May 2024 LibraryReads List
The Last Murder at the End of the World
by Stuart Turton
Sourcebooks
ISBN: 9781728254654
“After a deadly fog decimates most of humanity, the small population that’s left lives on an island. As one villager begins investigating a murder, what once seemed like utopia begins to reveal dark secrets that no one could have predicted. Turton raises tantalizing social questions, presents an inventive world structure, and keeps readers intrigued and surprised throughout the novel.”
Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Clean Air by Sarah Blake
The Ministry of Time: A Novel
by Kaliane Bradley
Avid Reader Press
ISBN: 9781668045145
“An employee of the Ministry of Time becomes a “bridge,” helping a Arctic explorer adjust to modern life after being rescued from the lost Franklin expedition of 1845. But as she begins to grow closer to him, she finds herself wondering who she can trust, what the real reason for pulling people out of time may be, and whether her life might be in danger. Totally gripping, with great character development.”
Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar
Daughters of Shandong
by Eve J. Chung
Berkley
ISBN: 9780593640531
“At times both heartbreaking and uplifting, this novel follows the journey of the women of the Ang family from their farm in rural China to Taiwan during the horrific land reforms of 1948-1950. With this story based on Chung’s grandmother’s experience of a turbulent era, readers will be riveted from page one by the mother/daughter bonds and their will to survive.”
Martha DiVittorio, Bellmore Memorial Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata
Savor It
by Tarah DeWitt
St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 9781250329424
“This Pacific Northwest rom-com has delicious tension from the first interaction. Add in fake dating and a steamy scene in a library, and who could ask for more? Readers will appreciate how much attention and care DeWitt put into creating fully-formed characters grappling with grief, chasing dreams, and figuring out how to live in the moment.”
Ebby Bowles, Hingham Public Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Chef’s Choice by TJ Alexander
This Summer Will be Different
by Carley Fortune
Berkley
ISBN: 9780593638897
“Filled with emotional moments as well as fun and flirty scenes, this wonderful story set in picturesque Prince Edward Island is about friendships and found family. More than a love story, this novel has a lot that readers will relate to, including friendship and family. A perfect steamy romance book for the summer.”
Karen Troutman, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: How To Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson
Lies and Weddings: A Novel
by Kevin Kwan
Doubleday
ISBN: 9780385546294
“Arabella Leung is doing everything she can to match her son Rufus to a very wealthy titled woman in this romp around the world with controlling parents, one of whom is desperately matchmaking to save the family estate. Readers who love high entertainment and the bad behavior of the haves and the have-even-mores will devour this wild ride.”
Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, TX
NoveList read-alike: Family Trust by Kathy Wang
When Among Crows
by Veronica Roth
Tor Books
ISBN: 9781250855480
“This painful and fascinating (but ultimately hopeful) urban fantasy set in Chicago is a packed novella steeped in Slavic folklore. Dymitr is on a quest to retrieve a guarded plant that might relieve the demon Ala of a deadly curse so he can bargain with her for a hint on how to seek an audience with Baba Yaga herself.”
Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, MI
NoveList read-alike: Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
Long After We Are Gone
by Terah Shelton Harris
Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 9781464218613
“This moving story follows four siblings trying to hold onto their family property. Secrets and dubious life choices threaten to break the family apart as the siblings experience despair followed by self-discovery and self-determination, seeking what truly matters. An engaging and satisfying read, featuring believable, complex characters.”
Monica McAbee, PGCMLS Surratts-Clinton Branch, MD
NoveList read-alike: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club
by Helen Simonson
Dial Press
ISBN: 9781984801319
“Constance, companion to an elderly woman, meets Poppy, a young woman trying to start a business for women motorcycle riders. Constance gets drawn into the circle of friendship and independence the motorcycle ladies enjoy. Readers will love the characters, the setting, and the portrayal of life after The Great War.”
Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea
by Rebecca Thorne
Bramble
ISBN: 9781250333292
“This book is so cozy, readers will want to snuggle under a heap of blankets with a delicious cup of tea. Kianthe and Reyna were the perfect opposites-attract couple—determined to make things work no matter the obstacles. Lots of humor with a serious amount of heart. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes.”
Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans
Bonus Pick:
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
Notable Nonfiction:
The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth
by Zoe Schlanger
Courtesy of LibraryReads.org
Happiness Falls: A Novel
Family Lore
Vampires of El Norte
The Blonde Identity
Kiss the Girl: A Meant to Be Novel
Whalefall: A Novel
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store: A Novel
The Witch is Back
Codename Charming: A Novel
Mister Magic: A Novel
Nevinsbuzz 