Ellie Black had it all figured out—a motel party would raise enough money for a new phone.

But after stepping outside to relieve herself, she vanished without a trace for two years.

When Ellie is finally found, she's malnourished, traumatized, and refuses to speak about what happened. As her family struggles to help her adjust to life again, Detective Chelsea Calhoun is determined to uncover the truth.

Admittedly, her drive to solve the case is personal—her own sister disappeared years ago, and Ellie's return stirs up long-buried emotions.

But the closer Chelsea gets to the truth, the darker the mystery becomes, leading to shocking revelations about Ellie's time away.

Dark, compelling, and full of unexpected twists, this is a gorgeously atmospheric police procedural novel to sink your teeth into. I loved discovering that this is the first book in a planned series!

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Jane's life has unraveled—her career as a respected archivist is gone, her marriage is crumbling, and she's grieving the recent loss of her estranged mother.

Tasked with selling her mother's hoarded belongings, Jane finds herself back in the Maine town she left behind, where the past haunts her at every turn.

When a wealthy homeowner seeks Jane's expertise to investigate strange occurrences in her newly renovated historic property, Jane tackles a research project that explores the home's unsettling history.

With ghostly apparitions, long-buried secrets, and ties to the Shaker and Indigenous communities, Jane's two-week assignment turns into a chilling mystery that could reshape her future.

This was a powerful exploration of addiction, family, and the legacy of stolen land.

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This novel felt like a guilty pleasure read. It blends White Lotus with an American Horror Story set-up in this sinister haunted house page-turner.

For Anna Pace, family vacations have two rules: tread lightly and survive. What starts as a dreamy getaway quickly spirals into something much darker when strange noises echo through the night, the locals issue unsettling warnings, and the villa's shadowy past begins to creep in.

This novel is filled with unlikeable characters, but Anna's prickly behavior turns this story onto its head when she refuses to give in to what's been creeping into her life.

I cackled at the ending and loved Thorne's descriptive setting.

This breathtaking story is my favorite Kristen Hannah novel as she takes readers into the unforgiving wilderness of 1970s Alaska.

When former POW Ernt Allbright returns from the Vietnam War, he is a changed man. His erratic behavior threatens to unravel the fragile fabric of his family. So, in a desperate bid for a fresh start, he uproots his wife and thirteen-year-old daughter, Leni, to live off the grid in a remote landscape filled with beauty and danger.

As they confront the relentless challenges of Alaska's brutal winters and their father's increasing volatility, Leni must navigate a treacherous path between loyalty to her family and the fight for her own identity.

Hannah writes so eloquently about this impossible marriage and the honest struggle of a Vietnam veteran. While this takes some Lifetime movie turns, I found it to be deeply satisfying. Julia Whelan, as always, offers impeccable narration.

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In the 1970s, thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Lear is sent to her family's remote summer camp. Her rebellious attitude and punk style are at odds with her wealthy, prestigious lineage.

Under the guidance of her camp counselor, Tracey, Barbara makes an unusual request—to leave camp every night and return before morning, her destination a mystery.

But when Barbara vanishes one night while the camp counselor is out, things take a dramatic turn for the everyone involved.

With a serial killer recently escaping from a nearby prison and the dark woods closing in, the search for Barbara uncovers more than just her secrets- it's a Pandora's box of family fun.

Moore's novel blends a slow-burn mystery that has more than satisfied Liz Moore's fans. I recommend doing this novel in paper format as the timeline shifts can be a lot to track!

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In a small Missouri town, Patch, born with one eye, finds solace in pirate tales spun by his mother to ease the harshness of his reality. His only anchor is his childhood best friend, Saint, a bright and bookish girl who brings stability to his world.

But their lives are torn apart when Patch attempts to save a local girl from a notorious serial killer, only to find himself captured.

In the darkness of the killer's basement, Patch forms an unlikely bond with another girl held captive, vowing to protect her, though he's never seen her face. This promise haunts him for decades.

