From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
Hot Girl Murder Club: A Novel by Ashley Winstead (Minotaur, $29, 9781250401212). "If you're into detectives and the underbelly of the Hollywood elite, this is a fun dual timeline thriller that keeps you hooked. Winstead's prose is top-notch, and it helps bring the settings and characters to life." --Jeff Morse, Partners in Crime Bookshop, Chicago, Ill.
Man Overboard!: A Novel by Kathleen Rooney (Gallery, $27, 9781668212387). "Kick Kilpatrick is in his early 30s, treading water (metaphorically). Alone in open water after going overboard on a cruise, he's at the mercy of sting rays, sharks, and his own mind while treading water (literally) to stay alive. A beach read like you've never seen before." --Laurel Rhame, Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, Vt.
Paperback
The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit (Slowburn, $19, 9781638933557). "This was such a refreshing take on historical romance from a brilliant new voice in the genre. I stayed up all night to finish this. I look forward to more from Benoit, hopefully with the rest of the Bancroft sisters." --Sami Melaragno, Riverstone Books, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Ages 4-8
Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story by Michael L. Benner, illus. by Alison Hawkins (Orchard Books, $19.99, 9781546140764). "Mac & Cheese: The Origin Story is already one of my favorite picture books of the year. This book has super cute illustrations and perfect puns that will keep you laughing with every page! A sweet and fun read you will definitely want to gobble up." --Mallory Clark, Square Books, Oxford, Miss.
Ages 8-12
Wolf's Belly by John August, illus. by Simón Estrada (Roaring Brook Press, $23.99, 9781250875228). "The artwork is gorgeous and the story is fantastic. So many interwoven fables/fairy tales are present, and the messaging is perfect without being heavy-handed!" --Laura Sharp, Literally, A Bookshop, Gilbert, Ariz.
Ages 13+ (Indies Introduce)
Flickerstate by F.A. Davidson (Sourcebooks Fire, $18.99, 9781464266195). "What would you do if you could influence the future? Flickerstate is a delightful boarding school modern day magical story that wrestles with questions of power, corruption, unity, friendship, and a fight for the greater good!" --Elizabeth Bosscher, Schuler Books, Grand Rapids, Mich.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
