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LitHub releases the list of its most anticipated books of 2025. New year previews also arrive from Electric Lit, BookRiot, and Vogue. Barnes & Noble announces plans to open 60 new stores in 2025. Meta signals an end to its third-party fact-checking program. Diana Gabaldon shares a new Outlander excerpt. Vox examines: “Are men’s reading habits truly a national crisis?” Bestselling thriller author Andrew Pyper has died at the age of 56.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams leads holds this week. Also in demand are titles by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, Fiona Davis, Danielle Steel, and Alafair Burke. People’s book of the week is Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love by Marianne Cronin. Audiofile announces the January Earphones Award winners. Jenna Bush Hager selects The Life Cycle of the Common Octopus by Emma Knight for her January book club. The film and TV adaptations for Conclave, Wicked, Shōgun, I’m Still Here, and The Penguin win Golden Globes. Plus, what to read in 2025.
Thielman’s novel offers something for nearly every reader: art history, the French Revolution, the United States’ westward expansion, a treasure hunt, and of course, murder and a good police procedural set in beautiful Yellowstone National Park. May appeal to fans of Dan Brown, Meg Gardiner, and Ace Atkins.
Between the cheeky humor of TV’s Only Murders in the Building and the grim, psychological recasting of facts through fiction and memory (as exemplified by Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl), Winstead’s novel breathes life into stories that, the narrator hints, might be better off dead and buried.
McCluskey’s gripping debut features an isolated island with a brooding, storm-tossed atmosphere, reminiscent of Ann Cleeves’s “Shetland Island” mysteries. The violence and collusion lead to a shocking conclusion.
PREMIUM
Cat Got Your Killer
The 12th “Second Chance Cat Mystery,” following Fur Love or Money, might have a few too many characters, but fans of the series, the author’s “Magical Cats” novels (written under the name Sofie Kelly), or Miranda James’s “Cat in the Stacks” mysteries will enjoy the book.
PREMIUM
Listen to Your Sister
For fans of character-centered, emotional, and thought-provoking horror, such as Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman and A Light Most Hateful by Hailey Piper. Viel’s novel also has some serious Dark Matter by Blake Crouch vibes that will draw in a wider pool of readers.
PREMIUM
Dead Writers: Stories
This deeply unsettling and insidious psychological horror collection evokes feelings that will linger with readers, similar to Ananda Lima’s Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil or the work of Samanta Schweblin.
A stellar collection for fans of horror that creates connected mythos centered around the horror of a place (see the work of Josh Malerman), as well as for readers who appreciate illicitly alluring, biting short stories that smack them over the head, of the kind written by Sarah Read and Cassandra Khaw.
PREMIUM
Old Soul
Barker’s (The Incarnations) novel offers both sinister ancient evil, such as in Devils Kill Devils by Johnny Compton, and an emotionally resonant, supernatural thriller asking readers to grapple with mortality, akin to Forgotten Sisters by Cynthia Pelayo.
Cassidy’s original and thought-provoking take on the werewolf trope will appeal to fans of fast-paced horror featuring strong characterization, such as classic Dean Koontz, the books documented in Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks from Hell, and anything by Brian Keene.
PREMIUM
Their Monstrous Hearts
A solid debut to offer enthusiastically to fans of horror framed by dangerous family secrets, such as Midnight Rooms by Donyae Coles, Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and Now You’re One of Us by Asa Nonami.
This novella has even wider appeal than Bazterrica’s successful debut, Tender Is the Flesh, and it is even more immersive and disquieting, as the apocalyptic climate it describes hits closer to home. Suggest to fans of works as varied as Matrix by Lauren Groff, Pink Slime by Fernanda Trías, and anything by Gwendolyn Kiste.
A thought-provoking book serving as a potent biography of a library pioneer and a call to action for library professionals to consider the true cost of systemic biases.
These volumes serve as a rich resource for understanding Christianity’s evolution and influence as Stuart guides readers through Christianity’s impact across centuries and continents. Useful for all levels of scholars on this subject.
