Must-Read Book Club Picks for 2024
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Ready to dive into something fresh and exciting for your next book club meeting? Don’t miss these captivating new releases, each promising to be a discussion-worthy gem for your book club.
I’ll admit I was a latecomer to the book club scene. For years, I was content to lose myself in solitary reading adventures. But I reluctantly agreed when a dear friend invited me to join her book club. Little did I know that I was about to embark on a journey filled with laughter, tears, and deep connections over the love of literature.
But let’s face it, choosing the perfect book for your next book club meeting can be a daunting task. With countless titles vying for your attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where I come in. Every year, I scour through new releases and recommendations to bring you a curated list of book club picks that are sure to make for engaging discussions. Whether you prefer heart-pounding thrillers, heartwarming romances, or mind-bending literary fiction, be ready to add these must-reads to your book club’s reading list.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Best Book Club Books 2024
Same As It Ever Was
by Claire Lombardo
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: June 18, 2024
Julia Ames must navigate unexpected challenges and past traumas as she grapples with motherhood, friendship, and the ever-changing nature of relationships in mid-life. Same As It Ever Was offers a nuanced exploration of human emotions and relationships, making it an ideal book club pick for discussions on family dynamics, generational differences, and the complexities of modern life.
Anita de Monte Laughs Last
by Xochitl Gonzalez
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
The novel follows the stories of Anita, a rising star in the art world who tragically dies in 1985, and Raquel, a third-year art history student who becomes romantically involved with an older, well-connected art student. Through both women’s perspectives and their different experiences with power, love, and art, this novel raises thought-provoking questions about who gets to be remembered and who gets left behind in the elite art world.
Expiration Dates
by Rebecca Serle
Romance
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Daphne Bell has always believed that the universe has a plan for her, which is why she receives numbered papers with every new man she meets – indicating how long their relationship will last. But when she meets Jake on a blind date and finds no expiration date on their relationship, Daphne’s beliefs are challenged in ways she never imagined.
Darling Girls
by Sally Hepworth
Thriller
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
Three women, Alicia, Jessica, and Norah, have a bond that dates back to their childhood at Wild Meadows, a foster home run by the enigmatic Miss Fairchild. Years later, their fragile world is shattered when human remains are discovered on the property. Forced to confront their buried demons, the sisters must unravel the dark secrets of their childhood to find healing and redemption.
One of Us Knows
by Alyssa Cole
Thriller
Publication Date: April 16, 2024
Kenetria Nash, a woman with dissociative identity disorder, is given a second chance at life as the resident caretaker of a historic home on Kavanaugh Island. However, her newfound peace is disrupted when she becomes trapped on the island with a group of strangers during a Nor’easter. When one of them turns up dead, and Ken becomes the prime suspect, she must navigate through her alters and past traumas to prove her innocence.
Just for the Summer
by Abby Jimenez
Romance
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Justin and Emma, both struggling with their own relationship baggage, start dating as part of a plan to cancel out their curses and find true love. But what starts off as a simple fling quickly becomes complicated when they have to deal with unexpected family responsibilities and unresolved personal issues. As they spend the summer in an idyllic cottage on Lake Minnetonka, they must confront their pasts and navigate their growing feelings for each other.
Daughter of Mine
by Megan Miranda
Thriller
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
As Hazel returns to her hometown of Mirror Lake and begins to unravel the truth about her mother’s disappearance, she realizes that everyone around her has secrets they would rather keep buried. From her enigmatic best friend, who seems to know more than she’s letting on, to the handsome newcomer with a dark past and a dangerous connection to Hazel’s mother, no one is quite who they seem. As the drought intensifies and tensions rise, Hazel must navigate through the tangled web of lies and deceit to uncover the truth about her past and present.
