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Now or Never by Janet Evanovich is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Readers can look forward to new suspense from Lisa Jewell, psychological thrillers from Matthew Blake and Liv Constantine, and a Godfather-inspired Southern crime epic from S.A. Cosby this month.
Bestselling Laura Lippman returns with a book featuring middle-aged widow Muriel Blossom from her Tess Monaghan books, Nilima Rao writes a second Sergeant Akal Singh historical mystery, and Sally Smith debuts with a cozy gaslight series set in 1901 London.
A charming romance from Douglas (Tempted by Her Greek Island Bodyguard) that is sure to delight readers who love a gruff hero.
PREMIUM
Holiday Under Wraps
Mettner (The Silent Setup) continues the “Secure One” series with another adventurous edge-of-the-seat thriller.
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Tracking Down the Lawman’s Son
Fossen (The Sheriff’s Baby) brings these two characters together in a skillfully and emotionally written romance that will tug on heartstrings.
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Cold Case Protection
This latest release from Helm (Cold Case Scandal) invites readers back into the Hudson family by resurfacing original characters and introducing new ones. Fans will love catching up on all the latest drama, and new readers will welcome the juicy family gossip as they follow Cash and Carlyle’s love story.
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One Waltz with the Viscount
Martin (The Kiss That Made Her Countess) begins her “Cinderella Shepherd Sisters” series with this steamy forbidden love historical romance.
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When Cinderella Met the Duke
Williams (The Secret She Kept from the Earl) presents a playful Regency romance with a flirtatious fairy-tale plot. This “Cinderella” story is sweet and seductive.
Burrows (The Countess’s Forgotten Marriage) presents a charming and chaste “Cinderella” story wrapped in a Regency romance. This heartwarming tale is an engaging and uplifting read.
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Twin Jeopardy
Through many twists and turns, Myers (Mile High Mystery) skillfully writes a fast-paced, suspenseful story that will keep readers guessing until the end.
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Danger in Dade
Piñeiro (Escape the Everglades) weaves a story through the Florida South Beach district that overflows with well-developed characters, both human and canine.
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Beauty and the Brooding CEO
Hyland’s (How To Tame a King) contemporary romance with a “Beauty and the Beast” flair is a keeper.
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Prince’s Reunion in Paradise
Acheampong’s (The Christmas That Changed Everything) latest is perfect to cozy up with on a cold winter night.
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Wyoming Christmas Conspiracy
Rushdan (Wyoming Ranch Justice) delivers an exciting romance full of adventure and scheming.
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Royally Forbidden to the Boss
Clarke’s (The Prince She Kissed in Paris) romance with a royal secret is sure to be a fan favorite for those who love hidden identities.
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The Bitter Truth
Readers of mystery and suspense will enjoy the intricate way Williams deftly weaves the characters together and exposes atrocities at the hands of someone sworn to protect the public.
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Southern Man
An epic and timely political thriller for Iles’s fans and listeners with time to burn.
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Little Rot
A propulsive journey into a Nigerian underworld that is both intoxicating and gritty, recommended for fans of Rijula Das’s Small Deaths.
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The Phoenix Ballroom
Fans of Hogan’s heartwarming The Keeper of Lost Things will be enchanted. Also recommended for those who enjoyed Jan Karon’s Mitford novels.
A listening experience akin to Daisy Jones and the Six as written by Stephen Graham Jones, performed by some of the best voice acting talent in the field.
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Storm Warning
Fans of Lynette Eason and Nancy Mehl will love this thrill-a-minute ride from Goddard (Hidden in the Night).
Bollen (The Lost Americans) delivers a hilarious yet dark sendup reminiscent of The Bad Seed as Maggie and Otto go to war to see who will rule the Royal Karnak. Readers will enjoy Bollen’s ringside seat to a war of the ages.
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The Lost House
This atmospheric, slow-paced suspense from Larsen (Shutter) will appeal to readers who enjoy descriptive crime novels set in isolated Nordic countries.
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Perfect Storm
Shelton wraps up the Travis Walker storyline and brings all the characters together in the sequel to Lost Hours, a satisfying conclusion that will be enjoyed by followers of the series.
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Invisible Helix
Higashino’s fifth Detective Galileo procedural (after Silent Parade) relies too much on coincidence and contrivance to solve Ryoto’s murder, which may cause readers to wonder how Professor Galileo comes to puzzle out the case.
