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Readers' Most Anticipated Books of April
At the beginning of each calendar month, Goodreads’ crack editorial squad assembles a list of the hottest and most popular new books hitting shelves, actual and virtual. The list is generated by evaluating readers’ early reviews and tracking which titles are being added to Want to Read shelves by Goodreads regulars.
Each month’s curated preview features new books from across the genre spectrum: contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mysteries and thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy, romance, horror, young adult, nonfiction, and more. Think of it as a literary smorgasbord. Check out whatever looks delicious.
New in April: Beach Read author Emily Henry returns to shelves with Funny Story. Nick Medina furthers the ongoing Native American horror boom with Indian Burial Ground. And historical nonfiction ace Erik Larson conjures some (unsettling) contemporary resonance with The Demon of Unrest.
Also on tap this month: magical realism in 19th-century Paris, real magic in 16th-century Madrid, and a literary cemetery from international superstar Julia Alvarez.
Add the books that catch your eye to your Want to Read shelf, and let us know what you're reading and recommending in the comments section.
Each month’s curated preview features new books from across the genre spectrum: contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mysteries and thrillers, sci-fi and fantasy, romance, horror, young adult, nonfiction, and more. Think of it as a literary smorgasbord. Check out whatever looks delicious.
New in April: Beach Read author Emily Henry returns to shelves with Funny Story. Nick Medina furthers the ongoing Native American horror boom with Indian Burial Ground. And historical nonfiction ace Erik Larson conjures some (unsettling) contemporary resonance with The Demon of Unrest.
Also on tap this month: magical realism in 19th-century Paris, real magic in 16th-century Madrid, and a literary cemetery from international superstar Julia Alvarez.
Add the books that catch your eye to your Want to Read shelf, and let us know what you're reading and recommending in the comments section.
Twentysomething New Yorker Lily Chen is the daughter of scientists who fled Mao’s Cultural Revolution. In 1999, she surprises herself by falling in love and marrying into a wealthy East Coast family. And thus begins a story…. Moving backward and forward through time, author Rachel Khong (Goodbye, Vitamin) brings elements of speculative technology and magical realism into the family saga of three generations on either side of the new millennium.
Troubled writer Alma Cruz returns to her Dominican Republic homeland to bury some stories. Quite literally—she creates a graveyard for her unpublished manuscripts. But Alma’s DIY cemetery gets a little tricky when her characters start coming to life. Alvarez explores difficult questions about storytelling itself—and whose stories get to be told.
This intriguing comedic debut from author and game designer Holly Gramazio offers up an interesting game-like premise: Londoner and avowed single person Lauren returns home one night to find that her attic is generating an apparently endless supply of husbands. Reality resets with every new spouse, so Lauren can keep swapping forever. When is the right time to stop choosing and start living? Bonus: Check out Gramazio’s website for her interactive Husband Generator.
Alpha romance author Emily Henry is back on shelves with this mischievous riff on the old opposites-attract template. Daphne is feeling rather adrift since her ex-fiancé bailed for a woman named Petra. Daphne’s new roommate Miles, meanwhile, has an interesting connection to all that—Petra is his ex. As romantic vibes start blossoming, the question becomes unavoidable: Is Daphne really going to date her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex? Well, it’s a funny story…
Another romance with a dubious proposition at its heart, this time from Abby Jimenez (Part of Your World): Online acquaintances Justin and Emma have agreed to a quick summer fling. Since each is famously unlucky in love, they hatch a Cunning Plan. Maybe if they combine their terrible luck, their individual curses will cancel each other out. It’s worth a shot! But first, Emma and Justin must purify themselves in the waters of Lake Minnetonka. No, really.
Meanwhile, over in the mystery-thriller aisle, April brings a new suspense novel from Sally Hepworth, author of The Good Sister. Foster kids Jessica, Norah, and Alicia are family in all the ways that matter. Rescued from traumatic situations as kids, they were raised by the magnanimous Miss Fairchild on an idyllic farmstead. But Miss Fairchild had some issues of her own. Years later, a body is discovered under the old farmhouse. And the past is calling.
