LibraryReads, the nationwide library staff-picks list, offers the top 10 October titles public library staff across the country love:
Top Pick
Exposure by Ramona Emerson (Soho Crime, $29.95, 9781641294768). "A serial killer hides in plain sight, killing the indigent Native people of Gallup, New Mexico. On the verge of an emotional crisis, Rita, a forensic photographer, heads home to her Navajo reservation for a long overdue rest. Soon her life is put at risk. Can she save others while attempting to save herself? Readers who enjoyed Emerson's debut novel Shutter will enjoy this followup." --KC Davis, LibraryReads Ambassador, Conn.
Libby Lost and Found: A Novel by Stephanie Booth (Sourcebooks Landmark, $27.99, 9781728278506). "Libby is one of the most famous and sought-after children's authors, but her identity is also a complete secret. She is under pressure to write the final book in her series, but something is wrong and she just can't get it done. In her search for answers, she starts a quest that will bring her to a very different place in life." --Linda Quinn, Library Reads Ambassador, Conn.
Society of Lies: A Novel by Lauren Ling Brown (Bantam, $30, 9780593723357). "Two sisters attend Princeton ten years apart. Days before the younger sister's graduation, she's found dead. Maya can't believe Naomi's death was an accident, and looks toward Greystone, a secret society to which both sisters belonged, and a charismatic professor. Told in dual timelines, there are twists and turns that readers won't see coming. This novel is a welcome addition to academic thrillers." --Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, N.J.
Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon (Ace, $30, 9780593817025). "A lonely noble's daughter enters into marriage with a minotaur so that she can join a treasure hunting guild to restore her family's wealth and protect her people. Her new husband, Hawk, who happens to be a member of the guild, has no idea that his wife is a noble in disguise. This steamy paranormal fantasy romance is filled with found family and sweet characters." --Mindie Marsh, Eugene Public Library, Ore.
The Sequel: A Novel by Jean Hanff Korelitz (Celadon, $29, 9781250875471). "This fiendishly blackhearted takedown of the literary world is a follow-up to Korelitz's bestseller The Plot, a novel about a washed up writer who finds success after he steals the storyline from a deceased student. This time we follow the story of Anna, the widow of the aforementioned writer, who surprisingly now has a runaway bestseller of her own." --Alisa Stanfield, LibraryReads Ambassador, Ill.
A Song to Drown Rivers: A Novel by Ann Liang (St. Martin's Press, $32, 9781250289469). "Fanli, advisor to a defeated king, plots to bring down the victors. To do so, he embarks on a search for a beauty to present to the new king, who can also act as his spy. Xishi is more than a pretty face: she is adept and cunning, and has her own reasons to want vengeance. A fascinating story covering themes of revenge, sacrifice, and the political realities of war." --Joan Hipp, Florham Park Public Library, N.J.
The Last One at the Wedding: A Novel by Jason Rekulak (Flatiron, $28.99, 9781250895783). "Maggie is getting married, and her dad is thrilled to be invited, even though they have been estranged for three years. Why the estrangement? The answer to that question and other crazy rumors about the family hosting the event fuel this engaging, suspenseful read. This will appeal to readers who enjoy hard-to-guess plot twists." --Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, Calif.
The Wedding Witch: A Novel by Erin Sterling (Avon, $30, 9780063411166). "This entertaining, romantic romp has it all: flirty banter, an unusual premise, and even time travel! Tamsyn and Bowen are drawn to each other, especially when a curse sends them 50 years into the past. The characters are interesting and fleshed-out in their own right, and when they get together, it's magical." --Jody S., USS Liberty Memorial Library, Wis.
Blood Over Bright Haven: A Novel by M.L. Wang (Del Rey, $29.99, 9780593873359). "Sciona's brains and ruthlessness enable her to become the first ever female highmage in highly civilized and magical Tiran. Rampant sexism means the only lab assistant she can get is Thomil, a janitor refugee. The partnership is surprisingly effective until they make a breakthrough that threatens to destroy Tiran. A gripping and intense fantasy that will appeal to readers of dark academia." --Sarah Walker, Indianapolis Public Library, Ind.
This Girl's a Killer: A Novel by Emma C. Wells (Poisoned Pen Press, $34.99, 9781464231780). "Cordelia's hobby of killing sexual predators and getting away with it exhibits her precise planning and execution skills. But things begin to unravel when her friend starts dating someone Cordelia suspects is bad. Crazy things, such as a body in a bathtub, a kidnapped dog, and a smiling cop, combine to add dark humor, making this a thoroughly enjoyable read." --Di Herald, LibraryReads Ambassador, Colo.
