How did readers feel about this month’s biggest, buzziest books? Discover their top-rated picks inside. What are readers saying about the buzziest books of the month? We’ve rounded up their top-rated picks — including a charming tale set in coastal Maine, a gripping thriller from J. D. Robb, and more!

	What are readers saying about the buzziest books of the month? We’ve rounded up their top-rated picks — including a charming tale set in coastal Maine, a gripping thriller from J. D. Robb, and more!
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	One of 2026’s buzziest novels is earning high praise from both critics and readers WHY IT’S READWORTHY: The latest from the New York Times bestselling author of The Girls and The Guest has been longlisted for the Booker Prize An aging man embarks on a final pilgrimage to Zurich — and reckons with the past — in this “profoundly moving” novel (The Guardian) Readers say: “Switzy stands among my favorite books of the year… It is an extraordinary, perceptive achievement that will resonate for a long time” Learn more... MEDIA MENTIONS: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers Three timelines intertwine in this sweeping, propulsive novel that’s wowing readers everywhere WHY IT’S READWORTHY: After hearing an unusual distress signal, widowed boater Marco goes in search of a missing woman — and is pulled into a decades-old mystery “A bold, intricately plotted debut unfolding against the beauty and danger of the Alaskan wilderness” (Kate Quinn) Readers say: “I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone looking for a gripping, atmospheric story with unforgettable characters” Learn more... MEDIA MENTION: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers Keep the tissues handy for this moving memoir that’s perfect for animal lovers WHY IT’S READWORTHY: When Matthew Sigman’s beloved dog passed away, his life fell apart — so he ran away to a remote Italian mountain village, where he found friendship, community, and a path to healing “Poignant, insightful, and often just laugh-out-loud funny” (Booklist) Readers recommend it for armchair travelers, book clubs, and anyone who has loved a pet Learn more... MEDIA MENTION: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers Cozy up with a ‘warm and inviting novel’ (Holly Gramazio) earning rave reviews WHY IT’S READWORTHY: After buying a cluttered cottage in a seaside Maine town, single mom Zoe and her daughter, Florence, are left to sort through the mountain of objects inside. And the story they uncover transforms their idea of home… “Tender, beautifully layered… This is a novel to savor” (Christina Lauren) Readers say: “It was a beautiful story about healing, hope, found family, and discovering that home is more than just a place!” Learn more... MEDIA MENTION: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers Fans of Mexican Gothic will devour this highly anticipated gothic page-turner WHY IT’S READWORTHY: Readers say: “If you like a moody, atmospheric book that will have you questioning everything, then look no further. This is a debut that shouldn’t be missed!” Raised in a religious household in 19th-century Brazil, pregnant Madalena flees to the crumbling estate of Leandro, the baby’s father. But Leandro is nothing like she remembers — and that’s just the beginning of her frightening and strange new reality… “Vivid and exhilarating, with a breathtaking twist” (Shen Tao, author of The Poet Empress) Learn more... MEDIA MENTION: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers The beloved author of Practical Magic is at her best in this enchanting historical tale WHY IT’S READWORTHY: September’s Read with Jenna pick is “rich with history, heartbreak, and magic” (Leigh Bardugo) In 1950s Massachusetts, college students Ava and Lauren are drawn into a secret organization of witches — and find their bond tested as they confront the group’s legacy Readers say: “Ava and Lauren were great characters that I became invested in and wanted to know they would be okay” Learn more... MEDIA MENTIONS: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers A riveting read with a final twist that’s leaving thriller fans stunned WHY IT’S READWORTHY: Praise from Lisa Scottoline, Mary Kubica, and B. A. Paris, who calls it “another brilliant novel from the master of the domestic thriller” What if everything you knew about your family was a lie? Eliza and Bea formed an unbreakable bond after they lost their parents in a plane crash. But 11 years later, Bea disappears — and Eliza confronts a chilling revelation Readers say: “Clear your calendar before beginning, as you will get nothing else done until you reach the end of this convoluted trail!” Learn more... MEDIA MENTIONS: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers An acclaimed author delivers ‘a tender and beautiful family story’ (Khaled Hosseini) WHY IT’S READWORTHY: “An essential read… Heartbreaking, powerful, and indelible” (Booklist starred review) After the Taliban regains power in Afghanistan, women residents of Kabul fight to protect themselves and their loved ones amid danger and upheaval Readers say: “Nadia Hashimi’s City of Widows followed me around the house, because every time I tried to put it down, I kept wondering what was going to happen to these women next” Learn more... MEDIA MENTIONS: GET EBOOK ON: Amazon Other formats and retailers Stellar reviews are pouring in for this ‘intricately crafted thriller’ (Library Journal) WHY IT’S READWORTHY: When a biotech executive meets his brutal end at home, NYSPD lieutenant Eve Dallas goes in search of a killer fueled by rage — and gets tangled in a web of secrets The beloved, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the In Death series keeps you glued to the page Readers say: “The In Death series is highly entertaining, with fantastically imaginative mysteries. Fury in Death is no exception. Highly recommended!” Learn more... MEDIA MENTIONS: