Here are the 25 Indie Next List and 6 Now in Paperback picks on the January 2026 Indie Next List flier.
The January title list is also viewable as a collection on Edelweiss and on the Indie Next List page as an Excel file alongside PDFs for the month’s flier and shelf-talker templates. Learn more and visit Matchbook Marketing’s program page to sign up to send the free Indie Next List e-newsletter to customers.
Additionally, to mark the start of the new month, the December Indie Next List picks are available as a flier, along with past lists, on the Indie Next List page on BookWeb.org.
The 25 January Indie Next List Picks
#1 Pick: The First Time I Saw Him
By Laura Dave
(Scribner, 9781668002964, $29, Jan. 6, Thriller)
“What an incredible ride! The First Time I Saw Him is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. This is an exciting, action-packed novel that kept me on the edge of my seat rooting for Hannah the entire way.”
—Kathy Morrison, Newtown Bookshop, Newtown, PA
Skylark: A Novel
By Paula McLain
(Atria Books, 9781668028155, $30, Jan. 6, Fiction)
“Artfully blending two narratives separated by almost 300 years, McLain powerfully portrays societies that willfully oppress weaker members, and people with an indomitable will to achieve freedom.”
—Bill Cusumano, Square Books, Oxford, MS
Is This a Cry for Help?: A Novel
By Emily Austin
(Atria Books, 9781668200230, $28, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“How will Darcy — a public librarian — manage to reckon with her own personal woes when access to the written word hangs precariously in the balance? A wonderful, hopeful fiction for our trying times.”
—Celina Munoz, Brick & Mortar Books, Redmond, WA
Meet the Newmans: A Novel
By Jennifer Niven
(Flatiron Books, 9781250372444, $29.99, Jan. 6, Fiction)
“The Newmans are the perfect family, but behind their perfect lives lurks reality and a world that has moved forward, leaving them in the dust of past generations. With humor, heart, and hope, Niven rewrites the script and rips the band-aid off this ‘perfect’ family. Loved!”
—Maxwell Gregory, Madison Street Books, Chicago, IL
Lost Lambs: A Novel
By Madeline Cash
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 9780374619237, $28, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“This is a hilarious story of a dysfunctional family with quirky, lovable characters. Cash’s writing keeps you turning the pages because you want to go on this journey, even when you’re not sure where you’ll end up.”
—Connie L. Eaton, Three Sisters Books & Gifts, Shelbyville, IN
In Your Dreams: A Novel (Rome, Kentucky #4)
By Sarah Adams
(Dell, 9780593723715, $19, Dec. 30, 2025, Romance)
“If you’ve loved the other Walker siblings’ stories, Madison and James will not disappoint! Immerse yourself in this town we’ve all come to love one last time. Then, go read all 4 books over again because they’re that good.”
—Ashley Lostetter, Buffalo Books & Coffee, Buffalo, MN
Homeschooled: A Memoir
By Stefan Merrill Block
(Hanover Square Press, 9781335000989, $30, Jan. 6, Memoir)
“In such a raw and honest way, Block conquered the very human failure of trying to explain nuanced and complicated family relationships. An incredibly readable book. I can’t recommend this one enough!”
—Jessica Harley, Linden Tree Children's Books, Los Altos, CA
An Arcane Inheritance (Deluxe Edition)
By Kamilah Cole
(Poisoned Pen Press, 9781464251030, $32.99, Hardcover; 9781464216909, $18.99, Paperback, Dec. 30, 2025, Fantasy)
“I absolutely devoured this. A twisty, mysterious novel full of magic, intrigue, friendship and an enemies-to-maybe lovers romance. Cole pulls back the sheen of college grandeur to expose the darkly racist and elitist underbelly.”
—Hillary Smith, Black Walnut Books, Hudson Falls, NY
A Vow in Vengeance (Immortal Desires Series)
By Jaclyn Rodriguez
(Slowburn, 9781638932543, $30, Jan. 13, Fantasy)
“To say I devoured this book is an understatement. A tantalizing slow burn, with a perfect dose of magic, and immersive worldbuilding that has you on edge from cover to cover makes this an addictive romantasy read!”
—Jessica Tobin, Burning Pages Bookstore, Wilmington, NC
Graceless Heart
By Isabel Ibañez
(Saturday Books, 9781250376695, $31, Jan. 13, Fantasy)
“Ibañez has come into her own with this book. A stunning mix of history and fantasy, with a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. Perfect for readers who enjoyed The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo.”
