New Books: Non-Academic Books

After being murdered and trapped in a water prison, Kai awakens to a lesser mage trying to exploit his magic—unsuccessfully. But why was he imprisoned? What has changed since his assassination? And why is the Rising World Coalition gaining power? To find out, Kai must gather his allies and rely on his pain magic. The answers won’t be to his liking.

In *Dead Silence*, Claire Kovalik and her crew are on the brink of unemployment when they intercept a distress signal from the *Aurora*, a luxury space-liner that mysteriously vanished over twenty years ago. Hoping for a life-changing salvage claim, they board the derelict ship—only to find a nightmare waiting. Whispers in the dark, eerie movements, and blood-scrawled messages hint at an unspeakable horror. As paranoia and terror mount, Claire must uncover the truth before she and her crew suffer the same chilling fate. *Dead Silence* is a spine-tingling blend of *Titanic* and *The Shining* in the depths of space.

Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for ... and the most cruel. But this year, there's a ninth girl ... and she's made of fire. Lei is a member of the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She's forced to go with the royal guards after her golden eyes pique the king's interest. Forced to learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. There, Lei does the unthinkable -- she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara. Lei must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.

In 14th-century southern India, nine-year-old Pampa Kampana witnesses her mother’s death and becomes a vessel for the goddess Parvati, who grants her divine power. Tasked with shaping the rise of Bisnaga—*Victory City*—Pampa sows its existence from magical seeds, striving to create a society where women hold equal agency. Over 250 years, she watches rulers rise and fall, alliances shift, and human ambition unravel her vision. As Bisnaga’s fate spirals beyond her control, Pampa learns that even the grandest stories take on lives of their own. A sweeping epic of power, destiny, and the struggle for equality.

Jay Gardiner packs up his diving gear and heads out to find the remains of his deceased father off the coast of Monastery Beach. He knows it's a long shot, but Jay feels it's the only way for him to lift the weight of guilt he has carried since his dad's death the previous year. The dive begins well enough, but the sudden appearance of a giant squid puts Jay in very real jeopardy, made infinitely worse by the arrival of a sperm whale looking to feed. Suddenly, Jay is caught in the squid's tentacles and deawn into the whale's mouth, where he is pulled into the first of its four stomachs. He quickly realizes he has only one more hour before his oxygen runs out - one hour to defeat his demons and escape the belly of a whale

In *The Lost Metal*, the epic conclusion to Brandon Sanderson’s *Mistborn* second era, Waxillium Ladrian, now a senator, continues his hunt for the shadowy organization, the Set. When Detective Marasi Colms and Wayne uncover stockpiled weapons linked to a rising conflict, Wax learns of a new, devastating explosive—and the Set’s allegiance to the mysterious god Trell. As offworlders intervene with their own secretive agenda, Wax must decide whether to embrace his destiny as Harmony’s Sword. With Scadrial on the brink of destruction, the fate of millions hangs in the balance in this explosive *Cosmere* adventure.

In this twist on Norse mythology and Marvel lore, Loki’s prank gone wrong leads to Thor’s death and destruction in New York. Banished to Earth by Odin, Loki resigns himself to exile—until a vengeful Valkyrie arrives with Thor’s final wish: to find Jane Foster and pass on Mjolnir. Meanwhile, an enraged Tony Stark, blaming Asgard for the devastation, builds a deadly weapon to sever the realms forever. As Asgard’s fate hangs in the balance, Loki must confront his past, his worth, and whether he can be the hero his brother believed in.

In *The Sunbearer Trials*, every decade, ten semidioses compete to replenish the Sun’s power and keep the Obsidian gods at bay. The winner brings light to the world, while the loser is sacrificed. Seventeen-year-old Teo, a Jade semidiós, never expected to be chosen—until Sol selects him and 13-year-old Xio, breaking tradition. Now, they must face powerful Gold competitors, including Teo’s ex-best friend, Aurelio. As the trials grow more dangerous, Teo fights not just for glory, but for survival, determined to protect his friends from the ultimate sacrifice.

Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" Stacker are the reigning stars of CAPE, a brutal, profit-driven prison entertainment system where incarcerated fighters battle to the death for a chance at freedom. As Thurwar nears release, she grapples with the weight of leaving behind her fellow "Links" while resisting the dehumanizing forces of the games. But CAPE’s corporate overlords won’t let her go without a fight. A searing critique of mass incarceration, systemic racism, and unchecked capitalism, this gripping debut novel explores the true cost of freedom in a dystopian yet eerily familiar America.

After 250 years in space, Colony Ship Voyager nears its destination—Promissa—but its probes have gone silent, and unsettling data raises new questions. Science officer Sheila Jackson struggles to warn the crew, while factions emerge: some demand freedom from the ship’s rigid rules, while security officer Mark Rector fights to maintain order. Governor Jared Pantel pushes for immediate colonization to unite the people, unaware of the looming dangers. As political tensions boil over, the harsh alien planet awaits, ready to challenge their survival in ways they never expected. A gripping sci-fi thriller of power, rebellion, and survival.

Hugo and Nebula Award Winner Mary Robinette Kowal blends her no-nonsense, hard-SF appraoch to life in space with her talent for creating glittering high society in this stylish SF mystery. Tesla Crane, a brilliant inventor and an heiress, is on her honeymoon via an interplanetary space liner. Cruising between the Moon and Mars, she's traveling incognito and reveling in her anonymity. Then someone is murdered and the festering chowderheads who run security have the audacity to arrest her spouse. Armed with banter, martinis, and her small service dog, Tesla is determined to solve the crime so that the newlyweds can get back to canoodling --And keep the real killer from striking again

Martha Einkorn finds herself working for a tech mogul obsessed with control, surrounded by companies developing private weather, predictive analytics, and secret weaponry. Meanwhile, in Singapore, internet survivalist Lai Zhen is on the run from an assassin when an unknown software mysteriously guides her to safety. As their worlds collide, they uncover a dangerous web of power, technology, and hidden knowledge. With billionaires steering the world toward destruction, Martha and Zhen’s actions could spark either a new beginning or the end of civilization itself. A gripping, high-stakes techno-thriller.

In *Sword Catcher*, the glittering city of Castellane thrives on wealth, power, and excess. Kel, an orphan trained as the body double for Prince Conor Aurelian, is destined to die in his place. Lin Caster, a gifted physician with forbidden magic, is desperate to save her best friend. When an assassination attempt intertwines their fates, they are pulled into the dangerous world of the Ragpicker King, ruler of Castellane’s underworld. As secrets unravel and forbidden desires ignite, they must decide if the pursuit of knowledge is worth the cost of betrayal—one that could plunge their world into chaos.

Sai has spent his life running his family’s struggling teahouse and caring for his ailing mother—all while secretly using his rare ability to see the red threads of fate to match soulmates. But his quiet world is upended when he acquires two dragon scales, rumored to have miraculous healing powers. When the cure works, word reaches the ruthless emperor, thrusting Sai into a dangerous quest to find a long-extinct dragon. As war looms and his own fate shifts, Sai embarks on a journey across magical and treacherous lands—where love, destiny, and myth collide.

Lady Theodosia Balfour’s reputation is in ruins after her stepsister, now Princess Beatrice, spreads damning rumors about her family. With their estate on the brink of bankruptcy, Theo faces a forced betrothal to an odious duke—unless she can secure the help of a fairy godmother like Beatrice supposedly did. But the fairy she summons, Cecily of the Ash Fairies, is far from kindhearted, demanding Theo complete three selfless tasks first. Alongside Cecily’s mischievous familiars, Theo embarks on a journey of magic, mischief, and self-discovery that may change her fate forever.

