Whether you're looking for a psychological thriller or a refreshing dip into children's literature, August has been a great month for new books. Here are some of the top releases that have wowed audiences and earned stellar reviews over the past few weeks. Which one will you read first?
Whisper Me This by Kerry Anne King
Single mother Maisey Addington has made a lot of mistakes, but the one thing she's sure she's done right is forming a good relationship with her 12-year-old daughter. That is, until she receives a phone call that changes everything. Maisey's mother enters a coma, so she returns to her childhood home and stumbles across a life-shattering truth: she has a twin sister.
“Rich in emotions and characters, Whisper Me This is a stunning tale of dark secrets, broken memories, and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel quickly pulls the reader onto a roller-coaster ride through grief, mystery, and cryptic journal entries... A book club must-read!” - Barbara Claypole White, bestselling author of The Perfect Son
A Killer's Mind by Mike Omer
Three Chicago women have been found strangled, embalmed, and posed as if alive. When forensic psychologist Zoe Bently arrives on the scene, she must partner with a special agent to figure out who this serial killer is and how his twisted mind works. It's only a matter of time before he strikes again, and Zoe is determined to get to the bottom of the case before that happens.
"A Killer’s Mind is an unexpected gem sure to surprise and terrify even the most seasoned mystery and thriller reader. Just when I thought I had it figured out, I was yelling at the book in disbelief. Don’t start it, unless you have time—and a safe place—to finish it." - Jessica Tribble, Editor
Mirage by Somaiya Daud
Young Amani is a dreamer, even in a brutal empire where adventure seems impossible. Everything changes when she is kidnapped by the regime and taken into the palace to serve as a body-double for the cruel princess. Faced with sudden danger and the glittering world of royalty, Amani must figure out how to play the perfect princess and stay alive.
“This gorgeously written, immersive, and captivating series starter is sure to have fans eager for a sequel.” - ALA Booklist, starred review
Dance of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson
If you grew up loving the Remnant Chronicles by Pearson, then you simply must pick up this newest novel in the fictional universe. Jase has become the new leader of the Ballenger empire, and now, he must play a tricky game of politics. When Kazi, a legendary former thief, comes to town, things begin to spiral out of control in a series of cat and mouse games. Full of fantasy and intrigue, young fans of Game of Thrones will devour this recent release.
"Pearson is a gifted storyteller and spinner of eminently satisfying romances and fantasy. Fans will thrill at these newest protagonists, especially the women warriors, who are equal partners in the play for power." - Publishers Weekly
City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Cassidy's parents are ghost hunters, but unlike them, Cassidy can actually see ghosts. The biggest twist? Her best friend, Jacob, is one of them. When her parents decide to venture into the spooky streets of Edinburgh for a TV show, Cass and Jacob come along and meet a whole new cast of undead characters. As Cassidy learns more about her role in their world, she realizes that the borders between the living and the dead are thinner than they seem. If you're in the mood for something original and just a tiny bit creepy, pick up this middle-grade novel or recommend it to a young reader.
"This atmospheric ghost story from Schwab (the Monsters of Verity duology) chills and charms while challenging readers to face their fears." - Publishers Weekly
Seafire by Natalie C. Parker
With excellent characters and a unique plot, Seafire is taking the literary world by storm. It follows the story of teenage Caledonia Styx, who is forced to make her way through deadly seas after a warlord and his army kill her family. As she struggles to survive, she must decide who she can trust onboard her ship and how she can forge alliances in a world full of pirates.
"This is Mad Max by way of Davy Jones, a high-energy, breathless adventure [about] a group of damaged girls who find home in one another." - Booklist
The Simple Wild by K.A. McMorris
Calla Fletcher has never really known her father, who lives in the remote Alaskan wilderness. However, when she realizes that her dad's days may be numbered, she decides to brave the strange landscape and connect with a man who has been absent for most of her life. In Alaska, Calla also meets a rugged pilot who works with her father, and she realizes that there might be more to this fearsome state than meets the eye. Romantic and eye-opening, this is one beautiful story you won't want to miss.
"Tucker unerringly hits all the high notes of romance." - Publishers Weekly, starred review
What did you read in August? Let us know in the comments below!