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Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
LJ talks with the bestselling authors about their collaboration creating and editing the anthology The End of the World as We Know It: New Tales of Stephen King’s The Stand.
Historical fiction was never so timely as right now, with current themes and genre blends traversing all eras.
Kendra Coulter is a professor of management and organizational studies at Huron University College at Western University. As an anthropologist, she has become a leading voice in animal ethics and sustainability and written many academic works, including Defending Animals: Finding Hope on the Front Lines of Animal Protection. The Tortoise’s Tale marks her fiction debut. She talks with LJ about her philosophy, her inspirations, the role of music in her book, and her forthcoming projects.
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Loose Lips
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an intricate amateur-detective murder mystery about authors, accomplishment, and adversaries. Recommended for fans of Nita Prose, Anthony Horowitz, and Richard Osman.
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Deep End
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a steamy, sex-positive contemporary sports romance. Recommended for fans of Hannah Grace, Tessa Bailey, and Elena Armas.
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Blue Christmas Bones
An excellent purchase to satisfy cozy mystery fans’ requests for holiday-themed listens.
A lighthearted and heartwarming paranormal mystery with likable characters and a humorous premise. Highly recommended for fans of Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan series.
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Showmance
A big-hearted queer rom-com that delivers laughs from start to finish. Beguelin’s adult debut is sure to appeal to fans of Timothy Janovsky and Steven Rowley.
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Pearly Everlasting
A captivating addition to historical fiction collections that translates extremely well in audio. Highly recommended for fans of folklore-infused stories, novels about the enduring bonds between humans and animals, and works such as Katherine Arden’s “Winternight” trilogy.
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The Holiday Honeymoon Switch
Full of emotional depth and abundant holiday charm, this story is sure to delight readers looking for a lighthearted, Hallmark Holiday–style Christmas romance. Share with listeners who enjoyed Roan Parrish’s The Holiday Trap.
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A Winter Wish
What begins as a reluctant partnership gradually transforms into an uplifting tale of romance and second chances. Stone’s (Love, Holly) latest is a warm and gentle listen, recommended for Falon Ballard’s All I Want Is You or Samantha Chase’s A Dash of Christmas.
Highly recommended; few writers can explore themes like colonization and cultural understanding with such heart and humor.
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The Scrapbook
Clark is at her best when the novel explores the burden of Germany’s past through the couple’s examination, 50 years after the war, of the Holocaust’s enduring impact.
Konopnicka’s work of folklore ranks among classic stories known the world over such as The Wind in the Willows, Alice in Wonderland, and the fairy tales of Hans Christian Anderson.
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The Bishop Murder Case
Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and her fictional sleuth Hercule Poirot, Dorothy L. Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey, and Ellery Queen, as well as readers who enjoy cerebral mysteries.
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Don’t Open Your Eyes
Readers might be tempted to binge-read into the wee hours to finish this book. Constantine (The Last Mrs. Parrish) has written yet another deliciously twisty suspense novel that will appeal to her fans and all readers who enjoy a juicy psychological thriller.
A must-read for fans of Naomi Novik, Olivie Blake, and Lev Grossman’s scholastic fantasies, with explorations of purpose, grief, and relationships that open the novel to a more universal audience.
Library displays highlight the collection and aid readers as they browse and find their next read, view, or listen. To help prompt display ideas and find titles to keep them stocked, LJ offers Display Shelf. Use this list to generate a quick display on the circulation desk or to fill an end-cap. The suggestions also offer RA librarians a handy list of popular titles on a range of high-interest genres and subjects. Celebrate Pride Month with a display full of new romance titles featuring LGBTQIA+ characters.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
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Cheesecake
Kurlansky has a gift for drawing characters whose wackiness does not detract from their likability as New York archetypes.
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The Shakespeare Secret
Rich period detail, unforgettable characters, and a satisfying ending make for memorable and delightful reading.
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Sunburn
The lush prose in Howarth’s first novel is well suited to areas where literary fiction and memoirs circulate.
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Vera, or Faith
By emphasizing Vera’s intelligence and perceptiveness, Shreyngart successfully tells an entertaining story through the eyes of a preadolescent girl.
