From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcovers
Ashland: A Novel by Dan Simon (Europa Editions, $26, 9798889661672). "A sweeping family saga told in multiple voices and set in a dying town in New Hampshire, at once a lyrical ode to life in working class America and the power of storytelling. Sharp, brilliantly told, and unforgettable." --Cody Morrison, Square Books, Oxford, Miss.
The Blood Countess: Murder, Betrayal, and the Making of a Monster by Shelley Puhak (Bloomsbury Publishing, $32.99, 9781639732159). "For history lovers and true crime lovers alike, The Blood Countess provides a new and excellently researched view on the story and myth of Elizabeth Báthory. A detailed glimpse into Báthory's life that contradicts the usual narrative." --Delaney McFadin, Copperfield's Books, Sebastopol, Calif.
Paperback
The Lamb: A Novel by Lucy Rose (Harper Perennial, $18.99, 9780063374614; Indie Exclusive Signed Edition Paperback, $18.99, 9780063489530). "A coming-of-age story meets the cabin-in-the-woods cannibalism trope. The senses are engaged for a moody, atmospheric ride spattered in blood and rot as Margot makes sense in a world of neglectful trauma and relative isolation." --Danielle Smith, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, Wash.
Ages 3-6
The Rare Bird by Elisha Cooper (Roaring Brook Press, $18.99, 9781250364395). "What a joy to follow Rare Bird's feline main character as he soars from couch to cloud to dream, and what a perfect book to remind us that imagination is limitless." --Victoria Sanchez, Bookshop West Portal, San Francisco, Calif.
Ages 8-12
The Aftermyth by Tracy Wolff (Aladdin, $18.99, 9781665985468). "I couldn't read The Aftermyth fast enough. Not only did I love the characters from the very beginning (somebody give me Fifi's energy--I'd never need coffee again), but the spin on Greek mythology is so fresh and different. Rick Riordan and Shannon Messenger fans will fall head over heels in love with this series!" --Hannah Davidson, Mystery to Me, Madison, Wis.
Ages 12+
Carnival Fantástico by Angela Montoya (Joy Revolution, $19.99, 9798217024469). "Looking for your next great read with star-crossed lovers and a traveling circus? This Latine-inspired fantasy has it all: magic, adventure, humor, dark secrets, and a fiery second-chance romance." --Alyssa Raymond, Copper Dog Books, Beverly, Mass.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]