Redwood Court
by DéLana R. A. Dameron
Coming-of-age Story
Publication Date: February 6, 2024
Mika Tabor grows up in a tight-knit, all-Black community on Redwood Court in Columbia, South Carolina. As she navigates her own challenges and discovers the power of storytelling, Mika learns important lessons about love, family, and resilience from the people who raised her—her parents, sister, and grandparents. Through raw and honest prose, Dameron sheds light on the experiences of Black families in America and the enduring strength found within communities like Redwood Court.
If Something Happens to Me
by Alex Finlay
Thriller
Publication Date: May 28, 2024
Five years ago, Ryan Richardson’s girlfriend, Ali, vanished without a trace. Haunted by the night’s events and under a cloud of suspicion, Ryan reinvented himself. But when Ali’s submerged car is found with two dead men inside, his past comes crashing back. As Ryan races across Europe to uncover the truth, a young sheriff in Kansas, Poppy McGee, takes up the case back home. With a cryptic note and a chilling message, “If something happens to me,” these disparate lives intertwine in a thrilling chase for answers.
Save for Later
The Waters
by Bonnie Jo Campbell
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
In the heart of rural Michigan, an isolated island known as “The Waters” is home to the enigmatic Hermine “Herself” Zook, an aging herbalist with a reputation both revered and feared. Together with her young granddaughter, Donkey, Herself tends to the land and its people, providing remedies and wisdom with equal measure. As the world beyond the swamp encroaches, secrets and tensions rise, threatening to disrupt the delicate balance of their world.
How To End a Love Story
by Yulin Kuang
Romance
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
This unforgettable debut novel, set in a charming Pacific Northwest town, follows two former high school sweethearts as they are brought together once again, this time in the writers’ room of a TV show adaptation. As they confront their unresolved feelings and secrets from the past, they discover that sometimes love stories don’t have happy endings but rather a journey towards personal growth and healing.
The Last Murder at the End of the World
by Stuart Turton
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
A thrilling mystery set in a dystopian world where a deadly fog has wiped out most of humanity. The last remaining survivors live on an isolated island until one of their own is found murdered. With the threat of the fog closing in, the race is on to solve the crime and uncover the killer before time runs out. But with no memories of the night before, anyone could be capable of murder. Can they find the truth and save what’s left of their world?
Summer Romance
by Annabel Monaghan
Romance
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Life has not been easy for Ali Morris. After losing her mother and going through a divorce, she feels lost and unsure of what the future holds. But when a chance encounter with a charming man leads to a summer romance, Ali begins to see the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. Join her on this journey as she learns to let go of the past and embrace new possibilities in love and life.
Listen For The Lie
by Amy Tintera
Thriller
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Lucy and Savvy, two best friends once known as the golden girls of their small town in Texas, had everything going for them. But one night changed everything when Savvy was found dead, and Lucy was the prime suspect. Now, years later, a popular true-crime podcast is revisiting the case, and Lucy must confront the secrets that have been buried in her hometown.
A Novel Love Story
by Ashley Poston
Fantasy Romance
Publication Date: June 25, 2024
Eileen Merriweather finds herself transported to the town of Eloraton, a place she thought only existed within the pages of her beloved romance series. As she navigates through this seemingly perfect world, she discovers that it is trapped within an unfinished novel. But as Eileen tries to help bring the town to its storybook ending, she is met with resistance from a grumpy bookstore owner who doesn’t want her meddling in his story. As she delves deeper, Eileen starts to realize that her own happily-ever-after may be intertwined with the fate of Eloraton.
The Unwedding
by Ally Condie
Thriller
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
When Ellery Wainwright’s anniversary trip turns into a nightmare with a dead body and trapped guests, she must unravel the secrets and shadows of those around her while also confronting her own doubts about love and family. But as tensions rise and more bodies turn up, Ellery realizes that not everyone may make it out alive.
This Summer Will Be Different
by Carley Fortune
Romance
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Bestselling author Carley Fortune returns with a romantic novel set in Prince Edward Island, full of coastal charm, shared secrets, and unexpected love. Lucy has always been Bridget’s responsible best friend, but when she falls for Felix, Bridget’s younger brother, she can’t help but break her own promise. Every summer, they meet at PEI, and every time, their chemistry is off the charts. But each year, Lucy reminds herself why they need to stay away from each other. However, this year things are going to be different.