From the Vietnam War to the 1990s, Whitaker's atmospheric, heart-wrenching novel offers readers a twisting police procedural that has landed a spot in my favorite books of the year list.

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I never thought I'd be enraptured as much by West Virginia, but I assure you that you will want to visit after reading this cozy fantasy read.

Two boys go missing during an end-of-school field trip to Red Crow State Forest. They have been gone so long that people no longer refer to them as "missing" but only as "lost."  The boys are wearing pants six inches too short, no shirts, and no shoes, which is unseasonably strange for November. 

This set-up pulls the reader into an enchanted portal to another world with these beautiful characters. You'll love uncovering where the boys have been, what holds them to this world now, and why they feel called to return to this place.

Readers should know that this novel breaks the third wall with narration, which enhanced the reading experience!

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On the eve of her daughter's wedding, June Reid's life is completely devastated when a shocking disaster takes the lives of her daughter, her daughter's fiancé, her ex-husband, and her boyfriend, Luke—her entire family, all gone in a moment. And June is the only survivor.

Alone and directionless, June drives across the country, away from her small Connecticut town. In her wake, a community emerges, weaving a beautiful and surprising web of connections through shared heartbreak.

Clegg ambitiously illuminates how interwoven we are as people in this beautiful and haunting story of a town tragedy and the people left behind.

Although the sheer amount of characters in this novel can feel overwhelming, readers become detectives as each person is woven into another. You are also reminded that even in chance meetings with others, you can play an influential part in someone else's story.

This backlist novel was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize & Bill Clegg joined the site for an interview to discuss his fascinating process for this novel that you can dive into when you finish.

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Not only is this novel a fascinating look at prisoners on death row, but the author, Rene Denfeld, was a death penalty investigator. She uses this background well to plot out the corruption of the prison world and what an investigator does to present facts about a death row inmate before going to trial.

In this moving novel set within the confines of a death row prison, the story follows the perspectives of an inmate known as "the man" and a female investigator who seeks to uncover the truth behind the stories of those condemned to die.

The inmate finds escape in his books and in reimagining life around him, taking readers through a fantastical atmospheric story. Though he is confined in a cell, we discover that he sees visions of golden horses running beneath the prison, heat flowing like molten metal from their backs, and the devastating violence of prison life.

Digging into a killer's background, the investigator uncovers contorting truths that challenge familiar notions of victim and criminal, innocence and guilt, honesty and corruption, and reveals many secrets of her own.

It's a haunting and graphic story about prison violence, but it was such a standout debut that I've never forgotten it. My interview with Rene Denfeld reveals more about how she crafted this story.

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This novel offers a spellbinding audiobook experience that made it a standout in my audiobook life- it's the perfect accompaniment to a jigsaw puzzle.

Seventeen-year-old Alice and her mother have spent their lives on the run, constantly dodging the streak of bad luck that seems to haunt them.

But when Alice's estranged grandmother—an elusive author of cult-classic tales—dies in her mysterious estate, their luck takes a dire turn.

Alice's mother is kidnapped by a figure from the Hinterland, a cruel supernatural realm inspired by her grandmother's stories, leaving behind a chilling warning for Alice to stay away from the Hazel Wood.

Ignoring her mother's advice, Alice launches a perilous quest to find the magical Hazel Wood, accompanied by Ellery Finch, a classmate and die-hard fan of her grandmother's work. As you may guess, secrets are uncovered and truths revealed.

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In a quiet town, the brutal murder of Catherine Clare leaves her husband, George, as the prime suspect.

But as the investigation unfolds, so do the dark layers of the couple's life, revealing a deteriorating marriage, a farmhouse steeped in mystery, and George's chilling double life.

With masterful prose, Elizabeth Brundage turns the home itself into a living, breathing character, intensifying the unsettling atmosphere for the reader.

Elizabeth Brundage joined us to share more about the real unsolved murder that inspired her to write this novel and the riveting process into her research for this work.

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Eowyn Ivey's debut novel was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and is one of my all-time favorite magical realism books.

