Set in the Adirondack Mountains in 1975, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore is a compelling mystery that begins with the disappearance of 13-year-old Barbara Van Laar from her summer camp. As the investigation unfolds, it delves into the hidden lives of the Van Laar family and the local community, uncovering long-held secrets and psychological tensions. Moore's narrative weaves a gripping tale of family dynamics, social class, and the haunting impact of past events, creating a suspenseful and emotionally resonant story.
Liz Moore is an American novelist known for her character-driven narratives that often explore themes of family, addiction, and redemption. Born in 1983, she began her career as a musician before turning to writing. Her novels include Heft, The Unseen World, and Long Bright River, the latter receiving critical acclaim for its portrayal of the opioid crisis in Philadelphia. In 2024, she published The God of the Woods, further cementing her reputation for crafting poignant and socially relevant stories.
Series: The Cemetery of Forgotten Books (#1)
In post-Civil War Barcelona, young Daniel is introduced to a mysterious book that will change his life forever. When he tries to find other works by the author, he discovers a dark mystery involving a disfigured man who has been systematically destroying every copy of every book the author has written. Daniel's investigation pulls him into a story of murder, madness, and doomed love.
Set in 1970s Pottstown, Pennsylvania, this novel uncovers secrets buried within a tight-knit, racially diverse community. When a skeleton is discovered in a well, the town's residents are forced to confront long-held truths. At the heart of the story is the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, a beacon of kindness owned by a Jewish woman who shelters a deaf Black boy from institutional cruelty. McBride’s novel is a rich tapestry of history, humor, and humanity, illuminating how love and community can thrive despite systemic injustice, making it both a gripping mystery and a moving exploration of American life.
by Zadie Smith
Set in 19th-century London, The Fraud reimagines the Tichborne Trial—a real-life Victorian scandal—as a lens through which to examine truth, authorship, and identity. At the story’s center is Eliza Touchet, housekeeper and cousin to novelist William Ainsworth, who becomes entangled in the trial of a butcher claiming to be a long-lost aristocrat. Through Eliza’s sharp observations and moral grappling, Zadie Smith interrogates class, empire, race, and the shifting lines between fact and fiction. With her signature wit and depth, Smith crafts a historical novel that feels urgently modern, revealing the social and literary frauds that still echo today.
Series: The Thursday Murder Club (#5)
In 'The Impossible Fortune,' Richard Osman crafts a clever and engrossing narrative that intertwines mystery, humor, and human connection. The novel follows a quirky yet endearing group of amateur sleuths who find themselves entangled in a high-stakes treasure hunt filled with unexpected twists. As they delve into the enigma of a long-lost fortune, friendships are tested and secrets unravel. Osman's knack for creating relatable characters with vivid personalities shines through, making readers care deeply about their journey. Engaging and suspenseful, the novel explores themes of camaraderie, the allure of hidden wealth, and the complexities of trust, leaving an indelible mark on its audience.