Must-Read Fiction Books for 2024 - The Ultimate List
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Are you looking for the top-notch books of 2024? This list includes all the best titles published in 2024, a mix of literary gems, debuts, and familiar favorites. Whether you’re looking for thought-provoking reads, heart-warming love stories, or fresh takes on historical and speculative fiction, this list has something for everyone.
As we navigate the last quarter of 2024, the literary world has already delivered an incredible collection of superb fiction books. From debut novels to seasoned authors, there’s a plethora of stories waiting to be explored. Whether you’re drawn to the quiet power of literary fiction, intrigued by the mystery of crime fiction, or swept away by time travel novels, this selection covers it all. Discover our favorite reads and why these are essential additions to your 2024 reading list.
Happy Reading!
If you’re looking for all the upcoming books, take a look at
Top Picks Fiction Books 2024
The Women
by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: February 13, 2024
Growing up on the picturesque Coronado Island, Frankie McGrath always saw herself as a good girl who followed the rules. However, when her brother volunteers to fight in Vietnam, Frankie decides to join the Army Nurse Corps. As she faces the turmoil and devastation of war, Frankie’s experiences become an emblem of courage and determination for all women who have served their nation during times of conflict.
The Teacher
by Freida McFadden
Thriller
Publication Date: February 06, 2024
Eve’s seemingly flawless existence as a math teacher at Caseham High is thrown into chaos when Addie, a student with a scandalous reputation, joins her class. As Eve delves deeper into Addie’s troubled past and uncovers her secrets, she must navigate the murky boundaries of morality to protect herself and her loved ones. With mounting tension and surprise twists, Freida McFadden delivers yet another intricately woven plot to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Funny Story
by Emily Henry
Romance
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
After experiencing failed relationships, Daphne and Miles are both at a turning point in their lives. As they plan to fake dating for social media, they never expect to actually fall for each other. With their fake relationship turning into something real, Daphne and Miles must confront their insecurities and learn how to navigate the complexities of love. With charming small-town vibes and delightful banter between the main characters, best-selling author Emily Henry delivers a heartwarming enemies-to-lovers romance that will leave you swooning.
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 maintain her cover while also falling for him. As Evie’s past threatens to expose her and put both her and Ryan in danger, she must use all of her skills to stay ahead while trying to hold onto the possibility of a real relationship with him
Just for the Summer
by Abby Jimenez
Romance
Publication Date: April 2, 2024
Justin and Emma both have their fair share of relationship baggage, leading them to start a fake dating arrangement in hopes of breaking their curses and finding true love. But what begins as a casual fling becomes more complicated when unexpected family responsibilities and personal issues arise. As they spend the summer at a charming cottage on Lake Minnetonka, Justin and Emma must confront their pasts and navigate their growing feelings for each other.
The Boyfriend
by Freida McFadden
Thriller
Publication Date: October 1, 2024
Sydney Shaw, a single woman living in New York City, finally meets her dream man. But as she falls deeply in love with him, strange murders begin to occur around the city, and doubts start to creep into Sydney’s mind. Is her perfect love story actually too good to be true? As she uncovers disturbing truths about her boyfriend, Sydney must confront the frightening possibility that he may not be who he claims to be.
All the Colors of the Dark
by Chris Whitaker
Thriller
Publication Date: June 25, 2024
When Saint Brown’s best friend, Patch, goes missing, her world is shattered. In a dark room where Patch is being held captive, he meets Grace, who paints their bleak surroundings with her words, and they fall in love. But when Patch manages to escape and can’t find any trace of Grace, he embarks on a cross-country journey to find her again. Saint follows closely behind as they confront dark secrets and dangerous enemies in their quest for the truth.
