Search
Close this search box.

Best Contemporary Books

May 2025

13 Reasons Why

Clay Jensen’s world shatters when he receives a box of cassette tapes from Hannah Baker, his crush who recently committed suicide. Each tape reveals a reason why she chose to end her life, and Clay is one of them. As he listens, he’s drawn into Hannah’s pain and struggles, uncovering dark secrets and confronting his own role in her story. This haunting, emotionally charged novel explores the ripple effects of our actions and the weight of unspoken words.

The Heroes of Olympus: The Mark of Athena

Annabeth’s heart raced as the Argo II descended towards New Rome. After months apart, she’d finally reunite with Percy—if he even remembered her. But a quest awaited, one that would test their bond and the fragile peace between Greek and Roman demigods. As ancient rivalries resurface and a primordial evil stirs, Annabeth must follow the Mark of Athena alone, facing her deepest fears to save those she loves. Rick Riordan weaves a thrilling adventure filled with humor, heart, and heroism that will keep you turning pages late into the night.

The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune

Percy Jackson wakes up with no memory, thrust into a world of Roman demigods. As he struggles to regain his identity, he’s swept into a dangerous quest with new friends Hazel and Frank. Together, they face mythical monsters and ancient prophecies, racing against time to save Camp Jupiter from destruction. Riordan’s masterful blend of humor, action, and heart shines as Percy grapples with his forgotten past and an uncertain future. A thrilling adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero

Jason wakes up on a bus with no memory, thrust into a world of demigods and monsters. Alongside Piper and Leo, he embarks on a perilous quest to rescue Hera and uncover his past. As they face mythical dangers, Jason grapples with his identity and newfound powers. Riordan weaves Greek and Roman mythology seamlessly, creating a thrilling adventure that had me on the edge of my seat. The characters’ banter and growth kept me invested throughout this rollercoaster ride of a novel.

I Am the Messenger

I Am the Messenger is a gripping tale that follows Ed Kennedy, an underage cabdriver with a coffee-addicted dog. His life is one of peaceful routine until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery. Suddenly, Ed begins receiving mysterious playing cards in the mail, each bearing cryptic messages. As he deciphers these clues, he’s drawn into a world of both heartwarming and heart-wrenching tasks, forcing him to confront his own potential and the complexities of human nature. Zusak’s masterful storytelling will leave you questioning the power of small acts of kindness and the extraordinary impact one ordinary person can have.

Pet Sematary

In this chilling tale, King weaves a haunting narrative of grief and the supernatural. When the Creed family moves to rural Maine, they discover an ancient burial ground with terrifying powers. As tragedy strikes, Dr. Louis Creed faces an impossible choice that blurs the line between life and death. King’s masterful prose delves into the depths of human desperation, exploring the lengths we’ll go to hold onto those we love. A gripping, visceral journey that will leave readers questioning the boundaries of morality and the true nature of evil.

American Gods

Shadow Moon, fresh out of prison, finds himself caught in a war between the old gods of mythology and the new gods of technology. As he travels across America with the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday, Shadow uncovers secrets about his own past and the true nature of reality. Gaiman’s masterful blend of fantasy and Americana creates a rich tapestry of belief, sacrifice, and the power of stories. I was captivated by the way familiar landscapes transformed into something magical and unsettling. A mind-bending journey that left me questioning the very fabric of our modern world.

Smoke and Mirrors

In “Smoke and Mirrors,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set in 1950s Brighton. When two children vanish during a pantomime performance, DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to unravel the case. As they delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that blur the line between illusion and reality. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings post-war Brighton to life, while her complex characters and clever plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.

Now You See Them

In “Now You See Them,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue set against the backdrop of 1960s Brighton. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and his wife, former magician Emma, find themselves entangled in a perplexing case of missing schoolgirls. As the investigation unfolds, old friends and new faces collide, unearthing long-buried secrets. Griffiths’ keen eye for period detail and her knack for crafting complex characters shine through, making this a page-turner I couldn’t put down. A must-read for fans of atmospheric crime fiction.

The Dark Angel

Ruth Galloway’s life is upended when an Italian archaeologist seeks her help with a medieval skeleton. Reluctantly drawn into a web of ancient secrets and modern danger, Ruth finds herself in the picturesque Italian town of Castello degli Angeli. As she unravels the mystery, she grapples with her feelings for DCI Nelson back home. Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of murder, history, and romance that kept me up late, savoring every twist. Her vivid descriptions transported me to sun-drenched Italy, and I found myself rooting for Ruth’s personal and professional triumphs.