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.
Plot discrepancies and uneven pacing detract from full enjoyment the narrative, but fans of Dorothea Benton Frank will appreciate revisiting Sullivan’s Island.
Full of ambivalent love, modern Southern charm, and contemporary concerns, the stories in this collection are timeless as well as sharply contemporary.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A helpful resource for library board members and LIS students needing basic information, but collection development and public service staff may find that they need more information in today’s highly politicized climate.
A solid and unbiased source of primary documents on the most contentious political challenges facing the nation. For readers at all levels, especially high schoolers and undergrads.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While the scientific lingo can feel a little overwhelming at times, readers who persist through to the end will likely find themselves enlightened and eager to listen and learn.
King’s engaging narrative exposes the maneuvering of lumber companies that plundered redwood forests for decades, with the collusion of powerful individuals in politics, academia, and civil service.
Fans of Jaws and “Shark Week” will love this book, but it’s also a compelling read for anyone interested in oceans, wildlife, conservation, or scientific adventures. An excellent title for readers who’ve ever been at the ocean’s edge and wondered what was out there.
This book urges readers to consider that there are already solutions to the world’s water crisis, though humankind may not have the political, social, and cultural will to implement those solutions. Highly recommended for all libraries.
While a second-chance romance is at the center of Mejia’s (Lucha of the Night Forest) adult debut, this novel builds on the complicated life of the title character to weave a sometimes traumatic but ultimately beautiful story of a complex woman finding her way in the world.
Fans of workplace romances such as The Hating Game by Sally Thorne will enjoy this take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, once they get past the initial unpleasantness of the main characters.
Harper continues to bewitch readers with exciting plot twists, expanded magical worldbuilding, and steamy hot romance. Newcomers to Thistle Grove should start with Payback’s a Witch.
Ayuyang (Blame This on the Boogie) presents a gripping and romantic Depression-era noir about a fledgling community struggling to achieve the American dream without sacrificing who they are.
Kae (In the Event of Love) gives readers a world where queerness is open and accepted, people support each other during mental health breakdowns, and true love comes with a side order of self-awareness. Fans of Casey McQuiston and Alexandria Bellefleur will fall in love with this small-town, friends-to-lovers romance.
When Young (A Cosmic Kind of Love) puts together a joyful gig worker and a grumpy veterinarian for a fake-relationship scheme, it creates a steamy, tension-filled read.
The first in a new series by Michaels (A Duchess by Midnight), this is a slow-burn historical with enough adventure and intrigue to keep readers turning pages until the happy ending. Fans will anxiously await the next sibling’s story. Hand to fans of Mary Balogh and Eloisa James.
Anderson’s (Isabelle and Alexander) latest stand-alone features a tender love story between a gentlewoman painter and a detective trying to rise above his difficult childhood.
Daniels (When Justice Rides) delivers a skillfully and wonderfully written Western romance that’s sure to delight readers. Add to shelves for fans of Pamela M. Kelley, Jessie Gussman, and Erin Wright.