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A Slash of Emerald
Historical fiction fans will delight in this moody Victorian mystery that will transport them back in time. Suggest to readers of Irina Shapiro.
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Something in the Walls
In this tense page-turner, Pearce (The Missing) weaves together folklore and horror to create a haunting suspense novel that readers will not soon forget.
This month's historical novels include a Jane Austen–inspired tale from Natalie Jenner, a World War II story set on Martha's Vineyard by Martha Hall Kelly, and a matriarch's tale of land and legacy in the Lowcountry of South Carolina from Mary Alice Monroe.
To Die For by David Baldacci is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Blue Bloods showrunner Wade showcases his talents on the page with this compelling police procedural.
Highly recommended for readers of sci-fi thrillers, cli-fi, and bioterrorism thrillers, and Tom Clancy fans who enjoy a bit of SF in their political thrillers.
Philip Fracassi offers a technothriller with a different take on time travel, while Andrew Ludington debuts with a time-travel caper wrapped around a slice of historical fiction.
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Church Girl
Simone’s (An Off-Limits Merger) latest is a sexy story that’s sure to be catnip for fans of the bad boy/good girl trope and single dad/nanny romances.
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The Grump Whisperer
James’s (Too Hot To Touch) first Afterglow title will appeal to readers who enjoy a low-key grumpy/sunshine dynamic and romances with relatively little angst.
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Godwin
An intriguing look into unsavory backroom deals and the pressures and legacies of colonialism, late capitalism, and greed. This makes an impact.
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Wild Ground
A raw and harrowing narrative, beautifully narrated. Listeners will feel the characters’ heartbreak, underwritten by their desire for connection and acceptance.
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The Lost Boy of Santa Chionia
Listeners will appreciate the wildness of Grames’s setting while the realistically voiced mystery unfolds.
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Sleeping Giants
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an intricate suspense about cruelty and corruption in the child welfare system. Recommended for fans of Sally Hepworth, Jennifer McMahon, and Lisa Jewell.
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Camp Jeff
This exuberant satire, rich in biting caricatures of uniformly over-the-top characters, is the opposite of neat or tidy. The result is a novel that’s insightful and hilarious in parts but eventually runs out of steam.
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What It’s Like in Words
Obsessive love is at the heart of this compulsively readable debut novel, which should appeal to fans of Colleen Hoover.
LJ Best Booker Shokoofeh Azar has a new book, Lambda Award winner Marisa Crane returns with a coming-of-age novel, and Scotiabank Giller Prize winner Madeleine Thien offers a story that leaps across centuries; plus five debuts to note.
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
GMA Book Club pick author Disha Bose offers a coming-of-age story about a woman who moves from Calcutta to Ireland, while Oprah’s Book Club author Wally Lamb returns with a novel about a young father in prison who finds kinship with the prison librarian.
By day, Michael Nayak is Doctor/Major Nayak at DARPA (the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). He talks with LJ about his debut novel, Symbiote, his tenure at the South Pole, his writing inspiration, and the work of DARPA imagining the future.
This year’s investigation into the realms and labs of fantasy and science fiction reveals a genre with pure magnetic attraction, while genre blends—from romantasy to SF mystery to SFF horror—redefine what’s possible and rocket toward their day in the sun.
With fluid writing and an unputdownable story, Jessen’s witty rom-com leans hard into the fake-dating trope with great success.
This momentous tour de force overtops existing works on robots by leaps and bounds, approaching the subject with a subtlety that allows readers to focus on the effects robots are sure to have in the future.
Appearances are deceiving in this fast-paced thriller, and the characters are introduced gradually so as not to overwhelm the outstanding series debut.
PREMIUM
The Map of Bones
A satisfying and dramatic conclusion to Mosse’s centuries-spanning family saga. The detailed, woman-centric series showcases her talents as a storyteller and is both well-considered and well-written. Devoted Joubert fans will adore the finale, but new readers can also enjoy the novel, which works as a stand-alone.
PREMIUM
A Girl Like Us
With its fast-paced intriguing prose, this story filled with complicated family dynamics à la Saltburn or Succession, coupled with the isolation of a Ruth Ware novel or Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, will appeal to mystery/thriller lovers.
PREMIUM
The Reluctant Sheriff
The sequel to Code of the Hills is an atmospheric, exquisitely written Southern noir.