PREMIUM
Name Your Price
While listeners seeking a more layered story may be disappointed, this rom-com should appeal to those who enjoy lighthearted romances in the vein of Maggie Knox’s All I Want for Christmas.
PREMIUM
Death at the Sign of the Rook
A treat for audio mystery listeners, with just the right amount of suspense, humor, and intrigue. Atkinson’s many fans will be pleased.
PREMIUM
The Mercy of Gods
A somber, steady tale of alien empire and resistance from within that sets up a promising trilogy.
PREMIUM
My Mother Cursed My Name
An absorbing story of generational trauma and family love, full of gentle humor and just the right amount of magical realism.
PREMIUM
The Au Pair Affair
This is not to be missed for fans of sports romances and authors like Elle Kennedy or Meghan Quinn.
PREMIUM
Betrothal or Breakaway
A heartwarming addition to contemporary sports romance collections, perfect for listeners who enjoy low-steam stories and authors such as Jenny Proctor or Allison Ashley.
PREMIUM
The Examiner
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a stylistically complex crime novel about creativity, conspiracy, and competition. Recommended for fans of Paula Hawkins, A.J. Finn, and Claire Douglas.
PREMIUM
Midnight Rooms
This gothic novel will have listeners on tenterhooks, wondering if Orabella is losing her grip on reality or if she really is trapped in a living nightmare.
PREMIUM
Murder at Vinland
An engagingly narrated historical mystery that provides a fascinating window into Gilded Age Newport high-society and the work of conservation-minded individuals.
A heartfelt story that is sure to make an excellent addition to libraries looking to expand their contemporary queer romance collections. (Both Kit and Theo are bisexual.) Highly recommended for fans of Timothy Janovski and Steven Rowley.
PREMIUM
There Are Rivers in the Sky
A complex and moving novel, connecting past with present through stories, culture, and the magic of a single raindrop.
Misogyny, sexism, and gossip run rampant in Paul’s retelling of this celebrated history, taking listeners back to a time when friendship trumped competition. The audiobook is fast-paced and lively, engaging and delightfully racy. Nancy and the Jackies reach for the brass ring with dignity, zest, and sublime humor.
PREMIUM
Teddy
A tantalizing escape for listeners who enjoy decadent historical fiction with unexpected twists.
PREMIUM
Let the Games Begin
This swoony and heartfelt debut would be a great addition to any library’s contemporary sports romance collection. Guaranteed to appeal to fans of authors such as Jasmine Guillory, Denise Williams, or Talia Hibbert.
PREMIUM
The Nude
Lindley’s debut novel is a thorny story about human connections, art, desire, and greed. Share with those who enjoyed Thomas Van Essen’s The Center of the World: A Novel of J. M. W. Turner and His Lost Painting.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a short but cinematic story of witchcraft and womanhood. Recommended for fans of Deborah Harkness and Freya Marske.
PREMIUM
Flashpoint
A fast-paced and intriguing thriller, perfect for Coulter’s many fans or anyone seeking an intricate and suspenseful listen.
PREMIUM
The Singer Sisters
For fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Daisy Jones and the Six and intergenerational family stories.
PREMIUM
Peggy
Godfrey paints a magnificent portrait of the woman who transformed the Guggenheim name and fostered a brilliant cultural legacy. Listeners will be enthralled.
A great addition for DIY and home improvement collections, and a title that will add a fun twist to travel displays.
A master class in patisserie for fledgling pastry chefs, as well as an aspirational guide to the subject for ambitious home bakers.
PREMIUM
The NEAT Method Organizing Recipe Book: 70 Simple Projects To Take Your Home from Chaos to Composed
A useful addition for readers who enjoy the Good Housekeeping series of how-to books.
Writing with all the warmth of a Southern-flavored Erma Bombeck and the sassy sense of humor found in Helen Ellis’s Southern Lady Code, Greene’s book deftly dispenses a bevy of delicious dishes that celebrate Southern home cooking at its best.
Accessible to beginners yet interesting for readers with some dyeing experience, this guide will appeal to fiber enthusiasts who want to expand the range of colors available to them and are willing to experiment.
