Captivating Reads: Thrillers, Time Travel, and Empowerment (2024-2025)
Introduction
2024 and 2025 are shaping up to be exciting years for readers, with a mix of thrilling mysteries, time-travel adventures, and empowering memoirs. From the bestselling debut The Ministry of Time to highly anticipated titles like Loud, these books promise to keep you hooked. Whether you’re into sci-fi thrillers, historical fiction, or stories about self-discovery, there’s something for everyone in these upcoming and newly released titles.
1. The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a bestselling mystery novel and the first in an acclaimed series soon to be a major motion picture. Set in a tranquil retirement village, the story follows four quirky and clever septuagenarians who form a unique group to solve cold cases. When a local developer is discovered murdered with a cryptic photograph beside the body, this unlikely team finds themselves tackling a live investigation. Packed with twists, humor, and intrigue, the book is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, crime-solving thrillers, and engaging whodunits. Perfect for readers seeking a fun and suspenseful ride through the world of amateur sleuths.
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About the Author
Richard Osman
Richard Osman is an author, producer and television presenter. The Thursday Murder Club is his first novel. He is well known for TV shows including Pointless and Richard Osman’s House of Games. As the creative director of Endemol UK, Richard has worked as an executive producer on numerous shows including Deal Or No Deal and 8 Out of 10 Cats. He is also a regular on panel and game shows such as Have I Got News For You, Would I Lie To You and Taskmaster.
2. The Stolen Queen: A Novel
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis is an unforgettable historical fiction novel that seamlessly weaves the glamour of 1970s New York City with the mysteries of 1930s Egypt. Follow anthropology student Charlotte Cross as she embarks on a thrilling archaeological dig in the Valley of the Kings, and fashion-enthusiast Annie Jenkins, who finds herself caught in the intrigue surrounding a stolen Egyptian artifact during the iconic Met Gala. As an ancient curse resurfaces, the two women must unite to uncover the truth, facing danger, secrets, and their own pasts. Perfect for fans of art history, archaeology, and suspenseful adventures, this novel is a captivating journey through time, culture, and courage.
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About the Author
Flona Davis
FIONA DAVIS is the New York Times bestselling author of seven historical fiction novels set in iconic New York City buildings, including THE SPECTACULAR, THE MAGNOLIA PALACE, THE ADDRESS, and THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE, which was a Good Morning America book club pick. Her novels have been chosen as “One Book, One Community” reads and her articles have appeared in publications like The Wall Street Journal and the Oprah magazine. She first came to New York as an actress, but fell in love with writing after getting a master's degree at Columbia Journalism School. Her books have been translated into over twenty languages and she's based in New York City.
3. Lost Man's Lane: A Novel
Lost Man’s Lane by Scott Carson is a gripping psychological thriller that unveils the haunting secrets of a small town. When teenager Marshall Miller witnesses a young woman crying in the back seat of a police car driven by an officer named Maddox, he becomes the key to solving her mysterious disappearance. But there’s a catch—no officer named Maddox exists, except for a speeding ticket he issued to Marshall. As his credibility crumbles, Marshall uncovers dark family secrets and the ancient mysteries lurking in his town’s peaceful façade. Perfect for fans of chilling mysteries and coming-of-age tales, this novel cements Scott Carson as a master of “eerie, gripping storytelling” (Dean Koontz).
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About the Author
Scott Carson
Scott Carson is the pen name of Michael Koryta, a New York Times bestselling author whose work has been translated into more than twenty languages, adapted into major motion pictures, and won the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. A former private investigator and reporter, his writing has been praised by Stephen King, Michael Connelly, and Dean Koontz, among many others. Raised in Bloomington, Indiana, he now lives in Indiana and Maine.
4. Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve
Loud by Drew Afualo is the empowering debut book from the TikTok and Spotify star, hailed as the internet’s “Crusader for Women.” This memoir, manifesto, and self-help guide offers a powerful strategy for self-confidence and personal transformation. Afualo, known for her fearsome laugh and bold feminist philosophy, challenges patriarchal norms and presents a call to action for women and femmes to reclaim their narratives. With over nine million followers, Afualo has become a leader in dismantling sexist, fatphobic, and racist content online, using her platform to fight misogyny and inspire change. Loud is a roadmap to removing the harmful influence of men from the way women perceive themselves, creating a space for growth and empowerment.
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About the Author
Drew Afualo
Drew Tyson Afualo is an American influencer, podcaster, and author. She is known on TikTok for her videos responding to and roasting men with misogynistic and fatphobic viewpoints, often punctuated by her distinctive high-pitched laugh; she had over eight million followers on the platform as of March 2023
5. The Ministry of Time: A Novel
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley is a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Science Fiction. Praised by Barack Obama as one of his favorite books of summer 2024, it’s a time travel romance and spy thriller that blends wit, romance, and an exploration of power. Set in the near future, a civil servant works for a new government ministry that tests time travel by bringing historical figures to the present. Tasked with assisting Commander Graham Gore, an expat from the 1845 Franklin Expedition, their unlikely bond leads to a love story with unexpected consequences. With humor, heart, and a captivating premise, The Ministry of Time is an unforgettable journey into the nature of history, love, and destiny.
Book Details
About the Author
Kaliane Bradley
I'm a London-based writer and editor, with work featured in Catapult, Electric Literature, The Tangerine, and Extra Teeth. I won the 2022 Harper's Bazaar and V.S. Pritchett Short Story Prizes. The Ministry of Time is my debut novel, inspired by my interest in the 1845 Franklin Expedition and its officers, particularly Graham Gore. The book explores the challenges of living with a Victorian man in the 21st century, confronting British imperialism, climate change, and the legacy of the sexual revolution.
With so many exciting books to choose from, 2024 and 2025 offer a treasure trove of unforgettable stories. Whether you’re diving into the time-bending intrigue of The Ministry of Time or getting inspired by Loud, these books are sure to leave an impact. Don’t miss out—pre-order or grab your copy today and immerse yourself in these captivating reads.