After reading it a second time this winter to prepare for our 2024 book club year, I can confirm that the book still resonates.

Jack and Mabel, struggling with the grief of losing their child, undertake a homesteading journey in Alaska to start anew. One night, they sculpt a child out of snow. But, to their surprise, a magical girl who resembles their imagined snow child appears on their doorstep.

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If you enjoy a stunning audiobook experience, this novel features a multi-cast narration that enhances the reading journey. It's the kind of book you can easily finish in one afternoon.

In 2019, Kate escaped her abusive partner in London and found solace in Weyward Cottage, which had been bequeathed to her by a distant relative.

Surrounded by nature's embrace, Kate unravels the cottage's secrets, tracing back to the witch-hunting period of the 16th century and exploring the hidden, surprising legacy of her great-aunt.

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Cooper and his daughter live off the grid in a remote Appalachian cabin, hiding from the world. When a stranger

arrives, their fragile existence is threatened, and the secrets Cooper has kept for years begin to unravel.

This taut, atmospheric thriller combines the tension of survivalist fiction with a deep emotional core, that I highly recommend as an audiobook experience! The ending was so satisfying to this story!

This emotional debut novel follows three generations of Vietnamese American women grappling with the death of their matriarch, Minh.

As Minh's granddaughter, Ann faces a crossroads in her seemingly perfect life, she returns home to Florida to help her estranged mother clean out the estate.

But, when they begin cleaning out the rundown manor, they unravel some long-buried secrets in the Banyan House.

Through Minh's perspective, readers are given a cinematic snapshot into the everyday life of people surrounded by the harrowing hardships of the Vietnam War that builds a deeper connection to her character, even though she is gone.

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This novel offers readers a masterful blending of dystopian fiction and magical realism that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

As a hurricane approaches, Kirby, his pregnant wife Frida, and their two sons, Flip and Lucas, brace for impact. However, when Flip and Lucas go missing before the storm hits, their father sets out to find them amidst the dangerous winds.

The reader follows the story through Wanda's eyes as she grows up, adapting to the changing landscape and finding a community that chooses to stay behind.

The moving landscape transforms from a devastated area to a lush tropical paradise, exploring the impact of climate change on our world in a fresh and pivotal way.

It would be perfect for any book club discussion!

This beautifully evocative story offers a gorgeous exploration on loneliness.

Sara, a skilled bartender who ran away from home at sixteen, and Emilie, a florist struggling with her own identity, cross paths at a high-end Los Angeles restaurant. Though their connection is brief, the novel focuses on their individual journeys to heal and grow before finding each other.

Lacour's lush descriptions of food, drinks, and the moody restaurant atmosphere immerse readers in a sensory-rich experience that forever imprinted on my heart.

Be sure to have something delicious to eat and drink while you read this one!

Truly, any Ethan Joella novel could be on this list, as the writer shines in his strong sense of place and character development, which make every person in a small town feel like someone you might encounter in real life. However, this story of found family has been my favorite from the writer.

Three strangers—each grappling with profound loss—find themselves in a small coastal town where their lives unexpectedly intertwine.

As they each confront their grief, long-buried secrets come to the surface, and readers discover their surprising interconnectedness. It's a quiet, meditative examination that is a cozy addition to any book club book stack.

We were so lucky to discuss this book with the author and host him on the podcast!

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Church's memorable debut is an atmospheric, heartbreaking historical fiction novel set in 1935 North Carolina that reminded me of many of my favorite childhood classics growing up.

When Leah is orphaned and sent to live with the wealthy Griffin family, her life is upended as she's forced into servitude and subjected to the cruelty of Mrs. Griffin.

Against the illuminating backdrop of the state's eugenics program, Leah's struggles and Church's surprising familial ties to these types of cases showcase the resilience of many girls in the face of societal injustice.

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After a tragic accident leaves her husband in a coma, Jill is forced to keep her family together in the unforgiving Maine landscape.

