28 Most Anticipated New May 2024 Book Releases by Genre
The May 2024 book releases are here and they are spectacular! Spring is well underway and these books mark the start of beach read season. After all, summer reading bingo starts in May so that makes total sense on our calendar.
We cannot possibly read all the books on this list but we can darn well try. There are picks on here from our favorite authors like Carley Fortune, Christina Lauren, Steven Rowley, Natalie Jenner, and more. We also could not resist some of the debut authors.
We scoured many lists of books to bring you our most anticipated picks and we hope you love this list.
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Most Anticipated May 2024 Fiction Book Releases
The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
GUP and the kids are back! Patrick, Maisie, and Grant are five years older and facing a new challenge – the kid’s dad is getting ready to remarry.
The children are not thrilled, so Patrick decides to wisk them on a European adventure to teach them the Languages of Love, Guncle Style.
As they parade around Europe and end up at the destination wedding site of Lake Como, we are treated to hysterical scenarios and GUP witticisms. Add in a rivalry between GUP and the soon-to-be Launt (Lesbian Aunt) and you have a story that will have you flying through the pages.
Why I Loved It: I adored the first Guncle book, so I was a tad nervous to read a sequel. Would it spoil the characters I love so much? Not. At. All.
If anything, I learned to appreciate Patrick, Grant, and Maisie even more on the revisit. The way that Rowley writes about living with grief as an adult and a child is touchingly hopeful. I laughed and cried in equal measure reading this story. Dare I say it might be better than the first?
Find this book in Best Fiction of 2024 / Lake Books
The Heirloom by Jessie Rosen
When Shea’s boyfriend proposes, she goes against her beloved Nonna’s rule to never accept a marriage proposal with an heirloom ring. She loves her fiance, John, but can’t shake her Nonna’s worries about heirlooms carrying the energy of their former owners.
Now, with the help of her big sister and a journalist, she will travel to New York, Italy, Portugal, and Boston to meet the previous owners and make sure the ring has forever marriage energy.
Why I Loved It: Between the gorgeous settings and the hunt for the ring’s origin, this story was easy to fly through while remaining utterly enchanting. I might not agree with all of Shea’s decisions but the journey to happily ever after was so enjoyable!
Find this book in Summer Reads 2024 / Books set in Italy / Jewelry Novels / Best Fiction of 2024
Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews
Widowed Traci Eddings is the proprietress of The Saint an exclusive resort owned by her deceased husband’s family. As she struggles to keep his beloved hotel afloat, she deals with her conniving brother-in-law, disgruntled staff, and a series of mysteries that lead to the death of someone she loves.
The story is also narrated by various staffers who live in the on-site staff dormitory and a man in town to solve a crime from the past. There are lots of subplots, including a romance and 2 murder mysteries, but the heart of this novel is about Traci reclaiming her life and her hotel.
Why I Liked it: I’m a sucker for a resort setting, and since I read this one on my recent spring break, the vibes were vibing. While the large cast of characters was a struggle at first, I quickly got them straight and found value in each of their perspectives.
Find this book in Hotel Novels / Summer Reads of 2024 / Books Set at the Beach
Wives Like Us
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2024
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In the English countryside, there is drama all around. From an American divorcee newly arrived in the neighborhood, to meddling neighbors, a butler far too good at his job, and bombshell after bombshell, this Cottswolds’ neighborhood is filled with gossip and shenanigans.
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve long been a fan of Plum Sykes’s satirical look at the upper classes. Wives Like Us is her first romp in the English countryside and it was filled with everything I’ve come to expect with her writing. If you look stories by Kevin Kwan, this one is right up your alley!
Find this book in: Best British Books
A Wedding in Lake Como by Jennifer Probst
Ava, Madison, and Chelsea were inseparable in college but a mistake caused a rift that never fully healed. Ava is getting married in Lake Como and she hopes the pact they made to be there for each other’s weddings will still hold.
Ava was always rich, beautiful, and the center of attention. Chelsea was always practical, but despite having the family she always wanted, her professional life has been put on hold. Maddison has become the fashion influencer she always wanted to be but knows there is something missing.
This wedding may be their last chance to heal old wounds. Will they be able to keep their friendship and move forward? #gifted
Why I Like This Book: I love the relationships and friendships in this book. There are highs and lows that made me laugh and cry with the characters. The growth over the years as well as the descriptions of fashion throughout were wonderful.
