Here are the books published this month that librarians across the country love.

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
Library Collection: Print
“A retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher, Kingfisher's latest adds the creepiest of flesh to the bare-bones tale by Poe. Complete with a scary, isolated mansion and eerie behaviors of the residents, this version not only makes perfect sense within the original narrative, but adds a depth of understanding that suddenly makes all the pieces fall into place. For fans of Mexican Gothic, The Haunting of Hill House, and The Night Stranger.”—Sheri Stanley, Gulfport Library, Gulfport, FL
Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter
Library Collection: Print
“Aja meets a handsome stranger while having a panic attack. Walker’s not looking for a relationship, especially in his hometown, the source of his PTSD and anxiety. But Aja is beautiful, understands him, and kisses like a dream. The bingo hall setting, the senior characters, the body-positive and steamy sex scenes–so much to love in this fun, interracial romance. For fans of Talia Hibbert and Gail Honeyman.”—Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, WI
Big Girl by Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
Library Collection: Print
“For eight-year-old Malaya who must attend weekly Weight Watchers meetings with her mother, enough of anything… especially food…is never enough. This beautifully written, heart-breaking, hopeful story follows Malaya as she navigates middle and high school, her family, and her burgeoning sexuality, told with compassion and honesty. For fans of Queenie and Dominicana.”—Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ
Grace Under Fire by Julie Garwood
Library Collection: Print
“Romantic suspense at its best. A beautiful woman who is a talented songwriter and a great listener is at her sister-in-law’s awaiting a trip to Scotland. During a brief walk around the block, her whole world changes. Of course, a handsome man helps her save the day. Loads of fast-paced fun. For fans of Catherine Coulter and Karen Robards.—Susan Willis, Chanute Public Library, Chanute, KS
A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting by Sophie Irwin
Library Collection: Print
“In Regency London, recently orphaned Kitty Talbot is intent on finding a wealthy husband who will settle the family’s debts and allow her sisters to remain in their home. Kitty is nuanced and layered, a well-developed heroine amid a cast of riveting characters. This enthralling novel is a must-read for Bridgerton and Jane Austen fans.”—Janet Schneider, Peninsula Public Library, Lawrence, NY
The Pallbearers Club by Paul Tremblay
Library Collection: Print
Libby: eBook
“Tremblay always knows how to tap into the deepest of emotions, and this dual-narration horror thriller is both unrelentingly creepy and filled with the bittersweet pathos of a formative, toxic, unforgettable friendship in which one participant may or may not be a vampire. For fans of Stephen Graham Jones and Samanta Schweblin.”—Kate Currie, Hennepin County Library, Minneapolis, MN
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers
Library Collection: Print
“The second volume of this series returns to a world which is both post-apocalyptic and hopepunk, focusing on the ways that both the Monk and Robot have to deal with other people now that they’ve re-entered society after their travels together. For those who enjoyed The Murderbot Diaries and the more hopeful aspects of Station Eleven.”—Monica Shin, Boston Public Library, Boston, MA
Sugar and Salt by Susan Wiggs
Library Collection: Print
”Margot Salton, a Texas BBQ master, sets up a new restaurant in San Francisco, sharing a kitchen with Jerome’s bakery. She has been running from a huge secret that eventually catches up to her.
