PEOPLE’s picks for the best books in June 2024

“Bear” by Julia Phillips

Since their youth, sisters Sam and Elena have talked about escaping their isolated lives on an island off the coast of Washington. But as they grow up and their mother’s health continues to deteriorate, the trio struggles to survive. When a bear starts sniffing around their house, Sam is terrified. But Elena becomes obsessed with it and seeks it out, which could harm her and her family. A fascinating story of hope, sisterhood and survival with a truly shocking twist at the end.

“Moral Injuries” by Christie Watson

Three women become best friends while studying medicine. But 25 years later, a tragic incident unearths bitter secrets from their past. As the story of betrayal and suspense unfolds, it offers a gripping insight into the medical mind – and its inescapable human emotions. – Robin Micheli

“How the Light Comes In” by Joyce Manard

This exciting sequel to Count the possibilities follows Eleanor as she navigates a new love and worries about her grown children. “Whatever these kids need now,” says a friend, “they’re probably not going to get it from you.” Parents all over the world can relate. — Kim Hubbard

“Little Red” by Akwaeke Emezi

Delve into the dark side of Nigerian high society in this sexy, suspenseful novel about a man who sees something he shouldn’t at an underground party, a woman he wants to rescue from a difficult situation, and a brutal threat to everyone’s lives. It’s the perfect steamy read for hot summer nights.

“Night Flyer” by Tiya Miles

Harriet Tubman is an American icon, but most of us know little about who she really was. To better understand her in context, read this inspiring, thoroughly researched account of her life.

“Magic Enuff” by Tara M. Stringfellow

From the author of Memphis It contains beautiful poems about love, anger, black womanhood, and how the human heart can hold contradictory truths. A beautiful, accessible collection of poetry, even for those who think they won’t like it.

“Sandwich” by Catherine Newman

This delightful book just screams sand between the pages. Rocky lives for her family’s annual trip to their run-down Cape Cod rental with her husband Nick, their nearly grown children, and their aging parents. But this year, one of her children has brought a partner, and a secret threatens to explode like one of Rocky’s menopausal mood swings. It’s a beautiful testament to how choices can reverberate for decades and into the delicate future.

“All the Colors of Darkness” by Chris Whitaker

In a small town in Missouri in 1975, 13-year-old Patch saves a local girl from an attacker, but then goes missing himself until his devoted friend Saint finds him. Their story spans 30 years and combines thrilling suspense with a powerful exploration of devotion, obsession and love. — Robin Micheli

“Same As It Ever Was” by Claire Lombardo

Julia Ames has a loving family and a home in the Chicago suburbs. When the reappearance of an old friend coincides with her son’s wedding, Julia’s life is thrown into disarray in this masterful novel from the author of The most fun we ever had.

“Lula Dean’s Little Library of Forbidden Books” by Kristen Miller

When the books Lula is fighting to ban appear in her little free library, it sets off a cascade of consequences in this slyly clever novel.

“God Bless You, Otis Spunkmeyer” by Joseph Earl Thomas

A black former EMT, paramedic, and graduate student tries to survive in Philly despite all the odds thrown at him. A lyrical treat that will stay with you.

“How to Age in Disgrace” by Clare Pooley

In this hilarious romp, seniors team up with day care residents (plus their caregivers and a dog) to save a community center. Hilarious shenanigans ensue.

