LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 January titles public library staff across the country love:
Favorite
Once Upon a River: A Novel by Diane Setterfield (Atria/Emily Bestler, $28, 9780743298070). "A wonderfully dark and mysterious read. Something happens one stormy winter solstice evening that triggers a chain of events that changes the lives of all the main characters. Moody and mystical. For readers who love gothic fiction like The Death of Mrs. Westaway and The Clockmaker's Daughter." --Melanie Liechty, Logan Library, Logan, Utah
An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (St. Martin's Press, $27.99, 9781250133731). "Struggling to stay afloat with a job as a makeup artist, Jessica signs up for a study, thinking she will earn some easy money. After the first two parts of the study, she gets invited to the professor's house for more questions and more compensation. Fans of psychological thrillers won't want to miss this one as Jessica is a compelling character and the novel will keep you reading long into the night." --Annice Sevett, Albert Lea Public Library, Albert Lea, Minn.
The Au Pair by Emma Rous (Berkley, $16, 9780440000457). "After giving birth to Seraphine and her twin brother Danny, their mother throws herself from a cliff. 25 years later, Seraphine finds a picture that makes her question everything she thought she knew about her childhood. For fans of compelling suspense novels and family secrets." --Selena Swink, Lake Public Library, Lake, Miss.
The Current: A Novel by Tim Johnston (Algonquin, $27.95, 9781616206772). "When two girls, trapped in a RAV4, fall into an icy river, one dies and the other barely survives. Unanswered questions and old accusations resurface as the small Minnesota town recalls another incident ten years earlier where a girl died in the same river. For readers who love small town suspense." --Shellie Taylor, Iredell County Public Library, Statesville, N.C.
The Dreamers: A Novel by Karen Thompson Walker (Random House, $27, 9780812994162). "A virus appears in the small town of Santa Lora that causes its victims to fall into a deep sleep from which they cannot wake up. While this story is about a pandemic apocalypse, it also reminds us of our humanity and how we are all connected. For fans of The Country of Ice Cream Star and The Water Knife." --Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, Ohio
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren (Gallery, $16, 9781501197406). "Another delightful contemporary rom-com from the author of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating. Millie and her four male friends decide to jump into the pool of online dating together. When Millie matches with one of the friends, chaos ensues. For fans of The Kiss Quotient and The Wedding Date." --Kelsey Hudson, Middleton Public Library, Middleton, Wis.
The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $25, 9781328473011). "A ninety-six-year-old Swedish woman reflects on her life, paging through a long-kept address book. A compelling, charming, and ultimately heartwarming read. For fans of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk and The Japanese Lover." --Brenda O'Brien, Woodridge Public Library, Woodridge, Ill.
The Suspect by Fiona Barton (Berkley, $26, 9781101990513). "Reporter Kate Waters pursues the story of two 18-year-olds who have gone missing in Thailand. The case takes a turn when the main suspect is Kate's estranged son. For fans of twisty psychological suspense." --Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, N.J.
Unmarriageable: A Novel by Soniah Kamal (Ballantine, $27, 9781524799717). "A thoroughly enjoyable retelling of Pride and Prejudice set in modern-day Pakistan. The characters, storyline, and dialogue are true to the original while being completely fresh. For readers who enjoy a comedy of manners." --Kristen Gramer, Lewes Public Library, Lewes, Del.
Watching You: A Novel by Lisa Jewell (Atria, $26, 9781501190070). "Set in an upscale English neighborhood where everyone knows everyone and someone is always watching. When one of the residents is found murdered, the police investigation turns up long buried secrets. Told from multiple viewpoints and alternating between past and present." --Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, Avon, Conn.
