Looking for some new biography and memoir books for your library? There are so many new releases this week that you’re bound to find a new favorite. You can pick up new books from Lynn Walker, Michelle Horton, Moshe Kasher, and many more. Enjoy your new biography and memoir books. Happy reading!
January was a month of excitement for book lovers, as it has brought us a plethora of captivating new releases. From established bestselling authors to debut writers, this month’s literary offerings have something for everyone. If you’re looking for your next great read to start the year off right, then look no further than our list of some of the buzziest books published this January. Happy reading!
Release Date: January 30, 2024
Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust.
Release Date: January 9, 2024
When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she’s not only North Carolina’s richest woman, she’s also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains. But in the aftermath of her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado. Ten years later, his uncle’s death pulls Cam and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but the legacy of Ruby is inescapable.
Release Date: January 30, 2024
A breathtaking memoir about two sisters and a high-profile case: Nikki Addimando, incarcerated for killing her longtime abuser; and the author, Michelle Horton, left in the devastating fall-out to raise Nikki's young children and to battle the criminal justice system.
Release Date: January 16, 2024
A masterfully paced thriller about a reclusive ex–movie star and her famous friends whose spontaneous trip to a private Greek island is upended by a murder — from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Silent Patient.
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Three sisters, two murders, and too many secrets to count. “A propulsive and intricate psychological thriller. . . Meticulously plotted... Family connections prove both their damage and their worth in this community-focused thriller.” —Kirkus (starred review)
Release Date: January 9, 2024
A luxury train speeding towards Moscow and a date with destiny. A CIA plane downed in the jungles of the Golden Triangle. A Nazi hoard entombed in the remote mountains of South-West Poland. A missing treasure, the eighth wonder of the world, lost for seven decades. One Russian magnate's dream of restoring a nation to greatness has set in motion a chain of events which will take the world to the brink of chaos.
Release Date: January 6, 2024
He was a brother’s best friend, and a boy Halen had never not known. She was the daughter of one of the most feared families known to man, and the only girl who ever kindled his rage. They’d push and pull until it tore them apart…if only to feel the shell of their bodies close.
Release Date: January 2, 2024
A page-turning debut mystery that’s as addictive as a late-night Reddit binge, about a grieving woman obsessed with solving her sister’s cold-case disappearance via the true crime fandom. Perfect for fans of Gillian Flynn, My Favorite Murder, and Fleabag.
Release Date: January 2, 2024
A sweeping epic about an unlikely spy, a secret love affair, and the uncontrollable forces that will test even the most unbreakable ties. Set in Malaya (now Malaysia) during World War II, this spellbinding “most anticipated” (Oprah Daily) novel chronicles a mother and her children as they grapple with the consequences of colonial power and the shocking repercussions that follow for their family and their country.
Welcome to a universe where every release is a ticket to a new and unmissable adventure! Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in these gripping tales. Happy reading!
Release Date: January 16, 2024
When you’re Stained, patches of skin glisten like liquid starlight, and sooner or later, his creatures find you. When her young charge, Calipsie, is taken, Kyjta must abandon precaution to go after her. Facing impossible odds and allied by a Rheman she’s not sure she can trust, Kyjta must not only rescue Calipsie, but also face down the Rheman overlord who’s taken a disturbing interest in her.
Release Date: November 12, 2023
Darya's world intwines with gods, dragons, and ancient magic. Thrust into a forgotten past, she meets Edwind, igniting a deep connection. As they confront the vengeful god Cernunnos, Darya faces a heartrending choice between timeless love and saving her people.
Release Date: November 30, 2023
Sam is forced on a mission to the Dark Galaxy. A place where dangers lurk, tensions run high, and things are never what they seem. As Sam desperately navigates a maze of lies, dark secrets, and finds herself at the heart of a dangerous journey, she discovers that it will take much more than her courage and power to save humanity.
Release Date: January 15, 2024
The demon princess Penumbra Rainvein is reincarnated to a poor island of humans after her murder, where the planet's overlords have kept a gruesome secret for thousands of years. When her knight retrieves her to guide her on a journey to retake her throne and find the rest of her harem, she must first embark on a rescue mission to save her friend!
Release Date: December 31, 2023
In the not-so-distant future, humanity stands at the brink of a technological revolution, a world where the line between man and machine blurs and superintelligence becomes a reality. But as the world becomes increasingly dependent on these powerful AI entities, a shadowy threat looms in the background, waiting to unleash chaos and destruction upon an unsuspecting world.
