Over the past several months, a variety of popular books by both emerging and beloved best-selling authors have hit the shelves. From gripping non-fiction to swoon-worthy romance, here are five reads that deserve your attention.
“The Tenant” by Freida McFadden (Suspense)
McFadden’s “The Tenant” is a psychological thriller that captures readers from its first chapter. Blake is living his dream life with a great job, fiancée Krista and a beautiful Brooklyn brownstone. His world begins to fracture when he is abruptly fired, prompting the couple to rent their spare room to the seemingly charming Whitney.
Whitney has secrets of her own. The new tenant sends Blake into a spiral as unsettling events and paranoia begin making him question his sanity and the actions of those around him.
McFadden’s signature suspense creates a thrilling tale of psychological manipulation as Whitney’s calculated actions unravel Blake’s sanity. Blake becomes an unreliable narrator, forcing the readers to question what is real and what is fake while the tension multiplies toward the climax, revealing hidden truths.
While McFadden uses her familiar formula of deception and disorientation, her pacing and plot twists keep “The Tenant” distinct from her other works, ensuring readers remain on edge until the final page.
This novel cements McFadden’s prowess in delivering captivating suspense, making it a must-read for someone who needs a fast thriller to get back into the reading mood.
This novel sits at about an average rating for McFadden on Goodreads at 3.85/5 stars.
“Great Big Beautiful Life” by Emily Henry (Romance)
Henry’s “Great Big Beautiful Life” directs readers’ attention to Little Crescent Island, where journalists Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson compete to write the biography of a sequestered heiress, Margaret Ives.
The journalists’ rivalry sparks a slow-burning romance alongside family secrets and scandalous pasts. The novel uses dual timelines: Alice and Hayden’s present alongside Margaret’s past. This creates a rich web, weaving historical segments to overshadow the romance.
Alice’s optimism and Hayden’s grumpiness create a dynamic grounded by Margaret’s tragic yet vibrant story. The imagery paints a beautiful picture of the Georgia coast, immersing readers in the emotional and intricate story.
The pacing occasionally stumbles from too fast to too slow, with early chapters feeling dense before the gripping climax.
Henry explores love, sacrifice and blurred lines of truth. The characters are crafted to resonate long after you finish the story. This book is great for any Emily Henry lover as she takes a different approach to the novel while staying true to her writing formula.
The Goodreads rating sits slightly above the average of Henry’s other novels at 4.01/5 stars.
“The Ghostwriter” by Julia Clark (Mystery)
Clark’s “The Ghostwriter” inserts readers into the shadows of Ojai, Calif., where ghostwriter Olivia Dumont confronts the dark legacy of her dementia-ridden father.
Olivia’s ruined reputation resulted in difficulty finding work before she was finally offered an opportunity she felt compelled to take. However, it was the last place she thought she would return to. Her shame-to-reckoning character development deepens the story, with her fractured bond with her father, Vincent, echoing the tragedy’s lasting scars.
Tasked with writing her father’s memoir about the 1975 murder of his siblings leads her to unravel a chilling web of family secrets. He has been suspected of the crime ever since that dreadful day, but he never came forth with the truth.
This dual-timeline thriller, mixed with a blend of suspense and emotional stakes, captivates readers. The weave of past and present through Vincent’s late sister’s diaries and film footage can allow a peek into the truth but not enough to figure out the ending.
Clark’s pacing and prose transform this novel into a captivating climax, revealing truths that linger after you read. Her use of unreliable narrators keeps readers guessing while balancing the mystery with heartfelt family drama.
Clark masterfully creates a tale of betrayal, redemption and plot twists to reign over suspenseful storytelling. “The Ghostwriter” is a must-read for someone who doesn’t want to put the book down until the mystery is solved.
The novel has 4.13/5 stars on Goodreads, which is her highest solo novel rating.
“Onyx Storm” by Rebecca Yarros (Fantasy)
Yarros’ “Onyx Storm” is the third installment in the Empyrean series. The book places readers right back into the dragon-fueled chaos of Basgaiath War College as characters change and issues arise.
Violet Sorrengail continues her journey beyond Aretian, failing wards to forge alliances and save her venin-infected (individuals who had turned to a forbidden form of magic) lover, Xaden. This book continues to unravel mysteries and captivates readers with heart-pounding chapters.
The novel’s intricate storyline and characters can seem daunting to new readers. But Yarros’ vivid world-building and electrifying chapters create jaw-dropping climaxes and plot twists that leave readers craving more. Her strategic pacing transforms initial complexity into a riveting ending that leaves fans hooked.
Yarros’ character development continues alongside the plot, allowing readers to humanize the story. She continues to use the same captivating writing techniques while leading the readers to the edges of their seats.
This novel distinguishes itself with relentless suspense and passion. Its action and heat-wrenching plot twists cement Yarros’ mastery of both romance and fantasy. This series is ongoing, but it is a must-read for fans and first-time readers alike to soar into a world of dragons and danger.
This novel has the lowest rating of the Empyrean series on Goodreads, sitting at 4.21/5 stars, while the first two sit at 4.37/5 stars or higher. Regardless, this read is worth your time.
“Everything is Tuberculosis” by John Green (Nonfiction)
Green’s “Everything is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection” details the global fight against tuberculosis (TB). Green tells the personal story of TB patient Henry Reider in Sierra Leone, alongside the social history and science behind the deadly disease.
TB has long been romanticized and adapted through social and scientific lenses throughout history. Green explores how systematic inequities allow TB to kill over a million people annually despite available treatments.
The narrative alternates between Henry’s journey with drug-resistant TB and other historical accounts from 18th-century sanatoriums to modern pharmaceutical greed. Green delves into the evolving and changing relationships between the disease and society through the years.
Green’s signature earnestness and wit are shown through this blending of history, memoir and advocacy to humanize a highly ignored crisis. Dense historical sections are balanced with anecdotes of his own struggles, building a compelling call to action.
Green transforms a complex public health issue into a human story. This book is a must-read for, really, everyone. The novel challenges readers to look at choices that have shaped TB’s persistence.
This book holds 4.43/5 stars on Goodreads, reflecting its strong praise.
