Look no further for your next read. The amount of great new books hitting shelves each month can be overwhelming but we’ve rounded up ten of the buzziest books coming out this December—no matter what genre you’re interested in. Have you read any of these new releases? If not, you’ll want them on your TBR!
The Mystery Of Mrs. Christie by Marie Benedict
In December 1926, author Agatha Christie mysteriously vanished only to reappear eleven days later. Christie citied amnesia as the reason why she couldn’t remember what happened. In The Mystery Of Mrs. Christie, Marie Benedict brings readers along on an imagining of why Christie disappeared, where she may have gone, and the role her unfaithful husband may have played.
How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: Alyssa Cole has a new book out! Cole kicks off the Runaway Royals series with an arranged marriage romance. Shanti, the recently crowned queen of Njaza, is struggling to find her footing in her new role. It’s only at night, working on plans to help the kingdom thrive, that she feels like herself again. But she isn’t the only one who is learning. Her husband King Sanyu is weighted down with expectations of the kind of ruler he must be, and if he doesn’t learn to forge his own path he risks losing both the wife he’s falling for and the trust of his people.
(Psst: Click here to read our spoiler-free interview with Alyssa Cole!)
The Mermaid from Jeju by Sumi Hahn
Sumi Hahn’s debut novel tells the story of one woman’s life from her youthful days in post-World War II Korea to her final ones in Philadelphia. Eighteen-year-old Goh Junja comes from a family of haenyeo, deep sea divers, and is proud to finally take her place among them on an annual trip to the mountains. But when her mother dies on the journey, her world changes forever. Meanwhile her country has become a battleground where Nationalists, rebels, and the U.S. military fight for control. Junja must find a way to cope with her grief while fighting to survive and protect those she loves.
The Cousins by Karen M. McManus
A new Karen M. McManus book is always cause for celebration for fans of YA thrillers. The Cousins introduces readers to the Story family. Cousins Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah receive a mysterious invitation from their estranged grandmother inviting them to work at her island resort over the summer. Out of curiosity (and their parents’ insistence), they travel to the island and begin to uncover dark secrets from their family’s past.
Hollow Empire by Sam Hawke
Sam Hawke’s epic fantasy series picks back up with Jovan, Kalina, and Hadrea in more danger than ever before. The three worked together in the first volume to save the city-state of Silastra. Two years later, siblings Jovan and Kalina are fighting to protect the leaders of Silastra from assassins that seem to be around every corner. Fans of the first will find more danger and excitement here, while new readers should start at the beginning to ensure they don’t miss a single action-packed moment.
The War Widow by Tara Moss
Historical fiction fans won’t want to miss this new release. After World War II ends, war correspondent Billie Walker returns to Sydney and reopens her late father’s private investigation agency. Soon, she finds herself on the trail of a missing young man. When her sources are murdered, Billie realizes she’ll need to put her life on the line if she hopes to find the truth.
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
Cleric Chih and their guide Si-yu are exploring the northern region of Anh when they’re set upon by three hungry tigers. To delay their deaths until help can arrive, Chih begins to tell the tigers the story of Scholar Dieu and the tiger Ho Thi Thao—with frequent interruptions from the tigers, whose version of the tale differs from human’s. This follow-up to The Empress of Salt and Fortune is sure to enchant fans of the first in the series, though this novella can also be read as a standalone for readers wanting to begin the journey here.
Party Favors by Erin McLellan
Erin McLellan’s delightful So Over the Holidays novella series continues this month with a New Year’s Eve romance. Hoping to avoid her matchmaking mother’s holiday party, Amanda Ellis asks her online best friend Wren if she’d be up for a weekend getaway. The two escape to a cozy cottage, excited to spend a few days sharing resolutions for the upcoming year and getting to know each other in real life. What neither expects is that sparks will start to fly once they see each other. McLellan perfectly blends heat and heart in all of her stories, and this one is no different!
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre
A.R. Torre’s latest mystery opens with Neena Ryder being arrested for attempted murder before flashing back four months to when Neena was hired by Winthrope Technologies as a motivational coach. The position allows Neena and her husband to move into the home next door to her handsome boss, William, and his wife, Cat. After Cat welcomes Neena to the neighborhood, Neena begins doing whatever she can to insert herself into Cat and William’s lives.
A Universe of Wishes edited by Dhonielle Clayton
The fourth We Need Diverse Books anthology rounds up speculative fiction stories from fifteen award-winning and beloved young adult authors. Tara Sim kicks the collection off with a tale of magical crystals harvested from cadavers, Anna-Marie McLemore delivers a queer “Cinderella” retelling, and Samira Ahmed’s story features a eulogy of Earth. YA readers will also be delighted by the inclusion of Victoria Schwab’s “Royal Affair,” which explores the relationship between two characters in her Shades of Magic series. For YA fans, this collection is not to be missed!