In *Run*, a terrifying epidemic of rage has swept across America, turning ordinary people into ruthless killers. As violence spreads and society collapses, Jack Colclough listens to the Emergency Broadcast System and hears his family's names on a kill list. He doesn’t know why—but he knows they have to flee. With his wife and children, Jack embarks on a desperate race for survival through a country tearing itself apart. With relentless tension and high-stakes action, *Run* is a gripping apocalyptic thriller that explores the fragility of civilization and the instinct to protect those we love.

In *The Combat Codes*, a war-torn planet enforces peace through brutal hand-to-hand combat, where Grievar Knights fight for their nations’ interests. Former champion Murray Pearson, haunted by a devastating loss, searches for the next great warrior. In the ruthless underground fight rings, he discovers Cego, a gifted orphan making a name for himself. Believing Cego has the potential to rise in the world’s most prestigious combat academy, Murray offers him a chance—but first, Cego must survive the brutal battles of the underground and uncover the secrets of his past.

A new world has risen from the ruins, shaped by relentless winds and shifting dunes. Siblings Conner, Rob, Palmer, and Violet struggle to survive in the shadow of their legendary father and sister, both lost to the desert’s depths. Across No Man’s Land, Anya’s life in a mining town is shattered when an atomic bomb obliterates her home. Seeking vengeance, she follows her father into the wastelands. As their fates collide, two families are drawn into a conflict that will reshape the sands forever. A gripping tale of survival, revenge, and the fight for a future.

In *The Ferryman*, Prospera is an island utopia where citizens live in luxury until their health monitors drop below 10%, signaling it’s time for renewal. They are then ferried to the Nursery, where their bodies are restored, memories wiped, and life begins anew. Proctor Bennett, a loyal ferryman, ensures this process runs smoothly—until he starts dreaming, his own monitor begins failing, and his father whispers a cryptic warning before his forced retirement. As unrest grows among the working class and whispers of rebellion spread, Proctor is thrust into a dangerous quest to uncover the truth about Prospera’s perfect system.

In *Gravity Lost*, the explosive sequel to *Cascade Failure*, the chaotic and beloved crew of the *Ambit* returns for another high-stakes adventure. After stopping a space station disaster and planetary destruction, they turn fugitive Isaiah Drestyn over to the Union—only to realize their troubles have just begun. Drestyn holds dangerous secrets that powerful factions—the Trust, the Union, and the Guild—are willing to kill for. With a crew member’s life on the line, the *Ambit* must stage a daring jailbreak and uncover buried truths before it’s too late. In the Spiral, everything has a price—including loyalty, trust, and survival.

In *I Have Some Questions for You*, Bodie Kane, a successful film professor and podcaster, has long buried the memories of her troubled past—including the murder of her boarding school roommate, Thalia Keith, in 1995. Though the school's athletic trainer, Omar Evans, was convicted, doubts about the case linger. When Bodie returns to teach at Granby School, she is drawn back into the mystery, questioning whether the real killer was overlooked. As she unravels the past, long-buried secrets emerge, forcing her to confront uncomfortable truths. A gripping literary thriller exploring memory, justice, and the weight of the past.

In *Antimatter Blues*, the thrilling sequel to *Mickey7*, summer has arrived on the frozen colony of Niflheim, and against all odds, Mickey Barnes is still alive. No longer an expendable, he enjoys a quiet life—until Commander Marshall demands the return of an antimatter bomb, supposedly held by the mysterious alien creepers. Without it, the colony’s fuel will run out, but retrieving it means giving up his only leverage for survival. As tensions rise and the creepers make their own demands, Mickey once again finds himself caught between two species—where one wrong move could mean extinction for both.

Born the crown prince of a prosperous kingdom, Xie Lian was renowned for his beauty, strength, and purity. His years of dedicated study and noble deeds allowed him to ascend to godhood. But those who rise may also fall, and fall he does--cast from the heavens and banished to the world below. Eight hundred years after his mortal life, Xie Lian has ascended to godhood for the third time, angering most of the gods in the process. To repay his debts, he is sent to the Mortal Realm to hunt down violent ghosts and trouble making spirits who prey on the living. Along his travels, he meets the fascinating and brilliant San Lang, a young man with whom he feels an instant connection. Yet San Lang is clearly more than he appears...What mysteries lie behind that carefree smile?

Kembral Thorne is eager for a rare night out—until guests at the party start mysteriously dying. As a Hound, trained to track trouble, she can’t ignore the scent of danger. Nor can her rival, infamous burglar Rika Nonesuch. Their investigation leads to a sinister grandfather clock that resets time with each chime, dragging them into eerie, shifting realities where a shadowy figure enacts a gruesome ritual. As they fall deeper into macabre versions of their city, Kem and Rika must work together to uncover the clock’s dark secret before time runs out—permanently.

P. Djèlí Clark returns to his richly imagined alternate Cairo, where magic and technology coexist. In 1912, Agent Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest investigator at the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities, is tasked with solving the brutal murder of a secret brotherhood devoted to the legendary al-Jahiz—the man who once opened the veil between the magical and mundane realms. When the killer claims to be al-Jahiz himself, inciting chaos and rebellion, Fatma must uncover the truth before Cairo—and the world—descends into turmoil. A spellbinding blend of mystery, magic, and historical fantasy.

In *The Desert Prince*, Peter V. Brett returns to the world of *The Demon Cycle* with a new generation of heroes. Fifteen years after humanity’s victory over demons, Darin, son of a legendary warrior, struggles with expectations that he will follow in his father’s footsteps—despite his passion for music over combat. Meanwhile, Olive, the child of rival royals and powerful demon hunters, discovers an inherited magical strength and a love for battle. When signs emerge that demons have returned, possibly hunting Olive, both must embrace their destinies and prepare for a fight that could reshape their world forever.

Joanna and Esther Kalotay have spent their lives protecting a collection of ancient, magical books—volumes capable of bending reality, from walking through walls to controlling the elements. But magic has a cost. Separated for years—Esther hiding in Antarctica, Joanna isolated in Vermont—the sisters are forced to reunite when their father dies under mysterious circumstances, holding a book Joanna has never seen before. As they uncover long-buried family secrets, they realize their legacy is part of a far greater and more dangerous world of magic, one that spans continents, centuries, and hidden libraries.

In *The Fragile Threads of Power*, seven years have passed since Kell, Lila, and Holland defeated Osaron. Lila has become a ship captain and occasional spy, while Kell struggles with the pain of using his magic. Meanwhile, a dangerous group called the Hand threatens King Rhy, seeking a powerful magical artifact. As Kell, Lila, Rhy, and Alucard are drawn into the conflict, a gifted young girl named Tes, who can manipulate magic’s threads, hides in Red London, while Kosika, White London’s young queen, fights to restore her world’s lost magic. Old and new forces collide in this thrilling return to V.E. Schwab’s *Shades of Magic* universe.

Ning enters a cutthroat magical competition to find the kingdom's greatest master of the art of brewing tea, but political schemes and secrets make her goal of gaining access to royal physicians to cure her dying sister far more dangerous than she imagined.

In *The Fury of the Gods*, the final battle for Vigrið looms as warriors, gods, and beasts prepare for an earth-shattering clash. Varg, now a full-fledged member of the Bloodsworn, must face his greatest challenge yet—slaying a dragon. Elvar fights to solidify her rule in Snakavik while attempting to control the raw power of a wolf god. Meanwhile, Biorr’s warband marches north for blood, and Gudvarr seeks to win Lik-Rifa’s favor for his own gain. As all paths converge on Snakavik, alliances will be tested, destinies fulfilled, and the fury of the gods unleashed in a battle that will shape the world forever.

