LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 September titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
The Marriage Portrait: A Novel by Maggie O'Farrell (Knopf, $28, 9780593320624). "In 16th-century Italy, teen Lucrezia de Medici passes from her father's control to her husband's, with neither considering her a person with a right to her own life. O'Farrell's poetic writing pulls you into this tale based on the likely subject of Robert Browning's poem 'My Last Duchess.' For fans of Geraldine Brooks, Isabel Allende, and Hilary Mantel." --Diana Armstrong, Multnomah County Library, Portland, Ore.
The American Roommate Experiment: A Novel by Elena Armas (Atria, $18, 9781668002773). "The follow-up to The Spanish Love Deception has all the makings of a great rom-com: a good slow burn, forced proximity, a mix of steamy and funny scenes, and two leads that are easy to root for. Recommend to anyone in need of a delightful contemporary romance in the vein of The Bride Test and Get a Life, Chloe Brown." --Danielle Willett, Grace A. Dow Memorial Library, Midland, Mich.
Bindle Punk Bruja: A Novel by Desideria Mesa (Harper Voyager, $17.99, 9780063056084). "Luna is both a daughter of Mexican immigrants trying to establish herself in the 1920s Kansas City underworld and a bruja, an earth witch who can read emotions and bend others to her will. Complex character relationships enhance this entertaining historical fantasy. For fans of The Chosen and the Beautiful and The Gods of Jade and Shadow." --Gwen Inman, Anne Arundel County Public Library, Annapolis, Md.
The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman (Pamela Dorman, $27, 9780593299395). "The Thursday Murder Club crack open the decade-old death of a journalist who was hot on the trail of a fraud scheme when she was murdered. Another hilarious mystery featuring the quirky (but highly effective) quartet and all their friends. For fans of Julia Chapman and SJ Bennett." --Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, Indianapolis, Ind.
Ghost Eaters: A Novel by Clay Chapman (Quirk Books, $21.99, 9781683692171). "Chapman puts a new spin on ghost stories with a tale of a drug that allows people to be 'haunted' by dead loved ones. Featuring a strong subplot about the roots of colonization, this excellent horror novel examines being addicted to grief and the lengths some go to hang onto those they love. For fans of Paul Tremblay and Grady Hendrix." --Rosemary Kiladitis, Queens Public Library, Corona, N.Y.
The Kiss Curse: A Novel by Erin Sterling (Avon, $16.99, 9780063027510). "Gwyn owns the Graves Glen's witchcraft shop, and life is good until Wells Penhallow comes back to create havoc at the school and in town. Sterling is very good at the love/hate relationship with a great pinch of wit, and the spell is cast for a fun romcom." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Library, Austin, Tex.
A Merry Little Meet Cute: A Novel by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone (Avon, $21.99, 9780063222571). "Christmas movie star Bee is forbidden to disclose she is also an adult film star. Co-star Nolan is trying to prove he can be a responsible actor. Sparks fly, they cannot keep their hands off each other. Murphy's diverse characterizations paired with Simone's off-the-charts sexy scenes makes for a romantic and steamy happily-ever-after, brimming with sex and body positivity." --Alicia Ahlvers, Henrico County Public Library, Henrico, Va.
People Person by Candice Carty-Williams (Gallery/Scout Press, $27.99, 9781501196041). "Dimple Pennington might have accidentally killed her ex and reaches out to her four half-siblings--all raised by their mothers and sharing a neglectful father--in a panic. They learn the kind of family they can be as they deal with the fallout and their abandonment issues in this dark comedy." --Julie Graham, Yakima Valley Libraries, Yakima, Wash.
Spells for Forgetting: A Novel by Adrienne Young (Delacorte, $28, 9780593358511). "Another stunner by Young! When August Salt, the love of Emery Blackwood's life, returns to clear his name after being accused of killing Lily Morgan fourteen years ago, dark secrets arise in Saiorse Island. The prose flows like the magical elements throughout." --Suzy Card, Grapevine Library, Grapevine, Tex.
The Ways We Hide: A Novel by Kristina McMorris (Sourcebooks Landmark, $16.99, 9781728249766). "When World War II starts, Fenna Vos is recruited by MI9 to use her skills to make escape aids. Based on true events about one woman's journey, this is a thrilling look at a little known part of the war effort, with well-developed characters and terrifying adventures." --Melanie Liechty, Morgan Library, Morgan, Utah