Release Date: January 3, 2024
Waking to horror in a flesh-eaten wasteland, he has no past, only a vial in his arm and the burning need to survive. Can he outrun the infected and unlock the secrets buried in his flesh before Victor's bio-engineered nightmare devours the world? The Code Within: a sci-fi thriller where hope fights hunger, and redemption awaits in the ashes.
From personal struggles to navigating complicated family relationships, these novels promise to captivate and challenge readers in unexpected ways. If you've been charmed by the enthralling relationships in Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians, you'll love these new novels. Happy reading!
Release Date: November 24, 2023
Picking up where Search for Complete left off, book 2 in The Christopher Series finds Christopher and Laura trying to navigate the turbulent waters of being new parents. As they each face a loss, they must try to come to terms with the reality of their relationship. The third and final book in the series will be released in April of 2024.
Release Date: December 5, 2023
When Ted sets out on a quest to find his birth mother and unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Chosen his identical twin whom he kills in a fit of rage, Ted must decide whether to turn himself in or evade authorities and disappear otherwise he could possibly be convicted of murder.
Release Date: January 24, 2024
What do you do when the worst thing in the world happens to your family? A gripping, beautiful story that will break your heart from a million-copy bestselling author. For fans of Boo Walker, Where the Forest Meets the Stars and Julianne MacLean.
Release Date: January 9, 2024
An emotional novel about a small-town Texas family, forgiveness, and coming to terms with the past by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Release Date: January 9, 2024
She stands on the doorstep and I catch my breath. Everything about her reminds me of my beloved mom, whose funeral was just a week ago. And when she says her name is Audrey – the name of my baby sister – my world falls apart.
Release Date: January 8, 2024
An absolutely unputdownable and gut-wrenching post-war novel. The perfect read for fans of Diane Chamberlain, Kathryn Hughes and Dani Atkins.
Get ready to immerse yourself in a world where desire knows no bounds. These six scorching reads promise to ignite your senses and take you on a journey of passion, desire, and heart-pounding love. If you've fallen under the spell of EL James's tantalizing storytelling in the realm of romance, you're in for a treat!
Release Date: December 31, 2023
Alex Sterling, my father's best friend, is a brooding, chiseled mystery. I never intended to surrender my innocence to this arrogant man, yet my heart still races when I see him and I crave more of his touch and hot nights in his bed. I am ashamed I allowed him to claim me but I have a secret, one will alter everything. Alex is going to be a daddy.
Release Date: January 23, 2024
From L.J. Shen, the WSJ bestselling author of Vicious and The Kiss Thief, comes a brand new angsty, delicious standalone in the All Saints series. This friends-to-lovers, boy-obsessed romance will make you cry your eyes out and laugh with joy, sometimes on the same page.
Release Date: December 28, 2023
A sizzling grumpy-sunshine, boy-obsessed, one-night-stand romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann... Spade. People know what to expect when they hear my last name. Billionaire. Alphahole. The forever bachelor. Heir to Spade Hotels, one of the most luxurious brands in the world. Want to know what they would never call me? Boyfriend. Until her.
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Moving with my three best friends and our seven kids into a dilapidated brownstone in Boston may have seemed like the most insane thing I’d do this year. Apparently the universe said hold my beer. Because last night I got drunk and married my boss. Don’t worry, it’s all fake. Or at least everything after 'I Do' will be.
Release Date: January 24, 2024
I don’t have to hide behind a mask anymore. I rule New York, and now all I have to do is finish what I started ten years ago. To destroy the man who took my life from me. No one can get in my way. That is until I am arrested for murder and have my first taste of Detective Zara O’Reilly. The woman hell bent on ruining my plans. She thinks I don’t know she’s watching my every move, waiting to drag me back into that prison cell. She can pretend I’m the enemy all she likes. In reality, she craves me as much as I do her.
Release Date: January 18, 2024
The Bride’s Runaway Billionaire is a deliciously juicy and utterly swoony romcom featuring a jaded optimist who’s had enough of the limelight, a happy-go-lucky celebrity whose world has been upside down since that fling after his divorce, the most adorable two-year-old on the planet, and a chicken with an attitude. While this book stands alone, it takes on new depth when you read The Worst Wedding Date, The Gossip and the Grump, and The Last Eligible Billionaire first.