Author Jeneva Rose (The Perfect Marriage) has made quite the name for herself with her twisty domestic thrillers. In her newest book, three siblings return home after their mother's death to sort out her estate. All is going according to plan until they stumble across an old VHS tape from a childhood night none of them remember, featuring their father covered in blood, a dead body, and a pact between their parents to dispose of the corpse. Sometimes the skeletons in the closet turn out to be literal…
Historical preservationist Kenetria Nash has dissociative identity disorder—what we used to call multiple personalities. Along with her “alters,” she’s taken a position as caretaker of an isolated Hudson River island estate. But things get dodgy when a menacing group of people arrive on the same night as a monstrous Nor’easter. That’s when the dead body shows up. Author Alyssa Cole (When No One Is Watching) returns with an inventive spin on the spooky whodunit.
If you’re in the market for a historical mystery, consider the latest from Chanel Cleeton, author of The Perez Family series of novels. Dual timelines track mysterious goings-on at Mabrisa, the glamorous Florida estate built just after World War I. When 18-year-old Carmen visits in 1940, she finds that treacherous secrets still haunt the ruined manse. Author Cleeton specializes in atmospheric historical fiction around the Miami-Havana corridor, and early readers are digging the gothic Daphne du Maurier vibes.
Celebrated YA and speculative fiction maestra Leigh Bardugo (Ninth House) turns her attention to historical fantasy with this imaginative novel set in the Spanish Golden Age of 16th-century Madrid. Scullery maid Luzia Cotado fights back against deadly persecution when her knack for magic attracts the attention of royal spies, mad alchemists, and the Spanish Inquisition. Didn’t expect that. Also on hand: an immortal familiar who presents Luzia with a whole other set of problems.
With foreign invaders occupying her people’s land, young Ruying mostly tries to stay out of trouble and keep her family safe. But Ruying’s magical power over Death is a prized commodity. When an enemy prince offers her a terrible bargain, Ruying must decide who she can trust—including herself. Born in the city of Harbin, Chinese author Molly X. Chang brings some new rhythms to epic fantasy.
This historical fantasy debut from author Douglas Westerbeke wanders the world with heroine Aubry Tourvel, who must keep moving or die a painful death. Afflicted by a tragic curse, Aubry can stay in one place for only a few days—and she can never return to the same place twice. Aubry’s journey begins in Paris, 1885, and takes her from the heights of the Himalayas to depths of the lonely sea. Think Addie LaRue meets Life of Pi.
The sprawling Native American horror boom continues apace with Indian Burial Ground and its heroine Noemi Broussard, a young woman investigating the highly suspicious “suicide” of her boyfriend. With the help of her Uncle Louie—back from a mysterious 10-year absence—Noemi discovers that something wicked is loose on reservation lands. Chicago author Nick Medina (Sisters of the Lost Nation) specializes in supernatural horror steeped in mythology.
Books about mysterious disappearances are easy enough to find. But what about a troublesome reappearance? The latest mystery from U.K. author Holly Jackson (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series) flips the script with a cold case that takes a strange turn. Teenage Bel doesn’t know what to think when her long-missing mother suddenly returns with a frankly unbelievable story. Now she must figure out what’s really going on—with a true-crime documentary crew looking over her shoulder.
The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War
by Erik Larson
by Erik Larson
Veteran storyteller Erik Larson has made a career out of narrative nonfiction accounts that chronicle dramatic moments in history—the sinking of the Lusitania, say, or the worst natural disaster in American history. His latest investigation details the dark days leading up to the American Civil War, centered on President Lincoln’s most desperate hours. Early readers are praising Larson’s enduring ability to make history read like a novel.
With 2021’s surprise hit Cultish, author and linguist Amanda Montell connected some useful dots between unconscious cognitive biases and our current era of division, fanaticism, and post-truth delusions. Montell expands her investigation with this new book on the larger trend of anti-rational “magical” thinking as a reaction to 21st-century information overload. Bonus trivia: Montell also hosts the consistently fascinating podcast Sounds Like a Cult.
Which new releases are you looking forward to reading? Let's talk books in the comments!
Comments Showing 1-38 of 38 (38 new)
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Planty Booky
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Mar 29, 2024 01:28AM
Very excited for The Familiar!!
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I've heard of six of them already. They appeared on other lists.
My list for April 2024:DARE To Say No by Max Felker-Kantor
The Reaper Follows by Heather Graham
Point Nemo by Jeremy Robinson
Our Fight by Ronda Rousey
She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
No Place Like Home by Barbara O'Neal
Chamber Divers by Rachel Lance
I Will Tell No War Stories by Howard Mansfield
Alien Earths by Lisa Kaltenegger
Safe And Sound by Laura McHugh
Extinction by Douglas Preston
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
You forgot Julie A. Richman's sequel that is coming out in April. "Love on the Edge of Forever" by Julie A. Richman. I have waited FOREVER for this book to be written. Two lovers reunited by reincarnation finally get their HEA.