—Leighellen Landskov, Fabled Bookshop & Café, Waco, TX
The Bookbinder's Secret: A Novel
By A. D. Bell
(St. Martin's Press, 9781250412645, $29, Jan. 13, Historical Fiction)
“A 50-year-old love story written down on thin pieces of paper hidden behind the end papers of six old leather-bound books. Wonderful characters and a plot you can’t put down make this pure blissful reading perfection.”
—BJ Hegedus, Postalworks Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA
The Storm: A Novel
By Rachel Hawkins
(St. Martin's Press, 9781250341884, $29, Jan. 6, Thriller)
“An intense small-town mystery set against the backdrop of relentless hurricanes. It’s Geneva’s life that’s truly torn apart as her hotel becomes the gathering place for a true crime author and a possible killer.”
—Alaina Schwertfeger, The Next Chapter Bookstore, Montgomery, MN
Playing for Keeps: A Novel
By Alexandria Bellefleur
(Avon, 9780063258570, $18.99, Jan. 6, Romance)
“Alexandria Bellefleur has mastered the act of writing deep, meaningful stories filled with tension, humor, and steamy moments. It’s grumpy x sunshine with pop culture references that I ate up.”
—Chelsea Semonco, Four Seasons Books, Shepherdstown, WV
The List of Suspicious Things: A Novel
By Jennie Godfrey
(Sourcebooks Landmark, 9781464249051, $17.99, Dec. 30, 2025, Mystery)
“A perfect blend of a fascinating and heartstring pulling coming-of-age with a gripping mystery. It’s the kind of book that grabs you early and doesn’t let go.”
—Chris Baldock, The Epic Shelf, Battlefield, MO
I Could Be Famous: Stories
By Sydney Rende
(Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781639735860, $26.99, Jan. 13, Short Stories)
“These stories are such a rush! Actors, assistants, influencers, reality stars, girlfriends — all who want more out of their lives. As I read this, I felt like I was getting a cup of coffee with friends I hadn’t seen in years.”
—Vaughn Lachenauer, Main Point Books, Wayne, PA
Like in Love with You: A Novel
By Emma R. Alban
(Avon, 9780063428775, $18.99, Jan. 13, Romance)
“Delightfully witty and ever so charming. It’s always a pleasure to fall into the Regency world Alban crafts; each character dazzles and stands on their own. Catherine and Rosalie give all the feels!”
—Chloe Brew, Invitation Bookshop, Gig Harbor, WA
Dandelion Is Dead: A Novel About Life
By Rosie Storey
(Berkley, 9780593954348, $30, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“What happens when you fall in love with your dead sister's dating app connection? Instead of telling Jake that she is not ‘Dandelion,’ Poppy takes up her sister's relationship with a stranger. For those who like romantic entanglements!”
—Linda Bond, Auntie's Bookstore, Spokane, WA
Sheer: A Novel
By Vanessa Lawrence
(Dutton, 9780593854860, $29, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“Fast-paced, insightful, and sharp, Vanessa Lawrence peers inside the life of a beauty mogul with clear eyes and electric prose. Fans of real-life beauty companies like Glossier and ILIA will feel seen.”
—Elaina Welles, Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, VT
Scavengers: A Novel
By Kathleen Boland
(Viking, 9780593834480, $29, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“Scavengers is so clever and beautifully written. The layered mother-daughter dynamics add depth without feeling heavy-handed, and Boland’s voice is totally original. For readers who love smart, emotionally rich storytelling.”
—Liz Burkwist, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d'Alene, ID
Mega Milk: Essays on Family, Fluidity, Whiteness, and Cows
By Megan Milks
(Feminist Press, 9781558613584, $17.95, Jan. 13, Essays)
“Milks takes on their own last name in this sweeping essay collection that deftly weaves together the dairy industry, white supremacy, and queerness. Mega Milk is thoughtful, vulnerable, and outlandish.”
—Pauline Hales-Brown, Literary Arts, Portland, OR
The Once and Future Queen: Deluxe Limited Edition (The Lives of Guinevere #1)
By Paula Lafferty
(Erewhon Books, 9781645662891, $32, Dec. 16, 2025, Fantasy)
“I raced through this book. I cared for the characters, and I cared about their lives. I was devastated to learn it was the beginning of a trilogy! How will I live with the suspense?”