This novel grapples with the tensions between mothers and daughters, generational trauma, and the immigrant experience. It is heartbreaking and stunning; highly recommended for all collections.
Although this National Book Critics Circle Award winner should not be the first one newcomers to Morrison read, longtime fans of her work will appreciate this tale about self-discovery.
This book is full of action, suspense, and laughs. Its reflections about being a Black American in Europe are insightful. Jump in for a full-force, visceral ride.
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Fiend
Critically acclaimed for both her horror and thriller novels, Katsu presents a fast-paced story that will unite her fans across genres. Readers hungry for read-alikes to TV’s Succession will be lining up for this one; it also pairs well with the terrifying satire of Sarah Langan’s A Better World.
A terrifying story that will make readers squirm throughout as it demonstrates the power of Chambers’s 130-year-old work. Will be eagerly consumed even by those who are unfamiliar with Chambers, plus fans of the TV series True Detective, T. Kingfisher’s The Hollow Places, or anything by Eric LaRocca.
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Blood Slaves
A debut novel with an original and thought-provoking take on the vampire subgenre. For fans of revenge horror such as LaTanya McQueen’s When the Reckoning Comes or Tananarive Due’s classic “African Immortals” series, as well as alternative history such as The Power by Naomi Alderman.
A must-buy for every library, this is a spectacular tribute to the ultimate epic horror novel of the 20th century.
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Negative Images
A promising and thought-provoking debut that blends horror and science fiction in realistically terrifying ways, reminiscent of Blake Crouch. For fans of the emotionally charged supernatural investigation of Erika T. Wurth’s The Haunting of Room 904 and those who want to revisit the immersive and relentless terror of Josh Malerman’s Incidents Around the House.
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How To Survive a Horror Story
A great example of the popular cozy horror trend, blended with mystery. For fans of stories that are both unsettling and meta, such as How To Make a Horror Movie and Survive by Craig DiLouie and The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton.
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The Library at Hellebore
Engaging, visceral, and a lot of fun. Fans of A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik or I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones will find a lot to enjoy here, and it’s a nightmare come true for those who love Scott Hawkins’s modern cult classic The Library at Mount Char.
Moreno-Garcia’s (The Seventh Veil of Salome) latest is a triumph. For fans of intricately plotted horror that immerses readers in an alluring world, such as The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones or Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth.
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Murder in Pitigliano
Another worthy addition to Trinchieri’s series, this time set partly in a new city. Recommend to fans of Martin Walker’s “Bruno, Chief of Police” books.
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Doll Parts
Book group clubbers will come for the thoughtful exploration of serious themes, while fans in search of character-rich, academia-set suspense tales will enjoy the twisty plot.
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Jenny Cooper Has a Secret
This clever cat-and mouse game keeps readers guessing until the end about who is taking advantage of whom. Recommended for fans of Lisa Jewell.
A timely novel that deals with the treatment of Latina women. For fans of character-driven suspense and the magical realism of Isabel Allende, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Victor LaValle.
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Etiquette for Lovers and Killers
Readers will be surprised by the twists and turns in Healy’s debut. Billie and Avery are a match made in, well, not quite heaven, but they are certainly meant for each other.
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Her Many Faces
Though the plot centers on the murders of four men, readers will be drawn in more by the mystery of who Katie is.
This fourth action-packed Frankie Elkin installment (after Still See You Everywhere) will excite fans and newbies alike. It is filled with an odd assortment of wonderful characters, including a boa constrictor and an iguana. Alongside the mystery, Gardner ably describes the horrors of refugee camps and the trauma facing immigrants fleeing oppression.
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The Myth Maker
This standard mystery is perfect for fans of Greek mythology, provided they are patient enough to wait for the sequel.
Ryan (One Wrong Word) has written her best book to date, which should be on everyone’s reading list.
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Blood and Treasure
Brilliantly crafted escapist reading at its popcorn best for fans of Clive Cussler, Graham Brown, Matthew Reilly, and David Gibbins.
