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Short (a.k.a. “Ruby Vaughn Mysteries” author Jess Armstrong) masters the descriptions of the fierce winter lake in an atmospheric suspense novel of murder, gangsters, and desperation.
PREMIUM
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.
PREMIUM
Lightfall
A promising layered series starter that offers plenty for fantasy fans and mystery lovers alike.
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.
PREMIUM
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
PREMIUM
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.
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
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.
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.
PREMIUM
The Reluctant Sheriff
The sequel to Code of the Hills is an atmospheric, exquisitely written Southern noir.
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.
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.
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 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
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
Galaxy Raiders: Abyss
Douglas writes a thrilling military space adventure that pits a powerful woman captain against evil galactic overlords.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This page-turner from bestselling Bohjalian (The Princess of Las Vegas) will not disappoint fans of American Civil War narratives. The vividly drawn characters and historical details make for a compelling read.
PREMIUM
The Delicate Beast
An optional purchase for libraries seeking literary historical fiction about political violence and the Caribbean diaspora.
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.
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
The Case of the Missing Maid
Osler has created a likable heroine, a good mystery, and a solid LGBTQIA+ fiction entry.
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
The Matchmaker
An engaging, quick read, Saeed’s mystery-romance hybrid will be popular at public libraries.
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
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.
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
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.
PREMIUM
Shoot the Moon
Barry captures her protagonist’s history of trauma, loss, and addiction in ways that help this somewhat formulaic mystery ring true.
PREMIUM
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.
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
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
But Not Too Bold
Pueyo’s (A Study in Ugliness & outras histórias) novella is recommended for fans of dark fantasy and readers who wants to give monster romantasy a try.
PREMIUM
The Next Deadly Chapter
Fans of this long-running cozy series will find two delightful mysteries in one, contemporary and historical, in the sequel to Murder on Tour.
PREMIUM
Motheater
Readers may get caught in the quirks of character identity and somewhat superficial romance in Codega’s debut, but the detailed worldbuilding and prose will inspire comparisons to Alix E. Harrow.
With fluid writing and an unputdownable story, Jessen’s (Red String Theory) witty rom-com leans hard into the fake-dating trope with great success.
PREMIUM
Schooled in Murder
The first in the “Campus Sleuth Mysteries” series isn’t quite up to the quality of Gilbert’s “Blue Ridge Library” or “Hunter and Clewe” mysteries. However, fans of cozies set in the world of academia might enjoy.
PREMIUM
The Shutouts
Readers seeking cli-fi that celebrates queer characters and survival will find this a hopeful look at the future even after disaster.
PREMIUM
The Rainfall Market
A delightful story of friendship, found family, and the knowledge that happiness may merely require a change in perspective. Fans of cozy magical realism, such as The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee and Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi, will love this.
While some readers may find the lack of familiar characters and events disappointing, and the ending too quick, most will enjoy a fresh retelling that takes some bold liberties with Homer’s text while still keeping the story recognizable to those who know it well.
PREMIUM
A Lethal Walk in Lakeland
The sequel to A Deadly Walk in Devon is an atmospheric mystery with delightful descriptions of the countryside in the Lake District. The story may appeal to fans of closed-house or Golden Age mysteries.
PREMIUM
The Black Orb
This English-language debut by an award-winning Korean novelist is great for speculative-fiction lovers fascinated by humanity’s depravity, but perhaps a pass for readers desiring a triumphant apocalyptic thrill ride.
PREMIUM
The Reunion
Unfolding over the span of one night and set in the UK, this fun and nostalgic romance, rich in high school drama, will resonate with fans of the TV show Sex Education.
PREMIUM
Tea You at the Altar
These charming novels model an emotionally resonant, deeply fun, and intelligent relationship.
PREMIUM
Mask of the Deer Woman
Strongly consider this for public libraries, particularly those serving tribal land.
PREMIUM
The King’s Messenger
Kearsley (The Vanished Days) does a fantastic job of intertwining and bringing historical aspects to life within this fast-paced story. Highly recommended for romance and historical fiction readers.
There's romance at the track, in a small town, and by the lake this month in new novels from Simone Soltani, Ashley Herring Blake, and Carley Fortune.
Christopher Golden pens an atmospheric horror thriller, Sarah Pinborough offers a gothic novel, and Caitlin Starling writes a medieval horror with a touch of fantasy.
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
LJ Andrews starts a new series set in a fantasy Viking world, Danielle Jensen returns with the second in a series, and debuts include the first in a Celtic-inspired duology and a cursed, shapeshifting prince.
Emily Tesh writes a sapphic dark academia fantasy while Tochi Onyebuchi and Adam Oyebanji offer mystery-infused SFF.
PREMIUM
A Colby Christmas Rescue
Webb (Peril in Piney Woods) launches a suspenseful spin-off from her long-running “Colby Agency” series.
