The month of May brings fresh flowers and fresh books! LibraryReads are the top 10 books selected by library staff across the country each month, and this time around we have horror, thrillers, romance and more. Read on to discover a new favorite!
“The Missing Half” by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester
Nic has been messed up since her older sister went missing. Enter Jenna, who is searching for connections between her sister’s disappearance and Nic’s. They decide to work together to uncover what happened, but the deeper they get the harder it becomes. A twist ending completely turns the tables on this tightly written thriller.
~Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
“The Names” by Florence Knapp
This debut novel is told in three alternating storylines based on three different names that the main character could have been given at birth. What results is a beautiful and nuanced story of a family attempting to survive and overcome domestic abuse and forge their own identities in the process.
~Jessica Sweetland, Manchester Public Library, CT
“Can’t Get Enough” by Kennedy Ryan
Hendrix, a strong, intelligent Black woman, has big goals and no time for love. Then she meets billionaire Maverick, and everything changes. The characters are compelling and have strong chemistry. Ryan continues to excel at bringing big topics — in this case Alzheimer’s and racism — to her romances.
~Laura, West Bloomfield Public Library, MI
“The Devils” by Joe Abercrombie
In an alternative medieval Europe, a young monk is tasked to lead a disparate group of supernatural beings on a holy quest using very unholy methods. Abercrombie’s endlessly quotable wit, deft character work, crackling dialog, and gift for large cinematic action set pieces are on full display. This novel about found families will absolutely draw in new readers.
~Gregg Winsor, Johnson County Library, KS
More library staff favorites:
- “One Golden Summer” by Carley Fortune
- “Silver Elite” by Dani Francis
- “A Fate Forged In Fire” by Hazel McBride
- “Maine Characters” by Hannah Orenstein
- “The Busybody Book Club” by Freya Sampson
- “Brighter than Scale, Swifter than Flame” by Neon Yang