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: July 30, 2024
When Phoebe Stone arrives alone at the luxurious Cornwall Inn, she is mistaken for one of the wedding guests. Actually, she is there to fulfill a long-time dream of taking sunset sails and shucking oysters with her husband. But now alone and at rock bottom, she is determined to enjoy one last splurge on herself. Unexpectedly, she forms a bond with the bride-to-be, confiding in each other and finding solace in their unexpected friendship.
The House of Glass
by Sarah Pekkanen
Thriller
Publication Date: August 6, 2024
In her new book, Sarah Pekkanen takes readers into the seemingly perfect world of the Barclay family. But when a tragedy strikes and their young nanny dies, cracks begin to form in their perfect facade. As a lawyer appointed to represent the best interests of children in custody cases, Stella Hudson is tasked with uncovering the truth about what happened. But as she delves deeper into this wealthy family’s secrets, danger lurks around every corner, and Stella must confront her own troubled past in order to protect those who can’t speak for themselves.
You Will Never Be Me
by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Thriller
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
At first glance, Meredith Lee appears to have it all – a picture-perfect life, thousands of followers, and lucrative sponsorships. But when fellow influencer Aspen Palmer starts stealing her spotlight, Mer’s perfect facade begins to crack. Desperate to regain her status as the top momfluencer , Mer starts stalking Aspen and taking revenge in subtle ways. But as Aspen’s life starts spiraling out of control, and Mer suddenly goes missing, the truth behind their rivalry is revealed.
The Wilds
by Sarah Pearse
Thriller
Publication Date: July 16, 2024
When Kier Templer vanishes without a trace in a Portuguese national park, her twin sister, Detective Elin Warner, sets out to unravel the mystery. But as she delves deeper, she realizes that the idyllic wilderness may hold dark secrets and hidden dangers. With time running out, Elin must navigate through the treacherous terrain of the wilds and confront her own demons to save her sister.
The Husbands
by Holly Gramazio
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Lauren finds herself in a bizarre situation when she discovers that her attic has the power to create an infinite supply of husbands for her. As she continues to experiment with different versions of her life, she begins to question the very essence of who she is and what truly makes her happy. Holly Gramazio’s debut novel is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the choices we make in life. Through the captivating story of Lauren and her mysterious husbands, Gramazio invites readers to question the idea of a “perfect” life and whether it truly leads to happiness.
The Return of Ellie Black
by Emiko Jean
Thriller
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
As Chelsey delves deeper into Ellie’s case, she realizes there may be more to this disappearance than meets the eye. As she unravels the layers of secrets and lies surrounding Ellie and her family, Chelsey must confront her own past trauma and fears to bring justice to both Ellie and her own sister.
Historical Fiction Novels for Book Clubs
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade
by Janet Skeslien Charles
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
For fans of historical fiction and true stories, Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade tells the captivating story of Jessie Carson, an American librarian who made a lasting impact on the literary landscape of France during World War I. As Jessie navigates the challenges of war-torn France, she works to establish children’s libraries and trains the first female French librarians. But when she suddenly disappears, her story becomes shrouded in mystery. Years later, librarian Wendy Peterson discovers Jessie’s story while researching at the New York Public Library and becomes determined to uncover the truth about what happened to her.
The Sicilian Inheritance
by Jo Piazza
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Sara Marsala’s life is forever changed following the death of her great-aunt Rosie. With nothing to hold her back, Sara sets off on a voyage to Sicily. There, she unravels a family secret and learns the remarkable story of her great-grandmother Serafina, a woman who championed justice and equality in an era that resisted such ideals, ultimately sacrificing everything for her beliefs.
