Best of 2024 Fiction: Staff Picks | Idea Exchange

A Novel

by Higdon, Christine

Book - 2023

A novel of the 1920s that feels almost too relevant to the 2020s. (Erica) A novel of the 1920s that feels almost too relevant to the 2020s. (Erica) Show less

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Trial of the Sun Queen

by Tuli, Nisha J.

Book - 2023

An exceptional fantasy romance from a huge new Canadian talent. I literally could not stop reading it! First of a four book series. Lor has endured twelve...Show more An exceptional fantasy romance from a huge new Canadian talent. I literally could not stop reading it! First of a four book series. Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King's rule. Her only desire is to get free and pay him back for every moment of misery she's endured. When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is wiped off the gameboard, permanently. Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. (Leah) Show less

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Le Fay

by Keetch, Sophie

Book - 2024

Along with the first book in the series, "Morgan is My Name" (2023), this spell-binding novel tells the story of Arthurian enchantress Morgan Le...Show more Along with the first book in the series, "Morgan is My Name" (2023), this spell-binding novel tells the story of Arthurian enchantress Morgan Le Fay from her own perspective. Rather than the villainous femme fatale of legend, Morgan is an unconventional and ambitious woman with a thirst for knowledge. When the powers-that-be punish her quest for independence by hurting those she loves, she vows vengeance against Camelot. Atmospheric, touching, romantic and full of vivid characters, this is a must-read if you love clever retellings of myth and legends such as 'Circe' or 'The Song of Achilles'. (Meghan) Show less

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Don't Want You Like A Best Friend

A Novel

by Alban, Emma R.

Book - 2024

A perfect, feel-good sapphic romance. Great characters, witty banter, and a dash of spice. (Erica) A perfect, feel-good sapphic romance. Great characters, witty banter, and a dash of spice. (Erica) Show less

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Witch of Wild Things

by Vasquez Gilliland, Raquel

Book - 2023

This splendid first-person narrative pushes us to explore our pasts, our traumas, and to wonder if self-love and appreciation for what makes us all unique...Show more This splendid first-person narrative pushes us to explore our pasts, our traumas, and to wonder if self-love and appreciation for what makes us all unique is the key to a happy ending. This author does a fantastic job of convincing the reader that ghosts, curses, and magic are everyday occurrences and that instead of being scared of these supernatural ideas, it is by embracing the things that are challenging that we will find growth and new beginnings. Filled to the brim with witty banter, a relatable inner monologue, and just the right amount of romantic spice, Witch of Wild Things will have you falling in love with yourself and the world around you, leaving you with a feeling of tremendous inner power, granted to you by your own inner witch. (Virginia GR) Show less

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Dune

by Herbert, Frank

Book - 2016

Maybe you've seen the new films and loved them. I know I did. Maybe you're hoping for a trilogy (like I am). So now might be the perfect time to enter int...Show more Maybe you've seen the new films and loved them. I know I did. Maybe you're hoping for a trilogy (like I am). So now might be the perfect time to enter into the original Dune universe with this science-fiction classic. Even stranger and grander than the film adaptation, Dune the novel gives you all the rich, detailed background to the futuristic culture of Paul Atreides, our present culture's newest favorite anti-hero. If you get hooked, make Princess of Dune (2023) your next read. This newest volume of the Dune saga takes place two years before the events of the original novel and explores the lives of two women who would become influential to Paul Atreides: Princess Irulan, his wife in name only, and Paul's true love, the Fremen Chani. (Brandon) Show less

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Murder Road

by St. James, Simone

Book - 2024

Simone St. James books always end up being at the top of my read list. She has an amazing ability to mix mystery and romance in a way that hits differentl...Show more Simone St. James books always end up being at the top of my read list. She has an amazing ability to mix mystery and romance in a way that hits differently. April and Eddie take a wrong turn, and get lost on the way to their honeymoon destination. They come across a woman on the side of the road who is severely injured, who passes away by the time they reach the small towns hospital. Which leads to them being blamed, but some digging shows that murders have been happening along this stretch of road for years and that a spirit of one of the possible victims can be seen wandering around at night. This book has great twists and characters, and is well worth the read! Show less

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You Shouldn't Be Here

A Novel

by Thoman, Lauren

Book - 2024

This fast-paced, present-day mystery, follows new middle school teacher, Madelyn, as she takes her first job in the town where her cousin disappeared thre...Show more This fast-paced, present-day mystery, follows new middle school teacher, Madelyn, as she takes her first job in the town where her cousin disappeared three years ago. As she tries to gather relevant information and clues into the disappearance, she discovers that there are many dirty secrets buried in this small town that all seem to trace back to a very powerful and untouchable town bully. We also meet a wholesome and attractive Spanish teacher with whom Madelyn develops a relationship and who introduces a second disappearance that dates back ten years. Are these disappearances connected or coincidence? And what are these strange sounds and occurrences going on in her rental? Is someone watching Madelyn, or could it actually be a ghost? (Crystal) Show less

