New Books of July 2024
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The sun is blazing, the days are long, and air conditioners are humming across the northern hemisphere. July’s heat beckons for lazy afternoons with a cool drink and a captivating book. Whether you’re seeking refuge indoors or flipping pages by the pool, this month’s new releases offer something for everyone. Dive into our recommendations and find your perfect beach read, page-turning thriller, or enchanting fantasy to fuel your summer literary escape!
A Diverse Selection of Must-Reads Awaits this June
The Book Guide’ editorial team creates a monthly list of popular new books, based on several ratings. The curated preview covers various genres, including contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult, and nonfiction. In July, new titles include Marjan Kamali’s The Lion Women of Tehran, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People, and Shannon Morgan’s gothic horror saga. Other upcoming releases include a rebooted Arthurian legend, reimagined Chinese mythology, and trouble at summer camp. Users can add these books to their Want to Read shelf and share their reading and recommending recommendations in the comments section.
What to Read This July 2024: Best Book Releases.
- The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
- The Wedding People by Alison Espach
- The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali
- Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
- The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
- Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
- Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne
- I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
- In the Lonely Hours by Shannon Morgan
- The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
- The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song
- All This and More by Peng Shepherd
- Play Along by Liz Tomforde
- Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
- Reckless by Lauren Roberts
- The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey
- Business Casual by B.K. Borison
- The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
- The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
To help you navigate this exciting selection, we’ve compiled a curated list of some of the most anticipated and highly-recommended books hitting shelves this July So grab your favorite reading nook, settle in with a cup of tea, and prepare to be transported by the magic of storytelling!
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn, a historical fiction expert, returns to the shelves with an ensemble narrative set in an all-female boardinghouse in Washington, D.C., during 1950. McCarthy-era intrigues are causing friction among the occupants of the run-down Briarwood House, which includes the intriguing widow Grace, the gangster moll Nora, and Bea, a former star of the women’s World War II baseball league. Everyone, it appears, has secrets. However, a terrible act of violence flips the world upside down.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
In The Wedding People, Alison Espach weaves a heartwarming tale of self-discovery. Phoebe Stone, a woman facing a lifetime of disappointments, crashes a wedding with nothing but a green dress and a positive attitude. Through hilarious encounters with the quirky wedding guests and staff, Phoebe embarks on a journey of unexpected connections and finds the courage to rewrite her own happily ever after. This novel is a delightful blend of humor, tenderness, and hope, perfect for readers seeking a feel-good story with a touch of the unexpected.
The Lion Women of Tehran
“The Lion Women of Tehran” by Marjan Kamali is a story of enduring friendship set against the backdrop of a changing Tehran. Ellie and Homa, from different social backgrounds, find a deep connection as young girls in the 1950s. The novel follows their lives across decades, navigating love, loss, and the social transformations of Iran. Praised for its beautiful prose, the book explores how these strong women are shaped by their lifelong bond and the courage they find in each other.
Long Island Compromise by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
This multigenerational family drama by the author of Fleishman Is in Trouble chronicles the truly incredible journey of Long Island’s rich Fletcher family. The book delves into sibling dynamics and American Jewish culture, but it also includes—quote—”old wives’ tales, evil eyes, ambition, achievement, boredom, orgies, dybbuks, inheritance, pyramid schemes, right-wing capitalists, [and] beta-blockers.” Isn’t this a fairly decent pitch? Bonus trivia: Taffy Brodesser-Akner is a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Liz Moore’s “The God of the Woods” weaves together a chilling mystery with a deep dive into family dysfunction. When Barbara vanishes from the same summer camp her brother disappeared from years prior, dark secrets about their wealthy family begin to surface. Praised for its richly drawn characters and expertly crafted suspense, the novel is a slow burn that will leave you guessing until the very end. If you enjoyed the intricate plot of “The Secret History” and the exploration of family trauma in “Long Bright River,” then “The God of the Woods” is a must-read.
Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
In Kimberly McCreight’s “Like Mother, Like Daughter,” suspense builds as college student Cleo arrives home to find signs of a struggle and her mother missing. Determined to uncover the truth, Cleo delves into her mother’s secrets, unearthing a hidden past that threatens both their lives. This fast-paced novel goes beyond a typical thriller, exploring the complexities of a mother-daughter bond as they fight to save each other.
Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder by Kerryn Mayne
Kerryn Mayne’s “Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder” is more than just the intriguing title suggests. Lenny, a regimented primary school teacher, lives a solitary life defined by routine. When a letter arrives about her stepdad’s potential parole, Lenny’s world unravels. Long-buried secrets surface, forcing her to confront a traumatic past. The novel explores themes of loss, grief, and the possibility of finding connection amidst chaos. While the title hints at a crime story, the true heart of the book lies in Lenny’s journey of self-discovery and the power of unexpected friendships.
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
Buckle up for a horror twist! “I Was a Teenage Slasher” by Stephen Graham Jones flips the script on classic slasher films. Told from the perspective of the killer, Tolly, it’s a darkly comedic and disturbing coming-of-age story. Set in 1989 West Texas, the narrative unfolds through Tolly’s autobiography as he grapples with a strange transformation fueled by a near-death experience. Prepare for nostalgia-filled references to 80s slasher tropes alongside a surprisingly empathetic portrayal of the one usually wielding the knife.
In the Lonely Hours by Shannon Morgan
In “In the Lonely Hours,” Shannon Morgan chills readers with a modern gothic ghost story. Edie and her daughter Neve inherit a centuries-old castle on a remote Scottish island. The haunting atmosphere and tragic history of the place soon ensnare them. As they explore the mystery of a missing jewel and the ghosts that linger within the castle walls, they race to uncover the truth before they become the next victims of a generations-old curse.
