Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez draws inspiration from the mysterious death of Cuban American artist Ana Mendieta in 1985. The novel follows art history student Raquel Toro, who investigates a similar tragedy involving award-winning artist Anita de Monte. Through Raquel’s summer internship with curator Belinda Kim, she delves into de Monte’s death and the complexities of the New York art world. Raquel’s personal life mirrors de Monte’s as she navigates deceit and manipulation in relationships while challenging Eurocentric beauty ideals and racial biases in the art industry.

You can get a copy of Anita de Monte Laughs Last by Xochitl Gonzalez on Amazon or Bookshop.

Clear by Carys Davies is set in 1847 Scotland, and we see John Fergusen break away from the Church of Scotland to join the Free Church, aiming for independence from landowners. Struggling financially, John takes a morally conflicting job to evict the island’s tenant. The story unfolds through Ivar, John, and Mary’s perspectives, revealing John’s perilous journey, unexpected friendship, and Mary’s rescue attempt.

You can get a copy of Clear by Carys Davies on Amazon or Bookshop.

In Worry by Alexandra Tanner, we see two sisters navigate anxiety and depression while sharing a Brooklyn apartment. We see Jules and Poppy’s strained relationship unfold against a backdrop of past closeness, present tension, and family drama. We see Poppy’s mental health journey take a positive turn as she settles in NYC, while Jules grapples with her own insecurities.

You can get a copy of Worry by Alexandra Tanner on Amazon or Bookshop.

In The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger, we see how a surprise inheritance takes a dark turn for New York City couple Rosie and Chad. After being left a valuable apartment, their joy is overshadowed by family drama and eerie occurrences happening in the building. Rosie’s investigation into the grim history of the property leads to unsettling discoveries as mysterious deaths unfold around her. As suspicions grow, secrets unravel, raising doubts about the true nature of those closest to her.

You can get a copy of The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger on Amazon or Bookshop.

In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander, we meet Sloane and Charlie. Despite their mutual attraction to each other, Sloane is still hung up on her ex, while Charlie just broke up with his girlfriend. But when Charlie invites Sloane on a trip to Turks and Caicos to make his ex jealous, Sloane initially declines but later agrees to escape competition with her ex for a job. As they spend time together, we see their relationship evolves over their beachy fake dating week.

You can get a copy of In a Not So Perfect World by Neely Tubati-Alexander on Amazon or Bookshop.

In A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke we meet Aubry Tourvel. Aubry along with her sisters Pauline and Sylvie, encounter a mysterious well in their childhood. Each sibling sacrifices something precious, but when it’s Aubry’s turn she doesn’t which ends up triggering a series of events leading to her unusual condition. To survive, she must keep moving, never staying in one place for more than three days. So the novel unfolds as Aubry shares her stories during her global travels, highlighting magical encounters and poignant moments. We and we see her form friendships, have romances, and find joy while discovering what it means to truly live.

You can get a copy of A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke on Amazon or Bookshop.