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PREMIUM
The Library Thief
Shenjé shines a light on LGBTQIA+ love and people of color in Victorian England. No stone is left unturned or unexamined in this gothic mystery that offers a counterpoint to what is often a cis-het and white genre. Fans of Sarah Waters and Bridget Collins might have in Shenjé a new author to add to their TBR lists.
PREMIUM
One Cursed Rose
Zanetti (Frostbitten) launches a new series with this shadowy and violent twist on “Beauty and the Beast” that will appeal to readers looking for a uniquely magical world filled with seduction and betrayal.
PREMIUM
A Punishing Breed
Readers who like campus mysteries and intriguing, gruff detectives with a few redeeming qualities will enjoy this first book in a planned series.
These 800 pages are gone in a surprising flash. Highly recommended; don’t miss the invaluable author’s note.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Richly detailed worldbuilding and inspiration from the Persephone myth all lend to a layered, immersive storyline in Sangoyomi’s debut.
Coryell’s engrossing bent comedy isn’t afraid to delve into scathing and frank analyses of modern dating culture, American classism, and serial killer fixation, while still being a thrilling read with twists throughout.
PREMIUM
Dreadful
Silly but earnest, this cozy fantasy will appeal to fans of TJ Klune and Travis Baldree.
PREMIUM
The Guncle Abroad
This follow-up has a humor and affection for the characters in a story with just the right amount of domestic tension but will still be a balm to readers.
PREMIUM
The Unicorn Woman
Jones (The Birdcatcher) rambles somewhat aimlessly, like Buddy, offering a character that should have been more compelling and a story that plods along.
PREMIUM
The Woman in the Sable Coat
Told in multiple POVs, Brooks’s latest features complex yet fragile characters that will engage readers until the end.
Fans of twisted cat-and-mouse thrillers, unconventional underdog protagonists, fiendish evil-doers, and surprise “holy cow” endings will devour this unputdownable novel.
Lee’s latest is a tender and sexy romance that foodies will absolutely devour. A great read for fans of commoner-and-royalty storylines, such as Alyssa Cole’s “Reluctant Royals” series.
A believable, timely, edge-of-one’s-seat thriller involving climate change and a virus...it’s disaster on a grand scale.
Dragon, witches, and myths abound this month, and there's even a Pride and Prejudice retelling set in space.
Several paranormal romances, featuring wolves, witches, and ghosts, and holiday stories set during Christmas and Hanukkah are out this month.
Ranging from cozy to dangerous these romances set in fantasy worlds offer magical artifacts, swordsmen, pirates, and life-and-death choices.
In Chandrasekera’s newest, the characters’ journey through fantastical worlds across millennia is reminiscent of This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Recommended for fans of ambitious speculative fiction that tackles systems of oppression in fresh ways.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
PREMIUM
Jackpot Summer
A fun read that poses deeper questions about marriage, sibling relationships, and inevitable change in life.
Art, murder, and the Parisian atmosphere combine in a delightful, detailed mystery for Francophile fans of Rhys Bowen or Betty Webb.
PREMIUM
Requiem for a Mouse
Charlie is on the periphery of the case in this sequel to Hiss Me Deadly, but fans of the series will be happy with the return of Charlie and Diesel, their friends and family, and preparations for a upcoming wedding.
PREMIUM
Tangled Up in You
A romantic joyride with roller-coaster plot reveals. Readers of Lauren’s (The True Love Experiment) books and fans of the beloved Disney original Tangled will adore this rom-com retelling of the Rapunzel fairy tale.
Mukherjee approaches terrorism and terrorist actors with a view that is more nuanced than cut-and-dried.
PREMIUM
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
A compelling remembrance of real librarians who could very easily have been lost to history. Readers who like historical novels with strong women characters will enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Next Best Fling
Gamez debuts with a contemporary rom-com, featuring hot chemistry and emotional depth.
PREMIUM
Cuckoo
No one writes like Felker-Martin (Manhunt), and her unrelenting and brutally honest novels are crucial inclusions to all horror collections. Pair with Chuck Tingle’s Camp Damascus or Lucy Snyder’s Sister, Maiden, Monster. This is also a great update to the classic film Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
PREMIUM
Summers at the Saint
For readers who’d enjoy a blend of friendships (old and new), budding romance, and secrets held within the walls of a hotel that needs rescuing, as in Elin Hilderbrand’s The Hotel Nantucket.