From twisted plots to unexpected twists, these novels are tailor-made for those who crave the adrenaline rush that only a top-notch mystery or thriller can deliver. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of suspense, as we present the perfect literary companions for fans of James Patterson!
Release Date: December 10, 2023
The Honesty Index is a game, but it's you who's being played. If you enjoyed The Stranger by Harlan Coben, No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay, or One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus, then you’ll love NJ Barker’s debut standalone thriller.
Release Date: January 23, 2024
When Cass Callahan and his wife, Raven, seek refuge at their West Texas ranch, the CR, the tranquility they banked on evaporates. After dead bodies are discovered on their land, Cass dives into a world of deceit that threatens both truth and family safety—unveiling a mystery that runs as deep and enduring as the Rio Grande.
Release Date: January 16, 2024
Switzerland, 1924. Lady sleuth Olive Belgrave is set to enjoy a holiday of ice-skating and snowshoeing in the glamorous alpine setting of St. Moritz, but her plans are rudely interrupted when an unfortunate accident takes place. It quickly becomes clear that the tragic event was a carefully concealed murder.
Release Date: January 23, 2024
Noah Wolf is quickly becoming one of the top names in the world of espionage. With well over 2 million copies sold and hundreds of thousands of five star reviews, this perennial USA Today bestselling series will be sure to keep your heart pounding well into the night.
Release Date: January 15, 2024
A twisty and completely unputdownable page-turner that will keep you up all night. Perfect for fans of The Housemaid, The Perfect Marriage and The Wife Between Us.
Release Date: January 4, 2024
A nail-biting, page-turning psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of The Doctor’s Wife. If you love Behind Closed Doors, Gone Girl and The Housemaid, you’ll be hooked on The Couple’s Revenge.
What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Rainfall Anamnesia?
Originally, I wanted to write something more light-hearted and fun to contrast the other series I'm working on which centers around a killing game. "A magical girl story with a reverse harem" quickly evolved from the core concept into something more raw and sinister.
I grew up enjoying magical girl anime, but as I got older I began to grow tired of the formulaic elements being rinsed and repeated again and again throughout different series so naturally, this story took a lot of left turns away from convention.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Rainfall Anamnesia, what would they be?
"Conqueror" by Sendra, but particularly the Teto cover by Anh Duy.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genres tend to be some form of fantasy.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Right now The Vampire Armand is due for my yearly winter reread.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
There is a scene in an extra Bad End chapter in which a character accepts that they were always expendable to their creator and that they have failed their duty. It was painful to write in a masochistic way. With extra scenarios like that, there's a chance to see a different side of characters that aren't explored in the main story (yet) but still exist.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My quirky writing habit is imagining scenes in my story with music videos first and then piecing it all together on paper, usually with that particular song on repeat for an hour or longer. I write on physical paper a lot, which is a habit I need to break for the sake of expediency.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
"My muses are phantom limbs."
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
I'd like readers to remember that sometimes we are not who we think we are. Where and what is the core within us that decides the default settings? Is it okay to lean into that, or to choose to be someone else? Free will is a tricky concept.
G.C. Glaucus is the author of the new book Rainfall Anamnesia: Cloudburst Edition, Volume 1
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Journey to the Dark Galaxy?
In Journey to the Dark Galaxy, which is a sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star, I wanted to continue Sam’s adventure with her friends but also explore darker themes. I wrote it during the pandemic, a time of severe isolation and perhaps loneliness, too, and played around a lot with those themes in the book. The stakes are higher. Sam is dealing with both physical isolation (being so far from her grandfather and home) and mental isolation. She’s forced to adapt, question her situation and circumstances, learn what she can, and mature quickly.
If people haven’t read the first book in the series, that’s okay. The sequel is written in such a way that you don’t need to read the first book to understand the story. People can approach these books in whatever sequence they want.
The inspiration for this book came from different experiences. Part of the story takes place at an underwater military base with leading-edge technologies. When I first started my career in the Canadian civil service as a contract administrator over a decade ago, I worked at a Defence R&D laboratory in Toronto, Ontario. The lab has a wonderful history of innovation and bright scientists and staff making medical advancements in the military field, including Sir Frederick Banting, the discoverer of insulin, who established groundbreaking research in aviation medicine. His team included Wilbur Franks, who developed the first g-suit (a.k.a. the Franks Flying Suit), which prevented pilots from blacking out when subjected to g-force during flight maneuvers. They also developed and constructed a human centrifuge, which was used to train air force pilots and, later, Canadian astronauts.
