I read books for a living — these are the best books to read in April | Books | Entertainment

With the Easter bank holiday weekend just days away and sunnier weather ahead, you might be looking for a good book to devour in between chocolate eggs and hot cross buns. Luckily, there’s lots of new releases to choose from, publishing this week and beyond.

From a hotly-anticipated tradwife satire to a Knives Out-style mystery set on a remote Scottish island, there’s something new for everyone. Here are some of the best books publishing this month, with picks across the thriller, literary fiction, fantasy, horror and romance genres. For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.

1. The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

Six struggling authors are handed the opportunity of a lifetime after a world-famous author dies, leaving his final novel unfinished. Invited to the author’s private island, they’re given 72 hours to write an ending worthy of the most-anticipated book in history.

But why have they been chosen to attend? And just how far would they go to secure a place on the bestseller list?

A hugely addictive locked-room thriller that draws you in from the very first chapter and keeps you hooked until the end, The Ending Writes Itself is well worth a read this spring, whether you’re a lover of mystery novels or new to the genre.

The Ending Writes Itself publishes April 7.

2. Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle — and had the Instagram account to prove it. She lives in a charming farmhouse on her working ranch with her adoring cowboy husband and beautiful family. Who cares if there are nannies, producers and industrial-grade appliances hiding behind the scenes? What Natalie’s followers don’t know won’t hurt them.

Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange version of her reality. The year appears to be 1805. Is it a hoax? A reality show? A test from God?

Sure to be a favourite with book clubs everywhere, Yesteryear is the definition of a page-turner, with sharp commentary on family blogging culture and ‘trad wife’ influencers and a twist that will leave you reeling.

Yesteryear publishes April 9.

3. This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me by Ilona Andrews

A woman wakes up in the ruthless fantasy world from her favourite book series in This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me, the first in a new fantasy series by bestselling husband-and-wife writing team Ilona Andrews. When Maggie wakes up cold, filthy and naked in a gutter, it doesn’t take her long to recognize Kair Toren. It’s a city she knows intimately from the pages of a famously unfinished dark fantasy series – one she’s been obsessively reading and re-reading, while waiting years for the final novel.

Her only tools for navigating this gritty world? Her encyclopaedic knowledge of the plot, the setting and the characters’ ambitions and fates. But while she quickly discovers she cannot be killed, the same cannot be said for the living, breathing characters she’s coming to love.

She soon finds herself embroiled in the schemes of duelling princes, dukes and villains, with a motley band of allies including a deadly assassin and a dangerously appealing soldier. But can she save everyone from the cataclysmic war only she knows is coming?

This is a weird and wonderful portal fantasy full of intriguing characters, well fleshed out lore and history and an action-packed plot that will have you racing through the chapters.

This Kingdom Will Not Kill Me publishes April 2.

4. Fruit Fly by Josh Silver

It’s been seven years since Mallory shot to fame as a literary sensation. But after years of struggling with writer’s block, she’s desperate to resurrect her career – and quickly. Enter Leo: a young, struggling addict sleeping under bridges and trading sex for survival.

Vulnerable and enigmatic, he’s exactly what Mallory has been looking for. But as she sets out to tell his story, dark secrets come to light that threaten to unravel more than just her career. How far will Mallory go to write the perfect story?

Fruit Fly balances heavy themes and complex characters with dark humour all while asking who really owns a story.

Fruit Fly publishes April 23.

5. Japanese Gothic by Kylie Lee Baker

When a troubled young man and a rebellious eighteenth-century female samurai find one another through a door between their worlds, they’re both looking for answers.

But what they find in the creaking old house they share is far more terrifying than either of them could have ever imagined.

A refreshing take on the haunted house horror, this is an eerie yet hauntingly beautiful story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

Japanese Gothic publishes April 30.

6. Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister

A woman is blackmailed into committing a crime in order to save her kidnapped teenage daughter in the latest twisty thriller from Famous Last Words and Wrong Place Wrong Time author Gillian McAllister.

Simone’s trip to Texas was meant to be some much-needed bonding time with her daughter Lucy. But on the first night she wakes to find Lucy missing – and a mobile phone in her place. As Simone prepares to follow the kidnapper’s instructions, she knows there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to save Lucy. But becoming a wanted woman is just the start…

A high stakes, fast-paced story about the lengths we go to for family, Caller Unknown is an absolute must-read.

Caller Unknown publishes April 9.

7. Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan

In the wake of World War I, the world is a decidedly unmagical place. Mouse Dunne once dreamed of becoming a Faerie anthropologist, but with one telegram, her world shattered. At the Somme, her cousin Bertie’s body disappeared into the mud, and her brother Roger came home with devastating shell shock. It was time, she knew, to put aside childish dreams.