Those unfamiliar with Wallis Simpson may wish for more backstory, but Blalock (An Indiscreet Princess) sketches out enough of the history that readers won’t be lost for long. A solid entry into the World War II subgenre that will entertain and educate historical fiction fans.
PREMIUM
A Wedding in Lake Como
This book comes with discussion questions and is great for those who enjoyed Jodi Picoult novels or Ann Brashares’s “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” series. Will make a great addition to library shelves and book clubs this summer.
PREMIUM
Running Close to the Wind
Rowland (A Taste of Iron and Gold) dials up the humor, innuendo, and laugh-out-loud escapades in this pirate novel. Fans of the show Our Flag Means Death should definitely take a look.
PREMIUM
We Were the Universe
Stream of consciousness is a literary device that doesn’t appeal to everyone, so buy for demand only. Steer this novel toward readers who loved Melissa Broder’s Death Valley, Jonathan Safran Foer’s Everything Is Illuminated, or Joyce Maynard’s The Bird Hotel.
PREMIUM
Lady Scandal
A warmly refreshing read for the genre. Highly recommended for those who like historical romance, spirited characters, hard-earned success stories, and second chances.
PREMIUM
In the Shadow of the Fall
In Ogundiran’s (Jackal, Jackal) West African–based epic fantasy, the first in a duology, Ashâke learns the truths of her world and becomes a linchpin in the coming conflict between gods and godslayers. A sure hit for fans of Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Moses Ose Utomi, and N.K. Jemisin.
PREMIUM
Beautiful Villain
Kenney’s (A Hunt So Wild and Cruel) unique contemporary retelling of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is perfect for fans of classics with a twist. New Adult and paranormal romance readers will enjoy the novel’s mystery and steamy, action-packed drama.
A great read for fans of authors who embrace slasher-movie tropes in their storytelling such as Brian McAuley, Grady Hendrix, and Stephen Graham Jones, and also those who love tales where artists and cursed objects collide, such as Gothic by Philip Fracassi.
Readers who were caught up in the political shenanigans, hopeless battles, and pyrrhic victories of Brian McClellan’s In the Shadow of Lightning or Daniel Abraham’s Age of Ash will be enthralled, while those who like their grimdark fantasy to trip over into horror will find similarities between the characters of Galva and Alex Easton from T. Kingfisher’s What Feasts at Night.
PREMIUM
The Spice Gate
This is a sweeping, smart, and heartfelt tale that is perfect for readers who enjoy action-packed epic fantasy about family, survival, and the steadfast strength of the oppressed.
Sebastian’s (We Could Be So Good) latest is full of grumpy/sunshine goodness, with an absolutely delicious slow-burn romance.
PREMIUM
A Ruse of Shadows
Understanding this historical mystery requires thorough knowledge of the rest of the series, so it’s best for devoted fans.
PREMIUM
Oye
Luciana’s emotional journey to self-acceptance, via the many trials she encounters, is compelling. The unique structure of the novel and its emotional and often hilarious dialogue will appeal to all audiences.
Highly recommended for readers who can’t resist a story featuring brave knights, stalwart queens, and magic.
PREMIUM
The Alone Time
A steady build-up that questions the origins of a tragedy and the motives of the survivors and pits survival, ambition, and perhaps the truth against each other, leading to a finale that will surprise even the most perceptive readers. Will appeal to fans of Jennifer Hillier, Jordan Harper, and Michelle Sacks.
Saintcrow’s attention to detail and fantastical worldbuilding, inspired by Norse Viking legends and places, merits her series’ comparison to classic epic fantasies like J.R.R. Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” and Robert Jordan’s “Wheel of Time.”
PREMIUM
The Z Word
King-Miller’s (Ask a Queer Chick: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life for Girls who Dig Girls) fiction debut expertly balances social commentary with fun in a novel that will have readers cheering for her queer heroes and questioning their own brand loyalties. Will have wide appeal for fans of Jennifer Government by Max Barry, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith, and Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin.
PREMIUM
In Our Stars
Campbell asks powerful questions about the way social structures collapse and how the loudest voices take advantage, all in a pulse-pounding adventure about saving the world and staying one step ahead of the forces that would destroy it.
PREMIUM
A Pose Before Dying
While cat yoga may be an extremely cozy activity and setting for a novel, Erickson (“Bookstore Café Mystery” series) also offers a vexing murder mystery that will unsettle and intrigue readers. This series starter quickly piles up the tension and conflict and establishes a main character who’s worth rooting for.
