Best Literary Fiction Books April 2025

The Swallows

Nestled in the hallowed halls of Stonebridge Academy, a prestigious New England prep school, dark secrets simmer beneath the surface. When Alexandra Witt joins the faculty, she unwittingly stumbles upon a toxic culture of misogyny and revenge. As she forms an unlikely alliance with a group of rebellious students, Alex finds herself drawn into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse. Lutz’s razor-sharp prose and biting wit expose the raw underbelly of privilege, power, and the devastating consequences of silence. A gripping tale that will leave you breathless and questioning everything you thought you knew about loyalty and justice.

The Passenger

Sarah’s life unravels in an instant when her husband falls down the stairs, dead. Panicked, she flees, assuming a new identity and embarking on a perilous journey across America. As she navigates seedy motels and small towns, Sarah grapples with her past and the secrets that haunt her. Lutz’s gripping prose keeps you on edge, wondering who Sarah really is and what she’s running from. A thrilling tale of reinvention, survival, and the lengths we’ll go to outrun our demons.

All the Beautiful Lies

Harry’s world shatters when his stepmother calls with news of his father’s suicide. Returning to his coastal Maine hometown, he’s drawn into a web of secrets and lies. Alice, his enigmatic stepmother, seems oddly calm, while a local girl’s disappearance raises suspicions. As Harry unravels the truth, he discovers his father’s hidden life and confronts his own conflicted feelings for Alice. Swanson’s taut prose and twisting plot keep readers guessing until the shocking finale.

The Girl Before

Haunting and seductive, “The Girl Before” weaves a tale of obsession and deception. Emma and Jane, separated by time, both find themselves living in a minimalist architectural marvel with strict rules. As they uncover the house’s dark secrets and the enigmatic architect’s twisted games, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways. Delaney masterfully builds tension, leaving you questioning reality and morality. I couldn’t put it down, my heart racing with each revelation. A psychological thriller that will linger in your mind long after the final page.

State of Wonder

In “State of Wonder,” Ann Patchett weaves a mesmerizing tale of scientific discovery and personal transformation. Dr. Marina Singh embarks on a journey to the Amazon, seeking answers about her colleague’s mysterious death. As she delves deeper into the rainforest’s secrets, Marina confronts her own past and grapples with ethical dilemmas. Patchett’s lush prose brings the jungle to life, while her complex characters wrestle with love, loyalty, and the boundaries of medical research. A captivating exploration of human nature in the face of the unknown.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Set in post-World War II England, this charming novel unfolds through letters between writer Juliet Ashton and the quirky members of a book club on Guernsey Island. As Juliet learns about their experiences during the German occupation, she’s drawn into their world of resilience, humor, and unexpected friendship. With each letter, she uncovers not just a story, but a piece of herself. It’s a tale that will make you laugh, cry, and yearn for a simpler time when letters could change lives.

The Great Good Thing

Twelve-year-old Sylvie lives within the pages of a storybook, yearning for adventure beyond her scripted role. When a reader’s imagination transports her into the real world, she discovers a realm of endless possibilities. Navigating this strange new landscape, Sylvie grapples with her identity as both character and explorer. Townley’s enchanting tale blurs the lines between fiction and reality, inviting readers to ponder the magic of storytelling and the power of imagination. A whimsical journey that will captivate book lovers of all ages.

The Tiger Rising

Rob’s world is shattered when he discovers a caged tiger in the woods behind the motel where he lives. As he grapples with his mother’s illness and bullying at school, the tiger becomes a symbol of hope and freedom. With the help of a spirited new friend, Sistine, Rob finds the courage to confront his fears and unlock the tiger’s cage. DiCamillo’s poignant tale weaves themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery into a touching story that will resonate with readers long after the final page.

Flora & Ulysses

Flora Belle Buckman, a self-proclaimed cynic, never expected her life to change dramatically when she rescued a squirrel from a vacuum cleaner. But that’s exactly what happened. Ulysses, the squirrel, develops superpowers and an affinity for poetry, leading Flora on a whimsical adventure filled with quirky characters and unexpected friendships. As Flora navigates her parents’ divorce and her own insecurities, she discovers that sometimes, the most extraordinary things can happen in the most ordinary places. DiCamillo’s charming tale reminds us that hope and magic can be found in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

The Ship of Brides

Jojo Moyes’ “The Ship of Brides” is a captivating tale of love, loss, and new beginnings. Set in 1946, it follows four Australian war brides as they embark on a perilous six-week voyage to England aboard an aircraft carrier. Amidst the chaos of post-war life, these women form unlikely friendships, grappling with their hopes and fears for the future. Moyes masterfully weaves historical detail with intimate character portraits, creating a poignant exploration of female resilience and the transformative power of friendship in the face of uncertainty.