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25 Must-Read Books Set in New England (2024)

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I’ve always been a reader, a lover of books. When I visit someplace new, I like to seek out books about that area or–better yet—set in the region or city. For me, nothing brings a place more to life than such a book. Most of the time, the books I read about a place are fiction, although occasionally a story-drive nonfiction will also do. It’s all about the atmosphere.

If you’re planning a trip to  New England , or if you’d just like to travel there through the power of books, I’ve got you. This list of 25 books set in New England will transport you. The selections range from dark mysteries and nature-driven poetry to seafaring voyages and modern dramas. I’ve read the vast majority of the New England books on this list, and I promise, they are great. 

Ready to add to your to-be-read list? Get your pen ready.

PS don’t miss this list of  must-visit bookstores in New England , either!

Table of Contents

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Nothing says “New England” to me better than this book, one of my personal favorites. This dark tale set on the campus of a fictional New England college follows Richard, an outsider from California who becomes part of an elite group of classics students.

Eventually, they cross borders of morality and descend into what can only rightly be described as evil.

This book will take you into a cold Vermont night and quickly draw you right in.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

This classic novel of four sisters is one of the iconic New England novels. Written by Louisa May Alcott, this is an essential read for books set in Massachusetts. Follow the March sisters as they grow and change during the 1860s.

History and literature buffs will want to visit Concord, MA, and see Orchard House, Alcott’s childhood home and the setting on which  Little Women was based.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

This play reenacts the events of the infamous Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s, using accurate characters, but taking license with the action. Despite the lack of perfect historical accuracy, this is an awesome piece of drama. I think it is essential reading for those visiting Salem.

Written in the 1950s, the play is said to be a commentary on the “witch hunts” of the McCarthy era. The parallels certainly are fascinating.

Empire Falls by Richard Russo

This 2011 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in a small mill town in Maine. Focusing on Miles Roby, who has worked in a neighborhood restaurant for more than 2 decades, the novel is filled with heart, humor, and certainly those New England vibes. Expect tales of a blue-collar town and its residents.

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

I can’t say enough good things about this book. It’s one of my personal favorites of all time.

Owen Meany is a small, squeaky-voiced boy who has been sent to earth with a special purpose. Or at least, that’s what he believes.

Set in mid-century New Hampshire, the book tells Owen’s story from the perspective of his best friend. This book will make you laugh, cry, and definitely question your faith in a higher power.

Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

This 1911 book is just 99 pages long, but it packs a lot into a slim volume. According to Goodreads, this is “the classic novel of despair, forbidden emotions, and sexual undercurrents set against the austere New England countryside.”

Edith Wharton is another major New England writer who set much of her work in the region. You can visit her house, The Mount, in Lenox, MA.

Mystic River By Dennis Lehane

This highly-rated crime novel is definitely on my list of books to read. If you’re searching for thriller books set in Boston, you should definitely check out  Mystic River .

The story begins in 1970s Boston, when three young boys are set upon by child molesters who are posing as cops. 25 years later, the three boys, now men, find their lives intersecting once again in the wake of a brutal crime.

The Scarlet Letter By Nathaniel Hawthorne

If you didn’t catch this novel in high school, now’s a great time to read it. The Scarlet Letter is SO New England, not just because it was written by homeboy Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Mostly, it’s because of the intense Puritan atmosphere of the tale, which highlights the impact one single passionate act has on the lives of three colonists: the outcast Hester Prynne, the tortured Reverend Dimmesdale, and the obsessed, vengeful Chillingworth.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles

A Separate Peace is set at a boys boarding school in New Hampshire during the early years of World War II. Following the relationship between two boys who are both best friends and very different in personality, this coming-of-age story explores some of humanity’s dark side.

I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb

Seeking out books set in Connecticut? This complex novel, published in the 1990s, is a bestseller.

Telling the story of identical twins Dominick and Thomas Birdsey, from Dominick’s perspective. Thomas is a schizophrenic that Dominick largely cares and advocates for.

Over the course of roughly 900 pages, this novel carries readers through a vast realm of themes, including mental health, forgiveness, family dynamics, and what it means to be a twin.