—Nichole Bryant, Bryant Books & Music, Hastings, NE
plastic: A Poem
By Matthew Rice
(Soft Skull, 9781593768034, $15.95, Jan. 13, Poetry)
“plastic is an engaging, epic workplace poem based on Rice’s own experiences as a factory worker. As the night progresses Rice references coworkers, the music on the factory floor, and his tattered copy of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.”
—Caitlin Baker, Island Books, Mercer Island, WA
Divine Ruin (Sister Holiday Mysteries #3)
By Margot Douaihy
(Gillian Flynn Books, 9781638931980, $28, Jan. 13, Thriller)
“It’s the last couple of weeks of the school term, and Sister Holiday is preoccupied with preparing for her final vows, when one of her students dies of a fentanyl overdose at school. Douaihy brings us right into sultry New Orleans and ramps up the tension.”
—Robin Glossner, Odyssey Bookshop, South Hadley, MA
The Hitch
By Sara Levine
(Roxane Gay Books, 9780802165923, $27, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“Sara Levine shows the pain of loneliness, the love of family, and the humor of a corgi’s soul entering a woman’s nephew. While laughing, readers will get a recipe for cream of tomato soup and a smoky pear margarita. What more could anyone want?”
—Nancy Pierce, Bookmiser, Marietta, GA
Jean: A Novel
By Madeleine Dunnigan
(W. W. Norton & Company, 9781324105640, $29.99, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“Though the story of the ‘forbidden love’ is not unfamiliar, especially with stories of queer awakenings, a 1970s boarding school for ‘troubled boys’ felt inventive. This book is an incredible addition to the queer canon and history.”
—Brady Parkin, The King's English Bookshop, Salt Lake City, UT
January 2026 Indie Next List Now in Paperback
Blob: A Love Story (Indies Introduce in Hardcover)
By Maggie Su
(Harper Perennial, 9780063358676, $17.99, Jan. 27, Fiction)
“Sure, Vi finds a sentient blob outside of a drag show in her Midwest college town, and sure she tries to turn that blob into the perfect boyfriend. But at its core, Blob is about falling back in love with the parts of yourself that you thought you lost forever.”
—Mikey LaFave, Avid Bookshop, Athens, GA
A Forty Year Kiss: A Novel
By Nickolas Butler
(Sourcebooks Landmark, 9781464221279, $17.99, Jan. 20, Romance)
“Can a love be rekindled after forty years? Charlie has been living with regrets since the ending of his first marriage to Vivian. He arranges a meeting to find out if she’s still the one. A Forty Year Kiss is a tale of love, hope, and change.”
—Mary McBride, Monstera’s Books, Overland Park, KS
Good Girl: A Novel
By Aria Aber
(Hogarth, 9780593731130, $18, Jan. 13, Fiction)
“Fans of Ocean Vuong and Kaveh Akbar, take note. Aria Aber’s bright coming-of-age novel centers a young woman grieving her mother, falling into a dangerous romance, and navigating the push and pull as the German-born daughter of Afghan immigrants.”
—Laurel Rhame, Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, VT
A Monsoon Rising: A Novel
By Thea Guanzon
(Harper Voyager, 9780063277311, $19.99, Jan. 6, Fantasy)
“Talasyn and Alaric must prepare for the Moonless Dark and the eruption of the Voidfell. This book is equally funny and heartbreaking as we find out more about their pasts, the present, and how it affects their actions. A stellar Hurricane Wars installment.”
—Lisa Kroger, Village Books, The Woodlands, TX
Tilt: A Novel (Indies Introduce in Hardcover)
By Emma Pattee
(Scribner, 9781668055489, $18, Dec. 30, Fiction)
“Pattee takes us inside the mind of soon-to-be mother Annie in her attempt to reunite with her husband after a huge earthquake. Tilt poses imperative questions about our nature as individuals and collectively in the face of societal collapse.”
—Aubrey Winkler, Powell's Books, Portland, OR
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls: A Novel
By Grady Hendrix
(Berkley, 9780593548998, $19, Jan. 13, Horror)
“A beautifully haunting, thought-provoking story about societal views and motherhood that dabbles with witchcraft. There are moments where you laugh, feel scared, and even cry. That’s the beauty of this book: everything comes with a price.”
—Caylee Wilson, Midtown Reader, Tallahassee, FL