As she struggles to maintain normalcy, their isolated life reveals cracks in the facade, and dark family secrets emerge.

I devoured this slow-burn story filled with sparse, gentle prose, but one thing that makes it stand out is the way it showcases mothering teens. I wish we had more books with that in it.

One gorgeous passage reads, "Being a mother isn't anything like I thought it would be. It's harder. Better. More confusing. Shorter. Longer."

Isn't that the truth?

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Persephone returns to the lakeside cottage where she spent her childhood summers, hoping to reconnect with Sam, the boy she once loved. As they rebuild their friendship, past betrayals resurface, threatening to unravel the idyllic memories of their youth.

The seaside cottage novel alternates between past and present, exploring their friendship from awkward teenage years to adulthood as they are reunited after years of being estranged.

I appreciated how Fortune's retelling of what could feel like a YA book feels so sophisticated and steamy. It's a grown-up coming-of-age story that any reader can immerse themselves in. 

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A magical, nocturnal circus, filled with breathtaking illusions and dazzling performances, appears without warning. Behind the scenes, two rival magicians are locked in a deadly game, and only one can emerge victorious.

Need I say more?

With lush descriptions and a rich atmosphere, this novel blends fantasy and suspense, where the boundaries between reality and magic blur in thrilling ways. It was a thrill to read it as a community read in our town!

This atmospheric story immerses you in eerie woods where an author has gone missing and a cult-like community thrives.

In this novel, commune members are instructed not to cross the border, as doing so could spread disease to their community. However, someone has been testing this theory with surprising results.

Each character will uncover that this forest holds many secrets, including those that could reveal their past.

We were so lucky to host Meg Shaffer in conversation on the Book Gang podcast TWICE! Be sure to tune in to discover more about the literary seminar with Richard Russo that refined this story idea.

In West Virginia, two boys go missing during an end-of-school field trip to Red Crow State Forest. They have been gone so long that people no longer refer to them as "missing" but only as "lost."  The boys are wearing pants six inches too short, no shirts, and no shoes, which is unseasonably strange for November. 

Readers uncover an entirely enchanted portal to another world with these beautiful characters. The world-building is light but offers a gorgeous love story with gorgeous surprises as you uncover where the boys have been, what holds them to this world now, and why they feel called to return. 

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Once a powerful witch, Sera Swan lost her magic after a resurrection spell gone wrong.

Now running an inn with her resurrected aunt and a talking fox, Sera stumbles upon an ancient spellbook that could restore her powers—if she can team up with Luke Larsen, a frosty historian and former one-night stand.

Full of magic, mischief, and unexpected cozy romance, Sera's journey shows that the best magic might just be the quirky family she's found.

Release Date- 29 April 2025

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Tao is a fortune teller who only deals in "small" fortunes—simple predictions about weather, love, and livestock—because she knows too well that bigger fortunes lead to more significant consequences.

But Tao's solitary life changes when she's roped into a search for a lost child by a reformed thief and an ex-mercenary.

Joined by an adventure-seeking baker and a slightly magical cat, she is now forced to confront the shadows of her past. As danger looms, she must decide if she will risk everything for the family she never thought she could have.

Release Date- 5 November 2024

In the third installment of the Emily Wilde series, the brilliant but prickly scholar Emily finds herself in her most perilous adventure yet—as queen of a faerie realm.

Alongside her fiancé, the enigmatic Wendell Bambleby, Emily is swept into the treacherous politics of Faerie as they seize the throne of Wendell's long-lost kingdom.

But a deadly curse, left by Wendell's vengeful stepmother, threatens their reign. To save their new home, Emily must use all her faerie lore while navigating her own doubts about being a queen in this dazzling and dangerous world.

Release Date- 11 February 2025

In this upcoming summer release, Vivian finds herself navigating the chaotic world of magical New England aristocracy after her kindergartner, Aria, is bitten by a werewolf.

As they settle into their new life, Vivian faces a whirlwind of challenges—from choosing the right sacrificial dagger and managing the demands of a PTA that includes sirens and fire-wielding parents to confronting the terrifying trials of magical school.