Blue Bloods fans will delight as Wade delivers a complicated police drama of the Don Winslow variety, written in the neo-noir style of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser books.
PREMIUM
The Case of the Missing Maid
Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry.
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The Matchmaker
An engaging, quick read, Saeed’s mystery-romance hybrid will be popular at public libraries.
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My Darling Boy
Readers who like the slow burn of a mystery will enjoy this atmospheric thriller. Recommend to fans of Tana French or Kate Morton.
The author of The End of the Road introduces a determined, innovative courier in the vein of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher or James Byrne’s Dez Limerick. Appearances are deceiving in this fast-paced thriller, and the characters are introduced gradually so as not to overwhelm the outstanding series debut.
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Shoot the Moon
Barry captures her protagonist’s history of trauma, loss, and addiction in ways that help this somewhat formulaic mystery ring true.
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You Can’t Hurt Me
Pages fly by as secrets rise to the surface, and the engrossing premise keeps readers speculating. This debut builds alluring suspense into an exhilarating twist.
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The Lodge
Readers will love Olson’s (The Reunion) trademark blend of romance and pop culture and the unique spin on the traditional third-act conflict, which ultimately leads to a satisfying conclusion.
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Once Smitten, Twice Shy
Told from alternating points of view, with main characters who are autistic and living with a chronic illness, and featuring a large and supportive network of friends and family, this satisfying romance is a celebration of love, family, and inclusivity.
PREMIUM
Book Boyfriend
Readers who enjoyed Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game will love this charming enemies-to-lovers story, and it will be adored by anyone who’s passionate about their favorite book fandoms.
Randall (The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic) has created an appealing cozy magical world. This enemies-to-lovers romance has plenty of twists and secrets that build tension alongside the slow-burn of Calliope and Lucien’s relationship. Hand to fans of Sangu Mandanna and Sarah Hawley.
Originally self-published and now traditionally published with bonus content, Bishop’s (“Lost & Found” series) scorching hot, smart, hilarious, and touching novel is highly recommended for all collections.
PREMIUM
The Trouble with Anna
A unique heroine elevates this enemies-to-lovers, engagement-of-convenience tale that will delight historical romance fans.
PREMIUM
You Between the Lines
Naymon’s sparkling, propulsive writing, well-drawn secondary characters, and believable conflicts make this perfect blend of sweet and sexy a must-read debut. Perfect for fans of Jessica Joyce.
PREMIUM
The Last Raven
With a young naive heroine and big plot twists, Jones (“Ambeth Chronicles” series) writes a drama-filled take on vampires in the modern world that will hold most appeal for readers of YA and new adult romance.
PREMIUM
Let’s Call a Truce
Buchanan’s debut hits all of the right notes, leading up to a sweet and satisfying ending for Ben and Juliana. This twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope that also sensitively explores dating while grieving is perfect for fans of workplace romances.
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Work in Progress
Mackenzie’s debut is a rewarding, banter-filled enemies-to-lovers rom-com that checks every box with a cozy cast of supporting characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and two main characters readers will care about.
PREMIUM
Spiral
Khabra’s skillful portrayal of her characters’ personal struggles and their growing bond makes for an engaging read that goes beyond the typical sports romance formula. Thanks to its well-paced narrative and ample steamy moments, readers will find themselves engrossed in this hockey-meets-ballet romance.
PREMIUM
I Think They Love You
A fake relationship becomes a real second chance at love in YA author Winters’s adult debut that delivers a thoughtful message amid steamy scenes and tropey plot twists.
Showcasing what she does best, Chase pens another winner. Series fans will be delighted, and new readers can jump into the story here.
PREMIUM
Celebrity Crush
Set against a Hollywood backdrop, readers will enjoy Swift’s fun and glitzy debut novel filled with just enough twists to keep them guessing.
A stunning book by Bastone (Ready or Not), who delivers another slow-burn and emotional romance that doesn’t shy away from also exploring life’s hardest moments. Recommended for readers who also enjoy Abby Jimenez.
PREMIUM
Spring Fling
Noblin (Christmas at Corgi Cove) offers a slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance, perfect for fans of small-town charmers and authors such as Sarah Adams.
PREMIUM
A Tempest of Desire
Fans of Sophie Jordan and Eloisa James will be captivated by this story of passion, romance, and overcoming life’s obstacles.
