Our January Picks are Here!

Our Monthly Speculative Fiction Pick 
The House in the Cerulean Sea 
TJ Klune
“A thoroughly enchanting novel that follows lovable Arthur, the caretaker of magical misfit orphans from around the world. Full of whimsy, romance, and a touch of intrigue, The House in the Cerulean Sea will make you smile from the first word to the very last.” —Shannon D, Fiction Buyer
“This book will make you want to grow a garden, hang fairy lights and throw on some classic tunes. It is a whimsical story of love and friendship that is exactly what we all need right now.” —Allyson G, B&N Bookseller 

Our Monthly Fiction Pick
The Authenticity Project 
Clare Pooley
“A clever, candid and utterly charming novel that celebrates quirky characters and shines with unquestionable joy and love. A balm for the soul, and a reminder of our shared humanity, The Authenticity Project is a soothing story to curl up with and enjoy.” —Shannon D, Fiction Buyer

Our Monthly Mystery & Thriller Pick
Pretty as a Picture
Elizabeth Little
“A mystery novel that zips along at the same pace as your favorite Netflix binge. Marissa Dahl, film editor and accidental detective by circumstances, will steal your heart. There is a murder to be solved — and it’s done with fast-paced dialogue full of one-liners. Think a mash-up of Knives Out and Robert Altman’s The Player with a little Agatha Christie mixed in. There’s also a podcast narrative that serves as a modern-day Greek chorus. This one is just begging to be optioned for a movie or series!” —Jules H, Mystery & Thriller Buyer

Our Monthly Nonfiction Pick
Lincoln on the Verge 
Ted Widmer
“This is the story of Lincoln’s fraught 1861 travel by rail from Springfield to the swamps of DC for his first inauguration, racing against a critical deadline and under threats of assassination. Like the train he is taking, Widmer’s narrative has a propulsive energy. And though we know the end of the story, the book bristles with suspense. Will Lincoln reach his destination alive? Along the way is a treasure trove of fascinating detail, city by city, town by town, against the backdrop of a country swiftly devolving into civil war.” —Sallye L, History Buyer

Our Monthly YA Pick
King of Scars
Leigh Bardugo
“Master of YA Fantasy Leigh Bardugo has delivered another enthralling return to her Grishaverse with this first book in the King of Scars duology. Rich with all the magic, intrigue and sharp dialogue that we’ve come to know and love, King of Scars is an epic foray into Bardugo’s meticulously crafted universe with a shocking conclusion that fans new and old won’t want to miss.” —Stephanie P, YA Buyer

Our Monthly Young Reader Pick
Winterborne Home for Vengeance and Valor 
Ally Carter
“After getting caught in a mysterious museum fire, April is whisked away to live at the Winterborne Home with four other orphans. She soon realizes that the key her mother left her strangely bears the Winterborne family crest — but why? Ally Carter’s middle-grade debut is a perfect blend of mystery, action, adventure and the power of found family, set against the backdrop of a creepy mansion rife with secrets. What more could you ask for?” —Stephanie P, Young Readers Buyer