Whether you’re gathering at a coffee shop, a neighbor’s house or meeting virtually, book clubs are such a rewarding—and fun—way to connect with fellow bibliophiles, make new friends and bond over unforgettable stories. And if you’re in charge of selecting book club books for your monthly get-togethers, you’re in for a treat! Here, we rounded up 12 novels—across 12 genres—that are sure to enthrall readers from page one.
We gathered a few of our favorite stories—both newer and older titles—to read, savor and discuss with friends. From jaw-dropping mysteries to sharp psychological thrillers, fan-yourself romances and glamorous historical novels, these book club books will spark emotion and conversation. Happy reading!
Mystery
‘Beautiful Ugly’ by Alice Feeney
Dark secrets, revenge, shocking twists…this eerie page-turner has it all. Author Grady Green’s life is turned upside down when his wife, Abby, vanishes after a perplexing incident near a cliff. A year later, still consumed by grief, searching for answers and unable to write, Grady travels to a remote Scottish island. There, he encounters a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife. Thriller fans will devour this read!
What readers are saying: “This mystery turns your perceptions inside out and is full of delicious misdirections, yet it will fit together in the end like a well-solved Rubik’s Cube. Clear your calendar before you start reading. Beautiful Ugly will keep you guessing until the conclusion.”
Romance
‘Love and Other Words’ by Christina Lauren
Bestselling author duo Christina Lauren has penned many bestselling novels over the last few years, but this heartfelt story of first loves, friendships and betrayals released in 2018 isone of their best books. Macy works as a pediatrics resident, and in her off time, she’s planning her wedding to a successful older man. But when she bumps into Elliot, her first true love (who she hasn’t seen in years), Macy’s entire world shifts. Alternating between past and present timelines, will Macy and Elliot find their happy ending?
What readers are saying: “What can I say? I wish I could turn back time and read this book for the first time again. Top 5 books I’ve read this year. Wonderfully written, captures and evokes all the energy of first love without the angst. Just a beautiful and deep love story.”
Thriller
‘The Housemaid’ by Freida McFadden
Revered for her addicting, pulse-pounding psychological thrillers, Freida McFadden has sold 2 million copies of her bestselling Housemaid series and holds a record-breaking half a billion reads on Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription. In book one of the series, Millie is hired as a maid for the Winchesters. Every day she cleans, cooks, picks their daughter up from school and daydreams about having a life like theirs, but she can’t help feeling like there’s something terribly wrong with Mrs. Winchester. Then, one day Mrs. Winchester discovers that Millie has tried on one of her dresses… so she locks Millie in her attic bedroom. What follows is a startling series of events with a jaw-dropping twist.
What readers are saying: “Brace yourself, because The Housemaid is a novel that will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish, constantly questioning everything you think you know. Just when you believe you’ve unraveled the twisted narrative, author Freida McFadden pulls the rug out from under you, leaving you breathless and craving more. This book is a true masterclass in psychological suspense that demands to be devoured in a single, uninterrupted sitting.”
Women’s fiction
‘Like Mother, Like Mother’ by Susan Rieger
This mesmerizing multigenerational novel was described as “sharp, fun, and witty” by bestselling author Ann Napolitano—and provides fascinating talking points for any book club. The story follows Lila Pereira, who was raised by an abusive father after her mother was committed to an asylum. Having no idea how to be a mother, she leaves the parenting to her husband as she achieves success as the editor of a major newspaper. But Grace, the youngest of their three daughters, resents Lila and writes a book about her—a process that has her diving into Lila’s past, and learning more than she imagined.
What readers are saying: “Coming from a big family with so many personalities, I can never resist a book about family drama—and this one was filled with heart and humor,” says Patty Bontekoe, FIRST Executive Editor. “This thought-provoking look at motherhood was enthralling!”
Nonfiction
‘From Here to the Great Unknown’ by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough
Looking for a nonfiction book that will hook readers from the very first line? Pick up From Here to the Great Unknown. In 2022, Lisa Marie Presley asked her daughter Riley to help her finish her long-awaited memoir. A month later, Lisa Marie passed away—and the world would never know her story in her own words. As Riley grieved, she collected Lisa Marie’s tapes and listened to her mother’s stories—about Graceland, Elvis, her marriages and more—and it was then she knew she’d keep that promise: to tell the world her family’s story, to make her mother known. Written in both Lisa Marie’s and Riley’s voices, this heartwrenching story is deeply moving, revealing and healing.
What readers are saying: “I’ve been totally fascinated by all things Elvis Presley since I was a little girl,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST Senior Editor. “I also adore Riley Keough, Elvis’ granddaughter, ever since her spectacular performance in Daisy Jones & The Six. After hearing the tragic news of Lisa Marie’s passing, and that Riley was going to finish writing her mom’s memoir, I couldn’t wait to read it. Riley co-narrates the audiobook version with Julia Roberts, and I was enthralled from the very first line. An extraordinary story of family, love and legacy.”