In *Some Desperate Glory*, Kyr has spent her life training to avenge Earth’s destruction, raised among humanity’s last survivors aboard Gaea Station. Destined to battle the majoda and their devastating weapon, the Wisdom, she is instead ordered to the Nursery—to bear children rather than fight. Refusing to accept this fate, Kyr embarks on a daring escape with her brother’s rebellious friend and a captive alien, thrusting herself into a universe far more complex and wondrous than she ever imagined. As she unravels the truth behind humanity’s war, she must decide what survival—and vengeance—truly mean.

In *Sunbringer*, the gods of Middren, once forbidden, are awakening, whispering of war. Kissen, the legendary Godkiller, sacrificed herself to defeat the fire god Hseth—but gods are not so easily destroyed, and his power threatens to return stronger than ever. Noble Inara and her small god of white lies, Skedi, search for answers about their mysterious bond, uncovering secrets that could shape the coming war. Meanwhile, former knight Elogast is sent to assassinate his once-loyal friend, King Arren, who has made a dangerous pact with the very gods he once swore to eradicate. As alliances shift, the fate of Middren hangs in the balance.

Follows Princess Sun, a legendary queen-marshal's daughter who navigates a plot by conniving nobles to prevent her ascent to the throne.

In *Starling House*, Opal, a cynical orphan and high school dropout, is desperate to escape the dying town of Eden, Kentucky, and build a better future for her younger brother, Jasper. When she’s offered a job at the eerie, long-abandoned Starling House—the former home of vanished 19th-century author E. Starling—she sees it as an opportunity. But the house, and its last heir, Arthur Starling, quickly become something unexpected: a place that feels like home. As dark forces close in, Opal and Arthur must uncover buried secrets and face their fears, or risk losing Starling House—and themselves—to the nightmares lurking within.

Leovander Loveage is a master of small magics—summoning butterflies, changing hair colors—but anything more powerful always goes disastrously wrong. After a mishap with a forbidden spell, he finds himself cursed to obey the commands of his insufferable rival, the highly respected Sebastian Grimm. Desperate to undo the curse without ruining their careers, they venture into the dangerous Unquiet Wood in search of a powerful sorcerer. To break the spell, they must navigate deadly monsters, outlaws, and—much to their horror—work together. But as their rivalry shifts, an unexpected attraction begins to spark between them.

In *The Destroyer of Worlds*, Atticus Turner and his father Montrose travel to North Carolina to retrace their ancestor’s escape from slavery—only to be thrust into a deadly chase. Meanwhile, in Chicago, George Berry, battling cancer, strikes a dangerous deal with a ghost promising a cure. In Nevada, Hippolyta and Horace embark on a cosmic journey, while Letitia and Ruby wrestle with their own supernatural struggles. As old foes return—including the vengeful Caleb Braithwhite—the Turner and Berry families must once again confront dark forces threatening their lives and their world.

In *Night Angel Nemesis*, Kylar Stern, shattered by the war that took everything from him, swears never to kill again. But when his closest friend, High King Logan Gyre, calls upon him to retrieve a powerful magical artifact, Kylar is drawn back into a dangerous world. With rumors of a lost ka’kari surfacing, enemies—both old and new—race to claim it. This time, it’s not an assassination but a heist, one that could secure peace or unleash chaos. But some missions test even the strongest resolve, and some enemies can only be defeated in the shadows.

Twenty years ago, Alf and his companions defeated the Dark Lord and claimed his city. Now, those few of the Nine that remain find themselves unwilling rebels, defying the authority of both the mortal Lords they once served and the immortal king of the elves - the secret architect of everything they've ever known. Once lauded as a mighty hero, Alf is now labelled a traitor and hunted by the very gods he seeks to bring down. As desperate rebellion blazes across the land, Alf seeks the right path through a maze of conspiracy, wielding a weapon of evil. The black sword Spellbreaker has found its purpose in these dark days. But can Aelfric remain a hero, or is his legend tarnished forever?

In *Translation State*, three lives intertwine in a galaxy-spanning mystery that could alter the balance between humans and the enigmatic Presger. Qven, a genetically engineered Presger translator, questions their predetermined role and risks elimination by defying expectations. Enae, an unwilling diplomat, is tasked with tracking a fugitive who vanished over 200 years ago. Reet, an adopted mechanic, searches for the truth about his origins. As a critical interspecies Conclave looms, their choices will send shockwaves across the stars. Blending space adventure, political intrigue, and a poignant exploration of identity, Ann Leckie delivers another masterful tale in her *Imperial Radch* universe.

Dr. Laura Reynolds had it all. A job she loved. The respect of her peers. Student debt she was slowly chipping away at. And one day, she lost everything. She saw the wrong thing - a colleague's mistake. And to escape, he framed her. To avoid prison, Laura reluctantly agrees to join a secretive research project in Antarctica, where she hopes to keep practicing medicine and someday get her life back. But soon after arriving, she realizes that things at this advanced facility aren't what they seem. And perhaps something strange is happening in the world outside.

Samantha Harker, daughter of Dracula’s slayer, works for the Royal Society for the Study of Abnormal Phenomena, hiding her ability to channel the minds of monsters. When gruesome murders terrorize Paris, she’s partnered with Dr. Helena Moriarty, the brilliant yet infamous daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ greatest foe. No one trusts Hel—especially since her past partners met untimely ends. As they chase a deadly Beast from Parisian high society to the eerie catacombs, they must navigate danger, deception, and their growing attraction. But is Hel a key ally, or is Sam just another piece in her deadly game?

Malini has seized the throne of Parijatdvipa, fulfilling the prophecy of the nameless gods. To solidify her reign, she must make a terrible choice: burn on the pyre to secure her legacy or find another to take her place. Meanwhile, Priya, now imbued with deathless magic, faces a demand from a powerful yaksa who offers protection in exchange for a sacrifice—Priya herself. Once bound by love and fate, Malini and Priya now stand on opposing sides. But as an ancient enemy emerges, they must unite once more to save their kingdoms from destruction.

Lin Sukai has won her first victory as Emperor, but the future of the Phoenix Empire hangs in the balance - and Lin is dangerously short of allies. As her own governors plot treason, the Shardless Few renew hostilities. Worse still, Lin discovers her old nemesis Nisong has joined forces with the rogue Alanga, Ragan. Both seek her death. Yet hopes lies in history. Legend tells of seven mythic swords, forged in centuries past. If Lin can find them before her enemies, she may yet be able to turn the tide. If she fails, the Sukai dynasty - and the entire empire - will fall.

In *Lonely Castle in the Mirror*, bullied and withdrawn Kokoro spends her days isolated in her bedroom—until her mirror begins to glow, pulling her into a magical castle guarded by a mysterious girl in a wolf mask. There, she meets six other students, all drawn into this strange sanctuary. The castle hides a secret room that can grant one wish, but strict rules must be followed—or face dire consequences. As the group unravels the castle’s mysteries, they forge unexpected bonds, discovering the power of human connection in this mesmerizing and heartfelt tale of loneliness, healing, and hope.

In *Red Rabbit*, a ragtag posse hunts down a witch across a supernatural Wild West filled with demons, ghosts, and deadly dangers. Sadie Grace is wanted for witchcraft, and every gun in Kansas—including legendary witch hunter Old Tom and his silent ward, Rabbit—is after her. Along the way, they’re joined by two aimless cowboys and a grieving schoolteacher with nothing to lose. Racing across the drought-stricken plains in a stolen stagecoach, they encounter horrors far worse than witches. In a world where death lurks around every corner, the bounty is their goal—but survival is never guaranteed.