Release Date- 27 May 2025

Readers rejoiced that The House in the Cerulean Sea sequel has finally hit shelves.

In this next installment in the Cerulean Chronicles series, Arthur Parnassus has created a loving home for six extraordinary kids alongside his partner Linus.

But, when the government demands Arthur share his traumatic past, their true intent is clear: to enforce rigid rules and take the children away.

But Arthur and Linus know their children are brave, kind, and ready to stand against those who would suppress their magic. With the arrival of a new housemate, their found family learns even more about love and resilience.

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In this cottagecore book, Kiela, a reclusive librarian with a magically sentient spider plant as her only companion, escapes a burning library and a brewing revolution with armfuls of stolen spellbooks.

Fleeing to her childhood island home, she's determined to keep to herself—until a nosy, charming neighbor and a little forbidden magic lead her to open a secret spellshop filled with enchanting jams.

Durst is a seasoned author with over twenty-five books for adults and this slow-burn romantasy has been another big hit with readers.

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When reclusive E. discovers something extraordinary outside her underwater home, she exchanges letters with renowned scholar Henerey Clel.

Their shared passion for the ocean grows into a deep love, leading them to uncover a mystery from the depths that could transform their world.

But when a seaquake destroys E.'s home and the pair vanish, their siblings, Sophy and Vyerin, must piece together the clues left behind to solve their disappearance—and uncover secrets that could change everything.

"He woke up with no eyebrows and no idea how he'd gotten into such a position," is certainly a fresh way to start a story.

In this novel, Gav wakes up in a chaotic wizard's workshop with no memories, eyebrows, or a clue about why he's now the infamous Dread Lord Whomever.

Stuck in a castle full of goblins and a locked-up princess, he must navigate the absurdities of his weirdly dark legacy while piecing together his past.  

I was craving a book like Bridgerton when I dug into this novel this summer, and loved this swoony passage that says it all, "I have known many human beings with a full soul to their name who do not have half so much compassion or practicality as you".

Theodora Ettings, cursed by a faerie, has lost her ability to feel fear, embarrassment, or joy, leaving her prone to scandal.

Determined to navigate the London Season quietly, her plans go awry when she crosses paths with Lord Elias Wilder, the eccentric and impossibly talented Lord Sorcier of England, who offers to help restore her missing emotions.

As she gets drawn deeper into the world of magicians and faeries, she must juggle her curse, her growing connection with the least-liked man in society, and the intrigue of high society itself.

If you love the story, you can continue the Regency Faerie Tales Series with the next two books Ten Thousand Stitches and Longshadow.

This low-stakes cozy fantasy novel lowered my blood pressure to dangerous levels and is a beautiful entry point for any reader craving a sweet reading escape.

Tired of battle and bloodshed, Viv the orc retires to open a coffee shop in a sleepy town, where she faces challenges from local businessmen and magical foes alike.

The town's vivid descriptions, from the delectable bakery treats to the fragrant air, provide readers with an immersive reading experience.

Mika Moon has always lived by the rule: keep your magic hidden and stay away from other witches. Her only outlet is posting playful videos online, pretending to be a witch for laughs.

But when she's invited to Nowhere House to help three young witches control their powers, Mika knows she's breaking all the rules.

Yet, the warmth of the house—and the unexpected family she finds there—begins to change her life.

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My husband loved this sweet translated novel that pairs a shy high school student with an outspoken tabby cat.

In this charming novel, Rintaro inherits his grandfather's bookshop and soon launches a magical adventure with the cat Tiger to help rescue books imprisoned by people who have misused or misunderstood their true value.

The story is filled with sweet, quotable, bookish moments, making this a cozy book to unwind in the evenings.

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I devoured this audiobook on a day of meal prepping for my family and loved the author's inspiration garnered from Chinese mythology.

