As we say goodbye to 2022, Bucks County Free Library staff chose their very favorite fiction books – for adults, teens and children – published in the last year. Pick one of these titles up from your local branch, or gift one as a holiday present!
Be sure to check out our favorite non-fiction titles of the year, too.
These staff picks and many more are also available as e-books in the cloudLibrary app.
Adult Fiction
Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
Chosen by Cheryl, Yardley-Makefield branch
After her death, Eleanor’s estranged son and daughter are given two things. The first: a complicated voice recording of their mom’s life story. It’s full of secrets, love, and deception while explaining the amazing emotional strength it took to handle the obstacles of her life. The second item: a cake that she was taught to make growing up in the Caribbean. Her instructions are that they will know when to share it together. The novel is presented in dual time lines and allows the reader to experience how Eleanor’s decisions changed the lives of her children. An arranged marriage, broken family ties, and sharing delicious foods from the islands will keep you turning pages in this captivating story of a mother’s sacrifices.
Bliss Montage by Ling Ma
Chosen by Ty, Levittown branch
This surreal collection of short stories by Ling Ma explores themes of womanhood, identity, friendships, love, and loss. Reading these stories feels like peering into a hidden world, yet one that remains marred by the very unhappiness and grief that pervades our own. In one story reminiscent of Ottessa Moshfegh’s My Year of Rest and Relaxation, Ma dives into the entanglement of two toxic best friends bound together by a mysterious substance that renders them invisible. Other stories throughout the collection explore a festival where attendees bury themselves in the ground overnight, a woman who lives with her 100 ex-boyfriends, a questionable student-professor relationship, and a pregnant woman with a medical anomaly. The unsettling bluntness of Ma’s narratives evokes the energy of Mary Gaitskill’s short stories with their poetic investigation into that which disturbs the reader. This book is a perfect choice for a reader looking for something that leaves them with more questions than answers.
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
Chosen by Anitta, Yardley-Makefield branch
I discovered Katherine Center a few years ago when I picked up How To Walk Away. Her books are a must read, and I haven’t found one yet that I didn’t enjoy! In The Bodyguard, Hannah Brooks is an elite bodyguard recovering from a failed relationship when she is assigned to protect movie star and heartthrob, Jack Stapleton. Jack has a stalker and he doesn’t want his family to worry so Hannah gets to pretend she is his girlfriend on his family’s ranch with evil cows. If you like a light-hearted rom-com with well-developed characters, check out Katherine Center.
The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman
Chosen by Katie, Bensalem branch
The latest Thursday Murder Club mystery keeps up the series’ tradition of quick dialogue, intricate plotting, and a lovable ensemble cast. While following a cold case related to a local journalist, this novel picks up where its predecessor left off in discovering how awry life at a retirement home can get in the hands of our favorite septuagenarian amateur detectives. The third book thus far, I eagerly awaited this publication to see what else Osman could craft for these delightful characters when so much has gone off the rails already. It did not disappoint!
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
Chosen by Charlie, Doylestown branch
A fast moving epic fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Chinese moon goddess. This incredible debut novel includes vividly described battle scenes, touching romance, and a young woman’s earnest quest to free her mother. Perfect for fans of The Priory of the Orange Tree or The Bear and the Nightingale.
Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake
Chosen by Charlie, Doylestown branch
The last place Delilah Green wants to be is Bright Falls, but when her estranged stepsister hires her as a wedding photographer, Delilah has little choice but to leave New York and return home. The last thing Delilah expects is to reunite with someone who makes the trip worth it. Claire, a bridesmaid, is hesitant about letting people into her life, especially the reclusive girl she remembers from her childhood. Yet with each pre-wedding event, she finds herself more and more drawn to Delilah. Full of family drama and romantic-comedy moments, this queer love story is perfect for fans of Count Your Lucky Stars or People We Meet on Vacation.
Devil House by John Darnielle
Chosen by Mark, Perkasie branch
Devil House is the story of a true crime writer agonizing over the best way to tell the story of a double homicide committed at the height of the “Satanic Panic” in the 1980s. The book raises many questions and offers a few answers about how “true” true crime really is and who is most affected by the stories we tell. If you, like me, only knew John Darnielle as the songwriter of the band the Mountain Goats, you will be captivated by his equally accomplished storytelling in prose. If you don’t know anything about John Darnielle but are a fan of metafictional mysteries, like Thomas Pynchon’s The Crying of Lot 49 and Anthony Horowitz’s Magpie Murders, I recommend this book!
A Duke at the Door by Susanna Allen
Chosen by Ceil, Collection Management
The cover looks like a normal Regency romance. But who knew there were shapeshifters in Regency England, including the Prince Regent? Our hero, The Duke of Llewellyn, is a lion shifter with a tragic past. The local lady apothecary, the only person in the neighborhood who doesn’t fear the duke, tries to give him a reason to live. This is the third book in the Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series, and they are all incomparable.