PREMIUM
Miss Right All Along
Gilmore’s (It Started with a Vegas Wedding) latest is a sweet and swoony contemporary romance for those who love a good cozy HEA.
PREMIUM
The Masquerading Twin
Mettner (The Silent Setup) continues a riveting story in the “Secure One” series. Past characters resurface, but this can also be read as a stand-alone.
PREMIUM
Lone Wolf in Lights
Readers who enjoyed the first book in the “Naked Moose” series, The Devil in Blue Jeans, won’t want to miss the latest installment, offering Christmas coziness with a hefty dose of sexiness.
PREMIUM
Cinderella’s Festive Fake Date
Baine’s (Highland Fling with Her Boss) heartwarming, fake-dating romance is highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Protecting the Newborn
Readers looking for a suspenseful read will be drawn to the latest from Fossen (The Sheriff’s Baby).
PREMIUM
The Lady’s Snowbound Scandal
Belgado (Game of Courtship with the Earl) crafts a compelling Victorian Christmas romance. This heartwarming holiday story is sweet and sexy.
PREMIUM
The Anti-Social Season
Buck’s opening novel in her “First Responders” series, Fake Flame, was a treat. Fans of that novel will certainly want to read this.
PREMIUM
One-Night Baby with the Best Man
In this enjoyable surprise-pregnancy romance from Meier (Mother of the Bride’s Second Chance), readers will appreciate seeing Marietta and Rico work together for their HEA.
PREMIUM
Killer in the Kennel
Their story unfolds as Piñeiro (Escape the Everglades) weaves an exciting and terrifying adventure throughout the pages. Vivid imagery and heartfelt emotions will quickly draw readers in.
In this steamy, enemies-to-lovers Regency romance, Gaston (The Lady Behind the Masquerade) crafts a compelling story about defying family feuds to follow one’s heart.
PREMIUM
Christmas Bride’s Stand-In Groom
Pembroke (Socialite’s Nine Month Secret) writes an adorable, not-to-be-missed romance that plays on the marriage-of-convenience trope.
PREMIUM
Wyoming Undercover Escape
Rushdan (Wyoming Ranch Justice) is a seasoned writer who skillfully pens a fast-paced romance that also features family, friends, and the brotherhood of a motorcycle club.
PREMIUM
The Perfect Murder
Richards (Lakeside Secrets) brings readers back to their favorite security company while effortlessly introducing new characters, soon to become favorites.
In this second steamy installment of the “Matchmakers of Bath” series, the younger St. Aubin sister finds her match. McCabe (The Earl’s Cinderella Countess) presents a festive fake-engagement Regency romance.
PREMIUM
The Ice Retreat
Readers who prefer a likable narrator may be slow to warm to Hollie’s icy personality and hidden inner turmoil. But the suspense, the gothic setting, and a few unexpected twists will hook audiences into the mystery of what goes on behind the Ice Retreat’s locked doors.
This is a must for any library keeping abreast of the current zeitgeist of horror. It will appeal to more literary readers as well, as Chizmar is an expert at his craft. Some good companion books are My Best Friend’s Exorcism by Grady Hendrix, Edgar Cantero’s Meddling Kids, and Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Silver Nitrate.
M.M. Olivas calls herself a “Chicana-futurist” and has had work published in such outlets as Uncanny Magazine, Weird Horror Magazine, and Apex. Her debut novel, Sundown in San Ojuela, will be published in November by Lanternfish Press. She talks with LJ about her interest in the horror genre, its cinematic connections, and the role of folklore in her novel.
In Too Deep by Lee Child & Andrew Child is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Rachel Howzell Hall starts a new series featuring an LAPD cop, Freya Sampson sets her newest within a dysfunctional book club, and the sheep are on the case in Leonie Swann's latest.
Big books out this month include titles from Carl Hiaasen, Chris Pavone, Nora Roberts, and Brendan Slocumb.
This powerful, provocative novel humanizes the staggering statistics of thousands of Indigenous women who go missing or are murdered. This gripping story is for readers of Rendon’s Cash Blackbear series or Ramona Emerson’s books.
PREMIUM
The Finest Print
Langston is a skilled crafter of scene, plot, and character, and she showcases those talents in this earnest, heartrending novel.
PREMIUM
The Last Light over Oslo
Purchase where WWII novels with women protagonists fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
The Restaurant of Lost Recipes
First published in Japan in 2014, this novel serves as the equivalent of delightful comfort food.
PREMIUM
The Autumn of Ruth Winters
This is a feel-good novel that should appeal to fans of Phaedra Patrick, Jojo Moyes, and Kirsten Miller. Utterly charming. Recommended.
This debut novel is sheer magic, a perfect read. It exudes a palpable warmth, and there’s no waste in verbiage or plot.
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