Exiled for political activism to a labor camp on the distant world of Kiln, Professor Arton Daghdev battles to survive daily camp life as well as interactions with Kiln's alien life, not knowing that Kiln itself holds a secret that may become his salvation.

The legendary land of Ascarlia, ruled for centuries by the Sister Queens, faces an unprecedented threat. Mysterious longships carrying tattooed warriors—followers of an ancient, bloodthirsty cult—sail under banners long thought extinct, leaving destruction in their wake. Thera of the Blackspear, the Queens’ favored warrior, is sent north to uncover the truth, while her estranged brother, Felnir, embarks on his own quest to locate the Vault of the Altvar, the fabled treasure of the gods. As war looms, their fates intertwine with a cunning scribe and a prisoner wielding terrifying power, setting the stage for an epic clash of steel and destiny.

Riding high on her recent victory, Zhu Yuanzhang is the RadiantKing, brilliant, ambitious, and unstoppable in her quest for greatness. But she will soon discover the price of her ruthless decisions may be too hight to bear.

Called home to care for her grandmother after a fall, Jess, a journalist, discovers a book chronicling the police investigation into an old unsolved murder that has a shocking connection to her family.

Daisy Darker’s estranged family reunites at Nana’s crumbling gothic house on a remote tidal island for her 80th birthday. Cut off from the world for eight hours, secrets simmer beneath the surface—until midnight, when Nana is found dead. An hour later, another family member follows. As the storm rages and the killer closes in, the Darkers must confront past betrayals and uncover the truth before time runs out. With echoes of *And Then There Were None*, *Daisy Darker* is a gripping, twist-filled thriller that will keep readers guessing until the final reveal.

Two young women are missing, and the only connection is a party they both attended, hosted by a notorious real-estate magnate. When one of the women is found murdered, the police discover an unusual signature left by the killer, giving them reason to suspect he will strike again - and soon. The case calls for a detective like no other. But the legendaty Harrt Hole is gone - fired from the force, drinking himself to oblivion in Los Angeles. It seems that nothing can entice him back to Oslo. Until the woman who saved Harry's life is put in grave danger, and he has no choice but to return to the city that haunts him and track down the murderer.

In *The Butcher*, retired police chief Edward Shank is celebrated for killing Seattle’s infamous serial killer, the Beacon Hill Butcher. Decades later, his grandson Matt inherits his Victorian home—only to uncover a horrifying secret buried in the backyard. Meanwhile, Matt’s girlfriend, Sam, a true crime writer, is obsessed with solving her mother’s long-unsolved murder, convinced she was a Butcher victim. But as new killings emerge, Sam’s investigation turns dangerous. The deeper she digs, the closer she gets to a shocking truth—one far more personal and deadly than she ever imagined.

Letty Davenport, a sharp and restless Stanford grad, is offered an investigative role by U.S. Senator Colles after proving her skills. Partnered with DHS agent John Kaiser, she heads to Texas to track stolen crude oil and uncover where the profits are going. Their investigation leads to a dangerous militia group with a deadly plan in motion. As the case turns violent, Letty realizes they’re racing against time to stop a catastrophic attack. A fast-paced thriller filled with action, intelligence, and high-stakes suspense.

A secretive vigilante group called The Five takes justice into their own hands, targeting society’s worst criminals while using their vast wealth to compensate victims anonymously. Their methods are calculated, their motives questionable, and their popularity soars as they continue their killing spree. When they strike again in the Twin Cities, investigators Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are called in. Facing a group that is highly intelligent, well-funded, and nearly untraceable, the duo must race against time to uncover The Five’s true agenda before more bodies drop.

In *The House Across the Lake*, recently widowed actress Casey Fletcher retreats to her family’s Vermont lake house, drowning her grief in alcohol and spying on her glamorous neighbors, Tom and Katherine Royce. Their life seems perfect—until Katherine suddenly vanishes. Casey becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth, but as she digs deeper, she realizes the Royces’ marriage hides dark secrets far beyond what she imagined. What begins as a familiar mystery takes unexpected, chilling turns, proving that nothing is as it seems. With obsession comes danger—and Casey may not be ready for what she finds.

he Thursday Murder Club is looking forward to a little bit of peace and quiet at their retirement village, Coopers Chase, but they are out of luck. An unexpected visitor arrives, desperate for their help. He's been accused of stealing diamonds worth millions and is on the lam. Then a body is discovered and Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim soon find themselves up against a ruthless murderer.

In *Exiles*, Federal Investigator Aaron Falk travels to a small Australian wine town for a friend’s baby’s christening—but mystery finds him even on vacation. A year ago, Kim Gillespie vanished during a crowded festival, leaving her sleeping baby behind. When Kim’s daughter pleads for new information, Falk and his friend Raco can’t help but dig into the case. As Falk is drawn into Kim’s close-knit circle, fractures begin to appear, long-buried secrets surface, and unsettling questions arise. Why would a mother abandon her child? And what really happened to Kim Gillespie? A gripping and atmospheric thriller.

Naomi Shaw and her two best friends, Cassidy and Olivia, used to spend the summer playing in the woods. Their games ended when Naomi was attacked. She survived, and the girls' testimony put away a serial kill, wanted for murdering six women. They were heroes. But they were liars. Because for decades, the friends have kept a secret, hidden in the forest. And it might still be worth killing for

Your step-by-step guide to financial independence-from the creator of the #1 investing education podcast, Girls That Invest. Ever wondered how on earth the stock market works, but felt too intimidated to ask "those" questions? This is the book for you! In this guide to investing in stocks (aka shares), Simran Kaur teaches the essential principles you can apply to any market, anywhere in the world.

John Vaillant’s *Fire Weather* explores humanity’s complex relationship with fire and the escalating dangers of climate-driven wildfires. Centered on the 2016 Fort McMurray inferno, which devastated the Canadian oil hub and displaced 88,000 people, the book reveals how climate change has intensified fire’s destructive power. Vaillant masterfully connects wildfire science, fossil fuel dependency, and personal stories from the disaster to illustrate a stark new reality—one where fires burn hotter, longer, and beyond human control. A gripping, urgent account of our century of fire, this book is both a warning and a call to action.

Right now, you are orbiting a black hole. The Earth goes around the Sun, and the Sun goes around the centre of the Milky Way: a supermassive black hole - the strangest and most misunderstood phenomenon in the galaxy. In this book, Becky Smethurst charts the scientific breakthroughs that have uncovered the weird and wonderful world of black holes, from Hawking radiation to the iconic first photographs of a black hole in 2019.

Award-winning Harvard Business School professor Amy Edmondson has influenced legion MBA grads as well as Big Think authors from Brené Brown to Adam Grant with her pioneering work on psychological safety. Now, Amy is bringing her work to the wider world, upending our entire cultural notion of failure with this guide to the science of failing well, which actualizes the potential of psychological safety for both individuals and organizations alike

In *The Rediscovery of America*, Ned Blackhawk challenges conventional U.S. history by centering the vital role of Native Americans in shaping the nation. Spanning five centuries, he reveals how Indigenous nations influenced European colonization, England’s imperial crisis, the American Revolution, and the Civil War, while also reshaping law and policy in the twentieth century. Blackhawk dismantles the myth of Native erasure, highlighting their resilience, agency, and lasting impact. A transformative and necessary retelling, this book presents a fuller, more accurate history of America through the lens of Indigenous struggle, survival, and resurgence.