Find This Book in Books About Friendship / Books Set in Italy /Novels About Fashion
Lovers and Liars by Amanda Eyre Ward
Genre: Fiction
Plot: This is a family drama from the May 2024 book releases we cannot wait to read it. The three peacock sisters used to be the best of friends but their secrets have driven them apart. Now, Sylvie is getting married again. She is a librarian who dreams of escaping into her books. When Cleao and Emma show up to the wedding (at a castle estate in England), the three sisters will have to find the courage to move forward- especially when their toxic mother arrives at the wedding.
Lies and Weddings by Kevin Kwan
According to his mother, Rufus Leung Gresham must marry a wealthy woman to save his family from ruin. The family’s seemingly unlimited funds have been squandered but society is not yet the wiser.
Determined to help her son snag a woman of means, his parents throw his sister an over-the-top Hawaiian wedding. When a volcano erupts at the wedding, and a hot mic exposes a secret affair, everything seems to be going up in flames.
Told from a few perspectives, this story is heavy on the drama but light on the communication. It portrays the majority of aristocrats as extravagant ninnies only concerned with money and their reputation, spending little time on underlying motivations. In short, it’s a fun lark but don’t go in expecting depth.
Why I Liked It: While not quite up to Crazy Rich Asians’ level of juicy, this story is still filled with all the scheming, sex, and showboating I’ve come to expect from Kevin Kwan. I listened to my copy and found myself thoroughly entertained during household chores.
Find this book in Books About Weddings
Shanghailanders by Juli Min
Genre: Futuristic Fiction
Plot: This debut novel from the May 2024 book releases follows Leo Yang, his Japanese French Wife, and their two eldest children back in time. The story begins in 2040 and slowly rewinds to 2014. This is a family saga that is unlike anything we have read before.
Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life
Author: Helen Fisher
Year: 2024
Genre: Feel Good Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
Joe-Nathan is neurodivergent and lives his life being a good friend, following the rules, and following the advice his mother writes for him in notebooks. He goes to work and slowly learns how to make friends and accept friendship in return. He also learns that he can do the hardest things with the help of good friends.
Trigger Warnings
Physical abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I loved Joe Nathan and his view of life. His character grew so much and I loved taking the journey with him. My heart ached and burst simultaneously in this wonderful book. #gifted
Find this book in: Feel-Good Fiction / August 2024 Book Releases
Ultimate List of Contemporary Fiction Novels to Love in 2024
For more contemporary fiction books like these, check out our ultimate list for dozens of recommendations.
May 2024 Book Releases: Historical Fiction
Every Time We Say Goodbye by Natalie Jenner
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: We love Natalie Jenner and cannot wait to read this pick from the May 2024 book releases. In 1955, Vivian Lowery had her play on stage in London’s West End. When the play fails, Vivien goes to Itlay to explore cinema and find a future for herself while overcoming the loss of her fiance in the war.
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range:
Plot
The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.
There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.
Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.
Trigger Warnings
War, death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.
Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonsen
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: This historical fiction pick from the May 2024 book releases is a coming-of-age story on the British seaside in 1919. Constance has been asked to leave her house and job now that the men have returned from war and must relocate. When she encounters Poppy and her Ladies’ Motorcycle Club. She also meets Harris, Poppy’s brother home injured in battle from the war. We cannot wait to read this book.
Miss Morgan’s Book Brigade by Janet Skeslien Charles
Here’s an unlikely beach read recommendation – a story that takes place during the Great War. We don’t normally recommend historical fiction set during a war for the beach, but Charles crafted a story that was as hopeful as it was interesting. It touched on the darkness while highlighting the helpers of one of the darkest periods of world history.
Unlike The Women (which we do NOT recommend for a summer beach read) this story never got so bogged down in wartime sadness. Instead, we are treated to a front-row seat of the grit and determination of the women working near the front lines of France to bring normalcy and hope to innocent civilians.
Specifically in the form of books – children’s books.
Based on the true story of pioneering children’s librarian, Jessie Carson, it’s a testament to women being innovators and hope-makers. Jessie works tirelessly to train the first French female librarians, turns ambulances into bookmobiles, and uses all the resources she can muster to bring joy to the victims of war.