The technologies in my story are from my imagination, but I was inspired by that experience and loved working in that science setting. Just to set the record straight, in the story, the base and its employees are written in an eerie way (it’s important to give our characters challenges) and in no way reflect my personal experience. The people I worked with were awesome.
With the sequel, I wanted to experiment a bit and bring in new characters with different backgrounds and experiences. I wanted to create a bit of mystery. Kwan was a fun character to write. She has incredible skills but a difficult past. As the story progresses, she realizes her memories are unreliable, and she ends up questioning her own identity. It goes with the darker tone of the book. Memories are an interesting phenomenon. In part, they help us define who we are. But I didn’t realize how fragile memories were until I read Dr. Julie Shaw’s non-fiction book The Memory Illusion. It’s not science fiction. Memories can be tampered with. People can be made to believe they’ve committed crimes. Scary stuff. Building upon that premise, I wanted Kwan, in the course of her journey, to uncover difficult truths about herself and the organization she works for. It’s as much Kwan’s story as it is Sam’s. I didn’t want to place Sam in the role of the sole heroine. I wanted the characters to challenge and support each other, experience (at times shocking) revelations, go through transformations together, and grow from the experience.
Lastly, on the theme of artificial intelligence, I’m interested in how fast it is advancing and how it’s being used. I’ve been reading a lot of AI-related articles in the news lately. Governments around the world are using technology for population tracking, and in my opinion, it’s intrusive and frightening. I wanted to explore AI further, including the ethics and risks. Especially today, when kids are exposed to technology at such a young age, there is so much potential for disaster, vulnerability, privacy invasion, and manipulation. It’s definitely a scary world. At least the subject matter makes for intriguing stories. I want people who read this book to be bothered by the themes. I hope it forces people to question the power and control (or lack of control) we have with these new technologies.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I enjoy reading a wide variety of genres, such as science fiction, fantasy, thriller, mystery, literary fiction, poetry, historical fiction, and non-fiction memoirs and biographies. My favorite genres to write are science fiction and fantasy while incorporating some thriller and mystery elements, but I would love to branch out and try writing in a different style and experiment with other genres.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
There are a lot of books on my TBR pile, and I’m a slow reader. I tend to re-read passages and really savor the stories.
Here are a few: Lagoon by Nnedi Okorafor, Conversations with RBG by Jeffrey Rosen, Still Life by Louise Penny, Room by Emma Donoghue, The Power by Naomi Alderman, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times by Michelle Obama, Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, I Am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai and Christina Lamb, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, and many, many others.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
One of the scenes I very much enjoyed writing was when Sam and Kwan are on their journey to the Dark Galaxy and need to make a pit stop for fuel. They land on a planet where Sam believes they will receive a warm welcome, but it turns out it’s inhabited by a hostile civilization. It was fun playing up her expectations and then forcing her to use her wits to escape a truly dire situation.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Nothing super quirky. I’m grateful for my writing assistant, Josie, a West Highland Terrier, who keeps me on my toes and reminds me to take breaks. I take frequent walks to allow my mind to wander and daydream while my subconscious works out any issues. My writing routine requires a quiet space and a good cup of tea.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
One of my managers explained to me once that people won’t remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel. It resonated with me, and I try to extend this to my relationships with others and my writing, too. Kindness is so important, especially in this crazy world. In the writing context, over time, I’ve learned that stories are about eliciting emotions in the reader and sharing thoughts. I’ve tried to develop stories that are more character-driven, fueled by their feelings and experiences and how they relate to each other, rather than solely focusing on world-building and plot. It’s characters who drive stories. They change things and can inspire.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
When Sam Sanderson returns from her journey, she reflects on life and her transformation. She realizes that life is riddled with challenges and grim experiences. And instead of taking the simple path or avoiding the tough situations, she embraces the difficulties and looks at them as opportunities to push herself forward. She grows and learns from her experience. Over time, I’ve come to realize that challenges are not there to push you down and keep you there. They’re there to shape you and make you stronger, develop you into a more well-rounded and interesting person, teach you how to adapt, and allow you to rise up.
If readers are going through a particularly difficult time, I hope they realize the power they hold inside themselves. It’s important to never give up. Because things don’t stay the same forever. There’s a whole universe of possibilities. It’s important to be kind to others and to yourself because then you’ll make the world a better place.
