May brings a wave of must-reads perfect for the sunny days ahead, from powerful literary fiction to edge-of-your-seat thrillers. Don’t miss the return of Fredrik Backman with My Friends, a new PI case from Stephen King in Never Flinch, and a definitive biography of Mark Twain from Ron Chernow. You can place holds on upcoming titles before release—just print our May Coming Soon list, circle your picks, and let us do the rest!
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
From the author of A Man Called Ove comes a powerful, heartfelt novel about friendship, art, and the impact we leave behind. When aspiring artist Louisa becomes the unexpected caretaker of a mysterious painting, she sets off to learn the story behind it—tracing the lives of four teens who once found refuge and purpose on a quiet seaside pier. Tender, funny, and deeply human, this novel is a tribute to the bonds that shape us. Available 5/6.
South of Nowhere by Jeffrey Deaver
A levee breaks in a remote California town, plunging cars into floodwaters—and disaster response expert Dorion Shaw calls in her brother, Colter, to help. But as the clock ticks and Colter is attacked, it becomes clear the flood may have been no accident. Tense, fast-paced, and full of signature Deaver twists, this next gripping entry in the Colter Shaw series is perfect for a one-sitting read. Available 5/6.
The Names by Florence Knapp
One name. Three lives. When Cora quietly rebels against her controlling husband by changing their son’s name at birth, her life—and her son’s—splits into three alternate realities. Spanning decades, this haunting and beautifully written novel explores domestic abuse, identity, and the quiet strength it takes to choose one’s own path. A thought-provoking debut for fans of literary fiction with heart. Available 5/6.
The Tenant by Freida McFadden
A new, jaw-dropping thriller from the instant #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Boyfriend and The Housemaid! Blake Porter thinks he’s found the perfect solution to his money problems when he rents out a room in his brownstone to Whitney, a friendly and beautiful stranger. But strange smells, eerie noises, and growing paranoia soon make him question who Whitney really is—and what secrets she might be hiding. A twisty, claustrophobic thriller where danger is just down the hall. Available 5/6.
Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer Ron Chernow turns his sharp eye to Mark Twain in this sweeping new biography. From Twain’s Missouri childhood to his literary stardom and financial troubles, Chernow digs deep into the man behind the wit, revealing a complex figure full of contradictions. This definitive portrait sheds new light on one of America’s most iconic authors. Available 5/13.
Fever Beach by Carl Hiaasen
In classic Hiaasen fashion, a down-on-his-luck man gets caught in a madcap web of corruption involving a grifter, a washed-up politician, and a Florida millionaire. Wild, irreverent, and laugh-out-loud funny, this is the perfect beach read for fans of offbeat crime and quirky characters. Available 5/13.
Where the Rivers Merge by Mary Alice Monroe
From New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe, comes her highly anticipated epic based on the land and spirit of the early twentieth-century Lowcountry. When 88-year-old Eliza leaves behind corporate life to return to her ancestral South Carolina estate, she brings with her two young women—each tied to her past in surprising ways. As she shares family stories painted on a mural, secrets unfold across generations. Lush, layered, and rich in environmental themes, this is part one of a sweeping new Lowcountry saga. Available 5/13.
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong
Poet Vuong follows up his acclaimed first novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, with a searching and beautiful story of a troubled young man. Hai, a 19-year-old recovering addict on the edge of despair, is saved by Grazina, an elderly widow with dementia. As the two form an unlikely companionship in a dying Connecticut town, their shared isolation blossoms into quiet grace. Vuong’s lyrical second novel is an elegy for lost futures and a testament to the healing power of unexpected love. Available 5/13.
The Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club by Martha Hall Kelly
Grieving her mother’s sudden death, Mari Starwood uncovers a mysterious link to a reclusive artist in Martha’s Vineyard. What unfolds is a sweeping tale of two sisters during WWII, a hidden past, and a family legacy Mari never saw coming. With dual timelines and rich historical detail, this is a moving story of courage, connection, and second chances. Kelly (Lilac Girls) delivers a transporting tale in this spectacular novel inspired by true events. Available 5/27.
Never Flinch by Stephen King
PI Holly Gibney is back in a high-stakes thriller, protecting an activist targeted by a dangerous stalker while teaming up with a detective chasing a twisted killer on a mission. As their cases collide, Holly must untangle a chilling conspiracy before it’s too late. Full of suspense and heart, this installment continues Holly’s evolution into one of King’s most compelling heroes. Available 5/27.