Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The latest must-reads according to bestselling authors

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month’s Best New Author Favorites
What do popular authors think of the season’s buzziest new releases? Keep reading to discover the unputdownable books that are wowing big-name authors right now — including a gripping locked-room mystery, a sweeping family drama, and more!
 
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Book cover for Five by Ilona Bannister
One of summer’s hottest thrillers is wowing everyone from Chris Whitaker to Alafair Burke
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Five seemingly random people are waiting for a train — but one of them is about to die…
  • “Original. Urgent. Disturbing. Brilliant. Quite unlike anything I’ve ever read” (Shari Lapena)
  • Sarah Pinborough, author of Behind Her Eyes, says, “Five is a tour de force of a novel. I read it in one sitting”
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Media mentions for Five by Ilona Bannister MEDIA MENTIONS: NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Times, New York Post, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann
Lev Grossman says this ‘utterly irresistible’ novel is ‘an instant classic’
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The day after her execution, Anne Boleyn wakes up — and embarks on a quest for justice
  • “Brilliantly imagined, stylishly written, satisfyingly plotted, full of delicious surprises” (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
  • “A marvelously inventive and mythic reworking of the story of Anne Boleyn” (Kelly Link) that’s a must-read for fans of Tudor fiction
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Media mentions for The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann MEDIA MENTIONS: The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, The Times, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth
‘The scale of storytelling is sweeping’ (Olivie Blake) in this dystopian epic
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Divergent series delivers “a standout genre-bending adventure” (Kirkus Reviews)
  • Soldier Elegy’s quiet life is upended when she finds herself at the center of a mysterious prophecy that leaves the fate of her nation hanging in the balance…
  • With praise from John Scalzi and Anton Hur, who says, “Veronica Roth has created yet another immersive world full of high stakes and fast-moving action”
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Media mentions for Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth MEDIA MENTIONS: The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Elle, Indie Next List, Literary Hub
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Book cover for John of John by Douglas Stuart
Ann Patchett calls John of John ‘so immersive, so all-encompassing, that I felt like I was living in it’
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Oprah’s latest book club pick is “one of 2026’s literary triumphs” (The Boston Globe)
  • Returning to his home in the British Isles, John-Calum becomes caught between his desires and his religious father’s expectations
  • Glowing reviews from Colm Tóibín, Min Jin Lee, and Abraham Verghese, who says it’s “the most satisfying novel I’ve read in a long time”
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Media mentions for John of John by Douglas Stuart MEDIA MENTIONS: Oprah's Book Club, The New Yorker, Time Magazine, NPR, CBS Mornings, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Vogue, Elle, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, The Times, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego
‘Stephen King meets Agatha Christie in this brilliant thriller’ (Hank Phillippi Ryan)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Take a trip to “a bibliophile’s haunted house, crawling with secrets” (A. J. Finn)
  • When Aria Stokes is taken on a tour of the infamous, haunted Daedalus Library, she’s forced to confront her dark past — and a killer hiding in plain sight…
  • “A locked-room mystery perfect for booklovers” (Forbes)
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Media mentions for The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego MEDIA MENTIONS: Oprah Daily, People, Forbes, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for A Founding Mother by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray
A dazzling historical novel recommended by Kate Quinn, Marie Benedict, and more
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • From the American Revolution to her husband’s presidency, Abigail Adams boldly rises to the challenge to shape the future
  • From the New York Times bestselling authors of America’s First Daughter and My Dear Hamilton
  • Allison Pataki says this work of biographical fiction “ought to be required reading as our nation marks its 250th birthday”
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Media mentions for A Founding Mother by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray MEDIA MENTION: People
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Book cover for Trust No One by James Rollins
Take it from Lee Child: ‘Nobody does this stuff better’
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • After her professor’s ritualistic murder, student Sharyn races across Europe to uncover the secrets of the centuries-old diary he asked her to protect
  • Kirkus Reviews promises, “Fans of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler will love this book”
  • A globe-spanning adventure from a #1 New York Times bestselling author
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Media mentions for Trust No One by James Rollins MEDIA MENTIONS: Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known by Scott Simon
Animal lovers will adore this ‘delightful’ book with Susan Orlean’s stamp of approval
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • The host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Saturday pens “a lovely testament to the ability of pets to stretch hearts and minds” (Publishers Weekly)
  • Scott Simon reflects on the remarkable creatures who have changed his life — from a cat who escaped the British Embassy to an energetic hamster who could not be caged!
  • Amy Tan says, “Scott Simon’s work, filled with irresistible, heartfelt encounters and journeys with animals, from family hearth to hot spots around the world, will bring you insights and joy”
  • Features charming, beautiful illustrations
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Media mentions for Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known by Scott Simon MEDIA MENTIONS: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for Don’t Tell Me How It Ends by Adrienne Thurman
According to Talia Hibbert, ‘Adrienne Thurman is a master of character and connection’
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • When a broken-down car leads Kaia to handsome Ro, she’s thrilled to have a friend to rely on as her sister insists on being her matchmaker. But a summer of terrible dates might make Kaia see Ro in a new light…
  • “There’s enough comfort and tenderness in this warm hug of a novel to soften the heart of even the staunchest cynic” (Publishers Weekly starred review)
  • “A sharp, funny, feel-good love story” that comes highly recommended by Nikki Payne
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Media mentions for Don’t Tell Me How It Ends by Adrienne Thurman MEDIA MENTIONS: Essence, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Electric Literature
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Book cover for Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler
Adam Grant declares: ‘Drop what you’re doing and read this book’
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • “Bowler’s richest and wisest book yet, and if possible, the most charming. Absolutely lovely. It changed me” (Anne Lamott)
  • New York Times bestselling author and Duke University professor Kate Bowler offers a road map to finding joy amid life’s challenging moments
  • Elizabeth Gilbert adored this “deeply moving everyday masterpiece”
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Media mentions for Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler MEDIA MENTIONS: TODAY Show, People, The Washington Post, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Molka by Monika Kim
This unforgettable chiller has high praise from Paul Tremblay
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Amid a hidden camera scandal in Seoul, Dahye finds her life spiraling out of control as she becomes the target of a dangerous man who’s always watching…
  • “Brilliant… Monika Kim’s work has swiftly become a must-read for me” (#1 New York Times bestselling author CG Drews)
  • From the Bram Stoker Award–winning author of The Eyes Are the Best Part
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Media mentions for Molka by Monika Kim MEDIA MENTIONS: Book of the Month, Harper's Bazaar, Electric Literature, Literary Hub
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