Groupies by Sarah Priscus
Chosen by Rachel, Langhorne branch
It’s the summer of 1977. Recent college dropout and budding photographer Faun Novak leaves her small town behind to reunite with her childhood best friend, Josie, who has transformed herself into an up and coming model and rock star girlfriend. In this coming-of-age tale, Faun follows charismatic Josie’s lead as the girls drink up the glitter, glamour, and rock and roll of the LA scene. Fans of Daisy Jones and The Six and Mary Jane will delight in debut author Sarah Priscus’ gritty, dazzling snapshot of rock stars, muses, and the complicated, unequal, vital roles women played during the era.
Hunt the Stars by Jessie Mihalik
Chosen by Ceil, Collection Management
In the fragile peace following a brutal war with an alien species, Octavia is just trying to keep her small crew of war veterans together and her beloved spaceship safe. She takes a job with a former enemy general to finance necessary repairs. She soon has to decide if he is trying to start another war or desperately trying to keep the peace. Her crew’s life and freedom are on the line. Non-stop action with lots of humor – and don’t forget romance!
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley
Chosen by Holly, Collection Management
The unspoken rule on Iona Iverson’s commute is that no one ever talks to anyone on the train. This is my favorite feel-good book of the year about what happens when this rule is “broken” and how it changes the lives of everyone involved.
The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi
Chosen by Matt, IT
A very snarky book set during the first days of COVID. I was drawn to this book because of the author, having enjoyed his previous works. I love the back and forth wisecracks when his characters interact, added to the sci-fi element of giant monsters. A modern feel to the story and an easy-to-follow plot make this book a high recommendation from me.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Chosen by Jennifer, Quakertown branch
In the 1960s, Elizabeth Zott is a brilliant chemist in a predominantly male field. She is a fascinating character who meets life’s obstacles with bravery against all odds. This original storyline was a fun read!
The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson
Chosen by Kelley, Yardley-Makefield branch
This is the final book in Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series. I’m a fan of this author’s immersive and easy-to-grasp writing style. He eschews the overly flowery prose of many classic fantasy novels in favor of a straightforward style that I find much more approachable. This book fits right in to his constantly expanding repertoire of engaging epic fantasy novels.
Mirror Lake by Juneau Black
Chosen by Lillian, Bensalem branch
If you love Agatha Christie mysteries, then you’ll love this homage, Mirror Lake. The third installment of the Shady Hollow mystery series follows sly fox Vera Vixen as she solves the mystery of a murdered rat who appears to still be alive. Mirror Lake, in addition to the other books in the Shady Hollow series, is a great cozy read to ring in the new year. Grab this book and get your favorite warm beverage for the perfect chilly weekend read.
Mother of Strangers by Suad Amiry
Chosen by Houda, Langhorne branch
A coming-of-age story revolving two Palestinian teenagers, Shams and Subhi, Mother of Strangers is a memoir of a lost people and place. A heartbreaking story about the displacement of Palestinians during the partition and civil war of 1947, the novel highlights what Palestine was before the region became embroiled with the politics of religion, Zionism, and war. The historical backdrop and lived experience of the author draws the reader in for a hopeful yet devastating story.
Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Chosen by Ali, Bensalem branch
If you’re fan of new systems of magic, gay swordfighters, librarians, six-legged dogs, immersive world building and snarky dialogue, give this one a try after finishing the first two books in the Locked Tomb series: Gideon the Ninth and Harrow the Ninth. In this third installment, Nona wakes up in a body she isn’t sure is hers. She loves her friends, her teaching assistant job, and her family, but an interplanetary necromantic war is coming that may force her to give everything up – even herself. I loved the chance to spend time with Nona and side characters from the previous books (who include a talented fighter, a genius librarian whose soul inhabits the fighter’s body, a ten-thousand year old cavalier, and a monstrous necromancer Emperor).
Sands of Dune by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Chosen by Jac, Quakertown branch
If you are curious about the world of Dune but are intimidated by the size of the novels, check out Sands of Dune. This collection of four short stories captures the setting, the people, and the action well, offering a great introduction to the world.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan
Chosen by Emily, Bucks County Library District
In this dystopian debut from Jessamine Chan, a young mother named Frida makes a mistake while caring for her young child. An overly zealous government agency steps in, removes Frida’s child, and sends Frida to a re-education camp where she must learn to be a good mother or forfeit custody forever. This is a bleak, white-knuckle novel that examines the way gender and race influence how we expect parents to behave. I couldn’t put it down!
Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
Chosen by Pat, Yardley-Makefield branch
Kate Atkinson’s books are a must-read for me and her new historical fiction, Shrines of Gaiety, did not disappoint! The shrines of gaiety are the London night clubs of the 1920s, where Gwendolyn, a former librarian turned amateur detective, arrives in London searching for two missing girls. Her search draws her into the dark underbelly of London, where she encounters the notorious Nellie Coker and her assorted children. Although the themes are dark, the writing style is clever and breezy, leaving me with my favorite reading quandary – I didn’t want to put it down, while at the same time I didn’t want it to end. For fans of historical fiction with a touch of mystery, strong women characters, and inventive storytelling. If you liked the TV series Peaky Blinders or Babylon Berlin, give this dazzling book a try. Even the cover is gorgeous!
The Sign for Home by Blair Fell
Chosen by Alison, Langhorne branch
The Sign for Home has plenty to say about diversity and inclusion. This book’s main character is Deaf-Blind, and the details of the task of Deaf interpretation (and especially Deaf-Blind interpretation) are what sold me.
Signal Fires by Dani Shapiro
Chosen by Susan, Perkasie branch
A beautifully written book about people and relationships, this book will appeal to readers of Elizabeth Strout and Mary Lawson.
Superman, Son of Kal El: Volume 1 by Tom Taylor
Chosen by Olivia, Levittown branch
Watch out world: there’s a new Man of Steel! With Clark Kent off-planet, his son Jon dons the cape and the responsibility his old man left him. But Being Superman isn’t exactly a part-time gig. Can Jon still manage to have a (somewhat) normal life? New and old Superman fans alike will love this fresh take on the world’s greatest superhero. Jon may be the Son of Kal-El, but he makes his mark all on his own. He’s hard not to love, and that’s where we find the strength of this series. With Volume 2 releasing soon, this is a great time to dive in and get to know our newest Superman.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Chosen by Brian, Quakertown branch
This book chronicles the ups and downs of the platonic relationship of two game developers. I loved the character development and the notion of gaming as a metaphor. This book hit me in all the feels.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Chosen by Alison, Langhorne branch
Sometimes the best thing about a novel is the chance to take a deep dive into someone else’s shoes. Especially someone who loves what they do. The Violin Conspiracy is a thriller full of twists and turns, and lots to say about race relations. But what I’ll remember longest is being immersed in the head of a classical violinist doing the thing he cares about most.
Teen Fiction
The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
Chosen by Holly, Collection Management
This book was advertised as Sleeping Beauty meets Indiana Jones, and I can’t think of a better comparison. This gender-swapped fairytale is imaginative, action-packed, and full of friendship!
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
Chosen by Kathleen, Collection Management
In this prequel to Silvera’s bestselling They Both Die at the End, two strangers meet and only have one day together before one of them is going to die. In this world, Death-Cast is a new futuristic service that can predict a person’s “end day.” Neither boy can predict how this final day is going to turn out, but they plan to make sure they spend their last moments together. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon’s The Sun is Also a Star or Becki Albertalli’s What If It’s Us.
Flip the Script by Lyla Lee
Chosen by Danielle, Bensalem branch
Flip the Script is a book following a young up-and-coming Korean American actress named Hana and the struggles she faces in the industry both as a newbie and a sapphic girl. She gets her first role on a major show as the main character, paired with industry heartthrob Bryan Yoon. In an attempt to boost ratings, their agents decide to devise a fake dating scheme that Hana isn’t exactly ecstatic about. Her time on the show takes another twist as her best friend, Minjee, is cast to be her in-show rival to create a love triangle. Their time spent together kindles much more than friendship between them, and the girls find themselves falling in love. This book is for anyone who’s a fan of K-Dramas and LGBT romances. As an LGBT person myself, it makes me so happy to find books with sapphic main characters who get happy endings and live their dreams.
This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
Chosen by Kelley, Yardley-Makefield branch
This is the second book in a series, sequel to This Poison Heart. These books are about a young woman with mysterious magic that allows her to control the growth of plants. It was the beautiful cover art that initially piqued my interest, and as a fan of fantasy novels and an avid gardener, the premise immediately appealed to me. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Children’s Fiction
As Cool As It Gets by Jory John and Pete Oswald
Chosen by Kathleen, Collection Management
If you love Jory John and Pete Oswald’s bestselling Food Group series (The Good Egg, The Bad Seed, etc.), you will love this new book that brings back the Cool Bean! Read this hilariously warming story of Cool Bean and his friends as he is feeling pressure trying to pick out the perfect gift in time for a party.
Enola Holmes and the Elegant Escapade by Nancy Springer
Chosen by Kelley, Yardley-Makefield branch
The Enola Holmes books make for great casual reading for both kids and adults. I thoroughly enjoyed the earlier Enola Holmes books, and this latest addition to the series was a delight as well. These books are quite relaxing to read, while also being enthralling and engaging page turners. Enola Holmes may be a good fit for fans of the cozy mystery and historical mystery genres. If you enjoyed the Netflix adaptation, you will likely also enjoy the books, but they’re different enough that the books are not spoiled by the movies.