Hannah D. State is the author of the new book Journey to the Dark Galaxy
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Quelling?
The Quelling is in essence a prequel. Book Two in the series was intended to be Book One. When writing what is now Book Two, I got caught up in its premise and realised I had to explore the fundamentals to fully understand the world I’d created. I wanted to get to grips with the antagonist and the reasons behind his fanaticism. The Quelling was born from that desire to understand the backstory, and taking that step back is one of the best decisions I could have made for the series.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Quelling, what would they be?
It would have to be The Forgotten Song which you’ll find in the Epilogue of The Quelling.
The original version was written for me by RAYM and tweaked to fit the story. I’m planning to have it produced so I can share it with my email subscribers. I’m expecting it to play a part in Book Three.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Fantasy, sci-fi, and dystopian - all represented in equal parts in The Quelling.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
I'm dying to re-read The Hitchhikers Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams because it’s one of the few books that has me crying with laughter on repeat. I’m currently engrossed in a non-fiction book by a fellow South African author, Michael Tellinger, called Slave Species of the Gods which is about the secret history of the Anunnaki and their possible mission on Earth.
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene that sticks with most people, and was my favourite to write, is the one where Kyjta and Kranik take their first tentative steps toward trusting each other, leaping from a cliff edge into the sea. Kyjta is a somewhat mixed-up character and her motives are not pure, but Kranik is overwhelmed by her apparent acceptance, and seeing that dynamic come to life on the page was pretty cool.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I am a morning person and my creativity is at its peak between 5 am and 11 am. If I have a full day to write I'll nap briefly after lunch and then repeat my morning routine when I wake up, hoping to fool my brain into thinking it's the start of a new day and I’m due a full dose of morning creativity.
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
My mother instilled two lessons in me as a child, the first was to always finish what you start and the second was that you can achieve anything if you persist. Those two beliefs are what brought me here today.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
There are many hard-hitting themes in The Quelling. I think that everyone will take something different away. The core theme is taken from the perspective that our beings are steeped in injustice from an evolutionary standpoint. We are wired to classify others and make broad assessments based on culture, lineage, and appearance. If we can challenge our genetic heritage on this point we might reach a higher evolutionary plane.
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What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dead Land?
I felt that it was time to jump from Young Adult fiction to Contemporary Western adult fiction, aiming to reach a wider variety of readers with a series full of action, adventure, and mystery. The characters are relatable, yet individually captivating and genuine in their roles, each with a unique perspective on today’s world—though some personalities do not align with my way of thinking. But such is real life.
After driving RR170 from Terlingua to Presidio in the spring of 2023, I realized that West Texas, with its beautiful, rugged, and dangerous landscape was the perfect setting for my Cass Callahan series, starting with “Dead Land”.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Dead Land, what would they be?
Cass – If "Wanted Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi and "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor were combined in one awesome anthem, it would bleed of Cass Callahan.
Raven - "The Climb" by Miley Cyrus.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I like reading action/adventure novels, but moreover, I enjoy reading authors I have met or worked with over the past few years. I am always down for anything by Jonathan Maberry, Craig Johnson, or W. Michael Gear & Kathleen O’Neal Gear.
Reading these authors is always entertaining, but it also helps me improve and refine my own writing style. I always pick up new techniques, vocabulary, and ways to structure scenes—all while immersed in an excellent story.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Ridin’ With the Pack (Wolfpack Publishing Anthology), Athena Unleashed (W. Michael Gear), Hell and Back (Craig Johnson), Hollow Out the Dark (Jame Wade), Cave 13 (Jonathan Maberry), and Firestorm (Taylor Moore).
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Riding along with Cass throughout the book was a blast, but the opening sequence really stands out for me: In a frantic race against time, Detective Cass Calahan battles overwhelming fear, guilt, and a sense of helplessness while rushing to avert a potential tragedy at home, illustrating the intense psychological impact of personal crisis on even the most trained individuals.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
My writing routine involves wearing my ROWDY baseball hat and headphones with the 'Rain on Tent' background noise. I also have specific tables at a handful of local restaurants and businesses where I write daily—but only if those spots are available.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
It's the actions a person takes and the lengths to which one will go to do right by others that define them.
Chris Mullen is the author of the new book Dead Land: A Contemporary Western Mystery Series (Cass Callahan Book 1)
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