PREMIUM
Lightfall
A promising layered series starter that offers plenty for fantasy fans and mystery lovers alike.
PREMIUM
An Honored Vow
The climactic final volume of the “Halfling Saga,” after A Vicious Game, is filled with high-stakes action, choices, and consequences. Romantasy fans should add this series to their reading list.
Originally self-published and now being released by a traditional publisher, this gripping sequel to Spark of the Everflame finds Diem trying to defeat the Descended out to see her fail. Readers will be clamoring for the next in the series after the cliffhanger ending.
PREMIUM
The Martian Contingency
This well-paced novel and satisfying fourth title in Kowal’s series, after The Relentless Moon, brings back familiar characters and continues to balance scientific details with character relationships.
PREMIUM
Galaxy Raiders: Abyss
Douglas writes a thrilling military space adventure that pits a powerful woman captain against evil galactic overlords.
PREMIUM
Hammajang Luck
Fans of Ocean’s Eight and Leverage will find this a delightful ode to team heists. The enemies-to-lovers trope, queer characters, and Hawaiian culture and language create a unique backdrop for a familiar plot line.
PREMIUM
Gate to Kagoshima
Fans of Outlander will appreciate Kuroki’s (“Black Diamond” series) treatment of a familiar story, while the Japanese setting, language, and culture sprinkled throughout are a fresh addition to the genre.
This momentous tour de force overtops existing works on robots by leaps and bounds, approaching the subject with a subtlety that allows readers to focus on the effects robots are sure to have in the future; a meditation on and an illustration of human and robot relationships in which it is difficult to distinguish between them.
PREMIUM
Splinter Effect
Ludington’s thrilling debut is a time-travel caper wrapped around a slice of historical fiction, but the heart of this story is Rabbit’s desperation to fix the things and people that he broke even if he has to outrun shadowy criminal time-looters and shady government agencies looking for scapegoats, in the past and in the present.
PREMIUM
A Harvest of Hearts
Eames (The Secret Circus) offers a delightful modern fairy tale in which the heroine is determined to save herself. The atmospheric setting and layered plot will please fantasy readers.
PREMIUM
The Third Rule of Time Travel
Fracassi (Boys in the Valley) turns from horror to sci-fi in his latest. Recommended for fans of technothrillers and those looking for a different take on time travel.
PREMIUM
Harlem Rhapsody
While the historical facts could be more smoothly woven into the flow of the story, this bibliophilic novel will please fans of the bestselling historical novels that Murray coauthored with Marie Benedict (The Personal Librarian and The First Ladies).
PREMIUM
The Unbecoming of Margaret Wolf
This historical novel may be of interest to readers who enjoy fiction about theater and the United States at midcentury, especially if they prefer slow-moving stories with an emphasis on atmosphere and characterization. A good pick for fans of Patti Callahan Henry and Marie Benedict.
PREMIUM
The Memory Dress
Readers who enjoy dual-timeline novels will enjoy Beer’s (The Last Dress from Paris) latest, which also includes a sweet, low-key romance for Jayne.
With empathy and insight, Allegri crafts a vividly realized historical novel that not only illuminates one of history’s saddest times but also illustrates the power of compassion and kindness to drive away the dark.
PREMIUM
When We Grow Up
This novel leans heavily on its setting and will appeal to readers who gravitate toward dramatic relationship fiction, a sort of cross between Hanya Yanihariga’s A Little Life and the 1985 Brat Pack movie St. Elmo’s Fire.
PREMIUM
The Champagne Letters
This intriguing and engaging blend of real history and fiction includes well-rounded characters. General fiction readers will enjoy this recommended novel, and so will fans of French wine. A good pairing with the recent 2023 biopic Widow Clicquot directed by Thomas Napper.
PREMIUM
Only Here, Only Now
This recommended novel aptly emphasizes the challenges of poverty, orphanhood, and food and housing insecurity for a teen trying to have a good life.
The harsh reality of animal death, animal cruelty, and elimination of invasive species (i.e., killing one species to save another) depicted here might turn off those who are sensitive to these subjects, but readers who enjoy heavy topics and an intensifying slow-burn will enjoy this highly recommended novel.
PREMIUM
To Save the Man
Culturally sensitive and impressive storytelling resonates alongside disconcerting points of view of those claiming to help children. Recommended for fans of David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon.
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