Xingyin, the secret daughter of the Moon Goddess, goes on an epic journey to free her mother from eternal imprisonment. Disguised among mortals, Xingyin must hone her magical skills, navigate treacherous politics, and face powerful foes to reclaim her mother's rightful place in the celestial realm.

With lush world-building, sweeping romance, and a fierce heroine, this debut offers a captivating fantasy that I found perfectly cozy for this book list assignment.

If you fall in love with this one, you can continue this fantasy series with the next two books- Heart of the Sun Warrior & Tales of the Celestial Kingdom.

Lucy Hart, a 26-year-old teacher's aide, dreams of adopting a student who has lost his parents—but financial hardships stand in her way.

Then, an extraordinary opportunity arises: Her favorite childhood author announces a contest for his latest and only copy of a new Clock Island book.

To win, Lucy must outsmart fierce competitors in a race of clever riddles, battling ruthless book collectors and unlocking the secret to making wishes come true. Along the way, she reconnects with the magic of childhood and discovers a few unexpected twists of her own.

You can hear Meg Shaffer in her first interview for this novel on the Book Gang Podcast as we head to Clock Island and discover her favorite island books that inspired her novel.

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This cozy fantasy novella was a book club favorite and a delight on audiobook.

The robots of Panga have decided to leave their jobs and put down their tools, never to be seen again. But, a tea monk's life is upended by the arrival of a robot that has returned, and he won't leave until he can answer this single question, "What Do People Need?"

It's the comforting read I didn't think I needed in a book, particularly in the world's polarizing seasons we have weathered over the last few years. Don't be surprised if you read it every holiday season.

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If you loved The Snow Child this debut Russian fairytale might be your next best bet.

Vasilisa is a spirited young girl who loves the legends of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon who steals away unwary souls. After her mother dies, Vasilisa's new stepmother bans their household from honoring the protective spirits, causing dark forces to stir.

As danger closes in, Vasilisa must embrace her hidden gifts to protect her family, even if it means defying everyone she holds dear.

Arden's lush, atmospheric writing weaves a magical escape perfect for fairytale lovers.

You can continue this series with the next two books in the Winternight Trilogy-The Girl in the Tower & The Winter of the Witch.

Emily Wilde is a brilliant but socially awkward professor who is documenting the world's faeries for her encyclopaedia.

In a picturesque Scandinavian village, Emily conducts thorough research that takes her into the secretive and enchanting realm of the fae, where danger and wonder exist side by side.

Readers get to soak in Emily's scientific curiosity with a gradually developing romance as her mysterious colleague begins to complicates her life.

This whimsical fantasy adventure follows Sophie Hatter, a young woman cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old lady.

Seeking to break the spell, Sophie ventures into the magical realm and finds herself in the company of the enigmatic wizard Howl and his ever-moving castle.

As Sophie navigates the challenges of her new life, she discovers that the castle is filled with surprises, from a fire demon named Calcifer to a host of other magical beings.

You may not know that the Harry Potter books are frequently compared to the works of Diana Wynne Jones. Many of her earlier children's books were out of print, but were re-issued for the young audience whose interest in fantasy and reading was spurred by the series.

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Mona is a 14-year-old wizard whose magic only works with bread, making her an unlikely hero when she discovers a dead body in her bakery.

As evil forces rise, Mona must use her baking-related magic—like summoning gingerbread men and enchanted dough—to protect her city.

This cozy fantasy is ideal for readers who enjoy unique magic systems and crave a little whimsy in their book stack.

This self-published novel has been a huge hit with fans of Legends & Lattes and the entire Miss Percy Guide series is available on Kindle Unlimited.

In this gentle adventure, we meet Miss Mildred Percy, a spinster who has spent her life in quiet obscurity—until a mysterious inheritance pushes her into an adventure with a dragon's egg.

Unprepared for the chaos of raising a dragon in Regency-era England, Mildred must rely on her wit and an eccentric cast of characters to care for the creature, all while dodging scheming villains and her own insecurities.

This heartwarming fantasy brings Linus Baker, a meticulous government caseworker, to an enchanting and unusual orphanage.