PREMIUM
An Ocean of Courage and Fear
Especially for historical fiction buffs with knowledge of World War II’s Pacific theater of operations.
Peckham pairs polar opposites in a sexy, bawdy, fun, and yet deeply compassionate romance. A fitting end (after The Portrait of a Duchess) to the “Society of Sirens” series.
PREMIUM
Lavash at First Sight
Voskuni (Sorry, Bro) writes a heartfelt, fade-to-black sapphic romance that focuses on Ellie’s Armenian-diaspora and queer communities.
With obvious nods to the serious issues that underpin Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, and clearly inspired by Gillian Flynn’s seminal Gone Girl, Kim has written a novel that every library needs to own.
PREMIUM
The Heirloom
More women’s fiction than rom-com, this novel will find fans but it isn’t top of the pack.
PREMIUM
The Queen City Detective Agency
While the historical mystery is slow-moving at times, it evokes the atmosphere and tension of the 1980s American South, emphasizing the rage and emotions of a woman of color who’s faced with the political clout of ruthless white power brokers.
Touching, full of complicated emotions, and expertly written, romance fans will thoroughly enjoy this latest from Joyce (You, with a View).
Lee’s (Booked on a Feeling) latest is a tender and sexy romance that foodies will absolutely devour. A great read for fans of commoner-and-royalty storylines, such as Alyssa Cole’s “Reluctant Royals” series.
PREMIUM
Ghostroots: Stories
Aguda’s excellent story collection deserves a wide audience. With a breadth similar to the critically acclaimed Jackal, Jackal by Tobi Ogundiran, this will also appeal to readers of Eugen Bacon, Lisa Tuttle, and Karen Russell.
PREMIUM
The Au Pair Affair
Bailey wonderfully portrays the chemistry between Tallulah and Burgess, creating a tension-filled narrative that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end.
A must-buy title that updates the enduringly popular form of the gothic novel from a new perspective (as in Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia or The Hollow Kind by Andy Davidson), while also adding depth to the horror that unites Thomas’s literary universe, similar to Goblin and Spin a Black Yarn by Josh Malerman.
This prequel to Her Majesty’s Royal Coven leans into the real history of Anne Boleyn and creates a delightful origin story for the series.
PREMIUM
Nice Work, Nora November
A hopeful exploration of living with depression and seizing second chances. Prolific romance author London (Highland Scandal; It Started with a Dog) has crafted an uplifting and engaging story with a plucky and likable heroine.
A captivating, alluring, and, at times, illicit book that is conscious of the craft of the storytelling process without sacrificing an extraordinary reading experience. It recalls Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin, Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward, and Coyote Songs by Gabino Iglesias.
PREMIUM
When I Was Alice
At once frothy and dark, this book will appeal to mystery and thriller fans who loved TV’s Quantum Leap, the “Outlander” series, or the works of Susanna Kearsley.
PREMIUM
The Villain Edit
While the romance storyline sometimes feels secondary, Devore’s (A Better Bad Idea) fast-moving novel full of entertaining behind-the-scenes reality TV drama will appeal to fans of dating shows and readers who enjoy a little chaos in their romances.
The magical atmosphere of Inishmore and its residents will captivate readers in YA author Ewing’s (The Alcazar) adult debut.
PREMIUM
The Love of My Afterlife
Greenwood (He Will Be Mine) offers a charming, unique twist on a plethora of the best romance tropes. Sure to be a favorite of readers who love Sophie Cousens and Katy Birchall.
PREMIUM
Blood Jade
The follow-up to Ebony Gate continues to build a delightful world of family magic, Japanese culture and diaspora, and strong ties of loyalty and friendship.
PREMIUM
The Art of Catching Feelings
This fun romance from Thompson (With Love from Cold World) is perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey.
A wonderful offering. Share this collection with those who enjoyed Megan Kamalei Kakimoto’s Every Drop Is a Man’s Nightmare or Anthony Veasna So’s Afterparties.
Bannen brings readers back to Tanria (after The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy) in another charming romantasy full of humor and adventure.
In Chandrasekera’s (The Saint of Bright Doors) newest, the characters’ journey through fantastical worlds across millennia is reminiscent of This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. Recommended for fans of ambitious speculative fiction that tackles systems of oppression in fresh ways.
PREMIUM
Barely Even Friends
While the story delves into some difficult family relationships, Bennett’s debut is a good fit for those who enjoy sexy contemporary fairy-tale retellings and grumpy/sunshine tropes.