The Women
by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
Raised by conservative parents on the idyllic Coronado Island, Frankie McGrath always saw herself as a good girl who followed the rules. But when her brother enlists to serve in Vietnam, she is inspired to make a bold and impulsive decision – joining the Army Nurse Corps. As she navigates through the chaos and destruction of war, Frankie’s journey becomes a symbol of strength and resilience for all women who have served their country in times of war.
The Great Divide
by Cristina Henríquez
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Set against the backdrop of political turmoil and foreign intervention, this story follows the intersecting paths of Francisco, Omar, Ada, John, and many others as they navigate their way through life in Panama during the construction of the Panama Canal. Each character has their own struggles and aspirations, yet they are all brought together by the common thread of working towards a better future for themselves and their loved ones.
The Storm We Made
by Vanessa Chan
Publication Date: January 2, 2024
As the storm of war rages around them, a family in Malaya must grapple with secrets, betrayal, and the forces that will test their unbreakable bonds. Cecily Alcantara is desperate to protect her family from the chaos of World War II. But when her son goes missing and her daughter is forced into a life of servitude, Cecily knows she must act. As she struggles to keep her family safe, Cecily is haunted by the choices she made in the past and the consequences they have on her loved ones.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts
by Katherine Arden
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
During the First World War, two siblings are torn apart by the horrors of war. Laura Iven, a field nurse, is forced to return home after being wounded and learns of her brother Freddie’s death. Unconvinced of his fate, she sets out on a journey to Belgium to uncover the truth. Freddie, on the other hand, finds himself trapped in an overturned pillbox with a wounded enemy soldier. Against all odds, they form an unlikely alliance and seek refuge from the brutal realities of war.
The Paris Gown
by Christine Wells
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Set in the glamorous and vibrant city of Paris in the 1950s, three young women, Claire, Gina, and Margot reunite after years of being apart. Each one with their own hopes and dreams, they find themselves drawn together by a single dazzling Christian Dior gown that has the power to change their lives.
Hard by a Great Forest
by Leo Vardiashvili
Publication Date: January 30, 2024
Set in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia, the novel follows Saba’s journey as he returns to his homeland after years in exile. As he navigates through the ruins and memories of his past, Saba must confront not only the physical destruction caused by conflict but also the emotional scars left on himself and those around him.
New York Times Bestsellers for Book Clubs
Funny Story
by Emily Henry
Romance
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
Daphne and Miles find themselves at a crossroads in their lives, with failed relationships behind them. As they plan to fake dating for social media, they never expect to actually fall for each other. But as their fake relationship becomes more real, they must navigate the complications and insecurities that come with it. If you enjoy enemies-to-lovers romances with witty banter and small-town settings, this read is for you.
First Lie Wins
by Ashley Elston
Thriller
Publication Date: January 2, 2024
In the world of espionage, Evie Porter is a master at keeping her true identity hidden. But when she’s assigned to target charming businessman Ryan Sumner, she finds herself struggling to keep up her facade while also falling for him. As her past catches up with her and danger lurks around every corner, Evie must stay one step ahead while trying to secure a future with Ryan.
The Briar Club
by Kate Quinn
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
Set in 1950s Washington D.C., the novel tells the story of a group of women living in an all-female boardinghouse. When a mysterious widow named Grace March moves in, she becomes the catalyst for unexpected friendships and reveals secrets that threaten to tear them apart. As tensions rise during McCarthy’s Red Scare, the women must confront their own personal demons while also facing a common enemy within their midst.
Save for Later
Lies and Weddings
by Kevin Kwan
Romance
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Rufus Leung Gresham is faced with a difficult decision – to marry for money or follow his heart. As the son of a former Hong Kong supermodel, Rufus must save his family’s legacy by seducing a wealthy woman at his sister’s wedding. But when a volcanic eruption and scandalous secret threaten to unravel everything, Rufus must choose between his family’s reputation or true love with the girl next door.
The Summer Pact
by Emily Giffin
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
Emily Giffin weaves a story about four college friends who promise to always be there for each other. As the years go by, their lives take different paths, but ten years later, they are forced to face the consequences of that promise. In this heartfelt story of friendship and growth, Giffin explores the challenges of adulthood and the power of forgiveness. A must-read for anyone who has ever relied on their friends to get through life’s toughest moments.
