LibraryReads: February 2022

  It's LibraryReads day and that means four things here on RA for All

1. I post the list and tag it “Library Reads” so that you can easily pull up every single list with one click.
2. I can remind you that even though the newest list is always fun to see, it is the older lists where you can find AWESOME, sure bet suggestions for patrons that will be on your shelf to actually hand to them right now. The best thing about LibraryReads is the compound interest it is earning. We now have hundreds and hundreds of titles worth suggesting right at our fingertips through this archive OR the sortable master list allowing you to mix and match however you want.
3. You have no excuse not to hand sell any LibraryReads titles because there is a book talk right there in the list in the form of the annotation one of your colleagues wrote for you. All you have to say to your patron is, “such and such library worker in blank state thought this was a great read,” and then you read what he or she said.
4. Every upcoming book now has at least 1 readalike that is available to hand out RIGHT NOW. Book talk the upcoming book, place a hold for it, and then hand out that readalike title for while they wait. If they need more titles before their hold comes in, use the readalike title to identify more readalike titles. And then keep repeating. Seriously, it is that easy to have happy, satisfied readers.

So get out there and suggest a good read to someone today. I don’t care what list or resource you use to find the suggestion, just start suggesting books.

Please remember to click here for everything you need to know about how to participate. Click here to see a database of eligible diverse titles sorted by month.

And finally, here is LibraryReads' extremely helpful Resources page.

Now let's get to that list.... 

  

February 2022 LibraryReads List!

The Paris Apartment: A Novel 

by Lucy Foley

William Morrow

“Foley hits it out of the ballpark with this solid thriller set in a Paris apartment

building. Jess goes looking for her brother, but finds only the smell of bleach and a broken St. Christopher medal lodged in the floorboards. Written in short chapters with multiple points of view and delicious secrets dropped along the way, this gripping, wild ride is impossible to put down. If you like Liane Moriarty or Ruth Ware, pick this one up.“

—Douglas Beatty, Baltimore County Public Library, Baltimore, MD 

NoveList read-alike: Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson

And now the rest of the list:

Black Cake: A Novel 

by Charmaine Wilkerson

Ballantine Books

“In this extraordinary debut, two estranged siblings must reunite on the occasion of their mother’s death, opening old wounds and exposing long held secrets. The novel is a rich, woven tapestry of cultures, characters, traditions, and social issues, with several “wow” moments along the way. For fans of The Vanishing Half and Ask Again, Yes.”

—Ronni Krasnow, New York Public Library, New York, NY
NoveList read-alike: These Ghosts are Family by Maisy Card

The Christie Affair: A Novel 

by Nina de Gramont

St. Martin's Press

"An intriguing take on Agatha Christie’s famous 11-day disappearance. In a Christie- esque subplot, Nan manipulates Agatha’s husband to leave her so that Nan can step in, but her plans go further. Interspersed in the story is Nan’s retelling of her own tragic background, and as it unfolds, her true objective comes to light. For fans of The Mystery of Mrs. Christie and The Guest Book.”

—Maribeth Fisher, Scotch Plains Public Library, Scotch Plains, NJ 
NoveList read-alike: A Talent for Murder by Andrew Wilson

Count Your Lucky Stars: A Novel

By Alexandra Bellefleur

Avon

“Two women get a second chance at romance. Margot and Liv shared a bond and one steamy week back in high school, and ten years later they become roommates by chance. This time, they're not letting one another go again. For fans of Honey Girl and Boyfriend Material.”

—Danielle Hansard, Westland Public Library, Westland, MI
 NoveList read-alike: The Shaadi Set-up by Lillie Vale

Delilah Green Doesn't Care 

by Ashley Herring Blake

Berkley

“As a teen, Delilah felt ostracized after her father died. When she reluctantly returns to her hometown for her stepsister’s wedding, she meets Claire, one of a group of girls who Mean Girled her in high school. An absolute delight of a queer romance, women’s fiction with insta-attraction, forced proximity, family drama, and cute kid moments. For fans of Something to Talk About and Red, White, & Royal Blue.”

—Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Milford, OH
NoveList read-alike: Payback’s a Witch by Lana Harper

 

Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead: A Mystery 

by Elle Cosimano

Minotaur Books

“The second Finlay Donovan installment is just as funny, charming, and over-the-top as the first. Finlay is still a lovable hot mess and her love life hasn't gotten easier. While it's definitely a mystery with some dead bodies, the humor and giant heart of this series prevail. For fans of Janet Evanovich and Sarah Strohmeyer.”

—Rebecca Swanson, Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg, WI 
NoveList read-alike: Spellman Files series by Lisa Lutz

Good Girl Complex 

by Elle Kennedy

St. Martin's Griffin

“Mackenzie decamps to a coastal college to fulfill a promise to attend school, even though she’s a successful business owner. Little does she know her boyfriend has already ruffled feathers in town, and local bad boy Cooper plans to break Mac's heart in revenge. A perfect balance between steamy and adorable; give this new adult romance to readers of Anna Todd.”

—Serita Patel, MCMLS-South Regional Library, The Woodlands, TX 
NoveList read-alike: The Summer Job by Lizzy Dent

Not the Witch You Wed 

by April Asher

St. Martin's Griffin

“Violet is perfectly happy being the triplet without magical powers. However, since reconnecting with high school heartbreaker and wolf shifter Lincoln Thorne, she suddenly has magic and is afraid she’ll be forced into an arranged marriage. What’s a witch to do but to fake-date a werewolf? A fun and light read for fans of The Ex Hex.”

—Alicia Ahlvers, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico, VA 
NoveList read-alike: Fairy Godmothers, Inc by Saranna DeWylde

The Verifiers 

by Jane Pek

Vintage

“Claudia Lin, a lifelong reader of mystery novels, may be getting in over her head when she decides to investigate a mysterious death connected to the online dating detective agency where she works. Well- developed characters and an engaging locked room plot make this a great pick for those who loved Arsenic and Adobo and Dial A For Aunties.”

—Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Champaign, IL 
NoveList read-alike: Skin Deep by Sung J. Woo

The Violin Conspiracy 

by Brendan Slocumb

Anchor

"The one bright spot in Ray’s rough life is his love of playing the violin that once belonged to his great-ancestor, a slave. The instrument turns out to be a Stradivarius, creating all sorts of problems. This first- rate story offers a probing look at the experience of being a Black musician in the classical music world. Great for book clubs that enjoyed Harlem Shuffle and The Queen’s Gambit."

—Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, Florham Park, NJ 
NoveList read-alike: Hell of a Book by Jason Mott

The LibraryReads Hall of Fame designation honors authors who have had multiple titles appear on the monthly LibraryReads list since 2013. When their third title places on the list via library staff votes, the author moves into our Hall of Fame.

Click here to access the Hall of Fame Archive with annotations and readalikes

 

An Impossible Impostor 

by Deanna Raybourn

Berkley