LibraryReads: October 2024

 

 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 the October 2024 list.... 

Exposure

Ramona Emerson

(Soho Crime) 

A serial killer hides in plain sight, killing the indigent Native people of Gallup, New Mexico. On the verge of an emotional crisis, Rita, a forensic photographer, heads home to her Navajo reservation for a long-overdue rest. Soon her life is put at risk. Can she save others while attempting to save herself? Readers who enjoyed Emerson’s debut novel Shutter will enjoy this followup.

—KC Davis, LibraryReads Ambassador, CT

NoveList read-alike: Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina

Now for the rest of the October 2024 list!

Libby Lost and Found

Stephanie Booth

(Sourcebooks Landmark)

Libby is one of the most famous and sought-after children’s authors, but her identity is also a complete secret. She is under pressure to write the final book in her series, but something is wrong and she just can't get it done. In her search for answers, she starts a quest that will bring her to a very different place in life. 

—Linda Quinn, Library Reads Ambassador, CT

NoveList read-alike: The Wishing Game by Meg Schafer

Society of Lies: A Novel

Lauren Ling Brown 

Bantam)

Two sisters attend Princeton ten years apart. Days before the younger sister's graduation, she's found dead. Maya can't believe Naomi's death was an accident, and looks toward Greystone, a secret society to which both sisters belonged, and a charismatic professor. Told in dual timelines, there are twists and turns that readers won't see coming. This novel is a welcome addition to academic thrillers.  

—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, NJ 

NoveList read-alike: In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead

Bull Moon Rising

Ruby Dixon

(Ace)

A lonely noble's daughter enters into marriage with a minotaur so that she can join a treasure hunting guild to restore her family’s wealth and protect her people. Her new husband, Hawk, who happens to be a member of the guild, has no idea that his wife is a noble in disguise. This steamy paranormal fantasy romance is filled with found family and sweet characters.

—Mindie Marsh, Eugene Public Library, OR

NoveList read-alike: That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

The Sequel: A Novel

Jean Hanff Korelitz

(Celadon Books)

This fiendishly blackhearted takedown of the literary world is a follow-up to Korelitz's bestseller The Plot, a novel about a washed up writer who finds success after he steals the storyline from a deceased student. This time we follow the story of Anna, the widow of the aforementioned writer, who surprisingly now has a runaway bestseller of her own.

—Alisa Stanfield, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL

NoveList read-alike: I'm Not Done With You Yet by Jesse Q. Sutanto

A Song to Drown Rivers Ann Liang (St. Martin's Press) Fanli, advisor to a defeated king, plots to bring down the victors. To do so, he embarks on a search for a beauty to present to the new king, who can also act as his spy. Xishi is more than a pretty face: she is adept and cunning, and has her own reasons to want vengeance. A fascinating story covering themes of revenge, sacrifice, and the political realities of war.  —Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, NJ NoveList read-alike: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

The Last One at the Wedding

Jason Rekulak

(Flatiron Books)

Maggie is getting married, and her dad is thrilled to be invited, even though they have been estranged for three years. Why the estrangement? The answer to that question and other crazy rumors about the family hosting the event fuel this engaging, suspenseful read. This will appeal to readers who enjoy hard-toguess plot twists.

—Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, CA

NoveList read-alike: The Nigerwife by Vanessa Walters

The Wedding Witch

Erin Sterling

(Avon)

This entertaining, romantic romp has it all: flirty banter, an unusual premise, and even time travel! Tamsyn and Bowen are drawn to each other, especially when a curse sends them 50 years into the past. The characters are interesting and fleshed-out in their own right, and when they get together, it’s magical.  —Jody S., USS Liberty Memorial Library, WI NoveList read-alike: This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin

Blood Over Bright Haven

M. L. Wang

(Del Rey)

Sciona's brains and ruthlessness enable her to become the firstever female highmage in highly civilized and magical Tiran. Rampant sexism means the only lab assistant she can get is Thomil, a janitor refugee. The partnership is surprisingly effective until they make a breakthrough that threatens to destroy Tiran. A gripping and intense fantasy that will appeal to readers of dark academia.

—Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, IN

NoveList read-alike: Babel by R.F. Kuang

This Girl's a Killer

Emma C. Wells

(Poisoned Pen Press)

Cordelia's hobby of killing sexual predators and getting away with it exhibits her precise planning and execution skills. But things begin to unravel when her friend starts dating someone Cordelia suspects is bad. Crazy things, such as a body in a bathtub, a kidnapped dog, and a smiling cop. combine to add dark humor, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read.

—Di Herald, LibraryReads Ambassador, CO

NoveList read-alike: Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen

Board Bonus picks:

The Nightmare Before Kissmas
Sara Raasch
(Bramble)

Notable Nonfiction:

River of Books
Donna Seaman
(U of Chicago Press/ Ode Books)

See our social media for annotations of the bonus picks

Click here to see the entire Hall of Fame

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 the Hall of Fame. Click here to see the Hall of Fame authors organized in alpha order.

Window Shopping

Tessa Bailey

(Avon) 

The Blue Hour

Paula Hawkins

(Mariner) 

What Does it Feel Like: A Novel

Sophie Kinsella

(The Dial Press)

Sword Crossed

Freya Marske

(Bramble) 

The Boyfriend

Freida McFadden

(Poisoned Pen Press)

The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella

Nita Prose

(Ballantine Books)