Announcing the June 2023 LibraryReads List

A pulse-pounding psychological thriller about a serial killer narrated by those closest to him: his 13-year-old daughter, his girlfriend—and the one victim he has spared.

“The entire town feels sorry for Aidan Thomas when his wife dies. But the mysterious woman staying in the house Aidan shares with his teenage daughter has seen a very different side of him… and knows her every move has life-or death stakes. A great pick for thriller fans looking for a page-turner with strong female protagonists.”—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library

NoveList read-alike: The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstea

From the author of The Push, a pageturner about four suburban families whose lives are changed when the unthinkable happens–and what is lost when good people make unconscionable choices.

“After a picnic where everyone hears the host losing her temper towards her son, that same boy is admitted to the hospital with a life-threatening injury. Told from multiple perspectives, revealing a bit more with every chapter, this story centers around deception, envy, and despair, leaving readers rushing towards the climactic conclusion.”—KC Davis, Fairfield Woods Branch Library

NoveList read-alike: Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose

A novel about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune—an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the Good Morning America Book Club pick The Personal Librarian.

“An illuminating read about the unlikely friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune as both overcame obstacles pursuing equal rights during the Great Depression/WWII and formed a close relationship through their personal struggles.”—Debbie Lease, Hillsdale Public Library

NoveList read-alike: The Thread Collectors by Shaunna J. Edwards

“An unforgettable love story…Bursting with the magic of first love, it’s everything I want in a summer romance.”—Carley Fortune, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After

“Sam and Wyatt have met up every summer since they were young and fall deeply in love. Even at their young age they know this love is forever. This starts out as a basic romance novel, but when something terrible happens to our two lovers, the writing changes, becoming more compelling and more nuanced.”—Judy G Sebastian, Eastham Public Library

NoveList read-alike: Every Summer After by Carly Fortune

A brilliantly funny novel about friends, lovers, Ireland in chaos, and a young woman desperately trying to manage all three.

“Rachel and James meet while working at a bookshop in Cork and decide to hold a book release event for Rachel’s professor. Ten years later, a pregnant Rachel reflects on this time in her life and how it led her to where she is now. Capturing university life where friendships are strong, emotions are deep, and money is tight, this is a wonderful novel.”— Tara McGuinness, Cuyahoga County Public Library

NoveList read-alike: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics.

“Suspend belief, forget logic, and don’t ask questions, just go with the love in this romance set in a magical apartment. Clementine and Iwan fall in love and then lose each other in a seven year time slip. Their lives are filled with good friends and family and eventually a happy ending.”—JR Ring, Baltimore County Public Library

NoveList read-alike: The Impossible Us by Sarah Lotz

When a wealthy bachelor drops dead at a ball, a young lady takes on the decidedly improper role of detective in this action-packed debut comedy of manners and murder.

“Beatrice has had enough of Regency societal rules about what is proper and loves true crime and Lord Huxley. When Huxley’s former assistant shows up in her village, Beatrice immediately dislikes him. When another guest to the village is murdered, Beatrice helps the vile man solve the case. Much laughter is had on the way to personal freedom and autonomy.”—Michelle Ogden, Crawfordsville District Public Library

NoveList read-alike: The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

“Marion Brooks loves to dance. This is the 1950s though, and her father is not so thrilled but she has been able to balance her love of dance and family by teaching in a dance studio. When she sees an opportunity to try out for the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, Marion decides to go for it, and succeeds. Unexpectedly, after a serial bomber strikes Radio City with tragic results, Marion and her friend Peter investigate.”—Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library

NoveList read-alike: The Socialite’s Guide to Murder by S.K. Golden

“Maelys Mitchelmore thinks she is cursed, and every time something embarrassing, tragic, or downright terrifying happens, Lady Georgianna Landrake is right there. Rumor has it that Lady Georgianna is a wicked enchantress–is she behind the curse, or can she save Maelys from the spirits that plague her? A rollicking queer Regency romance featuring charming characters and a clever premise; ideal for fans of historical rom-coms.”—Nanette Donohue, Champaign Public Library

NoveList read-alike: Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater

“Theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway works as both an adjunct professor and fake girlfriend. This works out fine until she has to contend with Jack Smith, the arrogant experimental physicist who is her professional enemy. Hazelwood makes it easy to get wrapped up in this science-based story with her relatable and witty characters. This is a quick and easy read; a good heartfelt book.”—Elisabeth Byers, Prairie du Chien Memorial Library

NoveList read-alike: Love, Hate & Clickbait by Liz Bowery

“Kit lost her job as a home health aid when a patient died under suspicious circumstances. She is given one last opportunity of employment: a job that requires her to care for Lenora Hope, longtime suspect in the murder of her whole family. This twisty Gothic mystery will leave savvy thriller readers and fans of Verity by Colleen Hoover gasping until the very last page.”—Jayme Oldham, Highland Park Public Library

NoveList read-alike: The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James