Best Literary Fiction Books April 2025

Emma in the Night

Emma’s disappearance three years ago left her family shattered. Now, she’s suddenly returned, but her sister Cass is still missing. As forensic psychologist Dr. Winter delves into Emma’s fractured memories, she uncovers a web of lies and manipulation. Emma’s account doesn’t add up, and her mother’s narcissism casts a long shadow. With each revelation, the truth becomes more elusive, and the stakes higher. This gripping psychological thriller keeps you guessing until the very end, exploring the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths we go to protect those we love.

The Humans

“The Humans” is a quirky, heartwarming tale that sneaks up on you. Haig’s alien protagonist, sent to Earth to prevent a mathematical breakthrough, finds himself bewildered by the complexities of human life. Through his eyes, we see our world anew – the absurdity of our customs, the beauty in our imperfections. As he navigates family dynamics and grapples with emotions, you’ll find yourself chuckling one moment and tearing up the next. It’s a poignant reminder of what it means to be human, wrapped in a delightfully offbeat package.

How to Stop Time

Tom Hazard may look like an ordinary 41-year-old, but he’s been alive for centuries. Afflicted with a rare condition, he ages slowly, witnessing history unfold. Now, he craves a normal life and takes a job as a high school history teacher in London. As Tom grapples with his past and the dangers of his secret, he finds himself drawn to a captivating French teacher. But can he risk opening his heart when time is his greatest enemy? A poignant exploration of love, loss, and what it truly means to live.

The Midnight Library

Nora Seed’s life is falling apart. Jobless, friendless, and plagued by regrets, she finds herself on the brink of despair. But when she attempts to end it all, she awakens in a mysterious library between life and death. Here, each book represents a different path her life could have taken. As Nora explores these alternate realities, she grapples with the weight of her choices and the meaning of existence itself. Matt Haig’s poignant tale reminds us that it’s never too late to rewrite our story and find hope in the most unexpected places.

Hannibal

Hannibal Lecter returns, more chilling than ever. Harris’s masterful prose draws readers into the twisted mind of this iconic villain, now living in Florence. As FBI agent Clarice Starling hunts him, we’re treated to a cat-and-mouse game of psychological terror. I found myself both repulsed and fascinated, unable to look away from the gourmet cannibal’s macabre world. A gripping, unsettling read that’ll haunt your dreams.

The Fall of Babel

Senlin’s journey through the Tower of Babel reaches its thrilling conclusion in this final installment. As chaos reigns and long-held secrets unravel, our unlikely hero must confront his greatest fears and make impossible choices. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings the Tower’s bizarre world to life, while exploring themes of power, identity, and the nature of humanity. A masterful blend of steampunk fantasy and philosophical musings, this book will leave you breathless and contemplating long after the last page is turned.

Arm of the Sphinx

Senlin’s quest to find his missing wife takes a thrilling turn in this captivating sequel. Aboard the airship “Stone Cloud,” he and his eccentric crew navigate the treacherous Tower of Babel, facing new dangers and uncovering shocking secrets. Bancroft’s vivid prose brings this steampunk world to life, while his complex characters grapple with loyalty, identity, and the price of ambition. I found myself completely immersed, unable to put it down as the mysteries deepened and the stakes grew ever higher.

Senlin Ascends

Thomas Senlin, a small-town schoolteacher, embarks on a honeymoon adventure to the Tower of Babel, only to lose his wife in the teeming crowds. Determined to find her, he begins a perilous ascent through the Tower’s bizarre and treacherous ringdoms. As he climbs, Senlin unravels the Tower’s mysteries, confronting danger, deceit, and his own naivety. This steampunk-infused journey blends whimsy and darkness, challenging Senlin to evolve from a timid academic into a cunning survivor in a world where nothing is as it seems.

Sharp Objects

Camille Preaker, a troubled journalist, returns to her hometown to cover a disturbing story. As she unravels the mystery of two missing girls, she’s forced to confront her own demons and toxic family dynamics. Flynn’s razor-sharp prose cuts deep, exposing the dark underbelly of small-town America. With its haunting atmosphere and complex characters, this psychological thriller will keep you on edge, questioning everything until the very last page.

Into the Water

Secrets lurk beneath the surface of a sleepy riverside town in Paula Hawkins’ gripping thriller, “Into the Water.” When a single mother turns up dead in the local river, her teenage daughter is left to unravel the mystery. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies and long-buried secrets that have haunted the community for generations. Hawkins’ masterful storytelling kept me up late, turning pages and second-guessing every character. A chilling, atmospheric read that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew.