The January 2024 Indie Next List Preview

Here are the 25 Indie Next List and 6 Now in Paperback picks on the January 2024 Indie Next List flier.

The January title list is also viewable as a collection on Edelweiss and on the Indie Next List page as an Excel file alongside PDFs for the month’s flier and shelf-talker templates. Learn more about ABA’s recent refresh for the Indie Next List program and visit Matchbook Marketing’s program page to sign up to send the free Indie Next List e-newsletter to customers.

Additionally, to mark the start of the new month, the December Indie Next List picks are available as a flier, along with past lists, on the Indie Next List page on BookWeb.org.      

The 25 January Indie Next List Picks

#1 Pick: The Fury: A Novel
By Alex Michaelides
(Celadon Books, 9781250758989, $28.99, Jan. 16, Thriller)
“The Fury is a perfectly paced, charming, devious mystery novel to fall in love with. On a small, private, Greek island, mythology, history, and personal baggage put our small cast to the test. Intense, captivating, and satisfying.”
—Becky Doherty, Northshire Bookstore, Saratoga Springs, NY

The Storm We Made: A Novel (Indies Introduce)
By Vanessa Chan
(Marysue Rucci Books, 9781668015148, $27, Jan. 2, Fiction)
“An incredible book from a strong new voice, focusing on the choices that a mother makes in the middle of colonial occupation during WWII. Vanessa Chan touches upon the murky grey areas of survival in a time of oppression and upheaval.”
—Jesse Hassinger, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA

Mercury: A Novel
By Amy Jo Burns
(Celadon Books, 9781250908568, $29, Jan. 2, Fiction)
“An extraordinary novel! Mercury is the lyrically written, unputdownable story of the Joseph brothers and the women who hold them together. I adored this family’s remarkable journey through love and loyalty, loss, and forgiveness.”
—Anderson McKean, Page and Palette, Fairhope, AL

The Heiress: A Novel
By Rachel Hawkins
(St. Martin’s Press, 9781250280039, $29, Jan. 9, Thriller)
“This story has everything — a glamorous widow, a mountain top mansion haunted by the past, secrets, the power of money and privilege to corrupt — all woven into settings vividly painted. The perfect book to curl up with on a weekend retreat.”
—Emily Lilley, The Book & Cover, Chattanooga, TN

Midnight Ruin (Dark Olympus)
By Katee Robert
(Sourcebooks Casablanca, 9781728262796, $16.99, Paperback, Jan. 16, Romance)
“Katee Robert delivers another stunning, scorching Dark Olympus installment. Orpheus, Eurydice, and Charon delve into growth and forgiveness alongside plenty of spice as threats of war loom in Olympus. I can’t wait for the next novel.”
—Emily Hall Schroen, Main Street Books, St. Charles, MO

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon
By Kimberly Lemming
(Orbit, 9780316570275, $18.99, Paperback, Jan. 2, Romance)
“I had an absolute blast reading this book. It was laugh-out-loud funny with sass and banter for miles. If you’re in the mood for a sexy, light read, this is it. Kimberly Lemming throws you into such a fun romantasy world.”
—Chelsea Semonco, Four Seasons Books, Shepherdstown, WV

The Tusks of Extinction
By Ray Nayler
(Tordotcom, 9781250855527, $26.99, Jan. 16, Science Fiction)
“A ‘read in one sitting, think about for days’ book. Ray Nayler has once again made me realize how amazing animals are, and how awful and greedy people can be. It’s not all doom and gloom — there’s joy in imagining mammoths roaming the steppes again.”
—Laura Cummings, White Birch Books, North Conway, NH

Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend: A Novel
By Emma R. Alban
(Avon, 9780063312005, $18.99, Paperback, Jan. 9, Romance)
“What a vibrant beginning to a new historical romance series! Full of intrigue, stolen kisses, and London drama, this sweet queer love story follows two women who dare to hope in a world not built for them.”
—Vaughn Lachenauer, Main Point Books, Wayne, PA

Poor Deer: A Novel
By Claire Oshetsky
(Ecco, 9780063327665, $26.99, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“Poor Deer is a fantastic reminder that only we can see the burdens we carry. Oshetsky writes about the way we shape our memories of trauma, guilt, and loss in order to cope an earnest, heartfelt way. This book will linger in the corners of my mind.”
—Lindsay Ryon, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