As he grows fond of the extraordinary children and their endearing caretaker, the story beautifully explores finding found family in the most unexpected places.

If you need a great audiobook to listen to while you put together jigsaw puzzles this cozy season, I recommend this as a great family audiobook experience!

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When Robin Blyth, a newly appointed government official, accidentally stumbles into a hidden magical society, he's assigned to work with Edwin Courcey, a prickly but brilliant magician.

Together, they unravel a dangerous conspiracy while contending with a sinister curse. As their partnership deepens into a slow-burn romance, the stakes rise.

If you love this story, you can follow the adventures in The Last Binding series by checking out books 2 & 3- A Restless Truth & A Power Unbound.

This new novel inspired our entire reading slump-busting thriller list because I adored it so much.

In this darkly comedic story, Pale Horse, the world's deadliest assassin, has turned over a new leaf and has joined the Assassins Anonymous support group, vowing never to kill again.

But what happens when he's pursuing his redemption story and so many are still out for revenge?

Readers should prepare for deliciously clever plot twists, which we discuss in our patron spoiler-filled episode about the shocking Assassins Anonymous ending Hart crafted!

Luckily, we can expect many more adventures as this is the first book in a planned series and has been optioned for film by Steven Spielberg's team. 

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Phoebe arrives at the luxurious Cornwall Inn, with the intention of ending her life in the gorgeous canopy bed looking out to the seaside, just like in her favorite Victorian novels.

She brings only one dress and her cat's pain pills, which she intends to take with wine and go quietly into the night after the brutal end to her marriage. 

However, she soon discovers that her booked stay is a mistake, as the entire inn was supposed to be reserved only for one lavish wedding party.

Unexpectedly, Phoebe finds herself swept into the wedding preparations and forms heart-to-heart connections with the narcissistic bride and other wedding party attendees leading her to find a new purpose over the week of festivities.

Espach's dialogue is vibrant with charisma, charm, and playful shenanigans, making every page a delight. This clever novel is one of my favorites of the year- I never wanted this story to end. 

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An unlikely friendship is formed through a prison book club, where Harriet leads a group of feisty women through book selections, and they uproariously offer their hilarious feedback.

Although they are not to exchange personal information, when one prisoner is finally released, she finds Harriet out in the real world, where she helps her begin her new life chapter.

But neither could expect that they would form a strange and magical alliance with a man with all the reason in the world not to forgive her crime.

Readers discover the backstory of her prison sentence, but more importantly, they discover the hope forgiveness can offer.

Wood shines in her details, from her scene setting at the book club to the unusual occupations and hobbies she meticulously crafts for her characters. 

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Daniel considers himself a lucky guy even though he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child.

When a local girl goes missing, Daniel realizes that he may have been the last person to see the girl and the person who may have kidnapped her that day.

He decides to take his story to Reddit, where he begins a conversation with the captor. As he discloses more and more, Daniel is convinced he might be the one to help solve the missing person case.

But it is tough to convince the police that you have valuable information when you can't speak or move. 

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What happens to Nina is revealed quickly in this thriller, but the real tension lies in how a well-connected family's desperate search for answers unravels into a full-blown media circus.

As someone attuned to the exploitative nature of true crime, I found the novel's examination of shifting perspectives, media frenzy, and conspiracy theories razor-sharp. It's a PERFECT book club selection.

This atmospheric story sweeps you into the eerie woods with a missing author and a cult-like community. In this novel, commune members are instructed not to cross the border because doing so could spread disease to their community.

However, someone has been testing this theory for some time with surprising results, and each character will discover that this forest holds many secrets, including those that could unlock their past.

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This historical fiction novel shocked me with its haunting beauty and darkness. Based on the true crime case that inspired Lolita, it pulls back the curtain on the horrors young Sally Horner endured after being abducted in 1948.

Capturing criminals back then is a frustrating process to witness, let alone be a victim of. It takes a strong reader to read this one, and I know Sally's story is going to be imprinted on my heart forever.

