Recs if you like This Story Might Save Your Life: A Novel...

was curious, so did some research and found loads and loads!!! happy reading, folks!

Here's every book so far from BOTM's monthly shortlist since February 2015 for anyone who wants to read them all like I do!

This includes book that have either mystery or thrillers as a primary or secondary genre. If you have recommendations to add please comment and I'll happily add them 💕

Yes, we’re judging (and celebrating!) the most creative and interesting book covers released this year. Mostly featuring cool typography, stunning illustrations, and exciting colour palettes. Not limited by genre but sticking with young adult and adult books. (This is an anti AI cover list)

a collection of books im interested in which are releasing this year (2026). no particular order

All the 2026 BOTM monthly, add on, and Allurial titles

Be the trend setter of your book club or bookish friend group by getting to know the authors of next year’s publication cycle. These books are all by new talent in the publishing world from both the Big 5 and small, traditional publishers.

Be sure to also check out these authors on social media for ARC opportunities, and show these authors some love by requesting a purchase with your local library, or pre-ordering a copy yourself!

fiction that features podcasts and podcasters, whether they're following a crime, investigating a cold case, or something else entirely

Suspense & Thrillers

books with stunning artwork and cover designs that may or may not be the reason we pick them up🫣

Why read an ugly book when you can read a good looking?

These are fiction stories that feature a character with a disability, either visible or invisible. The focus is on books that may not be considered “disabled stories” but rather books that have their own story and plot and just so happen to have a disabled character. ✅ The Notebook: A romance that features a character with Alzheimer’s ❌ The Fault in our Stars: Plot focuses heavily on their struggle w cancer. Suggestions welcome 🤗

MUNA wrote the song it gets so hot. And these are books that feel like that song. Literally and metaphorically.

The sun or summer or heatwave is a character or an oppressive force. Or the city of LA is a character or an oppressive force or a key setting. Or a combo of both. Or it’s a book MUNA have recommended. Or it’s just a bit steamy 🥵

Thrillers & mysteries that will keep you guessing until the end

It takes a strong reader to admit that they liked a Colleen Hoover book- but if that book is Verity, and you read another CoHo book for more thriller romance, you might be realizing that's not usually her cup of tea. So read these books instead.

Books with beautiful covers entirely based on my own personal tastes lol 🫶🏻