 Random House/The Dial Press - set for release February 10, 2026
By Robin Munson Families are complicated. Tiny spats, on the surface, that appear to be ridiculous can cause a rift that seemingly can’t be repaired. This is what happens in Allegra Goodman’s newest novel, This Is Not About Us. While Jeanne is in hospice dying of cancer, her two older sisters, Helen and Sylvia, are fighting over apple cake. This novel reads like a series of vignettes where each chapter tells the story and point of view of the three sisters' extended family members. Although the stories can be messy, they are also very relatable. I really enjoyed reading this character driven book. Allegra Goodman is a master writer and able to hit all the regular trials and tribulations that we, as readers, have experienced ourselves. Goodman expertly weaves the stories and points of view of the different generations of the Rubenstein family. From parents ignoring harsh coaching in hopes of their child’s future greatness to a divorced father feeling guilty about dating again. Still, during all these difficult life crises and the angst surrounding it, there is a lifting and an ease when those difficult moments finally pass. I recommend this book to anyone who loves character driven novels (there are a lot of characters in this book).This book is short on plot, so if you need a book with a plot that carries you through, then this may not be the book for you. That being said, it is well written and the characters are so well formed that they themselves carried me to the end - not the plot. This Is Not About Us comes out on February 10, 2026 for all to enjoy. Thank you Random House/Dial Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Get the audiobook with your SPL card.
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 I’m a huge fan of S.A. Cosby’s work. His books always hit that perfect balance of grit, heartbreak, and grey morality, and King of Ashes might just be his most powerful one yet. This time, Cosby trades the getaway cars and backroads for something even darker, family legacy and the ways it can drag you down no matter how far you’ve run.
The story follows Roman Carruthers, a man who’s built a successful life in Atlanta after escaping his small Virginia hometown. When his father ends up in a coma after a car crash, Roman goes back home to Jefferson Run to help his siblings keep the family crematorium running. But the homecoming doesn’t go smoothly. His brother Dante is in deep with the local gang, and his sister Neveah is trying to keep the family business running. What starts as a reluctant return turns into a reckoning with everything Roman thought he’d escaped. Cosby writes about family like no one else, love and resentment tangled so tight you can’t tell one from the other. His writing is sharp as ever, filled with moments of shocking violence and deep tenderness. Roman isn’t a traditional hero. He’s flawed, conflicted, and at times infuriating. But he's not giving up on his family. Cosby leveled up again with this one. It’s a crime novel, sure, but also a tragedy about inheritance, shame, and the futility of trying to bury the past when the past already knows you are. Get the book at the library, or download the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  After 30 years in prison for causing a child's death, Vincent King is finally released. He went to jail at 15, turned in by his best friend, Walk, who’s now the local chief of police. Walk keeps an eye on Vincent’s ex-girlfriend, Star, a struggling drug addict, and her kids: 13-year-old Duchess, who’s had to grow up too fast to care for her little brother, Robin.
They all still live in the same small California town where it all started. Then, a body is found. Secrets unravel, tensions rise, and the big question looms: who did it? We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is an emotional rollercoaster of a crime thriller with so much heart. It’s got a gripping plot, but what really stands out are the unforgettable characters, especially Duchess, the tough-as-nails, complex girl the story revolves around. The writing is beautiful, full of raw emotion and small-town drama, with twists that keep you hooked. It’s heartbreaking and hopeful all at once, a truly memorable read. If you love character-driven stories with a side of suspense, don’t miss this one! It may be my favorite book ever. We have it available to reserve, plus Large Print and Audio CD copies for checkout. How about a downloadable audiobook or ebook? No, really. Read it. Please. Then come and tell me what you thought. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian  Yeah, it's really long. But, Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky is a wild, dark ride. It’s all about Raskolnikov, this broke student who murders someone and then spirals into guilt and some seriously deep thoughts about right and wrong, all while balancing a ton of drama with his family and friends, plus dodging the law.
The story is intense but also super gripping, and you can’t help but get pulled into his messed-up head. It’s got big ideas about human nature and justice, but it’s also just a really good story. Definitely worth a read if you’re up for something heavy but unforgettable. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Use your SPL to reserve the eBook or audiobook if you prefer those formats.  In 1975, a 13-year-old girl from a wealthy family vanishes from a summer camp. Oddly, her older brother disappeared from the same camp 14 years earlier. To make things even stranger, her parents own the camp.
This story dives into class divides—the wealthy camp owners, their privileged friends, and their children who attend, contrasted with the local workers hired to maintain the camp and its grounds. It’s a tale of power, privilege, and the secrets that simmer beneath the surface. This was such a gripping, eerie read. The mix of mystery and atmosphere totally pulls you in, and the creepy, woodsy vibes blows you away. The story keeps you guessing, and the characters feel so real. If you’re into dark, twisty tales with a lot of feels, this is your book. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Large Print! Use your SPL card to reserve the eBook or audiobook. |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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