Top new literary-fiction books in March 2023
Last updated:
March 31, 2023
March 2023 featuring new releases by Sarah Penner, Ann Napolitano, Peter Swanson, Balli Kaur Jaswal, Etaf Rum, Lisa Scottoline, Elizabeth Berg, Jacqueline Winspear, Colleen Oakley, Sophie Mackintosh and many more.
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The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
May mercy be upon the man who finds himself the enemy of a vengeful medium…1873. At an abandoned château on the outskirts of Paris, a dark séance is about to take place, led by acclaimed spiritualist Vaudeline D’Allaire... -
![Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano]()
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
From the New York Times bestselling author of Dear Edward comes an emotionally layered and engrossing story of a family that asks: Can love make a broken person whole?William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him...adult · audiobook · book · coming-of-age · contemporary · family · female-author · fiction · historical-fiction · literary-fiction -
![The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson]()
The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson
In this spectacularly devious novel by New York Times bestselling author Peter Swanson—featuring the smart and complex Lily Kintner from his acclaimed novel, The Kind Worth Killing—a private eye starts to follow a possibly adulterous husband, but little does he know that the twisted trail will lead back to the woman who hired him. There was always something slightly dangerous about Joan...adult · amateur-sleuth · audiobook · book · contemporary · crime · fiction · investigator · literary-fiction · murder -
![Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal]()
Now You See Us by Balli Kaur Jaswal
The wildly entertaining, sharply observed story of three women who work in the homes of Singapore’s elite and band together to solve a murder mystery involving one of their own The wealthy island nation of Singapore seems like an oasis of luxury and order, but it owes everything to the immigrant women no one sees...adult · book · contemporary · crime · female-mc · fiction · literary-fiction · mystery · poc-author · poc-mc -
![Evil Eye by Etaf Rum]()
Evil Eye by Etaf Rum
The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author of A Woman Is No Man returns with a striking exploration of the meaning of a fulfilling life and the ways our unresolved pasts affect our presents.After Yara is placed on probation at work for fighting with a racist coworker, her Palestinian mother claims the provocation and all that’s come after were the result of a family curse...fiction · literary-fiction · contemporary · realistic · family · poc-mc · poc-author · female-mc · historical-fiction · book -
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![Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline]()
Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
Franco Fiorvante is a handsome lemon-grower who has toiled for years on the estate of boss Baron Zito. Franco dreams of owning his own lemon grove, but the rigid class system of Sicily thwarts his ambitions. Determined to secure a prosperous future, Franco will do anything to prove his loyalty to the Baron...adult · book · female-mc · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · mystery · suspense -
![Earth's the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg]()
Earth's the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg
This beautiful new novel by the beloved author of Open House and Talk Before Sleep tells the story of two young people growing up in Mason, Missouri, and how Arthur Moses, a shy young man, becomes the wise and compassionate person readers loved in The Story of Arthur Truluv.Nola McCollum is the most desirable girl in Arthur's class, and he is thrilled when they become friends...adult · audiobook · book · coming-of-age · contemporary · drama · family · female-mc · fiction · friendship -
![The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear]()
The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear
The White Lady introduces yet another extraordinary heroine/sleuth from Jacqueline Winspear, creator of the best-selling Maisie Dobbs series...20th-century · adult · audiobook · book · cozy · crime · espionage · fiction · historical · historical-fiction -
![The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley]()
The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley
Twenty-one-year-old Tanner Quimby needs a place to live. Preferably one where she can continue sitting around in sweatpants and playing video games nineteen hours a day. Since she has no credit or money to speak of, her options are limited, so when an opportunity to work as a live-in caregiver for an elderly woman falls into her lap, she takes it.One slip on the rug...action-adventure · adult · aging · audiobook · book · contemporary · crime · family · female-mc · fiction -
![Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh]()
Cursed Bread by Sophie Mackintosh
