Best Contemporary Books May 2025

The Cuckoo’s Calling

Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, is barely scraping by when a new case falls into his lap. The supposed suicide of a supermodel draws him into a world of multimillionaires, rock stars, and desperate designers. As Strike delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies. With his determined assistant Robin by his side, Strike must navigate London’s seedy underbelly to unravel the truth. This gripping mystery had me hooked from the first page, with its vivid characters and unexpected twists. Galbraith’s attention to detail brings the gritty streets of London to life.

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Enzo, a wise and philosophical dog, narrates this heartwarming tale of his human family. Through his keen observations, we experience the triumphs and struggles of aspiring race car driver Denny Swift. Enzo’s unique perspective on life, love, and the art of racing in the rain offers profound insights into the human condition. As Denny faces personal challenges and tragedy, Enzo’s unwavering loyalty and canine wisdom provide comfort and guidance. This touching story will make you laugh, cry, and see the world through new eyes.

The Refugees

In “The Refugees,” Viet Thanh Nguyen weaves a tapestry of human experience, exploring the lives of those caught between two worlds. Through eight intimate stories, we witness the struggles and triumphs of Vietnamese immigrants in America, their memories of war haunting every page. Nguyen’s prose is both lyrical and unflinching, capturing the essence of displacement with startling clarity. As I read, I found myself deeply moved by the characters’ resilience and the quiet dignity with which they face their new reality. This collection is a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring power of hope.

The Stonemason

McCarthy’s haunting tale of a stonemason’s struggle with family legacy and moral decay in rural Kentucky. Lyrical prose weaves through generations, exploring the weight of tradition and the erosion of values. Ben Telfair’s quest for meaning amidst familial turmoil and societal change resonates deeply. A poignant meditation on craft, honor, and the price of progress, this novel lingers long after the final page.

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept

Coelho’s lyrical tale follows Pilar, a young woman who reunites with her childhood sweetheart after years apart. As they journey through the French Pyrenees, Pilar grapples with love, faith, and her own spiritual awakening. The novel’s poetic prose and philosophical musings left me pondering life’s deeper questions long after I turned the final page. It’s a beautifully crafted story that speaks to the heart and soul, reminding us of the transformative power of love and self-discovery.

The Valkyries

Paulo Coelho’s “The Valkyries” is a mesmerizing journey of self-discovery. Set against the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert, this autobiographical tale follows Coelho and his wife as they seek out a band of warrior women. The author’s quest to speak with his guardian angel becomes a profound exploration of faith, love, and personal transformation. Coelho’s lyrical prose weaves mysticism with raw emotion, creating a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. It’s a book that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page.

The Girl Who Lived

Sarah Townsend’s life shattered when her family was brutally murdered on her 12th birthday. Now, a decade later, she’s the sole survivor, haunted by memories and plagued by survivor’s guilt. Determined to uncover the truth, Sarah returns to her hometown, where whispers and suspicious glances follow her every move. As she digs deeper, long-buried secrets resurface, threatening to unravel everything she thought she knew. With danger lurking in the shadows, Sarah must confront her past to reclaim her future in this gripping tale of resilience and redemption.

The Third Grave

Chilling secrets lurk beneath the surface in Lisa Jackson’s gripping thriller, “The Third Grave.” When a decades-old cold case resurfaces, Detective Nikki Gillette is drawn into a web of lies and betrayal. As she unravels the mystery, she confronts her own demons and a killer who’s been hiding in plain sight. Jackson’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end, with twists that’ll leave you breathless. A haunting tale of buried truths and the lengths some will go to keep them hidden.

Before She Disappeared

Frankie Elkin is a recovering alcoholic with a knack for finding missing people. When she stumbles upon the case of Angelique Badeau, a Haitian teenager who vanished from her Boston neighborhood, Frankie can’t resist diving in. As she navigates the gritty streets and cultural complexities of Mattapan, she uncovers a web of secrets that could put her own life at risk. With each clue, Frankie’s determination grows, fueled by her own haunted past and the desperate hope of a family longing for answers. This gripping tale of redemption and resilience will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Other Daughter

Sarah Quinlan’s perfect life is shattered when her husband is murdered. As she grapples with grief, she discovers a shocking secret: her husband had another daughter. Determined to uncover the truth, Sarah embarks on a dangerous journey that leads her into a web of lies and deceit. With each revelation, she questions everything she thought she knew about her marriage. Gardner’s gripping thriller keeps readers on edge, blending heart-pounding suspense with raw emotion. A masterful exploration of family, betrayal, and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.