This landmark Latinx poetry collection offers "a wondrous journey through the passions, the ideas, and the diversity of a people redefining what it means to be American" (Héctor Tobar, Pulitzer Prize winner) Includes more than 180 poets, spanning from the 17th century to today, and presents those poems written in Spanish in the original and in English translation.

In *Quantum Supremacy*, bestselling author Michio Kaku explores the revolutionary potential of quantum computing, a technology poised to solve humanity’s greatest challenges. As traditional microchips near their physical limits, quantum computers harness atomic-scale complexity to unlock unprecedented computing power. From advancing medical research and designing efficient vehicles to tackling climate change and cracking incurable diseases, quantum computing could transform every aspect of life. With clarity and enthusiasm, Kaku examines how scientists and industries are racing to harness this groundbreaking technology, which may ultimately redefine the future of science, medicine, and the global economy.

In *Material World*, Ed Conway explores civilization through six essential raw materials—sand, iron, salt, oil, copper, and lithium—that have shaped human history and continue to drive our future. These resources have built empires, fueled industries, and sparked conflicts, and despite the digital age, our demand for them is accelerating. From powering technology to constructing cities, their extraction impacts every aspect of modern life. Conway takes readers on a global journey to uncover the hidden battles over these materials, revealing how our dependence on them will define the fate of economies, industries, and the planet itself.

The harsh winters of the seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries during the Little Ice Age are explored through English literature, revealing a symbolic link between icy landscapes and human cruelty. As sailors returned with chilling tales of the Arctic—long associated with the devil—Britain faced its own freezing winters, coinciding with political turmoil and fears of tyranny from monarchy and church. These anxieties surfaced in literature, where winter’s power to bind and bury mirrored the actions of cold-hearted rulers. This volume examines how environmental and political climates intertwined, shaping cultural and literary narratives of the time.

In *Beijing Rules*, investigative journalist Bethany Allen exposes the extensive strategies China has used to expand its global influence through quiet coercion. From silencing Western sports stars and Hollywood self-censorship to infrastructure deals that secure political loyalty, China has leveraged economic power to manipulate international institutions. Allen reveals how Beijing employs punitive tariffs, online disinformation, corporate espionage, and geopolitical vaccine diplomacy to strengthen its position as a world power. As democratic freedoms face increasing threats, *Beijing Rules* is a crucial analysis of China's rise and the West’s complicity in enabling its authoritarian reach.

Any Happy Returns is a sister book to The Long Good Buy, focused on longer term secular trends in economies and markets, the factors that drive them and their influence on prospective returns, for example de-globalisation, higher cost of capital, demographics, geo-politics, etc

In *Tokens*, Rachel O'Dwyer explores the rise of digital tokens—ranging from NFTs and crypto to gift cards and game currencies—and their impact on the global economy. As tech platforms issue their own money-like instruments, they challenge traditional financial systems, shifting power away from governments and banks. While tokens can offer new forms of compensation and financial flexibility, they also enable unprecedented corporate control, surveillance, and inequality. Tracing the history of alternative economies, O’Dwyer warns of the political consequences of platform capitalism monetizing everyday transactions. A critical analysis of the future of digital money and its far-reaching implications.

In *Five Times Faster*, climate policy expert Simon Sharpe challenges conventional thinking about the fight against climate change. While oil companies and weak political leadership are often blamed, Sharpe argues that the real obstacles lie within the very institutions meant to help—science, diplomacy, and economics. He reveals how climate science underestimates risks, diplomacy fights the wrong battles, and economic models protect polluters. Drawing on a decade of experience in climate policy, Sharpe proposes bold changes to accelerate action at the speed necessary to prevent catastrophe. A compelling call to rethink our approach before time runs out.

Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart. After twelve years of torment under the Aurora King, Lor craves freedom—and revenge. When unexpectedly freed, she’s thrust into the Sun Queen Trials, competing for a crown she doesn’t belong to. The other Tributes will do anything to eliminate her. If she loses, she dies—or worse, returns to the Aurora King’s grasp. To survive, Lor must win.

The iconic Bridge Kingdom series begins: a sweeping, sizzling fantasy romance filled with political intrigue and passionate love, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Fate Inked in Blood

In *Phantasma*, Ophelia and her sister are left reeling after their mother’s brutal murder, inheriting not just her magic but also her crushing debt. Desperate to save their home, her sister enters the deadly, traveling competition known as Phantasma—where few emerge alive. When Ophelia follows to rescue her, she faces haunted trials, her own unraveling mind, and a dangerously powerful ghost named Blackwell. As their uneasy alliance deepens, breaking Phantasma’s rules becomes a deadly risk. With her family’s future at stake, Ophelia must decide if survival is worth the cost of losing herself—and possibly her soul.

Cecelia Horner moves to Triple Falls for a year, agreeing to work for her estranged father in exchange for an inheritance that will help her mother. She plans to leave without attachments—until she meets Sean, her enigmatic supervisor, who pulls her into a world of passion, secrecy, and danger. As she falls deeper, she suspects Sean is hiding something, a secret his dark and brooding best friend, Dominic, is determined to keep buried. As Cecelia unravels their mystery, she discovers desires she never imagined—along with a truth that could shatter everything.

Gigi Graham is determined to qualify for the women’s national hockey team, win Olympic gold, and escape her famous father’s shadow. To improve her skills behind the net, she reluctantly seeks help from Luke Ryder—Briar’s grumpy, six-foot-five co-captain who needs her connections to land a coveted coaching job. Their partnership is purely strategic—until undeniable chemistry complicates everything. As tensions rise on and off the ice, Gigi and Ryder must decide if risking their goals for each other is worth the game they’re playing. A sizzling sports romance packed with passion, ambition, and fierce competition.

Sparks fly when a lovelorn romance novelist and a divorce lawyer agree to cohost a podcast series offering dating advice to viewers

When a secret message turns up hidden in a book in the Cinnamon Bun Book Store, Hazel can't understand it. As more secret codes appear between the pages, she decides to follow the trail of clues. She just need someone to help her out. Gorgeous and outgoing fisherman, Noah, is always up for an adventure. And a scavenger hunt sounds like a lot of fun. Even better that the cute bookseller he's been crushing on for months is the one who wants his help! Hazel didn't go looking for romance, but as the treasure hunt leads her and Noah around Dream Harbor, their undeniable chemistry might be just as hot as the fresh-out-of-the-oven cinnamon buns the bookstore sells.

Opal Devlin’s lottery win has only brought trouble—endless requests for money and a heart worn thin from saying yes too often. Seeking refuge, she impulsively buys a failing flower farm in North Carolina, planning to paint in peace. But her solitude is shattered when Pepper Boden, the farm’s rightful owner, refuses to leave. Forced into an uneasy cohabitation, their fiery clashes soon spark an undeniable attraction. As their dreams and desires intertwine, Opal and Pepper must decide if they can plant lasting roots together or if their differences will tear them apart. A sizzling, sapphic romance full of heart and humor.

Theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway juggles two lives—adjunct professor by day and fake girlfriend by other day—to make ends meet. Her carefully balanced world unravels when Jack Smith, the brooding older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the physicist who destroyed her mentor’s career. Worse, he now holds a key position on the hiring committee for her dream job at MIT. Determined to fight him, Elsie is thrown off course by unexpected chemistry, stolen glances, and the rare freedom to be herself. Will she risk everything to prove that love isn’t just theoretical?

The fate of a cursed nation depends on a princess who must outwit a mortal enemy and outlast the trials of a death-defying ritual in a thrilling adventure by USA Today bestselling author Sariah Wilson.

