With the start of 2023, many readers anticipate the release of new books, whether it be from up-and-coming authors or their favorite authors. This year is no exception as many books have been announced that have readers waiting to run to their nearest Barnes & Noble or local bookstore. Not a reader already? Be sure to check out all the books listed as you may surprise yourself and find one you would like to read for fun.
“Hell Bent” by Leigh Bardugo (Released Jan. 10, 2023)
"Hell Bent" by Leigh Bardugo is a sequel to "Ninth House."
Photo courtesy of Leigh Bardugo
Genre: Fantasy
“Hell Bent” by Leigh Bardugo is the sequel to “Ninth House,” a much-loved book for fans who enjoy dark academia. Continue to follow the adventure with Alex and Dawes in the Ninth House as they embark on the journey to return Darlington, Alex’s mentor, back home. With such high risks at stake and Alex potentially ruining her position at Yale, Alex and Dawes recruit their own team of allies in their hopes to bring Darlington of Lethe back.
For lovers of dark academia and fantasy, “Hell Bent” is sure to be the perfect read after finishing “Ninth House.”
“I Have Some Questions for You” by Rebecca Makkai (Releasing Feb. 21, 2023)
"I Have Some Questions for You" by Rebecca Makkai is a mystery thriller releasing later this month.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Makkai
Genre: Mystery Thriller
If you would rather have some more thrills in your mystery books, try reading “I Have Some Questions for You” next month.
Bodie Kane went to a New Hampshire boarding school for four years, but during her last year, her roommate was murdered. The individual found guilty was Omar Evans, the boarding school’s athletic trainer. After some time, Bodie goes back to the school to teach. While she’s there, she starts thinking about her former roommate. Bodie decides to look into the case and finds that not everything matches up. Was Omar Evans really the killer, or is there a guilty person walking free?
“Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Releasing March 14, 2023)
"Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers" by Jesse Q. Sutanto is a perfect rainy day read.
Photo courtesy of Jesse Q. Sutanto
Genre: Mystery
Perfect for a rainy day, “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” by Jesse Q. Sutanto will be a great cozy read for those who enjoy a mystery.
Vera Wong, an elderly tea shop owner, spends her time living a quiet life running her business while spying on her son through the internet. One day she stumbles upon a dead man in her tea shop holding a flash drive. After calling the cops, Vera decides to keep the flash drive for herself in order to solve the case. Could the killer be one of her regular customers?
“Happy Place” by Emily Henry (Releasing April 25, 2023)
"Happy Place" by Emily Henry is being released April 25.
Photo courtesy of Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Emily Henry is known for her romance novels and “Happy Place” will be no exception. This book will be great for any romance readers or fans of Emily Henry. It will be a great filler read in between reading series or to finish it in a day when you’re stuck inside.
“Happy Place” focuses on a couple, Harriet and Wyn, who actually aren’t a couple anymore. They have been broken up for the past five months but have yet to tell their best friends. When it comes time for the friend group’s yearly getaway, Harriet and Wyn have to pretend they are the perfect couple everyone thought they were. Will they be able to keep their secret from their friends, or will they catch feelings for each other again while faking it?
“Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo (Releasing Aug. 1, 2023)
"Family Lore" by Elizabeth Acevedo is being released Aug. 1.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Acevedo
Genre: Fiction
For those who enjoy unique fiction, “Family Lore” by Elizabeth Acevedo may be up your alley.
Flor has a unique gift that allows her to predict the day that someone will die. She decides to hold a living wake and invites her family and others in her community. The only thing is- who is this wake for? Is it for Flor, one of her family members, or someone in the community? The family members with ties in Santo Domingo and New York City will have their secrets revealed by intertwining their stories. Then maybe, the living wake’s intended individual will be revealed.
Besides these five picks chosen, there is still a wonderful trove of books to discover that will be unveiled throughout these upcoming months. Don’t hesitate and start looking for some that peak your interest. Everyone usually has a preferred genre to read, so go out there and find yours. If you already have a preferred genre, try branching out and reading something you may not have picked up before. You may find your favorite book in an unexpected genre.
2023 will be an amazing year for books, just like all the previous years. More books may continue to be announced along with their publishing dates, so keep an eye out.