From the Booker Prize-nominated author of The Water Cure comes an elegant and hypnotic new novel of obsession that centers on the real unsolved mystery of the 1951 mass poisoning of a French village.Still reeling in the aftermath of the deadliest war the world had ever seen, the small town of Pont-Saint-Esprit collectively lost its mind...21st-century · adult · audiobook · book · female-author · female-mc · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction -
![Community Board by Tara Conklin]()
Community Board by Tara Conklin
The New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics deliversa wise, timely, big-hearted novel of unplanned isolation and newly forged community...adult · audiobook · book · breakup · contemporary · domestic-drama · drama · family · female-mc · fiction -
![Found in a Bookshop by Stephanie Butland]()
Found in a Bookshop by Stephanie Butland
Dear Lost for Words,We are trying to stay at home . . . I am enclosing a cheque and I hope that you will use it to send us some books. Please choose books that we might think are wonderful.RosemaryLoveday Cardew's beloved Lost for Words bookshop, along with the rest of York, has fallen quiet...fiction · contemporary · womens-fiction · cozy · friendship · family · female-mc · literary-fiction · book · adult -
![Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai]()
Dust Child by Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai
From the internationally bestselling author of The Mountains Sing, a suspenseful and moving saga about family secrets, hidden trauma, and the overriding power of forgiveness, set during the war and in present-day Việt Nam...adult · book · family · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · poc-author · poc-mc -
![Old Babes in the Wood: Stories by Margaret Atwood]()
Old Babes in the Wood: Stories by Margaret Atwood
A dazzling collection of short stories from the internationally acclaimed, award-winning author of The Handmaid's Tale and The Testaments, stories that look deeply into the heart of family relationships, marriage, loss and memory, and what it means to spend a life togetherMargaret Atwood has established herself as one of the most visionary and canonical authors in the world...adult · anthologies · contemporary · dystopia · family · fiction · literary-fiction · realistic · sci-fi -
![Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea by P.G. Rama Rao]()
Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea by P.G. Rama Rao
1. A Celebrated Writer 2. A Brief Life-Sketch 3. The Making of a Writer 4. Hemingway’s Literary Credo The Aesthetics of Truthful Writing Things Not Immediately Discernible Trying for Something beyond Attainment 5...action-adventure · adult · book · classics · fiction · historical-fiction · literary · literary-fiction · outdoors · philosophy -
![Scent of Magnolia by Ashley Farley]()
Scent of Magnolia by Ashley Farley
“A riveting new family drama by the queen of southern fiction.”Scout Montgomery has turned her search for her missing brother into a career. She finds her professional life as a homicide detective meaningful, but her personal life is nonexistent. She’s stuck in the past. In order to move on, she must find closure...adult · book · contemporary · crime · family · female-mc · fiction · friendship · literary-fiction · mystery -
![The Fake by Zoe Whittall]()
The Fake by Zoe Whittall
A con artist can make you feel like the luckiest person on earth just to be in their presence. But when the jig is up, they ghost, and you’re left wondering if you ever matteredAfter the death of her wife, Shelby feels more alone than ever—until she meets Cammie, a charismatic woman unafraid of what anyone else thinks and whose own history of trauma draws Shelby close...adult · audiobook · book · contemporary · family · female-mc · fiction · friendship · journey · lgbtq -
![The Playlist by Morgan Elizabeth]()
The Playlist by Morgan Elizabeth
When Zoe’s best friend shows her the box of dreams they put together as kids, she would never have foreseen herself dumping Mr. Perfectly Fine and quitting her draining job. But when she looks in that box and realizes her life isn’t even close to where she envisioned she’d be when she was ten, she panics and implodes everything she knows... -
![The Close by Jane Casey]()
The Close by Jane Casey
At first glance, Jellicoe Close seems to be a perfect suburban street – well-kept houses with pristine lawns, neighbours chatting over garden fences, children playing together.But there are dark secrets behind the neat front doors, hidden dangers that include a ruthless criminal who will stop at nothing.It’s up to DS Maeve Kerrigan and DI Josh Derwent to uncover the truth...action-adventure · adult · amateur-sleuth · animals · audiobook · book · contemporary · cozy · crime · female-mc -
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![Once We Were Home by Jennifer Rosner]()
Once We Were Home by Jennifer Rosner
"This forgotten history of displaced WWII children and the return to their roots [is] captivating, thought-provoking, enlightening, and bittersweet." ―Alka Joshi, New York Times bestselling author of The Henna Artist"Rosner is one of my favorite authors...20th-century · adult · book · female-mc · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · violent-conflict · war -
