Best Contemporary Books May 2025

Shiloh

Marty Preston’s life changes forever when he discovers a mistreated beagle pup in the hills near his home. Naming the dog Shiloh, Marty forms an instant bond, but soon faces a heart-wrenching dilemma. The dog belongs to Judd Travers, a mean-spirited neighbor known for his cruelty. Torn between his conscience and the law, Marty must decide how far he’ll go to protect Shiloh. This touching tale of a boy’s love for a dog explores themes of loyalty, compassion, and the complexities of right and wrong.

Inferno

Robert Langdon awakens in a Florence hospital with no memory of how he got there. Pursued by a relentless assassin, he teams up with Dr. Sienna Brooks to unravel a series of cryptic clues hidden in Dante’s Inferno. As they race across Italy, Langdon discovers a plot that could change the world forever. Brown’s signature blend of art, history, and heart-pounding suspense kept me up all night. A thrilling journey through the circles of hell that left me breathless.

Cross Country

Detective Alex Cross faces his most terrifying challenge yet in this heart-pounding thriller. When a string of brutal murders rocks Washington D.C., Cross is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer known as the Tiger. As the body count rises, Cross must race against time to unravel the killer’s twisted motives and prevent the next strike. With his family in danger and his career on the line, Cross embarks on a desperate cross-country pursuit that will test his limits and force him to confront his own demons.

Dear John

John Tyree, a young soldier home on leave, falls for Savannah Curtis, a college student volunteering in his hometown. Their whirlwind romance blossoms over two weeks, but duty calls John back to the Army. Through heartfelt letters, they nurture their long-distance love, dreaming of a future together. But as John’s deployment stretches on, unforeseen challenges test their bond, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of war and the unpredictable nature of the heart.

The Broker

In this gripping tale of international intrigue, Grisham weaves a masterful web of deception and redemption. Joel Backman, a disgraced Washington power broker, finds himself unexpectedly pardoned and whisked away to Italy. As he navigates his newfound freedom, Joel realizes he’s a pawn in a dangerous game. With the CIA watching his every move and assassins closing in, he must unravel the truth behind his pardon before it’s too late. A heart-pounding thriller that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

My Sister’s Keeper

In this heart-wrenching tale, Jodi Picoult explores the complexities of family, ethics, and love. Anna, born to be a genetic match for her leukemia-stricken sister Kate, grapples with her role as a medical donor. As Anna seeks emancipation, the family’s bonds are tested, forcing them to confront impossible choices. Picoult’s masterful storytelling weaves multiple perspectives, leaving readers questioning their own moral compass. A poignant reminder of the lengths we go for those we love.

P Is for Peril

Kinsey Millhone’s latest case plunges her into a web of deceit and danger. When a prominent doctor vanishes without a trace, Kinsey’s investigation uncovers a tangled mess of family secrets, financial fraud, and possible murder. As she delves deeper, the stakes rise, and Kinsey finds herself in the crosshairs of ruthless adversaries. With her trademark wit and tenacity, she must navigate treacherous waters to unravel the mystery before it’s too late. Grafton’s sharp prose and intricate plotting keep readers on edge until the very last page.

The Five People You Meet In Heaven

Eddie’s life seemed ordinary, but his heavenly journey proves otherwise. After dying while saving a girl, he encounters five people who shaped his existence in ways he never imagined. Through their stories, Eddie discovers the interconnectedness of all lives and the true meaning of his own. Albom’s poignant tale reminds us that every life has purpose, even in its simplest moments. A heartwarming exploration of love, loss, and the profound impact we have on others.

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Leigh Botts pours his heart out in letters to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw. As he navigates the challenges of growing up, from his parents’ divorce to bullies at school, Leigh finds solace in writing. Through his correspondence, we witness his journey of self-discovery and healing. Cleary’s touching narrative captures the raw emotions of childhood, making you laugh and cry along with Leigh. It’s a poignant reminder of how words can transform lives, one letter at a time.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest

Lisbeth Salander, the enigmatic hacker with a dragon tattoo, faces her toughest battle yet. Recovering from a bullet wound, she’s confined to a hospital bed, fighting for her life and her freedom. Meanwhile, journalist Mikael Blomkvist races against time to prove her innocence. As dark secrets of Sweden’s past come to light, Lisbeth must confront her own demons and a shadowy conspiracy that threatens everything she holds dear. A gripping finale to Larsson’s Millennium trilogy that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.