I know for me, I have had May 2020 written down on my calendar for months. One specific date which is May 19th, 2020 as that is when the latest book in the Hunger Games series comes out.
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins will be released then and this prequel to the Hunger Games Trilogy should be good. I’m excited that it took Suzanne so long to write it – means she must have fresh ideas as opposed to milking a cash cow.
We’ve also got the latest book in the Women’s Murder Club series, some great books in the historical romance genre, and some interesting new ones in horror.
By genre, here is a list in my opinion of some of the best books being released in May 2020:
Best Upcoming Cozy Mystery Books: May 2020
A Murderous Misconception by Lorraine Bartlett - Buy at Amazon: The seventh book in the very popular Victoria Square Mystery series. Some good mystery here as Katies boyfriends assistant manager turns out to be pregnant. She ends up dead, with Katie and Andy the main suspects. Then it turns out that Erikka wasn’t pregnant after all.
The Girl with the Kitten Tattoo - Buy at Amazon: This is the 5th book in the Cat Lady Mystery series. Love the play on the series by Stieg Larsson and can’t wait to read this one.
Marshmallow Malice by Amanda Flower - Buy at Amazon: I’m not personally a big fan of the whole Amish genre but Amanda Flower is an excellent author and I read these. Love her Magical Bookshop mystery series.
The Secret of Bones by Kylie Logan - Buy at Amazon: This is the second book in the Jazz Ramsey series. I really enojoyed The Scent of Murder as it went a more serious route and I hope it stays that way.
Furmidable Foes by Rita Mae Brown - Buy at Amazon: What is this the 29th book in the Mrs. Murphy Mystery series? Incredible accomplishment. There’s a killer on the loose who has a knowledge of poisonous plants and along with her cats, Mrs Murphy is on the case.
Best Upcoming Fantasy/Sci-Fi Books: May 2020
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins - Buy at Amazon: No surprise that this one is first on my list. It’s the 4th book in the Hunger Games series, and it is a prequel as it takes place for the 10th annual Hunger Games. Hunger Games is one of my favourite series. I actually have Roos whistle as my notification sound on my phone and I cannot wait for this one!
Hope Island by Tim Major - Buy at Amazon: I’m excited for this one. I’ve only read the one book by Tim which was Snakeskins and thought it was solid and he had a lot of good concepts. This one takes place on a remote island with silent island children trying to lure a womens daughter away. Sounds good.
Revelations by Nigel Foster - Buy at Amazon: The conclusion to the Netherspace trilogy. If you’re a fan of space opera this is a solid series.
The Eleventh Gate by Nancy Kress - Buy at Amazon: I’ll be honest I haven’t read too many books by Nancy, but I loved Beggars in Spain which was a Hugo and Nebula award winner. I’ll add this to my reading list.
Ballistic by Marko Kloos - Buy at Amazon: The second book in the Palladium Wars series of books. I generally enjoyed Aftershocks. I had a few issues with it but I felt it was more setting the stage for what is going to be a very long series. This book will be the deciding factor in regards to whether I continue to read this series or not I expect.
Best Upcoming Horror Books: May 2020
The Anthill by Julianne Pachico - Buy at Amazon: I’ve heard this one is a good mix of social horror and satire. Strange happenings are taking place. I haven’t read anything by Julianne yet (I believe they only have the one book in English) but looking forward to checking this one out.
The House on the Hill by Irina Shapiro - Buy at Amazon: I’ll read any book that features a creepy ass house on a hill! Laurens husband died and she leaves Boston to go stay in this house on the hill and finds out she’s not alone – she has a ghostly roommate.
Seven Sins of Snow by Loxley Savage - Buy at Amazon: This one hooked me by the cover which I listed above. It’s a combination dark / vampire / romance sort of book. Not sure how many horror elements there will be in it but the book cover creeped me out enough.
Bone Harvest by James Brogden - Buy at Amazon: Just the name alone has me interested. It’s the story of an ancient cult who set out to wreak havoc on todays world. Shadowy figures prowling out at night etc. This is one I’ll be reading in the daylight.
Out of Body by Jeffrey Ford - Buy at Amazon: A librarian in a small town who suffers from sleep paralysis witnesses a murder and then it turns his paralysis into something weirder – driven out of his own body. He also discovers a serial killer who is capable of traveling with him as he dreams. This is one of those books that seem to be aiming to achieve quite a lot at once. Whether it will do that or not I am not sure but I am going to give it a try anyway.
Best Upcoming Mystery/Thriller Books: May 2020
The Guest List by Lucy Foley - Buy at Amazon: A standalone thriller that I’ve had my eye on for awhile – typical Agatha Christie style. I enjoyed The Hunting Party and looking forward to this one where there is a wedding celebration on an island, phone service is spotty, and of course dead bodies start turning up! Always love this sort of location and book.
A Private Cathedral by James Lee Burke - Buy at Amazon: Detective Robicheaux has to go head to head with a time-traveling superhuman assassin. Sign me up!
The Burning Men by Will Shindler - Buy at Amazon: A lot of buzz to this book as Will Shindlers debut book. It’s the first book in a new series which will be I believe the DI Alex Finn and DC Mattie Paulsen series. Firemen are unable to save a man in a burning building and come out without the body. They all quit the service after this then they start being killed off one by one. Sounds great.
Hideaway by Nora Roberts - Buy at Amazon: Just the name of the book has me excited. This is more romantic suspense but I have no problem with that. Love Nora!!!
The 20th Victim by James Patterson - Buy at Amazon: This will be the 20th book in the Women’s Murder Club series. Maxine Paetro seems to have more influence and I think that’s a good thing. The Women’s Murder Club books aren’t at the top of my reading list anymore but they’re nice and easy books to read.
Best Upcoming Romance Books: May 2020
Wylde by Sawyer Bennett - Buy at Amazon: This is the 7th novel in the Arizona Vengeance series. This has been an excellent series so far and looking forward to this one.
Every Little Piece of Me by Lexi Ryan - Buy at Amazon: What I believe is a new book series – the Orchid Valley book series. I read the prequel – Every Little Promise – and excited for this one.
When You Wish Upon a Rogue by Anna Bennett - Buy at Amazon: The third book in the Debutante Diaries series. This historical romance series is excellent and I can’t wait to see what Anna brings to the table.
The Highlander's English Bride by Vanessa Kelly - Buy at Amazon: The third book in the Clan Kendrick series. The story of Lady Sabrina Bell and Graeme Kelly, who does dangerous missions for the King’s spymaster. Can’t wait!!!
The Fiery Crown by Jeffe Kennedy - Buy at Amazon: I was a bit disappointed with the first book in this series, The Orchid Throne, however there was some great aspects to it as well such as the fantasy and magic and I am looking forward to more. I always enjoy a nice combination of fantasy and magic.
Well that’s it for my book list of upcoming books. I think May is a bit light on new books to be honest but that’s okay. Also gives me time to go through my backlog.
I’m sure I have missed out on MANY books. What about you? What books are you looking forward to that are coming out in May? Leave your answers in the comments below.
