LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 January titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose (Ballantine, $27, 9780593356159). "As a maid in a posh hotel, Molly is very proud of her work and the care she takes of the guests, even though she often has difficulty navigating social cues. When she finds a wealthy guest dead, she never imagines she has the keys to uncover a killer, and finds, after the death of her beloved Gran, there are many people willing to help her. For fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and How Lucky." --Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, N.J.
The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections: A Novel by Eva Jurczyk (Poisoned Pen Press, $26.99, 9781728246598). "When the director of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections suffers a stroke, Liesl is put in charge. Then a newly acquired manuscript goes missing, and Liesl's leadership is questioned. A fast read that features older and imperfect characters, and addresses mental illness. For fans of Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore and The Lions of Fifth Avenue." --Alison Zaya, Lowell Library, Lowell, Mass.
Electric Idol by Katee Robert (Sourcebooks Casablanca, $14.99, 9781728231761). "A fantastic, modern retelling of the old myth of Psyche and Eros. Their romance is lovely, exploring the trope of fake relationships and forced marriage while both characters are struggling to make it out alive. For those who loved Neon Gods and Lore Olympus." --Brenna Timm, High Plains Library District, Greeley, Colo.
A Flicker in the Dark: A Novel by Stacy Willingham (Minotaur, $27.99, 9781250803825). "Chloe knows what it's like to be judged and whispered about, and how it feels to have your family torn apart by a serial killer: your own father. Now on the 20th anniversary of the murders, bodies start turning up, and she finds herself in the middle of the investigation. Unique, riveting, and thrilling. For fans of Jennifer McMahon and Laura Lippman." --Shellie Taylor, Iredell County Library, Statesville, N.C.
Must Love Books by Shauna Robinson (Sourcebooks Landmark, $16.99, 9781728240732). "An inspiring romcom debut that tackles the question 'Are you happy?' After five years of working for a publisher, Nora gets a pay cut instead of an expected promotion. She decides to work freelance on the side for a competitor, which leads to a hectic juggling of business and personal relationships. For fans of The Bookish Life of Nina Hill and Beach Read." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Library, Austin, Tex.
The Overnight Guest: A Novel by Heather Gudenkauf (Park Row, $16.99, 9780778311935). "A violent, suspenseful page turner with a compelling plot: A young girl narrowly escapes harm when her parents are shot dead in their home and her brother and best friend (who was sleeping over) disappear. The story then toggles to follow a true-crime writer investigating the town years later. For fans of Dark Places and When You See Me." --Heidi Sandiford, Hillsdale Free Public Library, Hillsdale, N.J.
Reckless Girls: A Novel by Rachel Hawkins (St. Martin's Press, $27.99, 9781250274250). "When Lux and her boyfriend agree to ferry two women to a beautiful island near Hawaii, it seems like the perfect refuge for Lux, who's still grieving her mother's death. But then more people join them on the island and they find danger lurking everywhere. Give this inventive slow-burn thriller to fans of Ruth Ware and Riley Sager." --Cari Dubiel, Twinsburg Public Library, Twinsburg, Ohio
The Roughest Draft by Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka (Berkley, $16, 9780593201930). "In this bookish romance, two estranged co-authors are pressured into fulfilling the last book on their contract after their relationship goes haywire. It's always fun to read about the writing/publishing process, and there's great chemistry between the leads. For fans of Christina Lauren and Emily Henry." --Rebecca Swanson, Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg, Wis.
The School for Good Mothers: A Novel by Jessamine Chan (Simon & Schuster, $27, 9781982156121). "When recently-divorced Frida leaves her daughter home alone, she's sentenced to a reeducation center where she must prove she's a good mom by bonding with a lifelike doll. This chilling dystopian novel highlights how performative and competitive parenting can be; for readers of The Handmaid's Tale and Klara and the Sun." --Elizabeth Zielinski, Olathe Public Library, Olathe, Kan.
Weather Girl by Rachel Lynn Solomon (Berkley, $16, 9780593200148). "Ari and Russell scheme to get their feuding divorced bosses back together, Parent Trap-style, and regain peace in the workplace. Instead, they find love. A touching, surprisingly weighty romance, exploring issues of depression and body image and incorporating glimpses of Jewish faith. For fans of Get a Life, Chloe Brown and The Matzah Ball." --Alicia Ahlvers, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico, Va.
