for spurned women.
PREMIUM
Vampires of El Norte
The many fans of The Hacienda will be eager for Cañas’s second novel, which will also thrill and chill readers who’d enjoy a mash-up of Alma Katsu’s historical horror, Andy Davidson’s In the Valley of the Sun, and Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.
PREMIUM
She Started It
Gilbert’s debut thriller is an intensely compelling and clever tale of revenge. Readers who enjoy multiple perspectives unveiling the storyline, as in the works of Liane Moriarty, will relish this.
PREMIUM
Honey Drop Dead
The many descriptions of tea and tea foods make this book a tasty treat, although some readers may be disappointed by the way the ending wraps up. Fans of the series will be pleased to see many of their favorite characters return, but they may find the crimes to be more violent than in previous books.
PREMIUM
What Kind of Mother
Chapman (Ghost Eaters) is becoming a not-to-miss horror novelist. Suggest this one to a varied audience of fans who enjoy intense psychological tales like Paul Tremblay’s The Pallbearers Club, body horror like Ahmed Saadawi’s Frankenstein in Baghdad, and parental horror like Zoje Stage’s Baby Teeth; don’t forget fans of the pulp classic “Clickers” series, originated by J.F. Gonzalez.
PREMIUM
What the Neighbors Saw
This title will still find favor with dedicated domestic suspense fans but is an optional purchase for most libraries.
Both fantastic storytellers, Kowal (The Spare Man) and Kingfisher (What Moves the Dead) are a perfect pairing for this excellent Southern gothic, an essential purchase.
Mirabella’s ambitious novel tackles relationships, sexual orientation, and physical and mental healing. A layered tale that should appeal to fans of Emily Ruskovich’s Idaho or Hanya Yanagihara’s A Little Life.
PREMIUM
Cursed Bunny: Stories
Fans of unsettling short stories should give Chung’s twisted modern folk tales a listen. These visceral, smart tales, teaching their lessons through suffering, make an impact.
PREMIUM
The Woman Beyond the Sea
Yishai-Levi’s sensitive story of mother-daughter relationships and lives overturned by devastating circumstances makes an impact. Share with fans of Kelly Rimmer’s The Things We Cannot Say or Lena Manta’s The Gold Letter.
LaValle’s gorgeous prose and dynamic characters, combined with the horrific supernatural, make for a compelling listen. Share with fans of Alma Katsu, Erin E. Adams, and Isabel Cañas.
Listeners will love Damani’s attitude and resourcefulness as she confronts her daily struggles in this scathing and funny debut, flawlessly narrated by the author.
PREMIUM
Western Lane
Maroo’s brief but moving debut is in good hands with Soroya as a narrator. Recommend to readers of Alice McDermott and Lydia Millet and those who enjoy reflective coming-of-age stories. It should also have tremendous YA crossover appeal.
PREMIUM
House of Cotton
Fans of lushly described surroundings and winding plots will enjoy. An atmospheric, engrossing story for readers of Octavia E. Butler and Tananarive Due.
PREMIUM
Big Swiss
A unique story, blending grim humor with intimate, multilayered romance. Share with fans of Ottessa Moshfegh.
While scenes from the past and present are rough to hear, both narrators skillfully keep pace without losing sight of the characters. Listeners will pity young Gretel but want to invite the elder Gretel over for tea.
PREMIUM
This Other Eden
This quick listen packs a punch. An affecting novel that should appeal to fans of Jamila Minnicks’s Moonrise over New Jessup.
These stories will resonate with listeners and are excellent for book clubs. Pair with Omolola Ogunyemi’s Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a small-town coming-of-age story about sorrow, shame, and survival. Recommended for fans of Delia Owens, Kristin Hannah, and Lisa Wingate.
PREMIUM
The Haunting of Alejandra
Listeners will be buoyed by Alejandra’s decision to find herself, save her children, and break free from generational curses. A feminist retelling that will appeal to fans of psychological horror and the works of Isabel Cañas and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
A mix of voices, thought-provoking worldbuilding, and the forward momentum of the novel make this a captivating listen. Recommended for fans of dystopian fiction laced with social commentary.
Fans of books such as Philip K. Dick’s The Man in the High Castle and other dystopian novels will love this brilliant and haunting novel.
PREMIUM
Victory City
Narrator Sid Sagar imbues Rushdie’s (The Golden House) tale with a spellbinding atmosphere of magic and wonder, skillfully capturing the novel’s many characters and channeling Rushdie’s sly humor and insight. Rushdie’s many fans will be enthralled.
PREMIUM
The Hole We’re In
Though the Pomeroys are profoundly flawed and often misguided, they are characters to root for. A sensitive and astute book that is recommended for fans of Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney’s The Nest or Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere.
PREMIUM
The Red Balcony
Wilson’s thrilling historical fiction, combining a legal thriller with romance and intrigue, provides an absorbing audio experience. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Bad Cree
Johns is an exciting new Indigenous voice in the horror genre. Readers who enjoyed Stephen Graham Jones’s The Only Good Indians and Erika Wurth’s White Horse will not want to miss this.
PREMIUM
The Piano Tuner
Although the audio may present difficulties for some listeners, this novel is atmospheric and short enough that most listeners will walk away with food for thought or, at the very least, a deeper appreciation of classical music and piano.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a dark, dizzying domestic thriller steeped in menace and mistrust. Recommended for fans of Gillian Flynn, Ashley Audrain, and Riley Sager.
