Top Library Recommended Titles for May

LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 May titles public library staff across the country love:

Top Pick
The Last Murder at the End of the World: A Novel by Stuart Turton (Sourcebooks Landmark, $27.99, 9781728254654). "After a deadly fog decimates most of humanity, the small population that's left lives on an island. As one villager begins investigating a murder, what once seemed like utopia begins to reveal dark secrets that no one could have predicted. Turton raises tantalizing social questions, presents an inventive world structure, and keeps readers intrigued and surprised throughout the novel." --Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, N.Y.

The Ministry of Time: A Novel by Kaliane Bradley (Avid Reader Press, $28.99, 9781668045145). "An employee of the Ministry of Time becomes a 'bridge,' helping an Arctic explorer adjust to modern life after being rescued from the lost Franklin expedition of 1845. But as she begins to grow closer to him, she finds herself wondering who she can trust, what the real reason for pulling people out of time may be, and whether her life might be in danger. Totally gripping, with great character development." --Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, Ill.

Daughters of Shandong by Eve J. Chung (Berkley, $28, 9780593640531). "At times both heartbreaking and uplifting, this novel follows the journey of the women of the Ang family from their farm in rural China to Taiwan during the horrific land reforms of 1948-1950. With this story based on Chung's grandmother's experience of a turbulent era, readers will be riveted from page one by the mother/daughter bonds and their will to survive." --Martha DiVittorio, Bellmore Memorial Library, N.Y.

Savor It: A Novel by Tarah DeWitt (St. Martin's Griffin, $18, 9781250329424). "This Pacific Northwest rom-com has delicious tension from the first interaction. Add in fake dating and a steamy scene in a library, and who could ask for more? Readers will appreciate how much attention and care DeWitt put into creating fully-formed characters grappling with grief, chasing dreams, and figuring out how to live in the moment." --Ebby Bowles, Hingham Public Library, Mass.

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune (Berkley, $19, 9780593638880). "Filled with emotional moments as well as fun and flirty scenes, this wonderful story set in picturesque Prince Edward Island is about friendships and found family. More than a love story, this novel has a lot that readers will relate to, including friendship and family. A perfect steamy romance book for the summer." --Karen Troutman, LibraryReads Ambassador

Lies and Weddings: A Novel by Kevin Kwan (Doubleday, $29, 9780385546294). "Arabella Leung is doing everything she can to match her son Rufus to a very wealthy titled woman in this romp around the world with controlling parents, one of whom is desperately matchmaking to save the family estate. Readers who love high entertainment and the bad behavior of the haves and the have-even-mores will devour this wild ride." --Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Tex.

When Among Crows by Veronica Roth (Tor, $19.99, 9781250855480). "This painful and fascinating (but ultimately hopeful) urban fantasy set in Chicago is a packed novella steeped in Slavic folklore. Dymitr is on a quest to retrieve a guarded plant that might relieve the demon Ala of a deadly curse so he can bargain with her for a hint on how to seek an audience with Baba Yaga herself." --Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, Mich.

Long After We Are Gone: A Novel by Terah Shelton Harris (‎Sourcebooks Landmark, $29.99, 9781464218613). "This moving story follows four siblings trying to hold onto their family property. Secrets and dubious life choices threaten to break the family apart as the siblings experience despair followed by self-discovery and self-determination, seeking what truly matters. An engaging and satisfying read, featuring believable, complex characters." --Monica McAbee, PGCMLS Surratts-Clinton Branch, Md.

The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club: A Novel by Helen Simonson (The Dial Press, $29, 9781984801319). "Constance, companion to an elderly woman, meets Poppy, a young woman trying to start a business for women motorcycle riders. Constance gets drawn into the circle of friendship and independence the motorcycle ladies enjoy. Readers will love the characters, the setting, and the portrayal of life after The Great War." --Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne (Bramble, $19.99, 9781250333292). "This book is so cozy, readers will want to snuggle under a heap of blankets with a delicious cup of tea. Kianthe and Reyna were the perfect opposites-attract couple--determined to make things work no matter the obstacles. Lots of humor with a serious amount of heart. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes." --Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, Ohio

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