All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
Thriller
Publication Date: June 25, 2024
Saint Brown’s world is shattered when her best friend, Patch, goes missing. In the pitch-black room where he is held captive, Patch meets Grace, who paints their world with her words, and they fall in love. But when Patch escapes and can’t find any evidence of Grace, he embarks on a cross-country journey to find her again. Saint follows close behind as they both confront dark secrets and dangerous enemies in their quest for the truth.
Real Americans
by Rachel Khong
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
Chosen as a Read with Jenna Book Club Pick for May’24, Real Americans is a powerful and timely novel that explores the complexities of love, family, and identity in modern America. Lily Chen and Matthew fall in love despite their different backgrounds – Lily, a broke Chinese American from Tampa, and Matthew, a wealthy East Coaster. Years later, their son Nick goes on a journey to find his biological father and confronts questions about identity and belonging.
The Ministry of Time
by Kaliane Bradley
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Set in a near future where time travel is a reality, a civil servant is tasked with living and working with an expat from 1847. As they work together to determine the feasibility of time travel, they develop an unexpected bond that forces them to confront their beliefs and choices. With a charming and chaotic cast of fellow expats, this debut novel by Kaliane Bradley is a time travel romance, spy thriller, workplace comedy, and exploration of power and love all rolled into one.
Swan Song
by Elin Hilderbrand
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
In the final installment of her Nantucket series, Elin Hilderbrand weaves a thrilling tale of love, betrayal, and murder. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash prepares for retirement and blond bombshell Sharon deals with a messy divorce, the arrival of the mysterious Richardson family shakes up the quiet island community. With lavish parties, extravagant yachts, and suspicious wealth, the Richardsons captivate everyone they meet. But when their house burns down and an employee goes missing, Ed and Sharon must team up to uncover the truth behind this wealthy family’s secrets before it’s too late.
The Midnight Feast
by Lucy Foley
Thriller
Publication Date: June 18, 2024
During the opening weekend of a luxurious hotel where no expense has been spared, a group of guests gather to celebrate. As the weekend progresses, it becomes clear that not all is well at The Manor. Old friends and enemies mingle, each with their own agendas and secrets. And just outside the carefully manicured grounds lies an ancient forest full of mysteries. But it isn’t until Sunday morning that things take a darker turn. A fire breaks out, and a body is discovered. Suddenly, it’s clear that something sinister is lurking within The Manor.
By Any Other Name
by Jodi Picoult
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
Two women, Melina Green and Emilia Bassano, are both driven by their love for writing. Despite living in different eras, they face similar struggles as women trying to make their voices heard in a society that silences them. As they navigate these challenges, they are forced to make difficult decisions that could determine the course of their lives. Through these parallel narratives, Picoult explores themes of feminism, identity, and the power of storytelling throughout history.
The Paradise Problem
by Christina Lauren
Romance
Publication Date: May 14, 2024
Anna and West were college sweethearts who thought they had it all figured out. But after their quickie wedding, Anna discovers that the divorce papers she signed at graduation weren’t actually filed, and she’s still legally married to West. Fast-forward three years, and they’re now divorced, but when Liam inherits a fortune from his grandfather with one catch—he must be happily married for five years—he turns to his ex-wife for help.
One Perfect Couple
by Ruth Ware
Thriller
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Lyla and her boyfriend, Nico, join a reality TV show called One Perfect Couple, but things go horribly wrong when they are stranded on a deserted island and must compete for survival against four other couples. As the group struggles to survive and tensions rise, Lyla begins to question whether this is just a game or if something more sinister is at play.
So, there you have it! A list of the best book club books to enhance your reading experience in 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned book club member or a curious newbie, these titles are guaranteed to spark engaging conversations.
What’s your most anticipated book club pick for 2024? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below!