With a famous NHL player for a stepbrother, Violet Hall is well-acquainted with the playboy reputation of many a hockey star. She isn't interested in legendary team captain Alex Waters or his pretty, beat-up face and rock-hard six-pack abs. When Alex inadvertently obliterates her misapprehension regarding the inferior intellect of hockey players, he becomes much more than just a hot body with the face to match. Suffering from a complete lapse in judgment, Violet discovers just how good Alex is with the hockey stick in his pants. Violet believes her night of orgasmic magic with Alex is just that: one night. But Alex starts to call. And text. And email and send extravagant and quirky gifts. Suddenly, he is too difficult to ignore, and nearly impossible not to like. The problem is, the media portrays Alex as a total player, and Violet does not want to be part of the game.

Soledad Barnes has always been in control—planning, designing, and fixing everything in her life. But when her marriage crumbles in betrayal, she’s left to rebuild from the ground up, focusing on keeping her daughters safe and rediscovering herself in the process. As she rises from the ashes of her past, an unexpected man enters her life—the one she shouldn’t want but can’t resist. With love and trust on the line, Soledad must decide if she’s brave enough to take a chance on a future she never planned for. A heartfelt story of resilience and second chances.

Returning home to New Port Stephen, Florida, for Christmas after his career goes south, trans TV writer and comedian Eli Ward reconnects with his high school ex and they must decide whether to leave the past in the past or move on together.

Musical prodigies Gwen Jackson and Xander Thorne are fierce rivals in the Pops Orchestra. Gwen, a self-taught violinist with raw talent, clashes with Xander, a classically trained musician from a prestigious family. When Gwen is promoted to First Chair—Xander’s long-coveted position—their hostility intensifies. But as their onstage chemistry electrifies audiences, their mutual admiration grows into something more. Just as they begin to explore their undeniable attraction, a publicity stunt threatens to shatter their fragile romance. Passion, rivalry, and music collide in this emotional and steamy love story.

Theo and Kit were once everything to each other—best friends, lovers, and eventually, exes after a brutal breakup mid-flight. Now, four years later, they unknowingly book the same European food and wine tour, forced into close quarters across France, Spain, and Italy. Determined to prove they’ve moved on, they engage in a playful hookup competition—starting with their charming Italian tour guide. But as old sparks reignite amid breathtaking landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine, they must confront whether their past is truly behind them or if love deserves a second chance.

Kianthe and Reyna are on the hunt for dragon eggs to save their hometown but it requires making a deal with Diarn Arlon, lord of the legendary Nacean River. Simply capture the river pirate Serina, who's been plaguing Arlon's supply chains, and bring her in for justice. Easy peasy. Begrudgingly, the couple joins forces with Bobbie, one of Arlon's constables determined to capture the pirate. Except Bobbie and Serina have a more complicated history than anyone realized, and it might jeopardize everything.

Delphie dies in an embarrassing mishap—choking on a microwaveable burger—only to find herself in the afterlife’s waiting room, where she meets the most attractive man she’s ever seen. Their connection is instant, but before she can learn his name, he’s mistakenly sent back to Earth. Given a rare second chance, Delphie has ten days to find him and prove their love is real. But in a city of millions, she must follow her heart, accept help, and discover the magic in the life she left behind before time runs out. A heartwarming and whimsical romance.

In *The Kiss Curse*, Gwyn Jones is thriving in Graves Glen, Georgia—running her witchcraft shop, mentoring young witches, and strengthening her coven. But as Halloween approaches, her biggest problem becomes Llewellyn "Wells" Penhallow, who arrives from Wales to reclaim his family's influence and opens a rival shop right across the street. Their business rivalry turns unexpectedly passionate after a heated kiss, which they dismiss as a magical fluke. However, when a mysterious coven arrives and Gwyn’s powers begin to fade, she and Wells must put aside their differences and uncover the truth before it’s too late. A charming, magical rom-com filled with sparks—both literal and romantic!

Eve Hatch is content with her Brooklyn life—close to her best friend Willa and working a job that’s almost her dream. But after an unexpected one-night stand, she finds herself facing a surprise pregnancy that upends everything. As she navigates shifting friendships and a complicated baby daddy situation, she’s surprised when Willa’s older brother, Shep, becomes her steady source of support. His kindness and unexpected presence in her life soon become irresistible. Over nine transformative months, Eve learns that love—whether romantic, familial, or self-love—can appear in the most surprising ways. A heartwarming, witty story of change and new beginnings.

Bradley Graeme is a star athlete and top student, managing his OCD while excelling in everything—except tolerating Celine Bangura, his former best friend turned academic rival. Celine, a conspiracy theory enthusiast, hasn’t forgiven Brad for abandoning her for the popular crowd. But when they both unexpectedly sign up for the same two-part survival course, they’re forced to work together for a grand prize. As they navigate the wilderness and their complicated past, old memories resurface, and new feelings emerge. But can they rebuild what was lost, or is their connection forever changed?

Told from multiple points of view, the lives of Frankie, Jo, Phoenix, Nick, and Bella are changed forever after one of them is SA'd at a party--and it looks like the perpetrator might get away with it.

A black father, a white father. Two dead sons. A quest for revenge and redemption.

Bestselling author Jack Masterson hosts a high-stakes contest, offering one winner his final *Clock Island* manuscript and a life-changing reward. Lucy Hart, a 26-year-old teacher’s aide, dreams of adopting Christopher, a book-loving orphan, but lacks the financial stability. Invited to compete alongside other diehard fans on Jack’s private island, Lucy sees a chance to secure their future. But with scheming competitors and the enigmatic illustrator Hugo Reese in the mix, the stakes are higher than she imagined. As the competition unfolds, Jack’s hidden motives emerge, revealing a plan that could change everything—for Lucy, Christopher, and all involved.

In 1938 California, sixteen-year-old Rosanne, grieving her parents' death, hides her secret ability to see colors when hearing sound. When a moment of vulnerability leaves her pregnant, she is banished from the vineyard she called home—only to be sent somewhere far worse than she imagined. In 1947, Helen Calvert, returning from war-torn Europe, uncovers shocking truths about Rosanne’s fate. Determined to find her, Helen realizes that though World War II has ended, the fight for justice and lost lives is far from over. A poignant tale of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child.

High schooler Rintaro Natsuki is preparing to close his late grandfather’s beloved secondhand bookstore when a talking cat named Tiger appears, demanding his help to save neglected books. Together, they embark on a magical journey through mysterious mazes, confronting those who mistreat literature—a man who lets books rot, a speed-reader who butchers them, and a publisher obsessed with bestsellers. As Rintaro faces his final challenge, he must summon the courage only true book lovers possess. A heartfelt tale celebrating the power of stories and the importance of cherishing books.

Vacationing at the beach with her mother, Sasha Samokhina falls under the spell of Farit Kozhennikov. An unusual man with an air of the sinister, he directs her to perform tasks with potentially scandalous consequences and rewards her with strange golden coins. He then directs her to move to a remote village and use her gold to enter the Institute of Special Technologies. Sasha quickly discovers the institute's books are impossible to read, the lessons obscure to the point of maddening, and the work refuses memorization. The school does not punish students for their transgressions and failures-- instead their families pay a terrible price

Brie hates the Fae and refuses to have anything to do with them, even if that means starving on the street. But when her sister is sold to the sadistic king of the Unseelie court to pay a debt, she'll do whatever it takes to get her back--including making a deal with the king himself to steal three magical relics from the Seelie court. Gaining unfettered access to the Seelie court is easier said than done. Brie's only choice is to pose as a potential bride for Prince Ronan, and she soon finds herself falling for him. Unwilling to let her heart distract her, she accepts help from a band of Unseelie misfits with their own secret agenda. As Brie spends time with their mysterious leader, Finn, she struggles to resist his seductive charm. Caught between two dangerous courts, Brie must decide who to trust with her loyalty. And with her heart.