PREMIUM
Moonbound
The depth of ideas in Sloan’s excellent new book will entice readers who enjoyed James S.A. Corey’s “Expanse” series.
This fascinating debut nestles in the intersection between T. Kingfisher’s whimsicality and Premee Mohamed’s far-too-local old gods.
PREMIUM
Trouble in Queenstown
The author of the “Ross Agency Mysteries” introduces another damaged character in an intriguing private eye story that examines family and roots.
PREMIUM
Four Weekends and a Funeral
This debut rom-com features peak grumpy/sunshine and friends-to-lovers tropes.
PREMIUM
We Speak Through the Mountain
Readers of hopepunk that asks difficult questions will find plenty to think about in Mohamed’s follow-up to The Annual Migration of Clouds.
PREMIUM
Blue Ruin
Kunzru (Red Pill) has a gift for vivid, visceral description, whether it’s the drug-fueled squalor of London’s underground art scene or the gentrified New York compound where Jay finds himself. Along the way, there are thematic threads involving the commodification of art and conflicts of class and race (both Jay and Alice are biracial). Kunzru’s unique style and perspective make for a fun, though edgy ride.
A great introduction to today’s cosmic horror, featuring a plethora of talented new voices. An easy hand sell to fans of Jordan Peele, The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle, or the work of rising star Hailey Piper.
PREMIUM
A Clock Stopped Dead
The sequel to A Pen Dipped in Poison is an unhappy story of family disagreements. Readers looking for British cozy mysteries might prefer Jessica Ellicott’s Beryl and Edwina series or the novels of M.C. Beaton.
PREMIUM
Sanctuary
Fans of Isabel Cañas’s The Hacienda and Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House will savor this solidly scary yarn.
An alluring exploration of relationships through a fantastical lens that may appeal to those who enjoyed Cassandra Khaw’s The Salt Grows Heavy or Kelly Barnhill’s The Crane Husband.
PREMIUM
The Busy Body
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an amusing contemporary murder mystery that channels classic detective-sidekick stories. Recommended for fans of Betty Hechtman, Richard Osman, and Nita Prose.
PREMIUM
Treacle Walker
Garner’s latest evokes Pullman’s “His Dark Materials” trilogy with the joining of philosophy and childhood perspectives.
PREMIUM
Radiant Heat
Collins’s claustrophobic debut is recommended for those seeking a layered psychological mystery that touches on topics such as sexual abuse, stalking, and the power of nature’s fury.
PREMIUM
The Glutton
Blakemore’s highly recommended sophomore novel, illuminating the complexities behind an infamous historical figure, is devastating and compassionate in equal turns.
PREMIUM
Salt & Broom
Fans of magical retellings will delight in Jane’s newfound powers in this blend of witchy gothic romance and supernatural cozy mystery. Share with listeners who enjoyed the similar setting and mystery in B.R. Myers’s A Dreadful Splendor.
PREMIUM
Last Acts
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking compelling contemporary fiction about family businesses and father/son relationships. Recommended for fans of classic satire authors like Joseph Heller and contemporaries like Frank Bill.
PREMIUM
This Wretched Valley
A fast-paced, dread-filled survival tale, perfect for fans of Scott Smith’s The Ruins.
PREMIUM
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer
A perfect ghost story for fans of The Amityville Horror or listeners who prefer not-so-subtle scares. The short runtime makes this a quick supernatural thriller that ends with a decidedly loud bang.
Turton has created a complex world and characters in a page-turner centered on what it means to be human and whether those qualities are worth preserving. There is very real suspense as the clock runs down on Emory’s investigation, plus true emotional depth in the struggles she and her fellow survivors face.
PREMIUM
I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons
A high fantasy that’s also cozy, the latest from Beagle (The Way Home; The Last Unicorn) is recommended for fans of Neil Gaiman’s Stardust and Travis Baldree’s Bookshops & Bonedust.
King explains in an afterword to the collection that short stories are hard for him to write, but readers will be thrilled by these tales. Some of the stories are darker and more poisonous than others, but they all have that King touch.
PREMIUM
The Night Ends with Fire
Song’s (An Echo in the City) poetic prose brings together cardinal spirits, a flawed protagonist, and a plot inspired by the legend of Mulan.
PREMIUM
Exhibit
Fragmented chapters, as is Kwon’s style, might make this novel a challenging read for some, but the work offers much for book groups and individuals to ponder.
PREMIUM
The Unrelenting Earth
A great pick for fans of Martha Wells or those who enjoy inventive sci-fi fantasy with emotional stakes.
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