“All friends are necessary” by Tomas Moniz

How do you rebuild your life while dealing with grief? When bisexual Efren “Chino” Flores loses his baby and his marriage, he leaves Seattle for San Francisco, drowning in grief and desperately trying to recover. With a little help from his friends and community, he slowly discovers all the good that is left for him, from books and music to new sexual adventures and joining a surprising family. Not only utterly irresistible, but also unforgettably profound. — Caroline Leavitt

‘Consent’ by Jill Ciment

In 1971, a 16-year-old art student fell in love with her teacher, who was about forty years old. He later left his wife for her and they married. Ciment documented their unusual marriage in her 1996 memoir. Half a lifebut today she sees things a little differently. Open, provocative and deeply captivating. — Marion Winik

“The Uptown Local” by Cory Leadbeater

This poignant debut follows aspiring novelist Cory Leadbeater, who thinks he’s escaped his life of no future by landing a job as Joan Didion’s assistant. But being close to literary greats doesn’t get him the job, and Didion can’t exorcise his demons; Cory has to do that himself. — Theo Munger

“The Switch” by Lily Samson

While house-sitting in an upscale neighborhood, Elena and Adam meet the mysterious Sophia and Finn, but their friendship takes a dark turn in this sexy, seductive thriller.

“Assassins Anonymous” by Rob Hart

In this surprising novel, Mark is a former killer who undergoes a 12-step program to stay clean, only to be attacked and forced to find out who the perpetrator was.

“Evocation” by ST Gibson

As David, a psychic prodigy who later becomes a lawyer, approaches 30, the devil wants to collect an old debt. In this wonderful series opener, his ex and rival is the only person David can turn to.

“Resurrection” by Danielle Steel

Darcy Gray seems to have it all – a successful career as an influencer, a loving husband and twin daughters starting their lives abroad. When her world is unexpectedly turned upside down after a trip to Rome, Darcy flies to Paris, where her new adventure involves an ageing movie star, a widowed engineer and the possibility of a fresh start. Another gripping portrait of the bestselling author.

“The Friday Afternoon Club” by Griffin Dunne

The son of journalist Dominick Dunne and nephew of writers John Gregory Dunne and Joan Didion, Griffin Dunne grew up surrounded by celebrities. Now the TV and film veteran looks back at the history and tragedy of his famous family, balancing heartbreak with humor in his insightful new memoir.

“Entrances and Exits” by Michael Richards

After a racist outburst in 2006 at the Laugh Factory His field The star returns to the public eye in his first memoir – and talks about his own struggles on the road to fame.

“Eruption” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

When Jurassic Park When author Michael Crichton died in 2008, he left behind an unfinished manuscript. After 15 years, his widow Sherri finally found the right person to finish it: bestselling author James Patterson. The book is set on the Big Island of Hawaii, where both a volcanic eruption and more human forces threaten disaster.

“When someone you admire dies, you think, ‘I want more of that,'” Patterson tells PEOPLE about why he got involved in the project. “In this case, I wanted to find out how the story ended, so it had to be written.”

“Soldier Sailor” by Claire Kilroy

The woman who narrates this poignant, gripping novel is doting on her young son and struggling to cope, too. “This isn’t postpartum depression,” she tells her husband, who has just bolted. “This is ‘this sucks’ depression. … I miss my old life like I’d miss a lover.” With the urgency of a thriller and the intimacy of an autobiography, the book explores a young mother’s fever dream – and the disproportionate burden of parenthood that can destroy a marriage. – Kim Hubbard

“There is no Ethan” by Anna Akbar

In 2011, sociologist Anna Akbari met the charismatic Ethan Schuman on OkCupid, but never seemed to meet in real life. When she connected with other women who had “met” Ethan online, a compelling story emerged of women using their combined power to expose a scammer. — Maria Pols

“Shelterwood” by Lisa Wingate

In 1909, eleven-year-old Ollie helps a Choctaw girl escape abuse in Oklahoma. Decades later, in 1990, a new park ranger named Valerie discovers a deadly secret. A gripping story about little-known history.

“Malas” by Marcela Fuentes

This brilliant debut moves like a movie. Pilar Aguirre’s family is cursed in 1951 and 40 years later, Lulu Muñoz forms a bond with a stranger that could change everything.

“The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye” by Briony Cameron

An exciting, daring story about the rise of a young shipbuilder from Santo Domingo to become the first female pirate captain in the Caribbean.