
As 2023 begins, many readers are looking forward to new book releases, whether from up-and-coming authors or their favorite authors. This year is no exception, with so many new releases that readers can’t wait to run to their nearest Barnes & Noble or local bookstore. Not a reader yet? Be sure to check out all the books listed, because you might be surprised and find one that you want to read for pleasure.
“Hell Bent” by Leigh Bardugo (release 10 January 2023)

“Hell Bent” by Leigh Bardugo is the sequel to “Ninth House”.
Photo courtesy of Leigh Bardugo
type: fantasy
“Hell Bent” by Leigh Bardugo is the sequel to “Ninth House,” a fan-favorite book for fans of dark academies. Continuing to follow the adventures of Alex and Dawes in the Ninth House, they embark on a journey to bring Alex’s mentor, Darlington, home. With the stakes so high that Alex could undo her position at Yale, Alex and Dawes recruit their own team of allies in hopes of bringing Darlington back from the Forgotten River.
For dark school and fantasy lovers, “Hell Bent” must be the best reading after reading “Ninth House”.
“I Have Some Questions For You” by Rebecca Makkai (Released February 21, 2023)

Rebecca Makkai’s “I have some questions for you” is a suspenseful thriller coming out later this month.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Makkai
Genre: Suspense Thriller
If you’re looking for more thrills in a mystery book, try reading “I Have Some Questions for You” next month.
Bodie Kane attended a boarding school in New Hampshire for four years, but during her final year her roommate was murdered. The person found guilty was boarding school athletic coach Omar Evans. After a while, Bodie went back to school to teach. While she was there, she started thinking about her former roommates. Bodie decides to investigate the case, but discovers that not everything fits the bill. Is Omar Evans really the murderer, or is there someone on the loose?
“Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice to a Murderer” by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Out March 14, 2023)

“Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice to a Murderer” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is the perfect read for a rainy day.
Photo courtesy of Jesse Q. Sutanto
Genre: Suspense
“Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice to a Murderer” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is perfect for a rainy day and will be a great book for those who love the mysteries. Comfortable reading.
Vera Wong is an aging tea shop owner who runs her business and lives a peaceful life while spying on her son via the internet. One day, she stumbles upon a dead man in her teahouse, holding a flash drive. After calling the police, Vera decided to take the flash drive as his own to solve the case. Could the killer be one of her regular customers?
“Happy Place” by Emily Henry (April 25, 2023)

Emily Henry’s “Happy Place” opens April 25.
Photo courtesy of Emily Henry
Genre: Romance
Emily Henry is known for her romance novels, and “The Happy Land” is no exception. This book is great for any romance reader or Emily Henry fan. This would be a great filler read between reading series, or to finish it off in a day when you’re stuck inside.
“Happy Place” follows a couple, Harriet and Wyn, who aren’t actually a couple anymore. It’s been five months since they broke up and they haven’t told their best friend yet. It’s the friends’ annual holiday, and Harriet and Wen have to pretend they’re the perfect couple everyone thinks they are. Will they be able to keep the secret from their friends, or will they discover each other’s feelings again in their pretense?
“Family Tales” by Elizabeth Acevedo (August 1, 2023)

Elizabeth Acevedo’s “Family Lore” opens August 1.
Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Acevedo
Genre: Fiction
For those who like unique fiction, Elizabeth Acevedo’s Family Lore might be for you.
Flor has a unique talent that allows her to predict the day someone will die. She decided to hold a live wake and invited her family and others in the community to attend. The only question is – who is this vigil for? Was it for Flor, one of her family members, or someone in the community? Family members with ties in Santo Domingo and New York City will uncover their secrets by intertwining their stories. Then perhaps, the living awakened intended individual will be revealed.
In addition to these five selected picks, there are a whole host of fantastic books that will be unveiled over the next few months. Don’t hesitate to start looking for content that sparks your interest. Everyone usually has their own preferred type of reading, so go there and find yours. If you already have a genre preference, try expanding and reading something you may not have been exposed to before. You might find your favorite book in an unexpected genre.
As in previous years, 2023 will be a remarkable year for books. More books and their publication dates may continue to be announced, so stay tuned.