Science fiction
‘Ministry of Time’ by Kaliane Bradley
Exhilarating adventure? Check! Time-travel magic? Check! Romance? Check! This tale is told by a young British ministry employee who becomes part of a secret time travel project that brings people from particular moments in the past to live in the present day. Her mission: to help a commander of an 1847 Arctic expedition acclimate to the modern world and record his progress. But she soon begins to have feelings for the man and learns many would actually kill to see the project fail. Part time-travel romance, part spy thriller, this is one of the buzziest science fiction books around!
What readers are saying: “I’m a huge Dr. Who fan who also loves historical fiction, so this novel was right up my alley,” cheers Carey Ostergard, FIRST Executive Editor. “It was a fresh fusion of historical events, a fish-out-of-water perspective, romance and espionage…I read it through the night.”
Humor
‘Dial A For Aunties’ by Jesse Q. Sutanto
If your book club is in the mood for a story that melds humor and mystery flawlessly, look no further than Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Dial A For Aunties. The bestselling tale centers on Meddelin Chan, who ends up accidentally killing her blind date. Then, Meddy’s meddlesome mother calls for her even more meddlesome aunties to help get rid of the body. What follows is a hilarious chain of events featuring family hijinks, neverending chaos and a run-in with an old flame.
What readers are saying: “If you’re in the mood for a book with a little bit of mystery, romance and mayhem that will give you all the belly laughs then I highly recommend picking this one up! I am highly anticipating the next one and hope the author writes this as a LONG series. I can’t get enough!”
Fantasy
‘Throne of Glass’ by Sarah J. Maas
This riveting fantasy is Sarah J. Maas’ very first novel and follows Celaena Sardothien, Adarlan’s greatest assassin. After being sentenced to life in prison, Celaena gets the chance of a lifetime: to compete against 23 other murderers, thieves and warriors in a deadly competition. The prize? Her freedom, unimaginable riches and a chance to serve as the King’s Champion. But when an even more deadly outside force turns up, Celaena must decide what truly matters.
What readers are saying: “Celaena’s wit, humor and strength had me cheering for her from the get-go and Maas’ writing keeps you engaged from the very first page,” says Ostergard. “Plus, it’s the first of a series—so I cannot wait to read more!”
Historical fiction
‘Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl’ by Renée Rosen
Readers are taken back in time to 1938 New York City in this lush, captivating saga. When Gloria Downing is desperate for a change, she meets a young, idealistic woman named Estée Lauder. Gloria lands a job at Saks Fifth Avenue, which opens doors of opportunity for Estée’s big ambitions. But they soon come to realize just how hard two women must fight to turn their lofty dreams into reality.
What readers are saying: “Every woman I know has used some Estee Lauder product, but few would think about how her empire got started. The fictional characters and elements created by the author add to the story of the cosmetics giant and humanize her journey. I am recommending this to my book group for sure.”
Young adult
‘American Royals’ by Katharine McGee
From best-selling author Katharine McGee comes a fun and flirty novel about America’s royal family. While Princess Beatrice is preparing to become America’s first-ever queen, her sister Samantha is off causing a ruckus with the media. Elsewhere, Nina is nursing a broken heart, and Daphne is trying to figure out a way to crawl her way up the social ladder. What follows is the perfect blend of scandal, intrigue and family drama.
What readers are saying: “Filled with romantic messiness and love triangles, family drama, backstabbing, but also beautiful relationships, American Royals was a fun and engaging read, and I can’t wait for the next in the series…talk about an ending!”
Family saga
‘Hello Beautiful’ by Ann Napolitano
This marvelous novel by bestselling author Ann Napolitano is described as a loose retelling of Little Women. The story follows William Walters, who thinks it’s fate when he meets Julia Padavano during his freshman year of college. Her family is so warm and welcoming — and his is not. But when ghosts from William’s past show up, Julia and her sisters are met with a catastrophic shift that might threaten their bonds forever. A sweeping and emotional family saga.
What readers are saying: “My three sisters and I just started a book club and a librarian suggested this novel about a close-knit group of four sisters. How perfect!. I love Little Women, and this story is the perfect homage to that book.”
Cozy mystery
‘Guilt and Ginataan’ by Mia P. Manansala
Murder, mayhem and a slew of mouthwatering recipes abound in this fun whodunit! The annual Shady Palms Corn Festival is back, and crowds have arrived to enjoy treats, crafts and the impressive corn maze. But when Lila Macapagal and her Brew-ha Cafe crew, Adeena Awan and Elena Torres, are in the maze, they find a dead body—and Adeena is a suspect. Lila steps in to clear her friend’s name and crack the case!
What readers are saying: “This is another fast-paced, twisty and fun addition to this series. As with each book, the small-town setting is inviting, and I love the family-owned kitchen and the loyal friendships. But the engaging characters, the tantalizing food, and the mystery make this series and this book shine.”
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