The Fetishist: A Novel
By Katherine Min
(G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 9780593713655, $28, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“The Fetishist is an exploration of serious emotions, accompanied by a degree of absurdity and humor. Min expertly highlights the female Asian American experience of being fetishized with unforgiving, razor-sharp prose.”
—Stuart McCommon, Interabang Books, Dallas, TX

You Only Call When You’re in Trouble: A Novel
By Stephen McCauley
(Henry Holt and Co., 9781250296795, $27.99, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“Heartwarming, charming, and funny, You Only Call When You’re in Trouble has characters that will become imprinted on your heart. Stephen McCauley gives us a novel that will set the bar for your 2024 reading!”
—Mary O'Malley, Skylark Bookshop, Columbia, MO

Only If You’re Lucky: A Novel
By Stacy Willingham
(Minotaur Books, 9781250887931, $29, Jan. 16, Thriller)
“Only If You’re Lucky is Stacy Willingham’s best work yet! I was immediately hooked by this tale of the tantalizing lure — and potential very dark side — of close friendships. And as always, Stacy’s Southern setting gives the perfect gothic vibe.”
—Emilie Sommer, East City Bookshop, Washington, DC

Sugar, Baby: A Novel
By Celine Saintclare
(Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781639732463, $27.99, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“Make sure to put those pearls you’re clutching away before starting Sugar, Baby! This one is electric, jaw-dropping, and absolutely shimmers on the page. Celine Saintclare’s commentary on race and class is razor sharp. An excellent debut!”
—Jessica Nock, Main Street Books, Davidson, NC

Mislaid in Parts Half-Known
By Seanan McGuire
(Tordotcom, 9781250848505, $22.99, Jan. 9, Fantasy)
“Another perfect contribution to the Wayward Children series. Of all the worlds I would be happiest in is the Shop Where the Lost Things Go, so I love that we get to learn more about the Shop and Antsy in this book. Fans will love this one!”
—Rayna Nielsen, Blue Cypress Books, New Orleans, LA

Nonfiction: A Novel
By Julie Myerson
(Tin House Books, 9781959030317, $17.95, Paperback, Jan. 2, Fiction)
“A beautiful, blistering autofiction about a woman doing what she can, while unable to do very much, to look after a daughter, while reconciling her history with her own mother, her art, and the world. Fans of Rachel Cusk and Sheila Heti will love this.”
—Kelsey Ford, Powell’s Books, Portland, OR

Holiday Country: A Novel
By İnci Atrek
(Flatiron Books, 9781250889461, $28.99, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“Holiday Country is a gorgeous and poignant bildungsroman of womanhood, motherhood, identity, and the nuances that stitch them together set against the resplendent Aegean Coast. A book to keep close to your chest in the cold months ahead.”
—Lauren Abesames, Wind City Books, Casper, WY

Where You End: A Novel
By Abbott Kahler
(Henry Holt and Co., 9781250873248, $27.99, Jan. 16, Thriller)
“A very dark and intriguing thriller where one cannot rely on memory. After lies are uncovered, the twins still must work together to survive a cult. The pacing and character development are excellent and will keep you turning the page.”
—Stephanie Csaszar, Books Around the Corner, Gresham, OR

First Lie Wins: A Novel
By Ashley Elston
(Pamela Dorman Books, 9780593492918, $28, Jan. 2, Thriller)
“Con-artist Evie Porter has many false personas. When someone steals her true identity, she’s determined to shed her aliases and become herself again. Propelled by blackmail, double lives, and a touch of found family, First Lie Wins stands out.”
—Kate Howard, Brown University Bookstore, Providence, RI

This Wretched Valley
By Jenny Kiefer
(Quirk Books, 9781683693680, $18.99, Paperback, Jan. 16, Horror)
“Jenny Kiefer brilliantly pulls us into this story about a group of people who go out to discover a new cliff face to climb. But there is something very evil in the woods and it’s coming for them. Incredibly absorbing, you’ll be on the edge of your seat!”
—Marguerite Turley, The Doylestown & Lahaska Bookshops, Doylestown, PA

Familia: A Novel
By Lauren E. Rico
(Kensington, 9781496744647, $17.95, Paperback, Dec. 26, Fiction)
“A transformative story about how we find ourselves and what makes family. It’s about how our advantages shape our lives and world view, a crime thriller in places, and a journey into a fractured sisterhood. One of my favorite books of the year.”
—Sara Crow, Crow & Co. Books, Hutchinson, KS

