Hello, and welcome [or] welcome back to the blog!
How are you today? I hope you stay productive, read a good book, get plenty of water and rest (don’t rub your eyes!!..LOL), and staying positive in the chaotic environment.
There are so many things to look forward to during the warmer seasons. It doesn’t get dark until after 7 pm, fruit popsicles, the smell of a grill, not wearing a coat, and having a slow Summer. Me? I hate the heat (no…I mean really), cause if the temps go above 89, I’m done. What I do love is all the “new” titles coming out this season. So whether you want a beach read or something to kill time, there’s always a good book waiting.
For this list, I only pulled from a few genres. I never include romance because [honestly], they are all the same to me (ok…don’t come for me). I require a different type of escapism. So I’ve included Mystery/Thriller, Sci Fi/Fantasy, and yes, Horror. I have included links at the bottom if you must read a romance or non-fiction title. (LOL)
Here’s What’s On My List!
MYSTERY
Julie Chan Is Dead
by Liann Zhang
Set in the strange liminal spaces of our new digital world, this debut novel from Canadian author Liann Zhang tells the curious tale of Julie Chan, who has just assumed the identity of her recently deceased twin sister, Chloe. It seems Chloe was a rich and glamorous influencer with powerful friends. But as Julie soon learns, Chloe’s life was so much darker than anyone could have known.
Release date: April 29
The Tenant
by Freida McFadden
Blake Porter has a problem. Recently fired from his high-end executive position, he’s about to lose the mortgage on his proportionally expensive brownstone. So when a charming young woman asks to rent a room, he’s delighted. Until the noises start. And the graveyard stench. The prolific Freida McFadden (The Housemaid) returns with another tale of dark secrets, bad decisions, and severe domestic disturbance.
Release date: May 6
Tell Them You Lied 
by Laura Leffler
Anna had never met anyone like Willow. Entering art school with lofty ideas about Art and her role in it, Anna was wholly unprepared for someone as mysterious, moody—and cool—as Willow. Here was Anna’s muse and collaborator all in one, ready to bring her in on Art’s great secrets. Now, five years later, Anna is weary. Where art school was boundless creativity and collaboration, the New York art scene is all about survival. Worse: Willow’s true nature as a muse only to herself has become nakedly apparent, as has her cruelty.
Release Date: May 27
FANTASY
The Devils
by Joe Abercrombie
Holy man Brother Diaz has been issued an impossible directive from his bosses in the Sacred City. To pull it off, he’s going to need help from his new congregation—a rogue’s gallery of criminals, vampires, necromancers, and werewolves. Author Joe Abercrombie’s First Law series is beloved among hardcore fantasy types, and early readers are digging this new blend of action, horror, and gritty comedy.
Release date: May 6
Aftertaste
by Daria Lavelle
Debut author Daria Lavelle tells the story of an aspiring New York City chef who can taste the presence of ghosts and reunite the bereaved with their loved ones. This innovative take on urban fantasy promises to be a kind of synesthetic experience itself, crossing evocative food writing with New York City culinary drama, percolating romance, and a new kind of ghost story.
Release date: May 20
HORROR
When the Wolf Comes Home
by Nat Cassidy
With previous books like Mary and Nestlings, author Nat Cassidy has proved himself both a devoted student and a skilled practitioner of classic horror. His new book features a young actress and a five-year-old boy on the run from Something Awful, figuratively and literally. Early readers are digging the book’s fast pace, emotional resonance, and innovative variations on the chase-story horror template.
Release date: April 22
Polybius 
by Collin Armstrong
Stranger Things meets The Walking Dead in this shivery novel based on a terrifying urban legend about a small seaside town descending into chaos when an unusual video game is unveiled at the local arcade. Having recently moved to the gentrifying seaside town of Tasker Bay with her mother, the only thing on high schooler Andi’s mind is saving up enough money for her escape to Silicon Valley. Though it’s owned by the shadiest resident in town, she takes a job at the dingy arcade Home Video World.
Release date: April 29
Staircase in the Woods
by Chuck Wendig
A group of friends investigates the mystery of a strange staircase in the woods in this mesmerizing horror novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Accidents. Five high school friends are bonded by an oath to protect one another no matter what. Then, on a camping trip in the middle of the forest, they find something a mysterious staircase to nowhere. One friend walks up—and never comes back down. Then the staircase disappears.
Release date: April 29
Feeders
by Matt Serafini
When a video depicting the brutal murder of a former classmate leaks online, Kylie Bennington’s curiosity gets the better of her, leading to the discovery of an off-the-grid social media app called MonoLife. As it turns out, she must adhere to certain cryptic and frightening rules in MonoLife’s user agreement—for this is a platform that primarily rewards the worst in human behavior. Now Kylie’s going to find out just how far she’s willing to go on her unyielding rise to the top—even if that means coming face-to-face with the ruthless forces behind the app.
Release date: May 20
Never Flinch 
by Stephen King
As the undisputed godfather of the contemporary horror genre, Stephen King could easily rest on his blood-soaked laurels. Luckily for us, the man cannot sit still. King’s new book brings back fan-favorite Holly Gibney and threads together two storylines—a vigilante celebrity stalker and an avenging killer on the loose.
Release date: May 27
OTHER LISTS
Non-Fiction Titles for the Season
So far, I’ve read one title from this list. I’m currently reading Staircase in the Woods (thank you, NetGalley). I’ve added on more (Polybius) to my GR challenge. There aren’t enough hours in the day for the remaining titles, but as TBRs go …I’ll add them anyway (LOL). What are you reading this summer? Adding new titles? Or are you sticking to a challenge or list? Let me know in the comments.
With that, I’ll end here. Thanks so much for visiting today, and don’t forget to follow the blog. Until next time. — Duces ✌🏾