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman
Lev Grossman’s “The Bright Sword” offers a fresh take on the Arthurian myth. It’s not your typical tale of chivalry and courtly love. The kingdom is in ruins, magic is returning, and the legendary heroes are flawed and haunted by their past. The story follows Collum, a new character thrust into the center of this decaying world. He, along with a band of unlikely companions, must uncover the truth behind Arthur’s fall and find a way to unite a fractured Britain. If you’re looking for a new spin on a classic legend, with complex characters and a touch of darkness, “The Bright Sword” is a must-read.
The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song
“The Night Ends with Fire” by K.X. Song reimagines the Mulan story with a darker twist. While it retains the familiar themes of duty and defying expectations, the protagonist, Meilin, is driven by something other than pure honor. Reviews are mixed. Some praise the fresh take on a classic and the exploration of loyalty’s complexities. Others find it leans more towards a grimdark young adult novel than a sweeping fantasy adventure.
All This and More by Peng Shepherd
“All This and More” by Peng Shepherd is a unique novel that explores the concept of getting a chance to rewrite your life’s regrets. The protagonist, Marsh, gets the opportunity to revisit key decisions and see how her life could have unfolded differently. The choose-your-own-adventure style puts the reader in control, letting them guide Marsh’s path and ponder the consequences of her choices. While some readers find the choose-your-own-adventure element gimmicky, others enjoy the interactive experience and the thought-provoking questions it raises about finding happiness and fulfillment.
Play Along by Liz Tomforde
In “Play Along,” Liz Tomforde cooks up a whirlwind romance with a side of fake marriage. Kennedy and Isaiah wake up in Vegas hitched after a boozy night, and to save their careers, they have to convince everyone they’re the real deal. This trope-tastic rom-com delivers laughs, steam, and heartwarming character growth. Expect swoon-worthy devotion from Isaiah and a journey of self-discovery for Kennedy, all wrapped in a story that will leave you wanting more from the Windy City series.
Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
In “Slow Dance,” Rainbow Rowell weaves a poignant tale of rekindled romance. Childhood best friends, Shiloh and Cary, were once inseparable, but life tore them apart. Now, years later, a chance encounter throws them back together, stirring up old feelings and forcing them to confront what went wrong. Rowell excels at portraying flawed, relatable characters. As Shiloh and Cary navigate the complexities of adulthood, past hurts, and unspoken desires, you’ll find yourself yearning for them to find their way back to each other, making this a delightful slow-burn romance for fans of second chances.
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
Buckle up for a thrilling ride in Lauren Robert’s Reckless, the second book in The Powerless Trilogy. Picking up where the first book left off, the power dynamic shifts as Kai ventures into the dangerous Scorches to find Adena. Expect sizzling romance as the lines between duty and desire blur. The story excels in its action and surprising plot twists, though some readers might feel the plot development takes a backseat to the intense romance between Kai and Paedyn.
The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries with a hint of romance, check out The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. The story centers around a mysterious annual competition, the Hawthorne Game, where contestants are pushed to their limits through a series of cunning challenges. The protagonist, Grayson Hawthorne, is thrown into the mix, and it becomes clear that there’s more to the game than meets the eye. Secrets and betrayals lurk around every corner, making this a thrilling read for those who love to guess who the ultimate victor will be.
The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey
Fans of steamy romance will devour “The Au Pair Affair” by Tessa Bailey. This second book in the Big Shots series follows Tallulah, an au pair with a mysterious past, and Burgess, a brooding single dad with a heart of gold. Their undeniable chemistry simmers despite the forbidden nature of their attraction. Tallulah’s desire to help Burgess’s daughter adds another layer of sweetness to the story, but their pasts threaten to tear them apart. Buckle up for a passionate journey as Burgess fights to win Tallulah’s heart and convince her they deserve a shot at forever.
Business Casual by B.K. Borison
n “Business Casual,” B.K. Borison brings opposites-attract romance to the charming small town of Inglewild. Nova, a dedicated entrepreneur opening her own tattoo studio, clashes with buttoned-up investment banker Charlie. Despite their different worlds, a simmering attraction throws their plans for focus out the window. With a one-night-stand gone awry and their paths unexpectedly crossing, Nova and Charlie must navigate their growing feelings and grapple with what they truly desire. This heartwarming novel offers cozy small-town vibes, witty banter, and a steamy romance that will leave you rooting for the couple.
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness
The Black Bird Oracle by Deborah Harkness is a welcome return to the All Souls world, offering a fresh perspective on Diana Bishop’s journey. In this installment, Diana seeks refuge with a previously unknown branch of her witch family, the Proctors. Here, she confronts her heritage and grapples with her own burgeoning magical power. Fans of the series will appreciate the return of beloved characters like Matthew Clairmont, but Diana takes center stage, showcasing her strength and resilience. The novel delves into the Salem witch trials, offering a glimpse into Diana’s family history and the challenges that await her future.
The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
In Meg Shaffer’s “The Lost Story,” childhood best friends Jeremy and Rafe vanish during a school trip in West Virginia, only to reappear inexplicably months later. While Rafe has no memory of their absence, Jeremy holds the secret of a fantastical world they stumbled into. Now, fifteen years later, Jeremy, a renowned missing persons investigator, is haunted by another disappearance, and he believes the key to finding the missing person lies within the magical realm only he remembers. This captivating novel blends mystery, adventure, and a touch of the fantastical, perfect for readers who enjoy stories like C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia.”