![Künstlers in Paradise by Cathleen Schine]()
Künstlers in Paradise by Cathleen Schine
The beloved bestselling author of The Three Weissmanns of Westport—once dubbed “the modern-day Jewish Jane Austen”—brings forth a comedy of generational manners that glides between 1939 and 2020 L.A. as Mamie Künstler and her grandson weather hard times and discover how to make them their own.Julian Künstler comes from New York City to L.A...adult · audiobook · book · contemporary · family · female-author · fiction · historical-fiction · lgbtq · literary-fiction -
![A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart]()
A Death at the Party by Amy Stuart
In this tense, spellbinding thriller set over the course of a single day, a woman prepares for a party that goes dreadfully wrong—for fans of Ashley Audrain and Lisa Jewell.Nadine Walsh’s summer garden party is in full swing. The neighbours all have cocktails, the catered food is exquisite—everything’s going according to plan...adult · book · contemporary · crime · dark · family · female-mc · fiction · killer · literary-fiction -
![Her Lost Words by Stephanie Marie Thornton]()
Her Lost Words by Stephanie Marie Thornton
From A Vindication of the Rights of Woman to Frankenstein, a tale of two literary legends--a mother and daughter--discovering each other...and finding themselves along the way, from USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Marie Thornton.1792. As a child, Mary Wollstonecraft longed to disappear during her father's violent rages...adult · book · family · female-mc · feminism · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · womens-fiction -
![Biography of X by Catherine Lacey]()
Biography of X by Catherine Lacey
From one of our fiercest stylists, a roaring epic chronicling the life, times, and secrets of a notorious artist.When X—an iconoclastic artist, writer, and polarizing shape-shifter—falls dead in her office, her widow, wild with grief and refusing everyone’s good advice, hurls herself into writing a biography of the woman she deified... -
![The Countess by Sophie Jordan]()
The Countess by Sophie Jordan
New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan kicks off her amazing new high concept series, The Scandalous Ladies of London, which chronicles the lives of a group of affluent ladies reigning over glittering, Regency-era London, vying for position in the hierarchy of the ton. They are the young wives, widows, and daughters of London’s wealthiest families...adult · book · female-mc · fiction · georgian · historical · historical-fiction · industrial-era · literary-fiction · regency -
![An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland]()
An Unexpected Chance by Melanie Moreland
Simon Fletcher is a busy single dad. Between bringing up his daughter and moving cross-country to start a new life, he’s focused on making a fresh start for them.Amy McNeil isn’t in his plans.But the pretty, wild, and free woman who has caught his eye is so different from his cold, removed ex-wife, he can’t help himself. He’s drawn to her. Her warmth. Her light...adult · billionaire · book · breakup · children · contemporary · domestic-drama · female-mc · fiction · found-family -
![The Pink House by Catherine Alliott]()
The Pink House by Catherine Alliott
**AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW**Get ready to fall in love with THE PINK HOUSE - home of the new novel from Sunday Times bestselling Queen of Romantic Comedy, Catherine Alliott PRAISE FOR CATHERINE ALLIOTT:'A huge treat... -
![Wild, Beautiful, and Free by Sophfronia Scott]()
Wild, Beautiful, and Free by Sophfronia Scott
From award-winning author Sophfronia Scott comes the story of one young woman’s bold journey to reclaim her birthright and carve out her own place in a world that tells her she doesn’t belong. Born the daughter of an enslaved woman and a Louisiana plantation owner, Jeannette Bébinn is raised alongside her white half sister―until her father suddenly dies...adult · black-mc · book · civil-war · family · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction · poc-author -
![The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell]()
The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell
A killer is on the loose when someone turns up dead on the set of a hit TV baking competition in this darkly beguiling debut mystery that is perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Nita Prose, and Anthony Horowitz. Soon to be a limited series on Hulu.Production for the tenth season of Bake Week is ready to begin at the gothic estate of host and celebrity chef Betsy Martin, and everything seems perfect...adult · amateur-sleuth · audiobook · book · contemporary · cozy · crime · culinary · female-author · female-mc -
![Past Imperfect by Joshua Cohen]()
Past Imperfect by Joshua Cohen
When his rabbi calls him after Yom Kippur, private eye Benjamin Gold thinks it’s just to yell at him for skipping services—but it’s even worse than that.It turns out that Benny missed more than some prayers and a sermon: While everyone else was atoning for their sins, a fight broke out in synagogue when a visitor accused one of the leading members of the congregation of being a Nazi collaborator... -
