From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Goodnight Beautiful: A Novel by Aimee Molloy (Harper, $27.99, 9780062881922). "A good-looking couple from New York City move upstate for a slower lifestyle, but things quickly take a turn when the husband goes missing. When Sam Statler, a therapist with a range of diverse clients, doesn't come home, his wife, Annie, is desperate to find him and begins to suspect one of his clients. As secrets unravel, Molloy keeps the reader excited and engaged in this intriguing thriller." --Deanna Bailey, Story on the Square, McDonough, Ga.
Tsarina: A Novel by Ellen Alpsten (St. Martin's Press, $27.99, 9781250214430). "Ellen Alpsten's debut is a riveting, delicious escape into the world of Catherine I, Tsarina of Russia. My head is swimming with the sights and sounds of Moscow and St. Petersburg. Alpsten's fascinating account reveals the unforgettable woman who went toe to toe with her husband, Peter the Great. Exactly the kind of book I needed to read right now!" --Anderson McKean, Page and Palette, Fairhope, Ala.
Paperback
The Selected Works of Audre Lorde by Audre Lorde, edited by Roxane Gay (Norton, $16.95, 9781324004615). "This stellar selection of the wonderful Audre Lorde's work is a must-have. These powerful words deserve a wider audience, and it is wonderful to see Lorde's work introduced to a new generation by the excellent Roxane Gay." --Christie Schaefer, Octavia Books, New Orleans, La.
For Ages 4 to 8
No Reading Allowed: The Worst Read-Aloud Book Ever by Raj Haldar and Chris Carpenter, illus. by Bryce Gladfelter (Sourcebooks Explore, $17.99, 9781728206592). "A fabulous follow-up to P Is for Pterodactyl! This book of homonyms is a silly delight for kids of all ages. The best picture books are the ones you want to read slowly to savor all the little details in the word choice and illustrations, and No Reading Allowed definitely accomplishes that." --Lizzy Nanney, Quail Ridge Books, Raleigh, N.C.
For Ages 9 to 12
The Mouse Watch by J.J. Gilbert (Disney-Hyperion, $16.99, 9781368052184). "Bernie Skampersky, a small-in-stature mouse, wants nothing more in life but to be part of the Mouse Watch, headquartered in New York City but operating all over the world. This conglomeration of mice perform top-secret adventures to keep the world safe. Will Bernie's lifelong dream come true? Reminiscent of Disney's The Rescuers Down Under, this is a tale filled with adventure that middle readers and Disney fans of all ages will enjoy." --Pat Trotter, Bookends on Main, Menomonie, Wis.
For Teen Readers
Chasing Lucky by Jenn Bennett (Simon Pulse, $19.99, 9781534425170). "Another incredibly captivating read from Jenn Bennett! The chemistry between Josie and Lucky is palpable as former best friends become quarreling rivals. A picturesque setting in a seaside bookstore makes this a fun and charming read that you won't be able to put down." --Katie Kenney, Bank Square Books, Mystic, Conn.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
