Best Contemporary Books May 2025

Find Her

Haunted by her sister’s disappearance, Detective D.D. Warren delves into a chilling case of abduction. As she unravels the twisted threads of a serial kidnapper’s mind, she encounters Flora Dane, a survivor with a dark past. Together, they race against time to save the latest victim. Gardner’s gripping narrative keeps you on edge, blending psychological suspense with raw emotion. A heart-pounding thriller that explores the resilience of the human spirit and the lengths we’ll go to find the truth.

Look for Me

Detective D.D. Warren returns in a gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the haunting effects of trauma. When a teenage girl vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a cryptic note, Warren must unravel a web of secrets and lies. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a family’s dark past and a survivor’s desperate quest for redemption. Gardner’s masterful storytelling keeps you on edge, blending heart-pounding suspense with poignant reflections on resilience and the human spirit.

Never Tell

Detective D.D. Warren returns in this gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of family secrets and the haunting effects of trauma. When a pregnant woman is found murdered in her own home, all evidence points to her husband. But as D.D. digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies and hidden truths that challenge everything she thought she knew. With twists that’ll keep you guessing until the very end, “Never Tell” is a heart-pounding journey through the darkest corners of human nature.

When You See Me

Detective D.D. Warren returns in this gripping thriller, teaming up with FBI profiler Kimberly Quincy and survivor Flora Dane. A grim discovery in the Georgia mountains leads them to a small town harboring dark secrets. As they unravel a web of lies, they face a cunning predator who’s been operating undetected for years. With twists that’ll keep you guessing, this heart-pounding tale explores the resilience of survivors and the relentless pursuit of justice. Gardner’s masterful storytelling will leave you breathless until the very last page.

The Ones We Trust

In “The Ones We Trust,” Kimberly Belle weaves a gripping tale of betrayal and redemption. As I turned each page, I found myself drawn deeper into the world of Abigail Wolff, a former reporter haunted by a story gone wrong. When a grieving soldier’s sister approaches her for help, Abigail is thrust back into the world of investigative journalism she’d sworn off. The narrative skillfully balances suspense with heart, exploring themes of family, loyalty, and the cost of truth. Belle’s vivid prose and complex characters kept me guessing until the very end.

Local Woman Missing

Delilah’s disappearance shook our quiet suburb to its core. I still remember the eerie silence that fell over our street as neighbors whispered theories behind closed doors. Eleven years later, the mystery deepens when Meredith returns, but something’s off. As I dig deeper, long-buried secrets surface, threatening to unravel the fabric of our community. Kubica’s gripping tale had me questioning everything I thought I knew about my neighbors, leaving me breathless until the final, shocking revelation.

The Other Mrs.

Sadie and Will Foust thought moving to a small Maine island would be the fresh start they needed. But when their neighbor is found dead, Sadie becomes entangled in the investigation, uncovering dark secrets that threaten her family’s safety. As she delves deeper, she questions everything she thought she knew about her husband and their new home. With twists that’ll keep you guessing, this psychological thriller explores the haunting power of lies and the lengths we’ll go to protect those we love.

Dandelion Summer

Nestled in the heart of Texas, “Dandelion Summer” weaves a poignant tale of unlikely friendship and self-discovery. J. Norman Alvord, a retired scientist grappling with loneliness, finds an unexpected connection with Epiphany Jones, a troubled teenager searching for her place in the world. As they embark on a journey to uncover Norman’s past, both find healing and hope in the most unexpected places. Wingate’s prose shimmers with warmth, capturing the essence of small-town life and the transformative power of human connection.

Sea Prayer

In this haunting and poetic tale, Khaled Hosseini weaves a father’s love letter to his son on the eve of a perilous sea crossing. As they prepare to flee their war-torn homeland, the father reflects on the beauty of their former life in Homs, Syria, and the heartbreaking reality they now face. With lyrical prose and evocative illustrations, Hosseini captures the anguish of displacement and the enduring hope for a better future. A deeply moving meditation on family, loss, and the refugee experience.

The Silver Star

Jeannette Walls’ “The Silver Star” is a poignant coming-of-age tale that tugged at my heartstrings. Set in 1970s Virginia, it follows two resilient sisters navigating abandonment and small-town life. Walls’ vivid prose transported me to a bygone era, evoking nostalgia and unease in equal measure. I found myself rooting for the plucky protagonists, their bond a beacon of hope amidst adversity. It’s a story that lingers, reminding us of the strength found in family ties and the power of perseverance.