A Stranger in the Kingdom: A Novel by Howard Frank Mosher

Author Howard Frank Mosher has earned significant critical acclaim for his works, many of which are set in fictional Kingdom County, Vermont. 

A Stranger in the Kingdom  focuses on a brutal murder that takes place in a small Vermont town in the 1950s. Suspicion falls upon the town’s new Presbyterian minister, a black man. The ensuing tale of racism and murder in a small New England town will no doubt bring to mind the famous novel  To Kill a Mockingbird.

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

Mark Twain is another New England author whose home you can visit (in Hartford, Connecticut). During the 17 years he lived in CT, Twain wrote many of his classic novels.

For that New England flavor, consider picking up this one:  A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court . This funny, satirical novel follows a Yankee mechanic is knocked out during a brawl, and wakes to find himself in Camelot, A.D. 528, in King Arthur’s Court. Hilarity ensues.

Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter

The name Pollyanna has grown synonymous with optimism and joy. Well, that idea originated here in the novel  Pollyanna .

Following the death of her father, Pollyanna Whittier goes to Vermont to live with her curmudgeon of an Aunt. Her commitment to being joyful, using her cheerful “glad game,” earns her the love and attention of the townsfolk she meets. When a terrible injury befalls her, the townsfolk work to help Pollyanna continue to seek gladness in the face of adversity

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

After reading about the origin of the  Moby Dick  story, pick up the classic novel. You can’t go wrong diving into this thick tome of seafaring adventure.

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman 

Gillian and Sally are two sisters from Massachusetts. For over 200 years, the women in their family have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their town, which has made the girls outsiders.

All Gillian and Sally ever wanted to do was to escape, but it seems that the bonds they share will bring them back, almost by magic…

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian

What happens when an accomplished midwife makes a snap decision that may have cost a mother her life? This drama follows Sibyl Danforth, an accomplished Vermont midwife, and what happens when she performs an emergency C-section to save a newborn. You’ll definitely be left guessing ’til the end.

The Poetry of Robert Frost: The Collected Poems, Complete and Unabridged

You can’t talk about books of New England without paying homage to Robert Frost. Although he is a poet and not a novelist, Frost is one of the most famous writers to ever emerge from New England.

You likely know him from his popular poem, “The Road Not Taken,” but he is the creative genius behind hundreds of poems, many of which bring the nature, beauty, and community of New England into stark life.

This collection of his poems is the perfect companion for a snowy evening and a cup of tea.

‘Salem’s Lot by Stephen King

Ah, yes. Mr. King. The horror writer known world-wide for his bestselling novels like  The Shining, Carrie,  and  The Stand . With the vast majority of his novels set in Maine or other parts of New England, one could almost include any Stephen King work on this list of books set in New England.

But ‘Salem’s Lot is one of my favorites; one that I think is one of King’s most iconic, and most atmospheric. And it’s very, very creepy.

Other notable King books set in Maine and New England:  It, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon,  and  Pet Sematary .

Walden by Henry David Thoreau

Walden , Thoreau’s account of his time living alone in a secluded cabin at Walden Pond, was first published in 1854 and has become one of the most iconic books in American literature.

Read this for beautiful quotes on humanity, solitude, and the importance of nature to our lives.

The Stars Are Fire by Anita Shreve

Set in Maine in 1947, this story follows Grace, a wife and mother. When fires ravage her coastal New England town, she finds her life irrevocably changed. Discoveries of freedom, loss, and love round out this book.

The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri

With her debut collection of short stories, author Jhumpa Lahiri won a Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, among numerous other awards.

The Namesake  takes the same and similar themes even further: “the immigrant experience, the clash of cultures, the conflicts of assimilation, and, most poignantly, the tangled ties between generations.”

Following an Indian family who settles in Cambridge, MA and their sun Gogol, a first-generation American, this is one of the newer books set in Massachusetts on this list.

Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

Centered around retired schoolteacher Olive Kitteridge, the stories in this Pulitzer Prize-winning book bring Maine vividly to life. (One Goodreads reviewer even said he “breathed in the saltiness of the Maine coast, practically.”

As the small town Maine residents around her struggle with problems large and small, Olive is brought to a more profound understanding of herself and of her own life.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth Goerge Speare

This young adult historical fiction is set in an early Puritan settlement, Connecticut Colony. Kit, an orphan who has come here from the Caribbean to live with relatives, finds friendship with an old Quaker woman who is known as “the Witch of Blackbird Pond.” Will this friendship spark suspicion and fear (and even accusation) among the local Puritans?

I read this Newbury Award-winner back in middle school, but the plot sounds intriguing to me, so I may give it a second read.

The Perfect Storm: A True Story of Men Against the Sea by Sebastian Junger

Finally, one last great piece of nonfiction set in New England. If you’ve ever seen the film  The Perfect Storm , wait til you read the book. A captivating portrayal of a coastal tragedy, this book delves into the stories of each of the men who were lost at sea onboard a lobster boat in the 1990s. You’ll also hear how the events devastated the town of Gloucester, MA. This is an amazing book that is both hard to read and incredibly rewarding.

Books that are set in New England often offer that atmospheric moodiness that so perfectly encapsulates many of my favorite places in the region, and by reading one of these books set in New England, it’s like we get a little taste of that, too.

While this isn’t a completely comprehensive list of books set in New England, these are some of the absolute must reads to get you in that New England mood!

You might also like:

• 10 Literary Sites in Boston All Book-Lovers Should Visit
• 50 Quotes about New England: Inspiring Words + Captions
• 13 Haunted Hotels in New England To Stay in If You Dare
• 10 Best Bookstores in Massachusetts

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New England's Best Trips

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Inside Lonely Planet’s New England’s Best Trips :

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Welcome to Visit New England!

Home of gorgeous beaches and mountains, colonial history, foods and family fun.

What can you expect from a visit to the New England states of Maine , Vermont , New Hampshire , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , and Connecticut ? For starters, everyone’s seen images of the region’s natural beauty: the craggy coastline of Maine, the blazing fall foliage of Vermont, the mountain peaks of New Hampshire. Moving toward the middle and southern states: the dune grasses and beaches of Cape Cod and heroes of the American Revolution in Massachusetts, the Colonial streets and Newport, RI mansions of Rhode Island, and the classic town greens and steepled churches of Connecticut.

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Beaches of New England

Everyone who loves New England and water fun has a favorite beach . Among the most well-known are the sandy sweeps and bending dune grasses of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. At the opposite end of image and mood (but without sand), are the swimming holes of the old Vermont marble quarries and the tumbling waters of rock strewn mountain streams. Those images only touch of the variety of salt-water and fresh-water swimming places in New England.

Take a Rest

Even the most energetic vacationers need to kick back at the end of the day. Lodgings across New England serve every taste. How would you like to drift into sleep to the lapping of ocean waves from a beach or oceanside resort ? Awaken to the hoot of loons in a mountain resort ? Sip a leisurely cup of coffee at a boutique hotel or bed-and-breakfast inn in a historic neighborhood in charming Portland ME, Burlington VT, Boston MA, Portsmouth NH, Providence RI , or New Haven CT ? Family friendly and pet-friendly lodgings welcome kids and dogs, too.

Romance & Luxury

Start your romantic getaway plans with a walk along a windy beach dune or a sunset cruise on a mountain lake. Move on to a candlelit dinner in a 300-year-old converted stagecoach inn. Romance can go with dazzle, too, like at high-rise luxury hotels in places like Portland ME, Boston MA , and Providence RI , some with rooftop restaurants or pools. In winter, farmers offer horse-drawn carriage rides (or even snowmobile or dog sled rides for the hearty). Romantic dining, from a café in some city’s Little Italy to a restaurant alongside a sweet village green, is everywhere.

Children’s fun is everywhere . Would your children love to ski or snowboard? Poke through granite caves alongside a churning ravine? Ride river rapids or take a zip line dive down a mountain? Play and swim at a sandy ocean beach or a mountain lake? Take a cruise off the Maine coast on a classic windjammer? Maybe visit the olden times at a living history museum like Old Sturbridge Village or Mystic Seaport ? Indoors, children’s museums and science museums are found almost everywhere, two of the best aquariums anywhere are in Connecticut and Massachusetts .