The short and easy-to-read nature of this book makes it accessible to a wide general audience. Lovers of history and its relation to arts and crafts won't want to put it down.
This practical, comprehensive book is an essential guide that is packed with valuable insights and unique strategies for readers looking to innovate their winter farming practices. It’s a great resource for gardeners, farmers, homesteaders, and curious readers. This work makes a wonderful addition to collections too.
PREMIUM
Cats of the World
An engaging text accompanied by beautiful photographs in which the wonderful settings are secondary to the multitude of cats to swoon over. Best for animal lovers and supporters.
Gardeners of all levels will relish reading about and viewing this wide range of varied, inspirational gardens that are chock-full of all types of plants, reflecting the interests and personalities of their creators.
Leapman is a legend in the fiber arts world, and any new book by her is an essential purchase. The array and diversity of stitches featured here will have crocheters itching to pick up their hook and try them.
Like paint-by-numbers but for drawing figures, this book will be helpful for budding cartoonists and those who want to draw people without a lot of instruction on technique.
PREMIUM
CRUSH Your Money Goals: 25 Smart Money Habits To Save, Invest, and Fast-Track Your Financial Freedom
Joy is a big voice in debt management and personal finance, and her book empowers readers to realize their own lives are worth the investment.
PREMIUM
Dragonfly-Friendly Gardening
Though niche, this brief guide on building and maintaining a dragonfly- and damselfly-friendly environment will circulate well in libraries.
Probably not for the absolute beginner, but accessible for someone who’s made a few quilts. Experienced quilters who prefer structure over spontaneity will find much of value here.
In this straightforward yet sophisticated work, Beck once again demonstrates why Oprah Winfrey has called her “one of the smartest women I know.”
From sweet starts to the day and simple takes on classics to creative showstoppers, these recipes will appeal to home bakers looking for a variety of sweet treats that they can make without expensive ingredients if they remain attentive to process, ingredient measurements, and bake times.
PREMIUM
Mojave Desert Wildflowers
Flower fans, hikers, and tourists will find this guide extremely helpful for planning their Mojave Desert trip, and it has maximum visual and botanical appeal.
In this charming collection, the pleasure is in the view, delivered with all the quirky, stylistic, color-saturated wonder an Anderson fan could want.
An encouraging program for readers who have found that pushing through hasn’t worked and want a gentler approach to life, coached by an engaging, empathetic, supportive guide.
PREMIUM
50 Things To Do in the Snow
This book offers a range of imaginative and entertaining activities and crafts that will appeal to anyone who loves snow and winter.
Hoeppner offers effective practices for improving communication skills, plus excellent advice on acknowledging nerves and managing anxiety about speaking.
A must have for any collection looking to add a well-written, unexpected, and highly entertaining and delicious take on regional Italian cooking and locale.
A must-have for creative readers, this successful guidebook by a respected artist will find an eager audience.
With so many knitting and crochet books providing expensive yarn recommendations and patterns that depend on precision, this book will satisfy the itch to stitch for people who enjoy a little more freedom and flow without sacrificing form and function.
While this may be a little daunting for inexperienced cooks, it is a must-have for ambitious foodies who love to grill. A fun addition to any library collection.
New York–area libraries with larger travel sections already established will find this a beautiful addition for their patrons to browse through. This book can also be valuable for readers interested in landscape aerial photography.
Like many works on longevity, Smith’s leans heavily into how lifestyle contributes to aging. The actionable steps for incorporating practices into daily life may empower readers to have more nuanced conversations with their doctors about how to embrace health and strength while aging.
This engaging, encouraging, and accessible guide to houseplant propagation will appeal to plant parents everywhere.
While some of these recipes may be too fussy for less-experienced home cooks, Soteriou equips readers with the tools they need to create big, boldly flavored, visually appealing dishes that may mark her as the next iconic vegan of Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s ilk.
PREMIUM
Tidy Up Your Life: Rethinking How To Organize, Declutter, and Make Space for What Matters Most
Though there are many cleaning and tidying books around, this one is particularly astute. It cuts to the chase with foundational advice that makes incremental changes achievable and is recommended for most collections.
