Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent

In her early forties, Sally has led a sheltered life, not really interacting with anyone except her father. When he passes away, she's forced to learn how to get along in the world--but there are secrets that Sally's father has kept from her, and confronting her past and the trauma that goes along with it is difficult. Luckily, Sally has an aunt and a family friend to help her along the journey. However, it seems that the people from Sally's childhood cannot be put behind her for good. Strange Sally Diamond is a great read-alike for Lisa Jewell and Ruth Rendell's standalone novels.

The Bitter Past by Bruce Borgos

Porter Beck is the sheriff in Lincoln County, Nevada. He's called to the scene of a murder where the victim is an ex-FBI agent who has been brutally tortured. The bureau has sent Agent Sana Locke to investigate. Lincoln County is not far from Area 51 and it soon becomes clear that the death is connected to events that happened there more than sixty years ago during the cold war. The Bitter Past is a great debut mystery filled with interesting characters, a memorable setting, and puzzle that keeps the reader turning the pages. I am eagerly awaiting the next Porter Beck novel. For readers who enjoy Craig Johnson, C.J. Box, Paul Doiron, and Linda Castillo.

How Can I Help You by Laura Sims

For two years, Margo has had a quiet life in the small town of Carlyle, Illinois, working at the public library. No one knows that she is really Jane, wanted by the authorities for killing many patients when she worked as a nurse. When Patricia, an aspiring writer, starts a job as the new librarian, both she and Margo are intrigued by each other. For Patricia, it's because being around Margo has gotten her out of her writing slump, even though Patricia at first knows nothing about Margo's past. Margo, on the other hand, finds Patricia an interesting person with similarities to her friend Donna from her nursing days. Told from the points of view of both Margo and Patricia, How Can I Help You, puts the women on a collision course that you know can't end well. A page turner for readers of Peter Swanson, Laura Lippman, and Hallie Ephron.

The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn

In a small German town, Carl Kollhoff personally delivers books to people at their homes. It's a job he's had for many years, much to the dismay of his boss, City Gate bookstore owner Sabine Gruber. It was Sabine's father Gustav who originally hired Carl, who is a genius finding the right book for every reader he meets and really enjoys the everyday routine. However, Carl's carefully calibrated life is thrown off-kilter when a young girl named Schascha starts to tag along as Carl makes his deliveries.  The Door-to-Door Bookstore is the story of Carl and Schascha in all it's quirky glory. Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman.

The Air Raid Book Club by Annie Lyons

Gertie Bingham wonders if it's time to sell the bookshop that she owned with her husband, Harry. Harry passed away two years ago and Gertie misses him very much. 1938 in London is also a tumultuous time, with everyone wondering if war with Germany will be coming soon. When Gertie takes in a Jewish teenager--Hedy from Munich--as a favor to her friend Charles, she does it reluctantly. But Gertie and Hedy develop a special bond and Gertie realizes that her bookshop is needed now more than ever. The Air Raid Book Club is a story that transports the reader to wartime London and the neighborhood community that Gertie calls home. A great read-alike for the novels of Jennifer Ryan.

Black River by Matthew Spencer

When a teenage girl is found dead at a private school in Sydney, the authorities wonder if the death is the work of the BMK killer. The killer has already murdered two women. There are similarities—and some differences—in this latest case. Detective Sergeant Rose Riley is working with DCI Steve O'Neil. They also bring in forensic psychiatrist Farquhar to lend his expertise. In addition, Riley includes local reporter Adam Bowman because he has inside knowledge of the school. Bowman agrees to help the authorities with information and, in turn, Bowman will get exclusive access to the police's findings. In Black River, it's a race to uncover the killer before he claims another victim.

Dead Man's Wake by Paul Doiron

Mike and his fiancee, Stacey, are having an engagement party at Mike's stepfather's vacation home when they witness a boating accident. As they go and see if anyone needs help, the group finds a severed arm. The arm belongs to Kit Whitcomb, whose wife Dianne owns Mouse Island. It also appears that someone else has lost their life. Mike, as a Maine game warden, is in charge of investigating the boat crash. As Mike interviews suspects, he's left with more and more questions and his life is put in danger. Another extremely enjoyable entry in the Mike Bowditch mystery series.

The Drop by Dennis Lehane

Bob tends bar at his cousin Marv's establishment in the Flats. The bar is no longer owned by Marv, but by the Chechen mafia. A robbery at the bar one evening gets a cop named Torres involved in the doings at the bar and the unsolved case of Richie Whalen, who went missing after leaving the bar ten years earlier. Bob also draws attention when he takes in a pit bull that's been abused. Bob decides to keep the dog even though the owner, Eric Deeds, a local criminal, makes it clear that he wants the dog back. The Drop tells the story of Bob, Marv, Torres, and Eric as their lives intersect.

Standard Deviation by Katherine Heiny

Graham's life with his second wife, Audra, is never dull. They live with their ten-year-old son, Matthew--who has autism--in New York City. In Standard Deviation, the reader follows Graham in his daily life as he reflects on the roller coaster ride of parenting a special needs child, his relationship with his ex-wife, Elspeth, and the ups and downs in his marriage to Audra because of her impulsiveness. A novel full of memorable characters and situations.

The Five Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

When Hollis Shaw's husband dies in a car accident, she puts her popular food blog "Hungry with Hollis" on hiatus. Mourning Matthew and having to face the fact that she and Matthew were growing apart before his death is difficult. To boost her spirits, Hollis decides to host "a five star weekend" at her home on Nantucket for the four friends who have meant the most to her in the different decades of her life. The four women--Tatum, Dru-Ann, Brooke, and Gigi--come with baggage of their own, in addition to the fact that they really don't know each other (other than through Hollis). Will the weekend be fabulous or a flop? Hilderbrand, as usual, transports the reader to summer life on Nantucket, letting you bask in perfect weather, great food, and the lives of its inhabitants.

The Quiet Tenant by Clemence Michallon

"Rachel" has been a prisoner in a shed on Aiden's property for five years. After Aiden's wife dies, Rachel convinces Aiden to take her with him when he and his teenage daughter, Cecilia, move to a new home. Cecilia knows nothing about Rachel's situation or that her father has murdered many women--Rachel being the only one Aiden has let live. Rachel lives in the house with Aiden and Cecilia with Aiden explaining that Rachel is someone who needs a place to stay until she gets back on her feet. Aiden also begins a relationship with Emily,  the owner of a local restaurant. With this change in circumstances, will Rachel finally escape? And how will Cecilia's and Emily's lives change when they discover the truth? Told through the eyes of Rachel, Cecilia, and Emily, The Quiet Tenant is a suspenseful ride.