New England’s traditional foods range from Maine lobsters and blueberries to Boston baked beans and Vermont cheese and maple syrup. In this region book-ended by the Atlantic Ocean, Long Island Sound , and Vermont’s Lake Champlain , nearly every eatery serves a fine platter of seafood. Do you love friendly, down-home diners? New England has them.

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

People have their favorite New England seasons, but it can be hard to choose the single best. The sugar maples of the New England mountains burst into brilliant color in fall , with Columbus Day as the usual epicenter of the show. All through the season, smart travelers plan a self-guided foliage drive. Winter brings snow sports of all kinds to the mountain regions, where the ski areas rank up with the best ski spots across the nation. Summer is a time for beaches – from the sandy stretches of Cape Cod to the fresh waters of tree-lined inland lakes and swimming holes.

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Cruising: small vessels, big scenery.

New England is loved for its waterways, most famously for its waterfront along the Atlantic Ocean, but also the historic Lake Champlain , the mountain-ringed lakes of New Hampshire , the fly-fishing and rafting resource of the Housatonic River , and the many beautiful bays. Maine’s famous windjammers offer cruises, as do boat pilots on Lake Winnipesaukee . Many cruises offer specialty events like sunset views or wine tasting, or a chance to watch lobstermen pull in their catch. Essex, Connecticut , offers a combined land-and-water adventure on am antique train followed by a river paddleboat.

Museums and Shopping

She loves museums; he loves to shop. Let’s start with Boston, MA ’s fabulous arts, history, and science museums. Two favorites are the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum for art and a medieval courtyard and the USS Constitution Museum , with “Old Ironsides” docked nearby. Shopping is grand at Newbury Street and the famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace . It’s not fair, though, to focus on a single city. Art and history and science museums are plentiful and fascinating in Maine , Vermont , New Hampshire , Massachusetts , Rhode Island , and Connecticut .

Colonial and Revolutionary History

You can find stories of the creation of America almost everywhere, along with tales of the region’s seafaring history . Boston, MA has the Freedom Trail among stores, churches and houses where the Revolution of 1776 was planned. The Industrial Revolution was founded at Slater Mill in Rhode Island , when a Brit smuggled plans for a water-powered mill out of England. Living history museums include Plimoth Patuxet . The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor, ME , is one of several that tell the histories of Native peoples.

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Lonely Planet New England's Best Trips 5 (Road Trips Guide) Paperback – Folded Map, August 16, 2022

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Discover the freedom of the open road with Lonely Planet’s New England’s Best Trips. This trusted travel companion features 31 amazing road trips, from 2-day escapes to 2-week adventures. Explore the marvellous Cape Cod, climb the soaring mountains of Vermont and wind down the back roads of Maine. Get to New England, rent a car, and hit the road!

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The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet New England’s Best Trips is perfect for exploring New England via the road and discovering sights that are more accessible by car.

Planning a New England trip sans a car? Lonely Planet’s New England , our most comprehensive guide to New England, is perfect for exploring both top sights and lesser-known gems.

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Best weekend getaways in new england.

Known for its historical roots, rugged landscape, savory seafood and rich sports culture, New England is home to a variety of vacation destinations. But with so many picture-perfect towns spread from the coast to the mountains, it's hard to decide where to head for a weekend getaway. That's why U.S. News took into account sights, culture, food and more to determine the best weekend getaways in New England. Cast your vote below to help us decide next year's ranking. Considering a fall trip to New England? Read our top travel tips »

Newport, RI

Portland, me, martha's vineyard, acadia national park, kennebunkport, white mountains, block island, the berkshires, sugarloaf mountain.

Visitors heading to Newport, Rhode Island, will be treated to breathtaking coastal vistas, glamorous seaside homes and top-notch sailing. Soak up some sun at Easton's Beach, or enjoy the sound of crashing waves while strolling the scenic Cliff Walk. If you'd rather treat yourself during your trip, hit up Thames Street, a bustling strip with delicious eateries, small boutiques and historic Colonial structures. Don't forget to save time for a tour (or two) of Newport's elaborate mansions, including The Breakers and Marble House.