Swan Song
by Elin Hilderbrand
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
In the final book of her Nantucket series, Elin Hilderbrand delivers a gripping story of love, betrayal, and murder. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash prepares for retirement and Sharon, a blonde bombshell, deals with a messy divorce, the arrival of the mysterious Richardson family causes quite a stir in the quiet island community. With their lavish parties, extravagant yachts, and suspicious wealth, the Richardsons capture the attention of everyone they meet. But when their house burns down and an employee goes missing, Ed and Sharon must join forces to unravel the truth behind this seemingly perfect family before it’s too late.
The God of the Woods
by Liz Moore
Mystery
Publication Date: July 2, 2024
The summer of 1975 brings chaos to the close-knit community of an Adirondack summer camp when Barbara Van Laar, daughter of the camp’s owners, goes missing. This is not the first time a child from the influential Van Laar family has disappeared, and old wounds are reopened as tensions rise and long-held secrets start to surface.
The Paradise Problem
by Christina Lauren
Romance
Publication Date: May 14, 2024
Anna and West were young college sweethearts who thought they had their entire lives planned out. But after a quickie wedding, Anna discovers that the divorce papers she signed at graduation were never filed, and she’s still legally married to West. Three years later, they are finally divorced, but when Liam inherits a fortune from his grandfather with one condition – he must be happily married for five years – he turns to his ex-wife for help. With charming characters and a beautiful setting, this heartwarming romance will leave you swooning until the very end.
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Darling Girls
by Sally Hepworth
Thriller
Publication Date: April 23, 2024
Alicia, Jessica, and Norah have a bond that goes back to their troubled childhood at Wild Meadows, a foster home run by the mysterious Miss Fairchild. Now, in their adult lives, their already fragile world is shattered when human remains are discovered on the property. As the three sisters are forced to confront their past traumas and buried secrets come to light, they must find a way to heal and seek redemption.
Eruption
by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
Thriller
Publication Date: June 3, 2024
This Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller is a must-read for fans of both Michael Crichton and James Patterson. A catastrophic volcanic eruption threatens to destroy the Big Island of Hawaii, but a decades-old military secret could worsen the situation. Now, it’s up to a handful of brave individuals to save the island – and potentially the entire world. With its mix of science, technology, and heart-pumping action, Eruption delivers on all fronts and will leave readers eagerly turning pages until the unforgettable finale.
James
by Percival Everett
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: March 19, 2024
Percival Everett’s novel is a powerful retelling of Mark Twain’s classic Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the perspective of Jim, an enslaved man who shows intelligence and compassion as he journeys down the Mississippi River with Huck Finn toward the elusive promise of freedom. This retelling explores Jim’s character in a new light, shedding light on his humanity and struggles as an enslaved person during this tumultuous time in America’s history.
This Summer Will Be Different
by Carley Fortune
Romance
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Renowned author Carley Fortune brings us a heartwarming romance set in Prince Edward Island, filled with seaside charm, hidden secrets, and unexpected love. Lucy has always been the responsible one in her friendship with Bridget, 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 their chemistry is undeniable. But each year, Lucy reminds herself why they should stay away from each other. However, things are about to change this summer.
Listen For The Lie
by Amy Tintera
Thriller
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Lucy and Savvy, two best friends known as the golden girls of their small town in Texas, had it all. But one fateful night, everything changed when Savvy was found dead and Lucy became the prime suspect. Years later, a popular true-crime podcast is revisiting the case and Lucy is forced to confront the dark secrets that have been hidden in her hometown for years.
Get ready to explore emotional journeys, unravel family secrets, and celebrate the power of friendship.
The Hunter
by Tana French
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Retired detective Cal Hooper has found solace in rural Ireland after leaving behind his life in Chicago. With a new relationship with local woman Lena and a desire to help troubled teen Trey Reddy, Cal’s days are filled with peace and contentment. But their idyllic existence is shattered when Trey’s estranged father returns with an English millionaire, determined to find gold in their small townland.