The Djinn Waits a Hundred Years: A Novel
By Shubnum Khan
(Viking, 9780593653456, $28, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“A once magnificent mansion is suffused with sadness. The lives of the tenants, past and present, have been destroyed by love. A young woman seeks assurance that love can be real and that real love can last. In gorgeous prose, Khan weaves a gripping tale.”
—Lisa Wright, Oblong Books, Millerton, NY

Rabbit Hole: A Novel
By Kate Brody
(Soho Crime, 9781641294874, $25.95, Jan. 2, Mystery)
“Teddy’s family fell apart when her sister disappeared. Her father never stopped searching, and ends his life on the ten-year anniversary. Against her best intentions, Teddy falls deep into the same search. A taut story of family and letting secrets go.”
—Andi Richardson, Fountain Bookstore, Richmond, VA

Anna O: A Novel
By Matthew Blake
(Harper, 9780063314153, $30, Jan. 2, Thriller)
“This is the most inventive thriller I’ve read in a while. I won’t say much so readers can fold down their own corners or tab the pages for clues and try to piece together the riddle, but I will say: the writing is stellar and the plot is crazy good.”
—Rani Birchfield, Front Street Books, Alpine, TX

The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with our Wild Neighbors
By Erika Howsare
(Catapult, 9781646221349, $28, Jan. 2, Nature)
“I loved this rigorous, ceaselessly tender work of natural-cultural history. Through both archival research and immersive reportage, Howsare’s gaze remains questing and intimate. A must-read for fans of Robin Wall Kimmerer and Sy Montgomery.”
—Elisabeth Plumlee-Watson, Loganberry Books, Shaker Heights, OH

My Friends: A Novel
By Hisham Matar
(Random House, 9780812994841, $28.99, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“Hisham Matar provides us a profound view of the experiences of those in exile. Readers accompany Khlaled’s journey through London as he sorts through 30 years of his memories. A powerful rumination on friendship, love, and loneliness.”
—Shane Grebel, Watermark Books & Café, Wichita, KS

The 6 Now in Paperback Titles

Age of Vice: A Novel
By Deepti Kapoor
(Riverhead Books, 9780593328804, $20, Jan. 2, Fiction)
“A potent and moving crime drama set in India, Age of Vice takes a magnifying glass to the corruption and violence caused by wealth. Sweeping in scope yet attuned to the minute details of everyday life, this is a novel that’s not to be missed.”
—Bennard Fajardo, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, DC

The Bandit Queens: A Novel
By Parini Shroff
(Ballantine Books, 9780593498972, $18, Jan. 9, Fiction)
“A rebuke of misogynistic violence and a rollicking romp through an erstwhile crime spree, The Bandit Queens is incisive, yet funny and sweet in its sharpness. This tongue-in-cheek celebration of women’s solidarity is not to be missed.”
—Milo Michels, University Book Store, Seattle, WA

Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone: A Novel
By Benjamin Stevenson
(Mariner Books, 9780063279032, $18.99, Jan 2, Mystery)
“This is the best mystery I’ve read. The narrator understood that just because he was telling the story, it didn’t make the story about him. Every member of this family was given a story arc that also directly connected to the whole! So good!”
—Hannah Oxley, Mystery to Me, Madison, WI

Hell Bent: A Novel
By Leigh Bardugo
(Flatiron Books, 9781250859440, $19.99, Jan. 9, Fantasy)
“Ninth House was a dark, explosive introduction and Hell Bent expands on the world with even more mystery and magic. This book is every bit as addicting as the first. If you need me, I’ll be waiting for another installment in the series.”
—Becky Martone, RJ Julia Booksellers, Madison, CT

How to Sell a Haunted House
By Grady Hendrix
(Berkley, 9780593201275, $18, Jan 2, Horror)
“Imagine returning to the hometown you couldn’t wait to leave, then staying in a haunted house while you’re there. Now imagine horror, humor, and entirely believable characters. Grady Hendrix does it best. I’m crazy about this book!”
—Robert Hawthorn, Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkle’s Children’s Books, Mendocino, CA

The Writing Retreat: A Novel
By Julia Bartz
(Atria/Emily Bestler Books, 9781982199463, $17, Jan. 9, Thriller)
“This story takes ‘never meet your heroes’ to a whole new level. I loved the use of tension in the book, and how the author played with supernatural elements while still keeping the story grounded in reality. Twisty, dark, and even fun!”
—Ann Branson, Beach Books, Seaside, OR