An ideal destination for foodies and culture hounds, Portland, Maine, is filled with award-winning restaurants, museums, breweries, art galleries, boutiques and more. Spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets of the historical Old Port, where boats line the harbor and seafood is aplenty. Or, venture southeast of the city to Cape Elizabeth to snap a picture of the iconic Portland Head Light – one of the most photographed lighthouses in America – and hike or picnic in Fort Williams Park.

A popular summertime island retreat for New Englanders and politicians alike, Martha's Vineyard appeals to all types of travelers. Fly or take the ferry from the mainland to explore the Massachusetts island's six towns and numerous beaches. Don't miss the colorful gingerbread cottages in Oak Bluffs, the fresh seafood in the village of Menemsha or the boutiques in Vineyard Haven. While the island's eastern side is walkable, it's best to take a bus or car to the dramatic Aquinnah Cliffs on the more rugged western side.

Many pass through Bar Harbor on their way to Acadia National Park , but this charming seaside town is definitely worth a stop. Located on Maine's Mount Desert Island, Bar Harbor is bursting with locally owned boutiques, fresh seafood restaurants and gorgeous coastal views. Walk the scenic Shore Path for views of Frenchman Bay and multimillion-dollar mansions, or take a ride on a lobster boat to learn about the craft firsthand. While the town is popular in summer, its smaller crowds and vibrant foliage in autumn make it equally appealing during the shoulder season.

For a quintessential New England getaway, head to this Massachusetts peninsula known for its laid-back vibe. Vacationers can bask in the sun somewhere along Cape Cod National Seashore's 40 miles of sand before digging into a plate of fried clams or retreating to a quaint bed-and-breakfast . When planning your visit, keep in mind that each Cape Cod town is a little different. You'll find upscale shops in Chatham, historical landmarks in Sandwich, sky-high sand dunes in Wellfleet and a thriving LGBTQ community in Provincetown. Cape Cod's ample restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and ocean views are enough to keep you busy for days.

In the mood for an adventure? This more than 47,000-acre national park in Maine, one of the state's top attractions , is perfect for hiking, biking and rock climbing, among other outdoor activities. Your top priority should be to hike 1,530-foot-tall Cadillac Mountain – it's the first spot in the country to catch a sunrise from October to March. If you're not a fan of hiking, rent a car and make the drive along the 27-mile Park Loop Road. You'll pass the dramatic edge of Otter Cliffs and the cave at Thunder Hole, as well as other wonders visible from the road's pull-off observation areas.

The largest city in New England is fairly compact and walkable – perfect for sightseeing in just a few days. History buffs can follow the Freedom Trail to learn about the American Revolution before stopping for a beer at the historic Bell in Hand Tavern. Foodies can get a taste of Italy in the North End or indulge in some fresh oysters and clam chowder in the Seaport District. Meanwhile, fashionistas can browse the many shops on Newbury Street, and souvenir hunters can visit Faneuil Hall Marketplace. No matter your interests, your trip to Boston would not be complete without visiting Fenway Park.

Despite its small size, Nantucket has no shortage of activities. Board a ferry from Cape Cod or fly into the island's airport to enjoy a unique Massachusetts vacation. Visit Cisco Brewers for private brewery, vineyard and distillery tours, or simply enjoy the food trucks and live music. While Nantucket is a walkable island, many visitors enjoy renting bikes or mopeds to explore the area, especially tiny Siasconset Village. You'll want to also save time for watching the sunset at Madaket Beach on the island's west coast.

It doesn't get more relaxing than Kennebunkport, Maine. You can lay on sandy beaches, stroll through quaint boutiques and sample local specialties like lobster rolls, oysters and blueberry pies. There are also plenty of unique ways to see the town, including on foot during a food tour, by boat while on a lobster boat tour and by trolley with Intown Trolley. Plus, you can stop along the way to take pictures of Walker's Point – the Bush family compound. Keep your eyes peeled for other famous faces, as Kennebunkport is a popular celebrity vacation destination.

