Best Contemporary Books May 2025

The Girl Who Lived Twice

Lisbeth Salander returns in this electrifying continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Haunted by her past, she’s on a personal mission of vengeance. Meanwhile, Mikael Blomkvist is drawn into a dangerous investigation involving high-level government corruption. As their paths intertwine, they uncover a web of lies that could shake Sweden to its core. Lagercrantz masterfully weaves intrigue and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye

Lisbeth Salander returns in this gripping continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Lagercrantz masterfully weaves a tale of revenge, justice, and hidden truths. As Salander unravels a sinister experiment from her past, she faces dangerous adversaries and confronts her own demons. The novel’s breakneck pace and intricate plot kept me on the edge of my seat, while the complex characters and moral dilemmas left me pondering long after the last page. A thrilling ride that does justice to Larsson’s legacy.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web

Lisbeth Salander returns in this electrifying continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Lagercrantz masterfully captures the essence of the iconic hacker, thrusting her into a web of cybercrime and government conspiracies. As Salander teams up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist, the stakes have never been higher. I was skeptical at first, but found myself utterly engrossed, staying up far too late to finish “just one more chapter.” A thrilling ride that honors Larsson’s legacy while charting new territory.

The Crooked Staircase

In “The Crooked Staircase,” Dean Koontz weaves a chilling tale that’ll keep you up at night. Jane Hawk, our fierce ex-FBI agent, continues her relentless pursuit of a sinister conspiracy threatening humanity. As she delves deeper, the stakes skyrocket, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. Koontz’s masterful prose paints a world both familiar and terrifying, leaving me breathless with each twist. I couldn’t put it down, my heart racing as Jane faced impossible odds. A must-read for thriller fans!

A Stranger in the House

Karen and Tom’s perfect suburban life shatters when Karen is found at the scene of an accident with no memory of how she got there. As the police investigate, dark secrets emerge, casting doubt on everyone Karen thought she knew. With mounting suspicion and paranoia, Karen struggles to piece together the truth about that night. But in a world where nothing is as it seems, can she trust even herself? A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Dark Places

Libby Day’s life was shattered at seven when her family was brutally murdered. She testified against her brother, sealing his fate. Now, broke and desperate, she’s approached by amateur sleuths convinced of his innocence. Reluctantly, Libby delves into her painful past, unearthing long-buried secrets. As she pieces together the truth, she realizes the killer might still be out there. Flynn’s gripping narrative keeps you guessing until the very end, leaving you breathless and haunted.

The Casual Vacancy

In her first foray into adult fiction, J.K. Rowling weaves a tapestry of small-town intrigue that’ll keep you turning pages well past bedtime. Set in the seemingly idyllic village of Pagford, this novel delves into the dark underbelly of rural English life when a local councilor’s sudden death sparks a fiery election. Rowling’s keen eye for human nature shines as she expertly navigates class divides, family drama, and political machinations. I found myself completely absorbed in the rich cast of characters, each flawed and relatable in their own way. A gripping read that’ll leave you pondering long after the last page.

Career of Evil

The Silkworm

Where’d You Go, Bernadette

Bernadette Fox is a brilliant architect turned reclusive Seattle mom, known for her razor-sharp wit and agoraphobic tendencies. When she suddenly disappears before a family trip to Antarctica, her 15-year-old daughter Bee embarks on a hilarious and touching quest to find her. Through emails, official documents, and Bee’s narration, we unravel the mystery of Bernadette’s past and present, exploring themes of creativity, motherhood, and the chaos of modern life. Semple’s satirical yet heartfelt novel will make you laugh, cry, and ponder the complexities of family dynamics.