Childhood best friends Emily and Chess take a trip to Villa Aestas in Italy to reconnect, but the villa holds a dark past. In 1974, a rockstar’s retreat ended in murder, inspiring a legendary horror novel. As Emily delves into the villa’s history, she suspects the murder was more than just rock-and-roll excess. Tension grows between her and Chess as past and present betrayals collide. With danger lurking, the villa may claim another victim before summer’s end. *The Villa* is a gripping gothic thriller perfect for fans of Ruth Ware and Lucy Foley.

In the scorching summer of 1974, Southie resident Mary Pat Fennessy struggles to make ends meet when her teenage daughter, Jules, goes missing. The same night, a young Black man is mysteriously killed by a subway train. Though seemingly unrelated, Mary Pat’s search for answers leads her deep into the Irish mob’s grip, where asking questions can be deadly. Set against the violent backdrop of Boston’s school desegregation crisis, *Small Mercies* is a gripping thriller that unflinchingly explores crime, power, and the deep roots of American racism.

In *Carrie Soto Is Back*, legendary tennis champion Carolina Soto retires in 1989 as the greatest, with 20 Grand Slam titles. But six years later, rising star Nicki Chan matches her record, threatening her legacy. At 37, Carrie defies critics, injuries, and doubts to stage a comeback, training under her estranged father for one last shot at dominance. With the world watching, she must prove she’s still the best. A gripping novel about ambition, resilience, and the cost of greatness, *Carrie Soto Is Back* is a powerful story of determination and redemption.

In *The Winners*, Maya Andersson and Benji Ovich return to Beartown, reuniting with childhood friends as a new ice rink symbolizes the town’s renewed spirit. But when a fierce storm reignites the old rivalry with neighboring Hed, tensions escalate from intimidation to violence. Meanwhile, a disillusioned fourteen-year-old boy, grieving a family tragedy, plots revenge. As friendships and loyalties are tested, the novel explores love, loss, and the true meaning of winning, losing, and forgiveness in a hockey-obsessed town on the brink of change.

Iona, a charismatic magazine advice columnist, takes the same train every day, silently observing her fellow commuters—until an emergency shatters the unspoken rule of avoiding strangers. When a fellow passenger nearly chokes, a life-saving intervention sparks an unlikely connection between an eclectic group of travelers. As friendships form, secrets are shared, and lives intertwine, they discover that sometimes, talking to strangers can lead to the most unexpected and meaningful relationships. A heartwarming novel about human connection, friendship, and the power of small moments to change lives.

Lane is stuck in an identity crisis—her career is stagnant, her friends are all coupled up, and she’s feeling lost. On a whim, she buys a school bus to convert into a home, despite having no renovation experience. She enlists her friend Matt, a skilled mechanic and handyman, for help. Their undeniable attraction is complicated by Lane’s fear of commitment and Matt’s desire to settle down. As they work side by side, sparks fly, forcing them to confront whether friendship is enough—or if they’re meant for something more

In *Dreamland*, Colby Mills, a North Carolina farmer with abandoned musical dreams, takes a rare break to play a gig in Florida, where he meets Morgan Lee, a driven musician with Nashville ambitions. Their romance is electric, but their futures seem worlds apart. Meanwhile, Beverly is on the run with her young son, escaping an abusive husband and struggling to build a new life. As fate weaves their stories together, love, sacrifice, and the weight of the past will test their dreams and reshape their lives forever. A poignant tale of love, survival, and second chances.

As bombs rain down on Warsaw and Hitler's forces surround the city, childhood friends Marta and Janina join the war effort using one of the only weapons that still feel safe to them: literature, fighting to preserve their culture and community and finding hope in each other in order to survive.

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat ... er, out-of-evil-office. But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs, Kingsley's included, point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom's magic, and it's made The Villain's manor vulnerable to their enemies ... including their nemesis, the king

Finlay Donovan is killing it... except, she's really not. She's a stressed-out single-mom of two and struggling novelist, Finlay's life is in chaos: the new book she promised her literary agent isn't written, her ex-husband fired the nanny without telling her, and this morning she had to send her four-year-old to school with hair duct-taped to her head after an incident with scissors. When Finlay is overheard discussing the plot of her new suspense novel with her agent over lunch, she's mistaken for a contract killer, and inadvertently accepts an offer to dispose of a problem husband in order to make ends meet... Soon, Finlay discovers that crime in real life is a lot more difficult than its fictional counterpart, as she becomes tangled in a real-life murder investigation.

Iris Walsh decides to intern at a hospital for the criminally insane where she believes the perpetrator who kidnapped her pretty, popular twin sister years ago is being held and uncovers even more sinister happenings.

When the leaders of the Order reveal that they will do everything in their power to keep the approaching demon war a secret, Bree and her friends go on the run so she can learn how to control her devastating new powers

In *The Secret Book of Flora Lea*, sisters Hazel and Flora are evacuated from London in 1939 to escape the war, finding refuge in a peaceful countryside village. To comfort Flora, Hazel creates *Whisperwood*, an imaginary world just for them. But when Flora mysteriously vanishes near the river, Hazel is left with unbearable guilt. Twenty years later, Hazel, now working in a rare bookstore, receives an illustrated book titled *Whisperwood and the River of Stars*—a story only she and Flora knew. Stunned, she embarks on a desperate search for the truth, unraveling long-buried secrets that could lead her back to her lost sister.

1950s. In the border town of La Frontera, young love blooms at first sight between Fulgencio Ramirez, the son of impoverished immigrants, and Carolina Mendelssohn, the local pharmacist's daughter. Their bonds will be undone by a force more powerful than they could have known. Thirty years later Fulgencio Ramirez, RPh, is conducting his daily ritual of reading the local obituaries in his pharmacy office. After nearly a quarter of a century of waiting, his nemesis, the husband of Carolina Mendelssohn, has died. Fulgencio strives to succeed in America, break a mystical family curse, and win back Carolina's love after their doomed youthful romance

Like her mother, Rue is an all-knowing midwife, healer, and conjurer of curses on the plantation of Marse Charles. Moving back and forth in time between the years before and after the Civil War, this novel tells the story of Rue, the families she cares for, and the mysteries and secrets she knows about the plantation owner's daughter, Varina. At the heart of this story is the intimate bonds and transgressions among people and across racial divides, during both slavery time and freedom time.

In *The Quiet Tenant*, Aidan Thomas is a respected family man in his small New York town—but he hides a dark secret. A serial killer, he has murdered eight women and keeps his ninth victim, Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed. When Aidan’s wife dies, forcing him and his 13-year-old daughter, Cecilia, to move, he brings Rachel along, introducing her as a family friend. After years of captivity, Rachel sees Cecilia as her only hope for survival. Meanwhile, Emily, a local woman drawn to Aidan, unknowingly steps into danger. Told through the perspectives of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, this gripping psychological thriller explores trauma, survival, and the power of women fighting back.