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: July 30, 2024
When Phoebe Stone arrives solo at the Cornwall Inn, she is mistaken for a wedding guest. In reality, she had planned a romantic vacation with her husband to take sunset sails and indulge in oyster shucking. But after hitting rock bottom and finding herself alone, Phoebe decides to treat herself to one last luxurious getaway. Surprisingly, she forms an unexpected bond with the bride-to-be, sharing their secrets and finding comfort in each other’s company.
You Like It Darker
by Stephen King
Horror
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
In You Like It Darker, acclaimed author Stephen King presents twelve captivating stories that delve into the depths of the human psyche. With his signature skill and mastery of storytelling, King takes readers on a haunting journey through the darker side of life, exploring themes of fate, mortality, and the unexplained. From chilling tales of horror to thought-provoking explorations of the human condition, this collection showcases why King is known as one of the greatest storytellers of our time.
The Rom-Commers
by Katherine Center
Romance
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
Emma, a struggling screenwriter, is given the opportunity of a lifetime to re-write a script for her writing idol. But as she meets him in person and discovers that real life may be more romantic than fiction, things become complicated. Determined to prove the importance of rom-coms and fighting for her own love story, Emma navigates through unexpected challenges and learns that sometimes, real life can be just as unpredictable as the movies.
The Midnight Feast
by Lucy Foley
Thriller
Publication Date: June 18, 2024
In her newest novel, author Lucy Foley takes readers on a thrilling journey during the opening weekend of a lavish hotel. As guests gather to celebrate, tensions rise and secrets are revealed among old friends and enemies. But as Sunday morning dawns, a fire breaks out, and a body is discovered, exposing the sinister forces at play within The Manor’s carefully manicured grounds.
The Briar Club
by Kate Quinn
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: July 9, 2024
In the 1950s, against the backdrop of Washington, D.C., a group of women residing in an all-female boardinghouse must navigate their struggles. However, when an enigmatic widow named Grace March joins their community, she brings her unexpected friendships and dark secrets that could tear them apart. As McCarthy’s Red Scare consumes society, these women must confront their inner demons while also facing a common threat within their own homes.
One Perfect Couple
by Ruth Ware
Thriller
Publication Date: May 21, 2024
Lyla and her boyfriend Nico join a reality TV show with the promise of adventure and romance. But when they are stranded on a deserted island with four other couples, the situation quickly turns deadly as they must compete for survival. As tensions rise and alliances form, Lyla starts to question if this is all just a game or if there is something more sinister happening behind the scenes.
This Is Why We Lied
by Karin Slaughter
Thriller
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
In this latest installment of the Will Trent series, Slaughter takes readers on a dark, twisted journey as we follow our beloved characters into uncharted territory. GBI investigator Will Trent and medical examiner Sara Linton must navigate a web of lies and secrets surrounding Mercy McAlpine’s murder during their honeymoon at McAlpine Lodge. As they race against the clock to uncover the truth, they soon realize that everyone at the lodge has something to hide.
The Ministry of Time
by Kaliane Bradley
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
In this captivating debut novel, Kaliane Bradley takes us to a near future where time travel is possible. A civil servant is assigned to work with an expat from 1847 and together, they delve into the mysteries of time travel while developing an unexpected bond. Alongside a charming and chaotic group of fellow expats, they must confront their beliefs and choices in this dynamic blend of time travel romance, spy thriller, workplace comedy, and exploration of power and love.”
Here One Moment
by Liane Moriarty
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: September 10, 2024
An ordinary flight turns into a life-changing event. When a mysterious woman predicts the deaths of six passengers onboard, everyone is forced to confront their own mortality and reexamine their choices in life. And as the predicted deaths start coming true, the remaining passengers must face their fears and decide how they want to spend their remaining time.
Tell Me Everything
by Elizabeth Strout
Literary Fiction
Publication Date: September 10, 2024
When town lawyer Bob Burgess becomes entangled in a murder investigation, he turns to his friend Lucy Barton for support. As they discuss life’s deeper questions, Lucy introduces Bob to Olive Kitteridge – a woman who will become their confidant as they share untold stories of ordinary people that shed light on their lives. With her trademark insight and empathy, Strout weaves together multiple storylines to create a rich and poignant exploration of love, loss, and the universal desire for connection.