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Bye, Baby

A Novel

by Lovering, Carola

Book - 2024

What happens when a friendship forged during traumatic adolescence faces a breaking point in adulthood? (Michelle F) What happens when a friendship forged during traumatic adolescence faces a breaking point in adulthood? (Michelle F) Show less

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A Sweet Sting of Salt

A Novel

by Sutherland, Rose

Book - 2024

A spinster midwife in 19th century Nova Scotia falls in love with a mysterious neighbour who may or may not be a selkie. (Jessica @ Preston) A spinster midwife in 19th century Nova Scotia falls in love with a mysterious neighbour who may or may not be a selkie. (Jessica @ Preston) Show less

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Lady Tan's Circle of Women

A Novel

by See, Lisa

Book - 2023

Inspired by the true story of a 15th-century woman doctor in China. Well-researched historical fiction with great characters. (Jessica @ Preston) Inspired by the true story of a 15th-century woman doctor in China. Well-researched historical fiction with great characters. (Jessica @ Preston) Show less

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The Cautious Traveller's Guide to the Wastelands

by Brooks, Sarah

Book - 2024

Eco-fantasy/horror set aboard the Trans-Siberian Express as it traverses the dangerous wasteland where Siberia used to be. I can't believe this is the author's debut novel! (Jessica @ Preston) Eco-fantasy/horror set aboard the Trans-Siberian Express as it traverses the dangerous wasteland where Siberia used to be. I can't believe this is the author's debut novel! (Jessica @ Preston) Show less

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The No-girlfriend Rule

by Randall, Christen

Book - 2024

When her boyfriend won't let her join his Dungeons & Dragons group, a teenage girl finds a group of her own ... and falls in love with one of the other players. Super cute coming-of-age story for nerds. (Jessica @ Preston) When her boyfriend won't let her join his Dungeons & Dragons group, a teenage girl finds a group of her own ... and falls in love with one of the other players. Super cute coming-of-age story for nerds. (Jessica @ Preston) Show less

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One Puzzling Afternoon

A Novel

by Critchley, Emily

Book - 2023

A thought-provoking mystery that also takes a poignant look at dementia and how it affects both a person and their family. This mystery unfolds in two tim...Show more A thought-provoking mystery that also takes a poignant look at dementia and how it affects both a person and their family. This mystery unfolds in two time periods, following our main character Edie Green. At present, Edie is 82 years old, but when she was fifteen, her friend Lucy disappeared. Now Edie is determined to find out what happened to her friend believing she knows the answer, if only she can remember it. As Edie’s dementia progresses, she finds herself reliving those moments with Lucy (which come across as “flashbacks” to the reader). Her dementia, and how it affects Edie’s son and granddaughter, are handled with care, and how both the mystery, and Edie’s personal struggles, are resolved, make for a satisfying read. (Jessica) Show less

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The Last Murder at the End of the World

by Turton, Stuart

Book - 2024

With a title like that, how can you not be interested? I loved this murder mystery set in a utopian-like world with the last remaining survivors on Earth....Show more With a title like that, how can you not be interested? I loved this murder mystery set in a utopian-like world with the last remaining survivors on Earth. To keep this society running, everyone has a purpose, everyone does what they are told, and no one questions the “Elders” that run their society. Except for Emory, who constantly asks questions. Questions like, why do the villagers have bruises when they wake up, or why do all the villagers die exactly at 60, while the Elders live way beyond that. When someone is murdered, setting in motion a chain of events that will lead to humanity’s extinction, Emory’s inquisitive nature is the only thing that will save them. A great murder mystery that tackles larger themes of technology, morality, and what humanity would be like at the end of the world. (Jessica) Show less

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Creation Lake

A Novel

by Kushner, Rachel

Book - 2024

Some writers "paint" a vivid world view. Kushner, instead, uses a near scalpel-like precision of personal insight to tell her story. Sadie Smith...Show more Some writers "paint" a vivid world view. Kushner, instead, uses a near scalpel-like precision of personal insight to tell her story. Sadie Smith is undercover in France, working for unknown interests concerned with a group of agricultural subversives. Noir-ish spy fiction that combines page turning interest with meta-fiction thoughtfulness. (Phil) Show less

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