Then Mouse receives news that her uncle has left her Thistlemarsh Hall, a crumbling manor in the English countryside, once blessed by the Faerie King himself. But there is a catch: if Mouse does not rehabilitate the house in one month’s time, she will forfeit her inheritance and any hope of caring for her brother.

It looks impossible, until a mysterious Faerie appears with a proposition. Mouse knows better than to trust a Faerie – especially one so insufferably handsome and arrogant – but she is out of options. There are wild and magical forces at work in the house, and Mouse must confront the ghosts of her past… or lose everything.

Thistlemarsh is an enchanting tale full of danger, bargains and memorable characters. If you enjoy historical fantasies with a touch of romance and an atmospheric setting, this is the book for you.

Thistlemarsh publishes April 23.

8. The Model Patient by Lucy Ashe

In the quiet hush of her therapist’s office in 1960s London, Evelyn Westbrook finds herself revealing secrets she’d prefer to keep hidden. Abandoning her successful modelling career to become a model wife for her husband Henry has left her days feeling empty. Her mother-in-law is pressing for a child Evelyn doesn’t want. And her nights are haunted by a recurring nightmare in which she becomes a snake eating its own tail.

As Evelyn’s sessions with the enigmatic Dr. Daley unearth more questions than answers, her interest in him turns into obsession. But is her therapist finally providing the care she needs, or is she being manipulated?

A compelling take on power and obsession, this is a chillingly brilliant historical psychological thriller that will transport you back to 1963 London and leave you feeling deeply unsettled.

The Model Patient publishes April 9.

9. The Lies of Lena by Kylie Snow

In Tovagoth, Mages like Lena Daelyra live in fear of being hunted, and even after fleeing to Otacia, Lena hides her magic. That is, until she starts to develop feelings for Quinn Callon, a quick-witted swordsman who trains Lena to fight, never suspecting the truth she hides.

Meanwhile, Silas La’Rune, Crown Prince of Otacia, has been caged within the Kingdom castle since the murder of his sister. When tragedy tears Lena from Quinn, her and Silas’ paths collide, with the future of Magekind depending on them.

With digestible worldbuilding, a unique magic system and plenty of plot twists, this is everything you could want in a dark romantasy. Just make sure to check the trigger warnings first.

The Lies of Lena publishes April 9.

10. No Ghosts by Max Lury

Kieran and Harlow’s best friend Annie disappeared a year ago. And now, so have the ghosts.

After being reunited at Annie’s memorial, Kieran and Harlow begin separate searches for their lost friend, all while trying to repair their friendship. The friends’ journeys will lead them through a world at once recognisable and strangely removed as they search for the meaning behind Annie’s – and the ghosts’ – disappearance.

One for Severance fans, No Ghosts is a surreal, moving, and thought-provoking read. A real treat for anyone interested in speculative fiction with a lot of heart.

No Ghosts publishes April 16.

11. How to Fake it in Society by KJ Charles

Missing Bridgerton and looking for something to tide you over until the next season? Enter Nicolas-Marc, Comte de Valois de La Motte. The son of a French noblewoman wrongly convicted for a notorious crime, Nico’s out to raise the funds to restore her reputation. Or so he says.

Luckily, he finds just the ticket in Titus Pilcrow, an unassuming shopkeeper who accidentally married an immensely wealthy woman on her deathbed and now finds himself the target of every conman and beggar in London. Titus is Nico’s big chance to get rich… until he falls in love with the man he’s trying to cheat.

Hilarious hijinks and a heartfelt romance make this a fresh, fun springtime read.

How to Fake it in Society publishes April 30.

12. The Caretaker by Marcus Kliewer

Macy Mullins needs a job. After an endless string of failed interviews, things are becoming desperate. So when she sees a vaguely ominous job posting for a caretaker position for just three days of work, she sees no choice but to apply.

But what starts as a strange side gig soon turns into a waking nightmare. An incomprehensible evil may dwell on the property and Macy might just be the only thing standing between it, and the rest of humanity.

With a lingering sense of dread and plenty of terrifying twists and turns, The Caretaker is perfect for any horror fan looking for a story that will stay with them long after they turn the final page.

The Caretaker publishes April 23.

13. Deathly Fates by Tesia Tsai

A daughter tries to save her father by any means necessary, taking a dangerous job travelling through enemy territory to retrieve a missing prince.

But with vengeful ghosts, enemy spies and dark secrets threatening to endanger Siying’s father, as well as their entire kingdom, their journey is full of perils.

This debut blends folklore with adventure to create a rich Chinese-inspired fantasy world, perfect for fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess. Featuring a grumpy x sunshine romance with a twist and an intriguing mystery, this isn’t one to be missed.

Deathly Fates publishes April 23.