It’s getting to be that time of year, beloved patrons, when reviewing outlets, newspapers, websites, and, yes, Libraries, release their definitive “Best of 2017” Lists. This week, it is was Kirkus Reviews’ selections for the best fiction of the year. Kirkus Reviews does not skimp when it comes to their best of lists, and they space out the release of their “best of” books–first, because there are So Many Good Books out there, and second, I’m sure, to give us all a chance to put them on hold at the library, or go pick them up. Here is the schedule of the day the rest of their “Best Of” lists will be released:
Fiction: November 11
Picture Books: November 20
Middle Grade: November 27
Teen: December 4
Nonfiction: December 11
Indie: December 18
Kirkus Reviews breaks down their fiction lists into genres, providing not only the more conventional categories (mystery, sci-fi, etc.), but also a few that are delightfully unexpected (fiction with a twist of magic, Best Fictional Families of 2017…). As a result, there is certainly something here for any fiction lover, and for those looking to branch out and find something completely new to read over the holiday season and into the New Year!
So here, without further ado, are some of the highlights Kirkus Reviews best fiction books of 2017, with links to the Library Catalog to help you get those books as quickly as possible! You can find the full selection of titles and reviews at Kirkus Reviews website.
Best Mystery & Thriller:
MAGPIE MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz
THE SMACK by Richard Lange
SAY NOTHING by Brad Parks
EXPOSED by Lisa Scottoline
THE FIFTH ELEMENT by Jorgen Brekke ; translated by Steven T. Murray
KEEP HER SAFE by Sophie Hannah
THE LATE SHOW by Michael Connelly
A CAST OF VULTURES by Judith Flanders
MURDER IN SAINT-GERMAIN by Cara Black
DEFECTORS by Joseph Kanon
HOUSE OF SPIES by Daniel Silva
BLUEBIRD, BLUEBIRD by Attica Locke
FIERCE KINGDOM by Gin Phillips
LIES SHE TOLD by Cate Holahan
Best Science Fiction & Fantasy:
THE STONE SKY by N.K. Jemisin
THE STONE IN THE SKULL by Elizabeth Bear
THE REMNANT by Charlie Fletcher
RECLUCE TALES by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
THE STARS ARE LEGION by Kameron Hurley
THE SONG OF THE ORPHANS by Daniel Price
AUTONOMOUS by Annalee Newitz
A CONJURING OF LIGHT by V.E. Schwab
NOUMENON by Marina J. Lostetter
WALKAWAY by Cory Doctorow
THE CLOCKWORK DYNASTY by Daniel H. Wilson
Best Romance Novel:
THE DAY OF THE DUCHESS by Sarah MacLean
THE UNDATEABLE by Sarah Title
DUKE WITH BENEFITS by Manda Collins
AN EXTRAORDINARY UNION by Alyssa Cole
BREATH OF FIRE by Amanda Bouchet
ROGUE MAGIC by Kit Brisby
HATE TO WANT YOU by Alisha Rai
DIRTY DANCING AT DEVIL’S LEAP by Julie Anne Long
Best Debut Novel:
MY ABSOLUTE DARLING by Gabriel Tallent
THE RESURRECTION OF JOAN ASHBY by Cherise Wolas
TEMPORARY PEOPLE by Deepak Unnikrishnan
LIVE FROM CAIRO by Ian Bassingthwaighte
THE FLOATING WORLD by C. Morgan Babst
STANDARD DEVIATION by Katherine Heiny
MARLENA by Julie Buntin
EVERYTHING BELONGS TO US by Yoojin Grace Wuertz
WHAT WE LOSE by Zinzi Clemmons
RABBIT CAKE by Annie Hartnett
THE TALENTED RIBKINS by Ladee Hubbard
GOLDEN HILL by Francis Spufford
Best Fiction with a Twist of Magic:
LITTLE SISTER by Barbara Gowdy
THE POWER by Naomi Alderman
MRS. CALIBAN by Rachel Ingalls
THE CHANGELING by Victor LaValle
AFTER THE FLARE by Deji Bryce Olukotun
THE TALENTED RIBKINS by Ladee Hubbard
EXIT WEST by Mohsin Hamid