![Impact by Stacy Lynn Miller, Brian Christopher Shea]()
Impact by Stacy Lynn Miller, Brian Christopher Shea
A religious zealot has plans to bring the country to its knees.Lexi Mills is hellbent on taking him down.Brace for Impact!ATF Agent and resident bomb expert Lexi Mills is on a mission. Commanding a task force of hand-picked specialists, she sets her sights on a terrorist organization known as The Gatekeepers...action-adventure · adult · book · conspiracies · crime · fiction · literary-fiction · military · mystery · political-intrigue -
![Cuddy by Benjamin Myers]()
Cuddy by Benjamin Myers
Travelling through the wilderness, a young woman has visions of a cathedral on a hill.The downtrodden wife of an archer seeks the truth in stone walls, in meadows full of garlic flowers.A group of soldiers sit out their last hours before their death under a vaulted ceiling.The professor receives unwelcome night-time visitors... -
![Take What You Need by Idra Novey]()
Take What You Need by Idra Novey
In her most powerful book yet, award-winning writer Idra Novey has conjured a novel of "astonishing and singular" honesty (Rumaan Alam) with two determined, unforgettable female voices.Set in the Allegheny Mountains of Appalachia, Take What You Need tracks the aftermath of a long estrangement between a stepmother and daughter... -
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![Riding the Tempest by Lee Jackson]()
Riding the Tempest by Lee Jackson
As the chaos of World War II spreads from Europe to Northern Africa and the Pacific, one family fights for their freedom against impossible odds…Led by the US and supported by Britain, the Allies invade North Africa. Promoted within the British intelligence service, Paul is sent to Algiers during a ceasefire announced by French General Darlan...20th-century · action-adventure · adult · book · epic · female-mc · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · literary-fiction -
![The Dog of the North by Elizabeth Mckenzie]()
The Dog of the North by Elizabeth Mckenzie
From the National Book Award-longlisted author of The Portable VeblenPenny Rush has problems. Her marriage is over, and she's quit her job. Her mother and stepfather went missing in the Australian outback five years ago; her mentally imbalanced father provokes her; her grandmother, Dr. Pincer, keeps experiments in the refrigerator and something worse in the woodshed...adult · audiobook · book · comedy · contemporary · family · female-author · fiction · humor · literary-fiction -
![Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson]()
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
Darley, the eldest daughter in the well-connected, carefully guarded, old-money Stockton family, followed her heart, trading her job and inheritance for motherhood, sacrificing more of herself than she ever intended...adult · audiobook · book · contemporary · drama · family · female-mc · fiction · friendship · historical-fiction -
![The Farewell Tour: A Novel by Stephanie Clifford]()
The Farewell Tour: A Novel by Stephanie Clifford
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Everybody Rise , a rich and riveting novel with the exquisite historical detail and evocative settings of The Cold Millions and Great Circle that tells the story of one unforgettable woman’s rise in country and western music. It’s 1980, and Lillian Waters is hitting the road for the very last time...adult · audiobook · book · fiction · historical · historical-fiction · industrial-era · literary-fiction · psychological · western -
![The Lost Americans by Christopher Bollen]()
The Lost Americans by Christopher Bollen
A young woman finds herself in the crosshairs of powerful and very dangerous enemies when she travels to Cairo to uncover the truth about her brother's mysterious death in this smart, atmospheric, and propulsive literary thriller from the acclaimed author of A Beautiful Crime and Orient"Bollen writes expansive, psychologically probing novels in the manner of Updike, Eugenides and Franzen, but he...adult · book · contemporary · drama · fiction · lgbtq · literary-fiction · mystery · psychological · suspense -
![The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai]()
The Flowers of Buffoonery by Osamu Dazai
The Flowers of Buffoonery opens in a seaside sanitarium where Yozo Oba—the narrator of No Longer Human at a younger age—is being kept after a failed suicide attempt. While he convalesces, his friends and family visit him, and other patients and nurses drift in and out of his room...20th-century · adult · asian-mc · book · dark · fiction · historical · humor · literary-fiction · mental-illness -
![When in Rome by Liam Callanan]()
When in Rome by Liam Callanan
From nationally bestselling, award-winning author Liam Callanan, the story of an opportunity to start over at midlife, a chance to save a struggling convent in the Eternal City, and the dramatic re-emergence of an old flame . . . Meet Claire: fifty-two, desperate to do something new and get a fresh start...adult · aging · book · contemporary · europe · family · female-mc · fiction · italy · literary-fiction
