Library Reads November 2026
It’s that time of the year when we transition from spooky season into cozy autumn vibes. It’s the perfect time to grab a hot cup of tea, cocoa, or coffee and relax with a good book. Below are the top ten adult books chosen monthly by America’s library along with a blurb from one of the people who voted for that book.
Captive Traitor King
Brigid Kemmerer
(Avon)
Book 2 in the Braided Fate series finds Ky, Jory, and Asher in a high-stakes, fragile alliance where betrayal is lurking around every corner and dark secrets could tear them apart. Kemmerer delivers a sequel full of magic, royal intrigue, and love that will captivate her readers once again.
—Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: The Beast by Katee Robert
Take My Word for It: A Memoir
LeVar Burton, with Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts
(Random House)
Actor, library advocate, and Reading Rainbow star Burton reflects on his life in this searingly honest memoir. From growing up in the Civil Rights era, to dealing with fame, Burton always kept family, his identity, and storytelling at the heart of his journey, making this a fascinating and moving book.
—Mary McCullough, State Library of Kansas, KS
NoveList read-alike: Creating Reading Rainbow by Barbara Irwin
All the Little Secrets
May Cobb
(Sourcebooks Landmark)
This thriller should come with a “May Day!” disclaimer! Hurricane May Cobb lands in Longview again with some of the scandalous characters featured in her best-selling first in the series, All the Little Houses. After that book’s cliffhanger of an ending, this new one gives us even more sex, murder, and ambition, oh my!
—Carol Ann Tack, Merrick Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Sisterhood Above All by Kathleen Barber
Beneath a Midnight Moon
Catherine Cowles
(Bloom Books)
After a traumatic night years ago, Aster and Maverick meet again, and their rivalry reignites. When Aster is in danger of losing her family ranch, Maverick does the last thing she expects: proposes. With a fake engagement, a killer on the loose, and the past threatening their present, this book is an exciting return to Starlight Grove
—Kyler Epstein, Abington Community Library, PA
NoveList read-alike: Haven Brothers series by Claire Kingsley
The First Ladies' Guide to Murder
Amanda Flower
(Kensington)
Following her divorce, Nellie Grant, daughter of President Ulysses S. Grant, returns to Washington DC with her children. Whilst attending a dinner at the White House with her mother and the first lady, Frances Cleveland, a brooch disappears, and a mystery begins, which only the ladies can solve. An excellent story from a favorite author!
—JR Ring, Baltimore County Public Library, MD
NoveList read-alike: Marigold Manners mysteries by Elizabeth Hobbs
Defy the Dusk
Danielle L. Jensen
(Del Rey)
Lirien avoids using her magic to cause destruction and the forced breeding program. When taken prisoner by the people whose world she destroyed, she doesn’t expect to feel for them and their rebel cause. Forced to work with their leader, Vox, to clear tunnels full of rodent monsters, Lirien can't deny the attraction she feels. Book 1 of this new series gives off enemies-to-lovers vibes and solid world-building
—Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, Austin,TX
NoveList read-alike: Conform by Ariel Sullivan
Sunflower Season
Danica Nava
(Berkley)
Fed up with her intense tech job, June decides to leave the city behind and buy a run-down sunflower farm. Her first love, Noah, is still living in town as a local firefighter. As they start crossing paths again, old feelings quickly resurface alongside plenty of unresolved drama. A delightful second chance romance.
—Alene Moroni, Forbes Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Fall Into Place by Kristyn J. Miller
Milkteeth
Caitling Starling
(St. Martin's Press)
As a broodmother, Beatrice must raise and care for two young vampires when she decides to take in a third with ghoul-like tendencies. As Beatrice becomes overwhelmed and her own body mutates and craves the forbidden flesh, she seeks help from a mortal OB/GYN. This unique vampire horror read is gruesome, thought-provoking, and unputdownable
—Kristin Skinner, Flat River Community Library, MI
NoveList read-alike: Motherless Children trilogy by Glen Hirschberg
When They Find Me
Carter Wilson
(Poisoned Pen Press)
Annie and her daughter live in a remote Colorado town. Living off the grid, they have a safe room and an escape plan. Their quiet life is shattered when an old motor home pulls into their driveway, bringing a trio hellbent on revenge. This nonstop thriller is packed with powerhouse twists and surprising turns.
—Magan Szwarek, LibraryReads Ambassador, IL
NoveList read-alike: No Exit by Taylor Adams
Love, Like Apples
Jeff Zentner
(Grand Central)
A man recalls his part in creating an innovative 1970s puppet TV show. The novel is heartwarming as it explores love, friendship, and found family during the show’s growing pains from breaking boundaries. The story gives hope to those who work to change the world one small action at a time.
—Jennifir Huston, Boyden Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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As always, your local librarians at Commerce Twp Community Library are ready and able to assist you with requesting materials and helping connect you with the right book.
We’d like to wish everyone happy holiday’s as we edge closer to the end of the year. See you at the library, and happy reading.