An intriguing story that addresses heavy topics of date rape and racism but is also full of hope and love. For fans of Rosaline Palmer Takes the Cake and Recipe For Persuasion.”—Jaime Bink, Harford County Public Library, Whiteford, MD
Wash Day Diaries by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith
Library Collection: Print
“At its core, this graphic novel is a story about four beautiful, strong black women and their friendship. Within the framework of hair wash day, we see each character dealing with her own issues, from work and relationships to mental health struggles. For readers of Another Brooklyn and Queenie.”—Aryn O’Connor, Cabarrus County Library, Concord, NC
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Library Collection: Print / CD Audiobook
“Hannah, a bodyguard with an elite firm, is hired to protect Jack, a celebrity who has a crazy stalker. Predictably, their pretend relationship develops into a real one, but the twists and turns it takes are fun and interesting. A heartwarming story for fans of The Unhoneymooners and The Hating Game.”—Sandy Ruhmann, Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MIThe Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Library Collection: Print
“Carlota Moreau is the daughter of a scientist who runs morally ambiguous experiments on his jungle estate on the Yucatán peninsula. Though she lives in luxury, she has questions about her father’s secrets. Her story is revealed through hallucinatory episodes from alternating perspectives. The surreal setting is infused with historical realism that conveys the opulence enjoyed by the Moreau family and their patrons. This genre blend of horror and adventure is in the spirit of the HG Wells classic that inspired it,. For fans of Chapelwaite.”—Jeff Corber, Montgomery County Public Libraries, Rockville, MD
The Hidden One by Linda Castillo
Library Collection: Print / CD Audiobook
Libby: Audiobook
“When the skeletal remains of an Amish bishop missing for twenty years are found, Police Chief Kate Burkholder is asked by local elders of Belleville, Pennsylvania to consult on the case. Most troubling for Kate is that the prime suspect is her childhood friend and first love Jonas Bowan, charged with first-degree murder. Fourteenth in the series that just keeps getting better!”—Evelyn Janoch, Rocky River Public Library, Rocky River, OH
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Library Collection: Print / Large Print / CD Audiobook
Libby: eBook / Audiobook
“Four college friends must revisit the murder of their friend/roommate after the convicted murderer dies claiming his innocence. Hannah, the victim’s roommate, searches to find what really happened. The multiple time periods keep a high level of suspense. There is an Agatha Christie feel with several suspects and a brilliant ending. Ware has given readers of psychological fiction a real treat!”—Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, Avon, CT
Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey
Library Collection: Print
“After years of being away, Vera returns to the home her father built to take care of her dying mother. Except her father was a serial killer, and the house has its own secrets. This book is a horror genre blend of serial killer/true crime meets haunted house. What makes the novel work is how it centers on family dynamics and the relationship we have with our parents changes when we get older.”—Cal Rydzinski, Acorn Public Library, Oak Forest, IL
The Last to Vanish by Megan Miranda
Library Collection: Print
“Visitors keep vanishing from Cutter's Pass in the North Carolina mountains. Abby thinks it's a coincidence, but when the brother of the last person to disappear checks in at the inn where she has been working for 10 years, she starts to wonder if there's more to it. A good page-turner with slightly creepy vibes.”—Heidi Sandiford, Hillsdale Free Public Library, Hillsdale, NJ
Things We Do in the Dark by Jennifer Hillier
Library Collection: Print
“Famous comedian Jimmy Peralta is found dead, and his wife Paris, covered in blood at the crime scene, is arrested. In the second part, Drew Malcolm, a reporter with a popular podcast, is chasing the story of Ruby Reyes, the infamous Ice Queen, who stomped her lover to death with an ice skate. As these two people become connected, the reader is drawn into a web of lies and compelling characters. For fans of These Toxic Things and Blood Will Tell.”—Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, OH
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Library Collection: Print
Libby: eBook / Audiobook
“Sam and Sadie were childhood friends, but now reunited as adults, they decide to form a company designing video games. A sprawling look at friends who love each other but not as lovers and lovers who try to be friends and fail, the human need for connection, and searching for perfection. A must for fans of Ready Player One who want a deeper connection to the emotional lives of the characters.”—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin, TX
Upgrade by Blake Crouch
Library Collection: Print / Large Print
“In Crouch's newest sci-fi thriller Logan Ramsay works for the Gene Protection Agency and is exposed to an unknown compound. After he's released from the hospital, Logan's mind is working faster than ever before, his memory continues to improve, and he’s faster and stronger too. But who could have caused these genetic upgrades in Logan and why? For fans of The Paradox Hotel, Six Wakes, and Altered Carbon.”—Dan Brooks, Wake County Public Libraries, Raleigh, NC