It’s a dual timeline narrative that also focuses on Wendy, a librarian in 1980’s New York working for the same library where Jessie got her start. She uses her research on Jessie and the American Committee for Devasted France as inspiration in her writing class, and is surprised at how similar she is to her muse.
Why I Loved It: While there were sad moments within the story, this book ultimately left me with warmth in my heart. The narrators do an excellent job bringing this story to life. #Gifted by Simon & Schuster Books
Find this book in WWI Novels / Librarian Books / Beach Reads 2024 / Best Historical Fiction 2024
Long Island by Colm TĂłibĂn
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Eilis Lacey is married to Tony Fiorella. She is Irish, he is Italian and they live on a cul-de-sac with Tony’s entire large family. When an Irishman shows up at their house one day declaring that his wife is pregnant with Tony’s child, her life is turned upside down. He informs her he will not raise the child and will be giving it to her. This family drama from the May 2024 book releases is a story of marriage, secrets, and home.
Ultimate List of Historical Fiction
Love Historical Fiction? The Ultimate List of Historical Fiction is the perfect list for you. It is carefully divided by time.
May 2024 Book Releases: Most Anticipated Fantasy/ Sci-fi
Last Murder at the End of the World
Author: Stuart Turton
Year: 2024
Genre: Sci-fi
More info: Bestselling Author of 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Like all of Stuart Turton’s books, this one is a well-crafted sci-fi. A group of one hundred and twenty-two people is the last to survive a fog that has swept the planet and killed everything and everyone in its wake. The island on which they live is surrounded by the fog and is held off by the utopia on the island. When someone is found murdered, it is up to them to solve the murder in order to fend off the fog that threatens to consume the island. However, everyone has had their memory wiped and they only have 107 hours to solve the case.
Why Jackie loves it
The beginning of the book was confusing because I did not know who the narrator was. I am glad that I stuck with the book because all the questions were answered and the answers were surprising. I should have known from reading all of Turton’s books that the answers would be smart, complex, and unexpected. If you love sci-fi, this is a sci-fi mystery that should not be missed
Find similar books in: Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / 20 Best Sci-Fi Books of All Time
Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: Ganga is the goddess of the river who is cursed to be human until she fulfills the obligations of the curse to regain her true form again. She marries King Shantanu and is on the verge of lifting the curse but, she will have to leave her infant son behind. We cannot wait for this pick from the May 2024 book releases.
The Ministry of Time: A Novel by Kailiane Bradley
May 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
In the near future, a civil servant is offered the salary of her dreams and is, shortly afterward, told what project she’ll be working on. A recently established government ministry is gathering “expats” from across history to establish whether time travel is feasible—for the body, but also for the fabric of space-time.
She is tasked with working as a “bridge”: living with, assisting, and monitoring the expat known as “1847” or Commander Graham Gore. As far as history is concerned, Commander Gore died on Sir John Franklin’s doomed 1845 expedition to the Arctic, so he’s a little disoriented to be living with an unmarried woman who regularly shows her calves, surrounded by outlandish concepts such as “washing machines,” “Spotify,” and “the collapse of the British Empire.” MORE
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
Genre: Fantasy
Plot: This fantasy from Veronica Roth is a story of witches, monsters, curses, and knights. Dymittr is a Knight who splits his soul to make his sword. Ala is cursed to die the same death as her mother unless she can stop the curse. When Dymitr offers a solution to Ala, she accepts without knowing what he really is.
The Honey Witch by Sydney J. Shields
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Plot: Marigold has come to the Isle of Innisfree to train as the next Honey Witch. With the magic comes a price- nobody can fall in love with the Honey Witch. When Lottie shows up on her doorstep, Marigold tries to prove that the magic is real but soon starts to feel things she never thought possible. If they fall in love will it destroy everything?
Ultimate List of YA Fantasy
If fantasy books are your favorite books, then these are the perfect book lists for you. We carefully divided them into sub-genres.
Most Anticipated Thrillers and Mysteries for May 2024
Plot
This is an isolation thriller from one of the best there is. Five couples participating in a game shoe are trapped together on an island when a storm comes in. They are cut off from everyone without phones but that is the least of their worries.
