Best Adult Fiction Books of 2025Unpublished

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Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter have found new scenery to write in: Tiffin Academy, an exclusive college-prep/boarding school. Readers spend a year in the school, digging into student drama and teacher drama... Much like Hilderbrand's other books, it's a hefty read at over 500 pages. This shouldn't be a deterrent though - I loved settling in each evening with the story and knowing I could read for an hour and still have plenty more to go. With all the drama it was still very much a comfort read.

Katie (Children’s Librarian, Franklin Branch)

"Yes, it's super long.  Yes, it has a whole list of content warnings.  But it's definitely worth it to lose yourself in this story of war, alchemy and dark romance."

Lori (Circulation Manager, Trafalgar Branch)

"In this riveting dark fantasy debut, a woman with missing memories fights to survive a war-torn world of necromancy and alchemy".

Nicole (Library Assistant, Clark Pleasant Branch)

"If you like angst, alchemy, and great storytelling, you’ll find yourself instantly immersed in Helena’s world. You won’t even realize how long this book is! You can find the content warnings at the back of the book – please read with care."

Brittany (Children’s Services, Trafalgar Branch)

"A sweeping love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love."

Nicole (Library Assistant, Clark Pleasant Branch)

Narrator: Angela Dawe, audiobook version in hoopla

“Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime, Vero, have not always gotten along with Finlay’s elderly neighbor, Mrs. Haggerty, the community busybody and president of the neighborhood watch. But when a dead body is discovered in her backyard, Mrs. Haggerty needs their help. When the focus of the investigation widens to include Finlay’s ex-husband, Steven, though, Finlay and Vero are left with little choice but to get closer to Mrs. Haggerty and uncover her secrets . . . before the police start digging up theirs. But who will solve the mystery first?”--Goodreads

Tiffany (Collection Services Manager, Franklin Branch)

"The last in the Her Majesty's Royal Coven series. Will the witches be able to fight back the forces of evil?"

Megan (Adult Reference Librarian, White River Branch)

"Get in losers, we're going to hell.  Pick this up if you like all things dark academia."

Lori (Circulation Manager, Trafalgar Branch)

"Who knew pub quizzes could be so deadly? Told through emails, text messages, and quiz categories, you’ll be racing to the end to figure out just how far some will go to be a winner."

Brittany (Children’s Services, Trafalgar Branch)

"The book centers on a group of friends: Allie, Donna, Van, Gwen, Colin, and Arthur. Arthur’s mother is in prison and in danger, and the only way to keep her safe is a proverbial deal with the devil. The friends band together to find a solution to the problem but as we know, harm begets harm. Their solution is a dragon, who agrees to do their bidding. If you know anything about dragons, you know that you must be extremely careful when talking to them – they love to exploit a loophole."

Katie (Children’s Librarian, Franklin Branch)

“Misty Divine is a fabulous drag queen and amateur sleuth. When her beloved mentor and boss, Lady Lady, is found poisoned to death after a performance at her nightclub; Misty takes it upon herself to track down the killer. Filled with more than just laughs, this mystery has some good twists and some truly heartfelt moments. For fans of witty and diverse cozy mysteries.”

Erin (Adult and Teen Services Librarian, Clark Pleasant Branch)

"Fredrik Backman's "My Friends" explores friendship, grief, and art, with philosophical insights and a focus on the struggles of teenagers and adults."

Nicole (Library Assistant, Clark Pleasant Branch)

"Sarah is a Ph. D student at the end of her program; teaching students, wrestling with her advisor, and spending most of her time with her best friend, Nathan. When Nathan dies of an overdose, Sarah is convinced it was a homicide. The police don't take her seriously, so she begins her own investigation... I didn't think I would love the book, but Christine Murphy absolutely captured me, and I found myself staying up late to find out what happened next."

Katie (Children’s Librarian, Franklin Branch)

"Bonam-Young is an expert at mixing a comedic, steamy romance with touching, emotional themes of family, love and loss. This book is no different! Follow a small-town woman’s journey to spread her wings as it intertwines with the arrival of an adventurous newcomer who brings out the best in her."

Ollie (Circulation Assistant, Franklin Branch)

"Clio's mom was unique - after her divorce, she moved herself and her three daughters into an unassuming house that turned out to be haunted... or so she claimed. Clio and her sisters didn't believe her, their father didn't believe her, and they largely cut her out of their lives. After their mother's death, Clio decides to briefly move in to flip the house, which may actually be haunted... I love the deliciously intense dread the story builds, but I mostly love Clio. She’s rude and funny, and I love that this isn’t another book about a good, quiet girl."

Katie (Children’s Librarian, Franklin Branch)

“Reminiscent of House of Leaves with it’s ominous and mysterious vibe, Strange Houses had me immediately intrigued from the first page and guessing all the way until the final chapter.”

Elysia (Library Assistant, White River Branch)

"A great romance and fantasy combo with a touch of comedy."

Anna (Circulation Assistant, Franklin Branch)

Narrator: Eunice Wong, audiobook version in Libby "Ever since a man was found dead in Vera's teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn't be ungrateful, even if one is slightly...bored. After another body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can't seem to actually identify him. Vera is determined to solve his murder even if nobody knows who he is."

Tiffany (Collection Services Manager, Franklin Branch)

"When Winifred Notty accepts the position of governess to two children, the whole family is about to be served their just desserts at the holiday dinner. A darkly humorous and quirky holiday tale that is not for the faint of heart."

Elyssa (Adult Librarian, Trafalgar Branch)

"A alternately funny and poignant series of vignettes of the first full lunar cycle after the moon turns to cheese, showing its impact on astronauts, politicians, clergy, cheese shop employees, high school kids, and a billionaire who really wants to land on the cheese moon."

Andrea (Shelver, White River Branch)

"Sera Swan had been one of the most powerful witches in Britain, but a decision she made caused her to lose most of her magic. With the help of a talking fox, chicken made of bone (promise it’s cuter than it sounds), and a grumpy – yet handsome, magical historian help round out a very unique cast of characters. It’s a cozy story that packs an emotional punch."

Brittany (Children’s Services, Trafalgar Branch)

“A grotesque and haunting novel that is not so subtle in its messaging. This is a book about survival, identity, and feeling like your body is not your own.”

Elysia (Library Assistant, White River Branch)