Best Contemporary Fiction Books July 2025

The Virgin Suicides

In the sleepy suburbs of 1970s Detroit, five ethereal Lisbon sisters captivate their neighborhood with an air of mystery. Through the eyes of infatuated boys next door, we witness the girls’ descent into melancholy and isolation. Eugenides weaves a haunting tale of adolescent longing, family dysfunction, and the fragility of youth. With lyrical prose and dark humor, he explores the suffocating expectations placed on young women and the lasting impact of tragedy on a community’s collective memory.

Stella Maris

Stella Maris haunts like a fever dream. McCarthy’s final work delves into the brilliant, troubled mind of Alicia Western, a 20-year-old math prodigy grappling with schizophrenia. Through raw, probing dialogues, we explore consciousness, reality, and the nature of existence. It’s a challenging read, dense with philosophical musings that linger long after the last page. McCarthy’s sparse prose cuts deep, leaving you pondering life’s greatest mysteries. Not for the faint-hearted, but utterly captivating for those willing to dive in.

The Passenger

Haunting and enigmatic, McCarthy’s latest masterpiece plunges readers into a world of existential dread. Bobby Western, a salvage diver, becomes entangled in a mystery that defies explanation. As he grapples with his past and the specter of his genius sister, the narrative unfolds like a fever dream. McCarthy’s prose is as sparse and poetic as ever, painting a bleak yet mesmerizing portrait of a man adrift in a universe indifferent to human suffering. A challenging, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.

Child of God

Lester Ballard, a violent outcast in 1960s Appalachia, descends into madness and depravity. McCarthy’s haunting prose paints a stark portrait of human nature’s darkest corners. Through Ballard’s twisted journey, we confront uncomfortable truths about isolation and moral decay. This isn’t an easy read, but it’s one that lingers, challenging our notions of humanity. I found myself both repulsed and captivated, unable to look away from McCarthy’s unflinching exploration of a broken soul.

The Girl Who Lied

Sarah’s life in the quaint coastal village of Tenby is turned upside down when her childhood best friend, Rachel, returns after a decade-long absence. As old memories resurface, so do long-buried secrets. Sarah finds herself caught between loyalty and truth, grappling with a web of lies that threatens to unravel everything she holds dear. With each revelation, she questions who she can trust – even herself. A gripping tale of friendship, betrayal, and the weight of the past that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Liar, Liar

Dani Settler’s life is upended when her twin sister vanishes without a trace. As she delves into the mystery, dark secrets from their past resurface, forcing Dani to question everything she thought she knew. With each revelation, the line between truth and deception blurs, and Dani finds herself caught in a web of lies that threatens to unravel her very identity. Lisa Jackson’s gripping thriller keeps readers guessing until the shocking final twist.

You Betrayed Me

Chilling secrets lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect family in Lisa Jackson’s gripping thriller. As betrayal and lies unravel, the protagonist finds herself trapped in a web of deceit, questioning everything she thought she knew. Jackson’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on edge, weaving together suspense and emotional depth. With unexpected twists and complex characters, this page-turner explores the dark corners of human nature, leaving you breathless until the shocking finale.

After She’s Gone

Cassie Kramer’s life unravels when her sister Allie vanishes during a film shoot. Haunted by their troubled past and her own fragile psyche, Cassie becomes the prime suspect. As she desperately searches for Allie, dark family secrets surface, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. With time running out and a killer on the loose, Cassie must confront her deepest fears to uncover the truth. Jackson’s gripping thriller keeps you guessing until the very end, exploring the complexities of sisterhood and the shadows that lurk in our minds.

Stranger in the Lake

Anna’s life seemed perfect—a loving husband, a beautiful lakeside home, and a fresh start. But when she discovers a woman’s body floating in the lake behind their house, her idyllic world shatters. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets emerge, forcing Anna to question everything she thought she knew about her husband and their quiet town. With each revelation, the line between truth and deception blurs, leaving Anna to wonder if she’s married to a killer or simply caught in a web of lies. A gripping tale of suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Marriage Lie

Iris and Will’s seemingly perfect marriage shatters when Will dies in a plane crash. But as Iris mourns, she discovers Will wasn’t on the flight he claimed to be taking. Desperate for answers, she uncovers a web of lies that forces her to question everything she thought she knew about her husband. With each revelation, Iris finds herself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, racing to uncover the truth before it’s too late. A heart-pounding thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.