Greenwood's poetic writing makes this an emotionally gripping read even in the darkest moments.

It's rare for multiple people to vanish in a neighborhood, but when two women and a six-year-old girl disappear, the mystery only deepens when the child is found eleven years later.

The "whodunit" vibes are pitch-perfect, and I had no idea where the story was going—exactly the kind of fast-paced suspense that reads like a movie.

Local Woman Missing won an Audie Award in 2022.

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A poker game gone awry kicks off a clever, twist-laden caper.

With a narrator who's unreliable in the best kinds of ways, this audiobook, narrated by legendary Julia Whelan, is perfect when you need something sharp and fast-paced to get your head back in the game of reading. 

Published in 2018, this backlist gem stands out as one of the best con artist books I've ever read. It is cinematic in scope and twists.

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If you crave an unforgettable protagonist, Sally Diamond will take you on a wild ride. 

Sally's literal interpretation of her father's dying wishes leads her to do something horrific, but what follows is even more disturbing. 

As Sally uncovers chilling secrets about her past, readers will be riveted until the final page.

Despite the darkness, the way her village embraces her adds an unexpected and touching found family dynamic that makes this one of the most unique thrillers I've read.

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This dark academia thriller feels like a blockbuster movie in book form.

Forget good versus evil—this is a battle between bad and worse, with morally complex characters that made this a guilty pleasure read.

The tension skyrockets as Victor & Eli experiment with near-death experiences to unlock superhuman powers. Reminiscent of Flatliners, Schwab's twist on the superhero genre will have you holding your breath through every gripping scene.

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Exploring the last days of a serial killer through the eyes of those around him is a haunting and thought-provoking book idea.

As Ansel awaits execution, we discover his troubling past, shaped by a complicated childhood and the triggers that led to his violent acts.

Each character, from his mother to a dedicated homicide detective, adds depth to Ansel's story, prompting readers to question their sympathies.

Gwen's disastrous dating life turns dark when her swiped-right matches start turning up dead in their coastal English town. 

This serial killer mystery reveals each new date gone wrong in each chapter, keeping you guessing to who the killer could be.

With plenty of red herrings and laugh-out-loud moments, this book is as fun as a Scream movie—perfect for readers who love a wild ride in their mysteries!

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L.M. Chilton Interview (Book Gang Podcast)

After a traumatic event, Bonnie Lincoln escapes her reality by recreating the set of the 70s sitcom Three's Company after winning the lottery.

The immersive living experience raises great questions about trauma and escapism, but Bonnie's unlikable nature and inability to evolve did polarize readers.

This unique book journey is not for everyone but may resonate with those who enjoy an immersive, albeit strange, reading experience.

This was one of our most dynamic book club discussions we've had as a group.

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This gripping exposé on the Sackler family and the opioid crisis feels like a thriller, but it's all too real. The storytelling here is immersive, making it perfect for readers who want to get hooked on nonfiction again.

Through three sections, Keefe uncovers the motives of three generations of the family, revealing how well-intentioned beginnings turned into greed and manipulation, leading to widespread abuse of the drug.

We also learn of the stories of those caught in its trap.

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If you are caught up in the horrific headlines with P. Diddy, this YA novel is a chilling exploration on the exploitation of Black women in the music industry. 

When Enchanted, a talented teen, catches the eye of R&B star Korey Fields at a singing contest, she is thrilled to receive VIP tickets and an opportunity to be mentored by him.

However, what begins as a dream come true quickly spirals into a nightmare as Korey's controlling and abusive behavior escalates. 

ANY book by Tiffany D. Jackson will pull you out of a reading slump, but I hope this is a great introduction to her work.

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A dystopian theme park where android princesses dream of freedom—sounds like a fairytale gone wrong.

But, following a murder accusation against one princess in the park, the clues drop in for readers like a perfect, page-turning puzzle.

Fans of Westworld will love this thrilling take on what happens when we trust technology a bit too much.