Cooks who fell in love with the food of Southern France in Rebekah Peppler’s Le Sud or discovered the joys of cooking in Maine with Erin French’s The Lost Kitchen will be equally enamored with Clark’s loving culinary celebration of the best that California’s Central Coast has to offer.
Worth picking up for Gay’s introspective yet inclusive introduction alone, this new collection provides accessible entry points into feminism and offers even advanced scholars new ways of viewing the complex, intersectional histories of feminist thought, literature, and action.
This book is recommended and appropriate for libraries supporting students and general readers interested in exploring governmental policies from abroad that could work in the U.S.
Emotional, raw, and real, this memoir is a deep dive into one couple’s trials and triumphs to redefine marriage to fit their lives and needs. A valuable addition to memoir collections.
A fresh take on banking that will show readers how credit unions and community banks can improve the social, economic, and environmental situations of the people they serve.
This compelling, evocative book expertly centers queer writing and resilience to imagine new approaches to living during environmental crises. It’s an excellent choice for scholars, students, and general readers of queer studies and ecocriticism. Pair with The Queerness of Water: Troubled Ecologies in the Eighteenth Century by Jeremy Chow.
Written in clear prose with well-founded arguments, this book, heavily illustrated with archival photographs and drawings, makes an excellent addition to history collections. For general audiences interested in Americana.
Many family photos enliven this engrossing, recommended history that will take readers right into the difficult times it depicts.
Steves’s journal offers a window into time, before travel through the greater Middle East became vastly more complicated. Recommended for Steves’s fans and armchair travelers.
Fascinating insight into the lives of two remarkable women who may be unfamiliar to readers in the United States. Especially recommended for readers interested in biographies about royals.
Allensworth gives readers accessible descriptions of the professional licensing process and attendant problems. She explains the reasons for caring about this weighty topic and suggests solutions.
This well-written, accessible history is a significant contribution to the literature on the American Revolutionary War. Maass’s blend of thorough research, engaging stories, and expert analysis make this book a must, especially for U.S. history readers.
Brilliant, unflinching, and written with the same heady, literary sophistication as Yuknavitch’s novels. Compounded by real moments of narrative vulnerability, this memoir is as much an act of dismembering as it is of remembering.
This scholarly work does a good job of indicating the nuances and the conflict between Okinawa and the U.S.-Japan alliance. Recommended for graduate students and readers interested in modern East Asia.
This exhaustive work will find a readership among specialists, as it details key battles and ideological impetuses of important figures. Sheppard also succinctly explains the reasoning behind crucial events during a turning point in European history.
PREMIUM
The Worst Trickster Story Ever Told: Native America, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Constitution
Blending serious scholarship with a chatty and lively narrative style, this introduction to plenary power within the context of relations between the U.S. and Indigenous peoples will intrigue law students, advocates, and general readers.
Using archival records, stories from Maynial’s family, and an interview with the last surviving nurse from the Blue Squadron, this book delivers a gripping, affectionate account of these women’s heroic work. Best for history, gender studies, and human-interest readers.
Green offers a foundational understanding of Black Civil War memory and encourages readers to continue to ask questions and gather more stories before they are further lost to time, thus continuing to dispel misconceptions and misinterpretations. An excellent companion to Levin’s Searching for Black Confederates and Roberts and Kyrtle’s Denmark Vesey’s Garden.
The lack of books on the Boy Scouts largest summer camp makes this deeply personal, captivating, and accessible title an essential addition to true crime collections.
A thought-provoking analysis of modern marketing tactics that empowers consumers to ameliorate its effects. This will appeal to social sciences–based critics of contemporary marketing.
Based on a unique set of sources, this heart-wrenching work should be read by all focused on enslavement studies as well as American and Civil War history.
Ewing’s profound work is a must read for politicians, school board members, education administrators, and teachers. It would also be an excellent addition to professional development and teacher education programs.
Vulnerable yet acerbic, this moving interrogation of the stories that helped Chihaya survive in a predominantly white environment validates the real and raw ways in which books shape people’s internal and external identities in personal, political, psychological, and social ways.
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