Without power, their food and water supply dwindles quickly, the radio has a very limited battery supply, people are sick and injured, and one of them may be a murderer/ serial killer
Why Jackie loves it
This is a page-turning thriller with unexpected twists and turns I did not see coming. This is a perfect beach read- it will keep you on your toes.
Find this book in: Fictional Books About Serial Killers / Best Beach Reads of 2024 / Books Set at a Hotel / Isolation Books / Best Thrillers 2024 / Epistolary Novels
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
Genre: Thriller
Plot: Detective Chelsey Calhoun gets a call that Ellie Black, a teenager who disappeared years ago has returned. Ellie will not say where she has been or what happened but Chelsey must find answers to heal her own trauma of her missing sister who never came home. This page-turning thriller from the May 2024 book releases is a twisty ride and a must-read.
Ultimate List of Thrillers
Love Thrillers? This list is curated and carefully divided by sub-genre. These will definitely keep you on your toes.
The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love Mysteries? This is a list of the best mystery books carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as I do.
Romance: May 2024 Book Releases
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
It’s a fake dating romance from the queens of romance themselves, Christina Lauren! Anna thought that she had divorced West after they graduated from UCLA. Now, three years later, West needs to contact his not-so-ex-wife and convince her to pretend they are still happily married. Why? To receive a huge inheritance of course!
Anna, desperate for the money to pay for her dad’s medical bills, agrees to jet off to a tropical paradise to spend a week with West’s toxic family at his sister’s week-long wedding celebration. The over-the-top shenanigans reminded me of Crazy Rich Asians in the best way!
Why I Loved it: I was cheering Anna on as she took on West’s snooty family with her pink hair and bohemian spirit. The chemistry between them was crackling, but it was how they looked after each other that made my heart swoon.
Find this book in Fake Dating Books / Wedding Novels / Beach Reads 2024 / Romance Seaside Books / New Romance Books 2024
This Summer Will Be Different
Author: Carley Fortune
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I love Carley Fortune’s wonderful style of writing and her perfect love stories and this book from the new release books may be my favorite book yet.
Lucy heads to Prince Edward Island to stay with her best friend for a week. When her friend’s flight is delayed, Lucy is left as a tourist and feels an immediate connection with the local who shows her around. Only after their amazing night together does she realize he is also her best friend Bridget’s little brother, Felix.
Felix and Lucy agree that this can never happen again because this was her best friend’s first rule: “Do not fall in love with my brother”. When Bridget disappears one week before her wedding, Lucy follows her back to PEI to try and help her friend and determine what made her flee from a man she loves. She might just have to deal with her won feelings as well.
Why Jackie loves it
Not only is this a wonderful romance novel, but the setting of Prince Edward Island has so many nods to Anne of Green Gables that my heart did a little song throughout the book. All the stars to this gem. #gifted
Find this book in: Best New Romance Books of 2024 / Best Beach Reads 2024 / Carley Fortune Books
Summer After Summer by Lauren Bailey
Genre: Fiction
Plot: Will the fifth time be a charm in this Second Chance romance? Olivia and Wes’s marriage is over when she returns to her family home in the Hamptons. She is there to help her father and sisters pack up the family estate and sell it to bail them out of financial problems. The only thing that gives her butterflies is the thought of seeing her ex and the love of her life Fred. We cannot wait to read this pick from the May 2024 book releases.
Ultimate List of Romances
If you love all things romance, then this is the list for you! This is carefully divided by sub-genres like second-chance romance books, romcoms, and more.
May 2024: Best Non-Fiction Book Releases
You Never Know: A Memoir by Tom Selleck
Genre: Memoir
Plot: This memoir from the spring 2024 book releases is from a beloved actor who talks about his years in Hollywood and how he balanced his professional and personal lives. Selleck talks about his childhood, his career, his A-list friends, and family.
Best YA May 2024 Book Releases
The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy
Genre: Romance
Plot: This pick from the May 2024 book releases is the second book in the Campus Diaries series which is set in the same world as Briar U. We cannot wait to read it.
We LOVE to support independent bookstores. You can shop our entire list of New books for May 2024 on bookshop.org
The Best New Release Books You Must Read in 2024
Are you looking for all the new book releases for 2024? We have them all in one place.
I am so excited about the Tom Selleck memoir