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The Cleaner
Watson’s novel builds real suspense by carefully revealing the layers of the characters and their stories.
Jackson’s (A Dash of Salt and Pepper) new novel would fit beautifully on a display with Daniel O’Malley’s “Checquy Files” and S.A. Hunt’s “Malus Domestica” series.
This tale of thriving after abuse and finding renewed hope in love leaves readers with a brutal, yet achingly romantic story.
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A Resistance of Witches
Ryan debuts with this alt-Britain historical fantasy that is an enjoyable read.
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The Last Soul Among Wolves
Caruso successfully balances emotion and action throughout the novel, and the unique magical world, slow-burn sapphic romance, and intriguing characters will delight readers.
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Sycorax
This origin story for a long-villainized character will appeal to fans of other feminist retellings such as Madeline Miller’s Circe.
Betrayal and hidden agendas abound in Kova’s (A Dawn with the Wolf Knight) latest, keeping fans of do-or-die magical competitions turning the pages. Perfect for those who like Jennifer L. Armentrout and Rachel Gillig.
This is a feel-good hopepunk story that will appeal to readers of both robot and AI-centered science fiction and is highly recommended for those who loved novels such as Adrian Tchaikovsky’s Service Model and Aimee Ogden’s Emergent Properties, as well as hopepunk stories such as Naomi Kritzer’s “The Year Without Sunshine.”
A must-read for fans of Naomi Novik, Olivie Blake, and Lev Grossman’s scholastic fantasies, with explorations of purpose, grief, and relationships that open the novel to a more universal audience.
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A Tale of Mirth and Magic
Readers can expect a quick, whirlwind romance with well-paced, steamy scenes between Elikki and Barra in this cozy fantasy debut. Hand to those who enjoy found family, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first.
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Teo’s Durumi
A solid choice for fans of Firefly or other spacefaring adventures with a strong romance component.
While loosely connected to 2024’s The Book of Doors, Brown’s latest stands alone as its own story filled with fascinating characters and an atmospheric setting.
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The Formidable Miss Cassidy
This wonderfully quirky start of a series from Boey (The Messiah Virus) is Mary Poppins meets Supernatural and blends Victorian-era motifs with Asian mythology.
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The Memory Hunters
Tsai’s (Bitter Medicine) latest will appeal to readers who like their fantasy with a touch of SF and vice versa.
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Hemlock and Silver
Featuring a unique “Snow White” retelling with amusing dialogue, relatable and likable characters, and a strangely magical mirror world, Kingfisher’s (A Sorceress Comes To Call) latest is another engaging read.
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Human Rites
A satisfying ending to this trilogy, tying up loose ends with strong actions and emotional arcs.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a good time-travel story that explores all the paradoxes and anyone who loves Nghi Vo’s “Singing Hills Cycle.”
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The Damned King
Set against a kingdom teetering on the edge of ruin, Anderson’s novel races toward an explosive and unexpected ending that will leave readers stunned.
With an incredibly unique magic system, interesting plotline, enemies-to-lovers romance, time-weaving, and an ending that will have readers begging for the next book in the series, Steven’s (Our Infinite Fates, writing as Laura Steven) adult debut is a must read for all fantasy romance readers.
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By the Horns
Dixon writes a steamy whodunit with fleshed-out characters in a broadening fantasy world.
Full of fascinating myth and magic, heart-pounding action, and a tender and sexy romance, Rapier’s superb debut offers a delightful pirate romantasy, first in a duology.
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The Magician of Tiger Castle
Sachar writes an engaging story from a magician’s perspective that feels adjacent to a fairy tale.
Romantasy fans will fall as hard for this series as the heroes do for each other and will be just as agonized when this middle book ends on a hellish cliffhanger.
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The Austen Affair
In her first adult novel, Bell (Liar’s Kingdom, writing as Christine Calella) turns the wit and charm all the way up. It is a perfect read for fans of Austen adaptations and also an excellent suggestion for those looking for a classic enemies-to-lovers storyline.
Well-written and engaging, this superb novel from Gonzalez (Miami Marriage Pact) will find plenty of fans.