How To End a Love Story
by Yulin Kuang
Romance
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
Set in a charming Pacific Northwest town, two former high school sweethearts, now working together in the writers’ room of a TV show adaptation, are forced to confront their past and unresolved feelings. As they navigate the complexities of love and friendship, they discover that sometimes happy endings aren’t always possible. But through their shared experiences, they realize that love stories can take unexpected turns toward personal growth and healing. With its charming setting and heartfelt exploration of relationships, How To End a Love Story is an unforgettable read.
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Summer Romance
by Annabel Monaghan
Romance
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
After experiencing a series of hardships, including the loss of her mother and a divorce, Ali Morris is feeling lost and uncertain about her future. But everything changes when she meets a charming man who sparks a summer romance. As they spend time together, Ali begins to see the potential for 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. With heartwarming moments and relatable struggles, Summer Romance is a must-read for anyone looking for a feel-good story about second chances at love.
The Familiar
by Leigh Bardugo
Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Publication Date: April 9, 2024
Set in the enchanting city of Madrid during the height of Spain’s power struggle with England, this novel follows the story of Luzia Cotado, a servant with a hidden talent for magic, who is thrust into the dangerous world of nobility and court intrigue when her mistress discovers her abilities. As she navigates this treacherous new world, she catches the eye of Antonio Pérez, a disgraced secretary to Spain’s king who will stop at nothing to regain favor. Luzia must use all her wit and will to survive, even if it means teaming up with an embittered immortal familiar.
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 as plans become more complicated due to a volcanic eruption and scandalous secrets, Rufus must confront what truly matters to him: his family’s reputation or his own happiness with the girl next door.
Expiration Dates
by Rebecca Serle
Romance
Publication Date: March 5, 2024
Daphne Bell has always trusted the universe’s plan for her love life. 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 discovers their relationship has no expiration date, Daphne’s beliefs are tested in ways she never expected. As she navigates this unexpected and potentially everlasting romance, Daphne must confront her ideas about fate and love.
Counting Miracles
by Nicholas Sparks
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: September 24, 2024
Tanner Hughes, an Army Ranger who has spent his whole life abroad, sets out on a journey to find the father he never knew after his grandmother’s passing. Along the way, he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a single mother with her own hidden past, and Jasper, an elderly man haunted by a tragic accident. As their paths intertwine, each character is faced with unexpected challenges and miracles that will change their lives forever.
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.
Blue Sisters
by Coco Mellors
Contemporary Fiction
Publication Date: September 3, 2024
The bond between sisters is put to the test as Avery, Bonnie, and Lucky confront their past and secrets while coming together to stop the sale of their childhood home in New York. As they navigate through grief, addiction, and ambition, they also must face the disappointments of their childhood and the loss of their beloved fourth sister, Nicky.
By Any Other Name
by Jodi Picoult
Historical Fiction
Publication Date: August 20, 2024
In her new book, Jodi Picoult takes readers on a journey through two parallel narratives. Both driven by their love for writing, Melina Green and Emilia Bassano face struggles similar to those of women in different eras, fighting to have their voices heard in a society that silences them. As they navigate these challenges and make difficult decisions that could shape their lives, Picoult weaves together a powerful story about feminism, identity, and the enduring power of storytelling throughout history—a must-read for fans of historical fiction and thought-provoking literature.
The world of fiction in 2024 is bursting with creativity, from debut novels introducing fresh voices to the latest works by some of the most respected modern-day writers. Whether diving into crime fiction, exploring historical fiction, or looking for a thought-provoking read, there’s something for everyone. Make sure to add these must-reads to your reading list. Whether you’re aiming to complete a book challenge or simply looking for your next favorite book, these new releases are sure to captivate you.