I'm always up for a new Erik Larson history book!
Nick Medina's Indian Burial GroundJeneva Rose, Home Is Where the Bodies Are
I can’t wait until I get my hands on ‘funny story’ ! So excited for that one!!
I’ve already read Darling Girls and y’all — it was AWESOME! Definitely one to look out for.
Certainly none of those...The British Booksellers
by Kristy Cambron
I didn't go through the CF New Releases threads yet...
"Luzia" ???? Why does Goodreads keep boosting WHITE authors who know nothing about other cultures and instantly butcher our culture and language???? As a Latino this is already insulting. When I asked my Spaniard friend, they said that name is already not correct. Goodreads I am BEGGING you to stop boosting white authors who only use the minimal amount of research and keep writing offensive, stereotypical, racist depictions of other cultures. Leigh Bardugo has done this already to Slavic culture, then to Indian, then to Latin Americans, and now to Spaniards....
^ the above comment is in regards to "The Familiar"
Interesting books super awesome
Powerful by Lauren Roberts?? Can’t wait!!!!
C wrote: ""Luzia" ???? Why does Goodreads keep boosting WHITE authors who know nothing about other cultures and instantly butcher our culture and language???? As a Latino this is already insulting. When I as..."Are you saying Leigh Bardugo does cultural appropriation?
I must say The Cemetery of Untold Storiessounds very interesting. Its quite an unique story. Would love to read it soon..
The familiar! New Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez! Gonna be a great month 💁♀️
The setting of The House on Biscayne Bay sounds promising ! I was a fan of Rebecca by Daphne duMaurier. can't wait to read it !
“The House on Biscayne Bay”, “The Familiar” and “The Demon of Unrest” look promising!
I already had several of these on my TBR list but especially looking forward to The Demon of Unrest.
I think a lot of people are beginning to talk favourably about LOUISIANA HYDRA. Keep your ear to the ground…
The Fall of Bellwether by Chad V. Broughman (historical fiction)
The Familiar was SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. I was bored out if my mind. The pacing was awful.
C wrote: ""Luzia" ???? Why does Goodreads keep boosting WHITE authors who know nothing about other cultures and instantly butcher our culture and language???? As a Latino this is already insulting. When I as..."Spaniards are white though? And so are Slavs...
terka wrote: "C wrote: ""Luzia" ???? Why does Goodreads keep boosting WHITE authors who know nothing about other cultures and instantly butcher our culture and language???? As a Latino this is already insulting...."and also she only uses the slavic cultures and indian cultures and such as outlines and references. its fantasy so its not actually those cultures its just based off of them
All these books sounds really good
My top two novels for April not included on Editor’s Pick must beBroken Threads by Mishal Husain
Rough Justice by Her Honour Wendy Joseph KC
Law wrote: "C wrote: ""Luzia" ???? Why does Goodreads keep boosting WHITE authors who know nothing about other cultures and instantly butcher our culture and language???? As a Latino this is already insulting...."There is no such thing. There are only stories. Either read them or don’t. Writing is about using your imagination. If one writes a book about faeries or trolls or elves or aliens or even people from another culture, it is just a story that the author has imagined.
There are no rules except whether people want to read it or not.
There are definitely no rules about whether a person is (insert ethnicity here) enough to write that story.
Just like an author who writes YA books, even if they are a septuagenarian the only thing that matters is whether people read it.
We live in an irrational and absurd era.
Tom wrote: "There are no rules except whether people want to read it or not.There are definitely no rules about whether a person is (insert ethnicity here) enough to write that story.
Just like an author who writes YA books, even if they are a septuagenarian the only thing that matters is whether people read it."
A-FUCKING-MEN!
Looking forward to seeing some reviews about my second, and favorite, book of mine…so far.
Got The Husbands and Darling Girls from BOTM last month. Plan to eventually buy and read Funny Story, The Familiar, Just for the Summer and A Short Walk Through A Wide World
Hilda wrote: "The Familiar was SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT. I was bored out if my mind. The pacing was awful."Oh, that's so disappointing! I've been anticipating it so much and I'm not even a huge fantasy reader.
I highly recommend The Familiar
Do you ever showcase children's books for younger readers? If so, where can one view them?