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Head Witch in Charge
It won’t take readers long to figure out that Erik isn’t the villain he paints himself to be, but that won’t affect their enjoyment of this fun and sexy road-trip romance between perfectly mismatched witches. Although this is the second in Flynn’s “Sherwood Witches” series, after Witcha Gonna Do?, it can stand alone.
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Where You’re Planted
Sweeney’s follow-up to Take Me Home is a love letter to public librarianship, third spaces, and romance. Recommend to readers who also enjoy Kate Clayborn or Anita Kelly.
Turner (Cole and Laila Are Just Friends) has written another charming rom-com with a quirky small-town setting that features characters from past books. Recommend to readers who enjoy chaste small-town romances with heart.
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The Build-a-Boyfriend Project
Deaver’s (Okay, Cupid) adult debut will win fans with Peter’s awkwardness and quiet appeal, though Eli’s waffling nature may frustrate some. The romance is lighthearted without glossing over the societal challenges experienced by Peter and by Eli, who is a trans man.
Fairbanks’s second Galway-set story (after Morbidly Yours) is a sexy and sentimental second-chance romance that explores the true power of forgiveness. Perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez, Emily Henry, and Tessa Bailey.
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Love at First Sight
Williams’s witty writing and portrayal of character growth will hold appeal for fans of Paige Toon and Sophie Cousens.
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Let’s Make a Scene
Recommended for readers looking for celebrity and second-chance romances.
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Your Every Wish
Finz (Nothing Less than Magic) pens a charmer, with a surprise inheritance, hidden treasure, a psychic, multiple romantic possibilities, and familial relationships of every dynamic.
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How To Sell a Romance
This enemies-to-lovers story is fast-paced and ultra steamy. Martin’s (Next-Door Nemesis) fans and readers who appreciate romances without a third-act breakup will be enchanted.
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Endless Anger
This intense first entry in Miller’s new dark-academia romance series, a spinoff of the “Monsters and Muses” series, is full of heat and violence and the same allusions to Greek mythology that her readers know and love.
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Give Me a Reason
A contemporary romance that will appeal to readers seeking a quick read with familiar story lines from Persuasion.
YA author West’s (Better Than Revenge) adult debut gives second-chance romance and opposites-attract tropes a new twist. This engaging, witty, unputdownable romance is a must for all collections.
De la Rosa showcases her unmatched skill in mixing romance and historical fiction that spotlights Mexican characters.
Set during heated nights on Florida’s coast, with characters who are flawed, fabulous, and forced to write sexy scenes together, this is a sizzling romance debut from Kahn.
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Pugs and Kisses
Rochon’s (Pardon My Frenchie) heartfelt second-chance romance, filled with witty dialogue and endearing side characters, is sure to captivate anyone seeking a feel-good story.
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Love at First Sighting
Social media influencer El Martin is high up in the hills of Los Angeles getting ready to hike back to her car...
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For the Record
Readers will be cheering for Mackenzie and Sam in this fun second-chance romance.
A captivating, cozy tale that will resonate with romance fans. This tantalizing escape is more than a magical theater; it leads readers to consider the weight of past decisions and long-held secrets.
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Fools for Love: Stories
A couple of ghosts add an edginess to these stories whose spiky, sex-driven characters are all, definitely, fools for love.
Morrison meticulously and elegantly captures the essence of generational trauma and other psychological effects of enslavement. A must-have for all library collections.
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The Convenience Store by the Sea
For lovers of the uplifting and heartwarming and believers in humanity, a timely, lovely, and much-needed escape into a world of care for and consideration of others. Machida’s comforting and cozy read should resonate with fans of TJ Klune’s The House in the Cerulean Sea.
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That Last Carolina Summer
An accomplished storyteller, White frames her novel through the alternating voices of Phoebe and Celeste. The mystery unfolds without complicated twists, while the Manigaults’ reckoning with the past sets them on a path to truth and greater harmony.
Recommended for those interested in left-wing revolutions, alternate history, and family dramas and for readers of Gina María Balibrera and Colson Whitehead who want to view the meaning of romance from many angles.
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