Spring has sprung here in Austin! The birds are chirping and flowers are blooming, so it’s the perfect time to share some of my most-anticipated new books coming in spring 2024. In this list, I’m focusing on fiction books specifically, but I’ve included a wide variety of genres – from thrillers to fantasy to contemporary fiction and beyond.
New Spring 2024 Books That Should Be On Your Radar
There are tons of exciting new releases coming this spring (late March, April, and May), from buzz-worthy debut authors to popular and bestselling authors.
In fact, we’re getting new books from Leigh Bardugo, Stephen King, Emily Henry, Holly Jackson, and lots more! It might be hard to prioritize what you want to read first – but of course, that’s not the worst problem to have. 🙂
Let’s dive in to the list!
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
Genre: Science Fiction/Literary Fiction
If you love Black Mirror like I do, check out this soft science fiction novel about a female robot, who feels torn between perfection and exploring the more “human” traits that her artificial intelligence gives her.
Soon, she starts to question her relationship with her creator and her own autonomy. (This was a March Book of the Month pick, in case you’re a member!).
Publication date: March 19th, 2024
Worry by Alexandra Tanner
Genre: Contemporary/Literary Fiction
This literary fiction novel follows the neurotic, ever-changing relationship between two quirky sisters – a relationship that’s tested when they decide to live together in Brooklyn.
Naturally, chaos ensues, as both sisters reckon with their dissatisfactions and what they want for their own futures – either together, or apart.
Publication date: March 26th, 2024
Diavola by Jennifer Marie Thorne
Genre: Horror/Gothic
This twist on the traditional haunted house novel features an unusual family vacation to a small, remote, possibly haunted villa in Italy.
Hilariously unhinged family dynamics meets creepy horror in this unique new modern Gothic novel!
Publication date: March 26th, 2024
Table For Two: Fictions by Amor Towles
Genre: Short Stories/Historical Fiction/Literary Fiction
If you loved Towles’ A Gentleman in Moscow as much as I did, be on the lookout for his newest book: a collection of short stories!
They’re mostly historical fiction, set in New York (and one in Los Angeles). One story even features a character from his novel Rules of Civility.
Publication date: April 2nd, 2024
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
One of my favorite mystery authors – Holly Jackson – is back with a brand new mystery novel! This book is unrelated to her other books, so you don’t have to read those in order to read this.
(Here’s a list of all of Holly Jackson’s books in order, if you’re curious.)
Synopsis: Rachel Price went missing sixteen years ago. Her daughter, Bel, was the only witness – but she can’t remember what happened.
Now, Bel’s family agrees to be the focus of a true crime documentary. But in the midst of filming, something unbelievable happens: Bel’s mother – Rachel Price – comes back.
Her story about where she’s been doesn’t sound like the truth to Bel. But if she’s lying, then what really did happen to her? How – and why – is she back after all these years?
Publication date: April 2nd, 2024
A Short Walk Through A Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
Genre: Fantasy/Historical Fiction/Magical Realism
Fans of The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, be sure to add this historical fantasy novel to your TBR list!
It follows a woman with a peculiar condition that requires her to constantly be on the move, unable to return to any place she’s been before.
As she travels across the globe, she starts to realize there might be something even more unusual about the world she inhabits.
Here are book club discussion questions (plus my thoughts) on A Short Walk Through a Wide World!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher – Avid Reader Press – but am including it in this list by choice.)
Publication date: April 2nd, 2024
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers by Samuel Burr
Genre: Mystery/Contemporary Fiction
Twenty-six year old Clayton Stumper was abandoned as a child and raised by an elderly group of puzzle makers – which might explain why he himself acts like an octogenarian.
But when one of his carers passes away, she leaves behind a clue to Clayton’s biggest puzzle of all: the mystery of his birth family.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher – Doubleday – but I’m including it in this list by choice.)
Publication date: April 9th, 2024
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Leigh Bardugo’s newest book is a historical fantasy novel set during the Spanish Golden Age (and the Inquisition).
A young servant woman working at a shabby house in Madrid is discovered to have magical powers – and is forced to use those powers to raise the family’s social status.
But soon, she attracts the attention of someone dangerous – and she’ll need the help of an immortal ‘familiar’ if she has any hope of surviving.
Here are all of Leigh Bardugo’s books in order!
Publication date: April 9th, 2024
You Know What You Did by K.T. Nguyen
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
This thriller novel is on a TON of ‘most-anticipated’ lists for 2024, and the premise sounds so unique! It’s about a woman named Annie “Anh Le” Shaw whose life starts to unravel after the death of her mother, a Vietnam War refugee.
Annie’s obsessive-compulsive disorder returns, while strange and shocking things begin to happen – including her waking up in a hotel room next to a lifeless body.
As Annie’s life spirals further, she decides she will do whatever it takes to save her daughter, no matter the cost.
Publication date: April 16th, 2024
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Genre: Contemporary Romance
When Daphne’s fiancé realizes he’s in love with his childhood best friend Petra and calls off the engagement, Daphne finds herself stranded in a lakeside town in Michigan.
She needs a roommate but doesn’t know anyone, aside from the one person who might understand what she’s going through: Petra’s ex.
The two form a plan to help each other make it look like they’re having the best summer ever (while they secretly wallow in their misery).
Publication date: April 23rd, 2024
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
Genre: Literary Fiction/Historical Fiction
From the award-winning author of Goodbye, Vitamin comes a multi-generational story about fate, identity, family, and choosing your own path.
The story follows a teenage, Chinese-American boy living on an island in Washington state with his single mother. But when he decides to look into the identity of his biological father, he might not be ready for all the questions it uncovers.
Publication date: April 30th, 2024
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
Genre: Mystery/Thriller/Science Fiction
Stuart Turton – author of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (which I loved!) – has a new novel coming out in 2024!
It’s set on an idyllic island – the last piece of land that exists after a terrible fog wiped out the rest of the world.
A small group of islanders and scientists co-exist peacefully on the island, until one of the scientists is found dead.
The death has caused the island’s security system to turn off, and the fog begins to creep in. If the murder isn’t solved quickly, everyone on the island will be overtaken by the fog.
(Here are all of Stuart Turton’s books in order.)
Publication date: May 21st, 2024
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Humor/Romance
When a woman’s venting about her office mates goes awry, she’s put on probation by her company. But somehow, instead of limiting her email use, she’s given access to the entire office’s private emails and direct messages.
She decides to use this information to save her job, especially when she finds out layoffs are coming. But as she learns more about her coworkers’ complex personal lives, she reconsiders what she wants her own life to look like.
Publication date: May 21st, 2024
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
Genre: Short Stories/Horror/Mystery
Stephen King is back with a brand new short story collection coming in 2024, featuring twelve brand new stories!
These stories explore the darker side of life, from an unfortunate inheritance to a job that makes a man question if some parts of the world are better left alone.
Publication date: May 21st, 2024
One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
Five couples arrive on an island to participate in a game show, but become trapped when a storm sweeps in and cuts off all communication. Little do they know, a killer is among them.
This new thriller from bestseller Ruth Ware is inspired by an Agatha Christie classic!
Publication date: May 21st, 2024
Which new spring 2024 book releases are you most excited for?