Although Stowe's small-town charm and dramatic vistas make it a beautiful destination year-round, snow lovers won't want to miss this Vermont retreat in all its winter glory. Stowe is dubbed the "Ski Capital of the East," but this New England hideaway is also ideal for snowboarding, snowshoeing and dog sledding. If you'd rather visit during the warmer months, consider hiking the Stowe Recreation Path or driving the Auto Toll Road to the top of Mount Mansfield for unbeatable views of the Adirondack Mountains. Whichever season you prefer, fans of "The Sound of Music" can't miss a visit to Stowe's Trapp Family Lodge.

If historic walking tours, charming bistros and tax-free shopping describe your ideal New England weekend, book your ticket to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, today. Take a narrated boat tour of the Isles of Shoals, or spend the day exploring Market Square, the gem of downtown Portsmouth. For a breath of fresh air, sink your toes in the sand at nearby Wallis Sands State Beach or stroll through the gardens at Prescott Park. Time your visit for summer to attend the Prescott Park Arts Festival, which transforms this beautiful green space into a vibrant outdoor performance venue.

Whether you're looking for a quiet mountain hideaway or an activity-filled weekend, potential abounds in the White Mountains. Designated as a protected national forest, the White Mountains cover parts of New Hampshire and Maine. Take the scenic route along the Kancamagus Highway, and consider stopping at a campground along the way. If you're visiting in summer, hike, drive or take the Mount Washington Cog Railway to the summit of its namesake for spectacular views. In winter, shred powder on some of the best ski slopes in New England before curling up with a cup of hot cocoa at a bed-and-breakfast.

Walk any direction on Block Island and you'll end up at a free public beach. This oasis off the southern coast of Rhode Island features 17 miles of shoreline, as well as old-fashioned cottages and two historical lighthouses. Take in sweeping ocean views from Mohegan Bluffs, or look for animals at Block Island National Wildlife Refuge. If you want an adrenaline rush, try snorkeling in the island's crystal-clear waters, biking around its picturesque perimeter or hiking its Clayhead Trail. A quick ferry ride from the mainland will take you to Block Island, making it an easy weekend retreat.

The rolling mountains of the Berkshires attract everyone from artists to nature lovers to city dwellers looking for an escape. This region of western Massachusetts has long been a culture and history hub. Charming towns like Great Barrington and North Adams draw visitors with their quaint main streets and historic homes. The town of Lenox is home to the famous Tanglewood concert venue, while the town of Pittsfield boasts many theaters and art galleries. You'll find a variety of festivals to attend in summer, vivid foliage in fall and plenty of skiing in winter.

Situated in western Maine's Carrabassett Valley, Sugarloaf Mountain has a lot to offer travelers looking for an exciting weekend getaway in New England. In winter, enjoy a range of cold-weather activities – including cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing and more – at the mountain's namesake ski resort. In summer, take advantage of the warmer temperatures by mountain biking, zip lining or hiking sections of the famous Appalachian Trail.

About 20 miles northeast of Boston, this Massachusetts town is best known for the witch trials of the late 17th century, which you can learn all about on a historical walking tour. For an even bigger dose of local culture, visit in October when the town hosts Halloween-themed events all month long. You'd also be remiss to skip top sights like the Peabody Essex Museum and The House of the Seven Gables, the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1851 novel of the same name.

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8 New Books We Recommend This Week

Suggested reading from critics and editors at The New York Times.

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Our recommended books this week include three very different memoirs. In “Grief Is for People,” Sloane Crosley pays tribute to a lost friend and mentor; in “Replay,” the video-game designer Jordan Mechner presents a graphic family memoir of three generations; and in “What Have We Here?” the actor Billy Dee Williams looks back at his life in Hollywood and beyond.