In the spring of 1873, recently married Crow Mary and Abe Farwell, a white fur trader, witness the Cypress Hills Massacre, in which forty innocent Nakoda are killed by a drunken gang. Following the massacre, Crow Mary rescues five Nakoda women who are being abused by the gang. Thus, she sets off a whirlwind of colliding cultures that brings out the worst and best in everyone and pushes the love between Farwell and Crow Mary to the breaking point. Inspired by the life of the real Crow Mary and endorsed by her great-granddaughter, Crow elders, and Crow scholars, this is an epic love story that sweeps across decades, showcases the beauty of the natural workd, and probes the intimacies of a marriage and one woman's heart

In *The Monsters We Defy*, set in 1925 Washington, D.C., Clara Johnson uses her ability to communicate with spirits to uncover a sinister force preying on the city’s Black residents. Tasked by a powerful spirit with stealing a magical ring from a wealthy socialite, Clara joins forces with Israel Lee, a jazz musician with supernatural gifts. Together, they assemble a daring crew—including a former circus performer, a pickpocketing Pullman Porter, and an aging vaudeville actor—for an impossible heist. But as spirit-world conflicts spill into reality, Clara and Israel must navigate betrayal and danger, knowing only one of them can truly claim victory.

University freshman Aleeza Kassam is drawn to the mystery of Jay Hoque, a brooding student who vanished from her dorm, East House, five months ago. When she starts receiving texts from Jay—sent from the past—Aleeza realizes they are impossibly connected across time. Determined to prevent his disappearance, they risk a temporal paradox to uncover the truth. As Aleeza investigates Jay’s past friendships, enemies, and secrets, their connection deepens into something more. But can love defy time, or is Jay’s fate already sealed? A gripping blend of romance, mystery, and time-bending suspense.

In *Hang the Moon*, Sallie Kincaid, daughter of the powerful Duke Kincaid, grows up in privilege until a childhood accident leads to her banishment from the family home. Nine years later, she returns to reclaim her place, only to find herself caught in a world of secrets, rivalries, and lawlessness. As she navigates the treacherous dynamics of her family and town, Sallie carves her own path—one that leads her into the dangerous world of bootlegging. A tale of ambition, resilience, and reinvention, *Hang the Moon* is a gripping historical novel about a woman determined to forge her own destiny.

During a Pride celebration, Wendy notices the beginning of an infection that seems to be turning people into zombies. She and others from the local queer community must team up (despite interpersonal tension) to try and stop the outbreak, discover its source, and survive

Megan is ecstatic when her missing son Daniel walks into a police station six years after his disappearance. But as she struggles to reconnect with her son, Megan suspects there may be more to the story of his disappearance than she knows.

Fenna Vos has perfected the art of survival, working as the mastermind behind an unruly escape artist’s act while keeping her painful past buried. But when British Intelligence recruits her for MI9, she is thrust into the heart of World War II, tasked with designing covert escape tools to aid Allied soldiers against the Germans. Reluctantly joining a team of unconventional inventors, Fenna soon realizes that confronting the war also means facing her own past. As the stakes grow deadlier, she must rely on every skill she’s honed to outmaneuver the enemy—and survive.

In *The Celebrants*, five college friends—Jordan, Jordy, Naomi, Craig, and Marielle—have upheld a decades-old pact: gathering in Big Sur for "living funerals" to remind each other that life is meaningful. Over the years, they’ve reunited to support one another through divorce, grief, and scandal. But now, as they approach a new decade of life, their latest reunion feels different. Jordan is hiding a secret that threatens to unravel their tradition. With Steven Rowley’s signature humor and heart, *The Celebrants* is a poignant exploration of friendship, aging, and the ways we lift each other up through life's hardest moments.

In *The Berry Pickers*, a Mi'kmaq family from Nova Scotia travels to Maine in 1962 for seasonal blueberry picking, but their summer takes a tragic turn when four-year-old Ruthie disappears. Her six-year-old brother, Joe, is the last to see her and remains haunted by her absence for years. Meanwhile, Norma, the only child of a wealthy Maine family, struggles with an overprotective mother and distant father. As recurring dreams and fragmented memories unsettle her, she begins to suspect her family is hiding something. Spanning decades, this poignant novel explores the search for truth, the weight of trauma, and the enduring power of love.

Tig Costello arrives in Darren, Kentucky, to paint a portrait honoring her grandfather, Benjamin—a town hero and war veteran. But to Tig, he’s nearly a stranger. To understand his past, she seeks out Eloise Price, the woman who murdered him fifty years ago. Still confined to a state institution, Eloise agrees to tell her story, revealing long-buried truths about Tig’s family, the enigmatic Whitmore Halls estate, and the fateful day that changed everything. As Tig unearths her family's darkest secrets, she is forced to confront her own past and find reconciliation.

In *The Heiress*, Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore—North Carolina’s wealthiest and most infamous woman—leaves behind a nine-figure fortune and a web of secrets upon her death. Her adopted son, Camden, wants nothing to do with the inheritance, choosing a quiet life in Colorado with his wife, Jules. But when a family death calls him back to Ashby House, Jules becomes entangled in the McTavishes’ dark history. As she digs into Ruby’s past—including her childhood kidnapping and the mysterious deaths of four husbands—Jules realizes that an inheritance isn’t just about wealth, and some family secrets refuse to stay buried.

In *Akata Woman*, Sunny Nwazue, now fully aware of the mystical energy within her, faces her greatest challenge yet. After navigating the complexities of her dual identity—between America and Nigeria, the ordinary world and the mystical Leopard world—she is thrust into a perilous quest that could determine the fate of both realms. With her trusted friends by her side, she must retrieve a powerful object hidden deep within an otherworldly domain, overcoming formidable guardians and impossible trials. But victory comes at a cost, and Sunny will emerge from this journey forever changed. A thrilling conclusion to Nnedi Okorafor’s *Akata* trilogy.

In *The Housemaid’s Secret*, a woman with a mysterious past lands a job working for the wealthy Garrick family, cleaning their luxurious penthouse and preparing meals. She’s grateful for the opportunity—until she notices strange things. Mrs. Garrick never leaves the guest bedroom, where muffled cries can be heard, and her white nightgowns bear mysterious bloodstains. When curiosity drives the housemaid to open the forbidden door, what she discovers changes everything. Determined to protect Mrs. Garrick, she sets out to make Douglas Garrick pay for his secrets. But how far will she go—and can she keep her own past buried?

In *Someone Else’s Shoes*, Nisha Cantor’s luxurious life comes crashing down when her husband blindsides her with a divorce, cutting her off from everything. Meanwhile, Sam Kemp, overwhelmed by financial and personal struggles, accidentally picks up Nisha’s gym bag. Inside, she finds a pair of stunning Christian Louboutin heels—shoes that, when she tries them on, give her an unexpected surge of confidence. As their lives unexpectedly intertwine, both women embark on journeys of self-discovery, empowerment, and reinvention. With Jojo Moyes’ signature humor and heart, this uplifting novel explores how a single mix-up can transform everything.

In 1999, Gabriel and his friends discovered the Undernet--a secret architecture to the internet. They charted their exploration on a message board called W0RLDTR33. Then they lost control. Someone broke into W0RLDTR33--someone who welcomed the violent hold the Undernet had on them. At great personal cost, Gabriel and the others thought they sealed the Undernet away for good. They were wrong. And now the whole world will know the meaning of PH34R.

They're ugly. They're mean. But up until today, they've always been loyal. So when one of their own betrays them, COPRA has no choice but to turn their nightmarish skills back on everyone who ever even looked at them funny.

A gothic graphic novel that follows a young medium with the gift--or curse, as some might say--to communicate with the dead

Nathan Burnett has just turned thirty and things aren't great -- he's working (and failing) at two jobs, his credit card debt is piling up and his only move... is moving back home with his parents. But when Nathan discovers the ethereal, cosmic RADIANT, he's given the power to radically change his fortunes...unless the Cosmic Beings who created them succeed in taking them back by any means necessary. Oh, and did we mention there's a RED RADIANT who wants Nathan dead?