PREMIUM
The Curator
This convoluted story, full of illusion and mystery, is perfect for readers of horror-laced fantasy. Fans of Erin Morgenstern’s The Starless Sea, Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, or P. Djeli Clark’s A Master of Djinn will find much to love.
Natt och Dag’s latest is Shakespearean in scope. A tragic and chilling tale that should appeal to fans of historical mysteries and Scandi noir.
PREMIUM
White Cat, Black Dog: Stories
Patrons who enjoy the bizarre and fantastical will be enchanted. Share with fans of Christina Henry’s Into the Forest or A.A. Balaskovits’s Strange Folk You’ll Never Meet.
PREMIUM
The Enchanted April
Although it was published over 100 years ago, modern listeners should appreciate author von Arnim’s (Elizabeth and Her German Garden) lovely armchair trip to a sunny Mediterranean estate, where vacationers gaze at the glimmering sea and blooming gardens instead of smartphones and laptops.
PREMIUM
The Woman with the Cure
An engrossing and inspiring novel about the life of a brilliant scientific pioneer. Those interested in midcentury medical accomplishments will be captivated.
PREMIUM
Kismet
This sun-soaked romance is the perfect beach read and a winner for fans of Emily Henry, Elin Hilderbrand, and Dorothea Benton Frank.
PREMIUM
Time’s Undoing
Inspired by true events, the audiobook has a good sense of location and narration but is unevenly executed. Regardless, some listeners will find Meghan’s research methods fascinating.
PREMIUM
In the Upper Country
A vivid, engrossing tale for those interested in history and the narratives of enslaved people. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
X
Davis’s sophomore novel is a beautiful lens through which to observe subcultures shunned by a puritanical future society, but Rubio’s lackluster narration inadequately serves this otherwise compelling work.
This is an exquisite marriage of writer and narrators. Every collection should include these brilliantly written stories that combine sharp social commentary with truly captivating characters.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a refreshing relationship fiction in the form of a funky, feel-good Three Men and a Baby fiasco. Recommended for fans of Jojo Moyes, Lisa Roe, and Carolyn Prusa.
PREMIUM
They’re Going To Love You
A gorgeously written book that is both hopeful and devastating, touching upon themes of dance, family, death, and ultimately, glorious life.
Highly recommended for all audio collections; for lovers of contemporary literary fiction and true crime podcasts.
PREMIUM
Night Letter
An affecting coming-of-age story that will have listeners hoping that Travis will find a path forward to a healthy, happy future. Recommended for fans of Charles Davis’s Drifting South.
PREMIUM
The One
Argy’s debut offers a savvy and pointed commentary on reality tv and its insidious effects on popular culture. A winner for fans of Laura Dave’s Hello, Sunshine or Holly James’s Nothing but the Truth.
PREMIUM
The Family Morfawitz
An epic tale that stretches across generations and continents, centered on a ruthless matriarch and her greedy and ambitious family. This book will appeal to those who love lush writing and do not mind irredeemable characters.
PREMIUM
Weyward
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an atmospheric blend of historical and literary fiction with an intense and intricate plot. Recommended for fans of Laurie Lico Albanese, Jacqueline Winspear, and Sarah Penner.
PREMIUM
The Society of Shame
Though full of laugh-out-loud moments, this refreshing listen also provides a scathing commentary on social media fame and the speed at which one’s fortunes can change. Perfect for fans of Bonnie Garmus’s Lessons in Chemistry and Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple.
Penner (The Lost Apothecary) proves herself again to be a writer to watch. Recommend to fans of historical fiction, especially Victorian-era stories, who enjoy elements of the supernatural. Irwin’s and Wyndham’s theatrical performances make this a must-listen.
PREMIUM
Bad Fruit
A compelling and suspenseful psychological thriller that should appeal to fans of Jessamine Chan’s The School for Good Mothers.
PREMIUM
Greek Lessons
An outstanding literary novel that will please Kang’s fans and appeal to new listeners.
A contemporary classic about navigating friendship, love, faith, and culture. This timeless coming-of-age story is a must-purchase for all libraries.
PREMIUM
Users
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a suspenseful dystopian sci-fi that examines the tenuous relationship between technology and truth. Recommended for fans of Dave Eggers and Blake Crouch.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking immersive early American historical fiction about heroism and heartbreak. Recommended for fans of Jeannette Walls, Marie Benedict, and Kristin Hannah.
PREMIUM
Moonrise over New Jessup
Fans of historical fiction will find much to love in this book, which offers a different perspective on desegregation at the dawn of the civil rights era.
PREMIUM
A Thousand Miles to Graceland
This hilarious road-trip novel, bursting with eccentric characters and a neat ending, satisfies. A perfect fit for fans of Sara Goodman Confino’s She’s Up to No Good.
PREMIUM
Briardark
A promising otherworldly horror series that offers mystery, momentum, and a touch of sci-fi. Listeners will be glad to know that a sequel is due out in 2024.
PREMIUM
Queer Little Nightmares
Listeners will likely sympathize and perhaps even root for these monsters not because they are monstrous but because their status as outsiders is universally human.
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