Readworthy by BookBub This Month’s Best New Author Favorites What do popular authors think of the season’s buzziest new releases? Keep reading to discover the unputdownable books that are wowing big-name authors right now — including a gripping locked-room mystery, a sweeping family drama, and more! ---------------------------------- Five by Ilona Bannister One of summer’s hottest thrillers is wowing everyone from Chris Whitaker to Alafair Burke - Five seemingly random people are waiting for a train — but one of them is about to die… - “Original. Urgent. Disturbing. Brilliant. Quite unlike anything I’ve ever read” (Shari Lapena) - Sarah Pinborough, author of <i>Behind Her Eyes</i>, says, “<i>Five</i> is a tour de force of a novel. I read it in one sitting” Media Praise: NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, The Times, New York Post, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7294?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/five-by-ilona-bannister-2026-04-30?... The Beheading Game by Rebecca Lehmann Lev Grossman says this ‘utterly irresistible’ novel is ‘an instant classic’ - The day after her execution, Anne Boleyn wakes up — and embarks on a quest for justice - “Brilliantly imagined, stylishly written, satisfyingly plotted, full of delicious surprises” (<i>Kirkus Reviews</i> starred review) - “A marvelously inventive and mythic reworking of the story of Anne Boleyn” (Kelly Link) that’s a must-read for fans of Tudor fiction Media Praise: The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, Entertainment Weekly, The Times, The Boston Globe, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7344?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/the-beheading-game-by-rebecca-lehma... Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth ‘The scale of storytelling is sweeping’ (Olivie Blake) in this dystopian epic - The #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of the <i>Divergent</i> series delivers “a standout genre-bending adventure” (<i>Kirkus Reviews</i>) - Soldier Elegy’s quiet life is upended when she finds herself at the center of a mysterious prophecy that leaves the fate of her nation hanging in the balance… - With praise from John Scalzi and Anton Hur, who says, “Veronica Roth has created yet another immersive world full of high stakes and fast-moving action” Media Praise: The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Elle, Indie Next List, Literary Hub Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7230?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/seek-the-traitor-s-son-by-veronica-... John of John by Douglas Stuart Ann Patchett calls <i>John of John</i> ‘so immersive, so all-encompassing, that I felt like I was living in it’ - Oprah’s latest book club pick is “one of 2026’s literary triumphs” (<i>The Boston Globe</i>) - Returning to his home in the British Isles, John-Calum becomes caught between his desires and his religious father’s expectations - Glowing reviews from Colm Tóibín, Min Jin Lee, and Abraham Verghese, who says it’s “the most satisfying novel I’ve read in a long time” Media Praise: Oprah's Book Club, The New Yorker, Time Magazine, NPR, CBS Mornings, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Vogue, Elle, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, The Times, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7412?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/john-of-john-by-douglas-stuart-2026... The Library After Dark by Ande Pliego ‘Stephen King meets Agatha Christie in this brilliant thriller’ (Hank Phillippi Ryan) - Take a trip to “a bibliophile’s haunted house, crawling with secrets” (A. J. Finn) - When Aria Stokes is taken on a tour of the infamous, haunted Daedalus Library, she’s forced to confront her dark past — and a killer hiding in plain sight… - “A locked-room mystery perfect for booklovers” (<i>Forbes</i>) Media Praise: Oprah Daily, People, Forbes, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7413?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/the-library-after-dark-by-ande-plie... A Founding Mother by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray A dazzling historical novel recommended by Kate Quinn, Marie Benedict, and more - From the American Revolution to her husband’s presidency, Abigail Adams boldly rises to the challenge to shape the future - From the <i>New York Times</i> bestselling authors of <i>America’s First Daughter</i> and <i>My Dear Hamilton</i> - Allison Pataki says this work of biographical fiction “ought to be required reading as our nation marks its 250th birthday” Media Praise: People Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7414?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/a-founding-mother-by-stephanie-dray... Trust No One by James Rollins Take it from Lee Child: ‘Nobody does this stuff better’ - After her professor’s ritualistic murder, student Sharyn races across Europe to uncover the secrets of the centuries-old diary he asked her to protect - <i>Kirkus Reviews</i> promises, “Fans of Dan Brown and Clive Cussler will love this book” - A globe-spanning adventure from a #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Media Praise: Kirkus Reviews, Booklist Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7448?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/trust-no-one-by-james-rollins?grant... Ulysses S. Cat and Other Animals I Have Known by Scott Simon Animal lovers will adore this ‘delightful’ book with Susan Orlean’s stamp of approval - The host of NPR’s <i>Weekend Edition Saturday</i> pens “a lovely testament to the ability of pets to stretch hearts and minds” (<i>Publishers Weekly</i>) - Scott Simon reflects on the remarkable creatures who have changed his life — from a cat who escaped the British Embassy to an energetic hamster who could not be caged! - Amy Tan says, “Scott Simon’s work, filled with irresistible, heartfelt encounters and journeys with animals, from family hearth to hot spots around the world, will bring you insights and joy” - Features charming, beautiful illustrations Media Praise: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7451?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/ulysses-s-cat-and-other-animals-i-h... Don’t Tell Me How It Ends by Adrienne Thurman According to Talia Hibbert, ‘Adrienne Thurman is a master of character and connection’ - When a broken-down car leads Kaia to handsome Ro, she’s thrilled to have a friend to rely on as her sister insists on being her matchmaker. But a summer of terrible dates might make Kaia see Ro in a new light… - “There’s enough comfort and tenderness in this warm hug of a novel to soften the heart of even the staunchest cynic” (<i>Publishers Weekly</i> starred review) - “A sharp, funny, feel-good love story” that comes highly recommended by Nikki Payne Media Praise: Essence, Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Electric Literature Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7450?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/don-t-tell-me-how-it-ends-by-adrien... Joyful Anyway by Kate Bowler Adam Grant declares: ‘Drop what you’re doing and read this book’ - “Bowler’s richest and wisest book yet, and if possible, the most charming. Absolutely lovely. It changed me” (Anne Lamott) - <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author and Duke University professor Kate Bowler offers a road map to finding joy amid life’s challenging moments - Elizabeth Gilbert adored this “deeply moving everyday masterpiece” Media Praise: TODAY Show, People, The Washington Post, Literary Hub Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7452?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/joyful-anyway-by-kate-bowler?grante... Molka by Monika Kim This unforgettable chiller has high praise from Paul Tremblay - Amid a hidden camera scandal in Seoul, Dahye finds her life spiraling out of control as she becomes the target of a dangerous man who’s always watching… - “Brilliant… Monika Kim’s work has swiftly become a must-read for me” (#1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author CG Drews) - From the Bram Stoker Award–winning author of <i>The Eyes Are the Best Part</i> Media Praise: Book of the Month, Harper's Bazaar, Electric Literature, Literary Hub Buy Now: Amazon https://r.bookbub.com/et_active_check/7453?affiliate_variant=readworthy-emai... Learn More: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/books/molka-by-monika-kim-2026-03-04?gran... ---------------------------------- Discover more Readworthy recommendations: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/collections/best-new-book-club-picks?gran... ---------------------------------- You are receiving this Author Favorites email because [email protected] is signed up for updates highlighting the best new releases in your categories. If you'd like to change the Readworthy emails you receive, you can update your categories here: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/settings/categories?granted_at=2026-05-26.... Purchases through our links may earn us a commission. If you'd like to update the retailer links included in Readworthy emails, you can update your format and retailer preferences here: https://www.bookbub.com/readworthy/settings/reading-preferences?granted_at=2.... 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