Also up this week: a history of the shipping companies that helped Jewish refugees flee Europe before World War I and a humane portrait of people who ended up more or less alone at death, their bodies unclaimed in a Los Angeles morgue. In fiction we recommend a posthumous story collection by a writer who died on the cusp of success, along with a ripped-from-the-headlines thriller and a big supernatural novel from a writer previously celebrated for her short fiction. Happy reading. — Gregory Cowles

WHAT HAPPENED TO NINA? Dervla McTiernan

Despite its title, this disturbing, enthralling thriller is less concerned with what happened to 20-year-old Nina, who vanished while spending the weekend with her controlling boyfriend, than it is with how the couple’s parents — all broken, terrified and desperate in their own ways — respond to the exigencies of the moment.

“Almost painfully gripping. … The last scene will make your blood run cold.”

From Sarah Lyall’s thrillers column

Morrow | $27

THE UNCLAIMED: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angels Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans

The sociologists Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans spent some 10 years studying the phenomenon of the unclaimed dead in America — and, specifically, Los Angeles. What sounds like a grim undertaking has resulted in this moving project, in which they focus on not just the deaths but the lives of four people. The end result is sobering, certainly, but important, readable and deeply humane.

“A work of grace. … Both cleareyed and disturbing, yet pulsing with empathy.”

From Dan Barry’s review

Crown | $30

THE BOOK OF LOVE Kelly Link

Three teenagers are brought back from the dead in Link’s first novel, which is set in a coastal New England town full of secrets and supernatural entities. The magic-wielding band teacher who revived them gives the kids a series of tasks to stay alive, but powerful forces conspire to thwart them.

“It’s profoundly beautiful, provokes intense emotion, offers up what feel like rooted, incontrovertible truths.”

From Amal El-Mohtar’s review

Random House | $31

GRIEF IS FOR PEOPLE Sloane Crosley

Crosley is known for her humor, but her new memoir tackles grief. The book follows the author as she works to process the loss of her friend, mentor and former boss, Russell Perreault, who died by suicide.

“The book is less than 200 pages, but the weight of suicide as a subject, paired with Crosley’s exceptional ability to write juicy conversation, prevents it from being the kind of slim volume one flies through and forgets.”

From Ashley C. Ford’s review

MCDxFSG | $27

NEIGHBORS AND OTHER STORIES Diane Oliver

This deceptively powerful posthumous collection by a writer who died at 22 follows the everyday routines of Black families as they negotiate separate but equal Jim Crow strictures, only to discover uglier truths.

“Like finding hunks of gold bullion buried in your backyard. … Belatedly bids a full-throated hello.”

From Alexandra Jacobs’s review

Grove | $27

WHAT HAVE WE HERE? Portraits of a Life Billy Dee Williams

In this effortlessly charming memoir, the 86-year-old actor traces his path from a Harlem childhood to the “Star Wars” universe, while lamenting the roles that never came his way.

“He writes with clarity and intimacy, revealing the person behind the persona. And he doesn’t scrimp on the dirty details.”

From Maya S. Cade’s review

Knopf | $32

THE LAST SHIPS FROM HAMBURG: Business, Rivalry, and the Race to Save Russia’s Jews on the Eve of World War I Steven Ujifusa

Ujifusa’s history describes the early-20th-century shipping interests that made a profit helping millions of impoverished Jews flee violence in Eastern Europe for safe harbor in America before the U.S. Congress passed laws restricting immigration.

“Thoroughly researched and beautifully written. … Truth as old as the Republic itself.”

From David Nasaw’s review

Dutton | $35

REPLAY: Memoir of an Uprooted Family Jordan Mechner

The famed video-game designer (“Prince of Persia”) pivots to personal history in this ambitious but intimate graphic novel. In it, he elegantly interweaves themes of memory and exile with family lore from three generations: a grandfather who fought in World War I; a father who fled Nazi persecution; and his own path as a globe-trotting, game-creating polymath.

“The binding theme is statelessness — imposed by chance, antisemitism and personal ambition — but memoirs are about memory, and so it is also a book about the subtleties and biases of recollection.”

From Sam Thielman’s graphics column

First Second | $29.99

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You never know what’s going to go wrong in these graphic novels, where Circus tigers, giant spiders, shifting borders and motherhood all threaten to end life as we know it .

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