Cat says: A spiraling adventure and nightmare all in one. Is reality actually “reality”? This novel makes you question exactly that. Nothing is ever as it seems!

Alex says: Three women in three different time periods learn how strong they are. If you love witchy books and vibes, you’ll love this.

* please check the triggers in this book *

Ben says: At first it is a novel about writerly cliques at an elite grad school, and then Awad hits you in the face with an exploding rabbit. Weird, witty, wacky.

Maggie says: A group of girl boss bad outlaws who have been cast from society find community and risk everything for their mysterious leader. Epic story, easy and captivating read with a genderless main character!!!

Ally says: When I decided to undertake the lifelong task of reading everything Agatha Christie ever wrote, I had no idea the wave I would be starting among the people in my life. Turns out everyone really craves a good murder mystery at some point, and the Queen of Mystery never misses. Not only are her books entertaining and fun, her dives into psychology and humanity intrigue readers to this day. Over 100 years after some of her books were published, her mysteries still hold up as some of the very best (I’ve only guessed 1 out of 25 so far). Everyone here at Chelsea Market has jumped on the bandwagon too! I’ve gotten everyone to branch out and read at least one, and some have gone on to gain a whole new love of mystery novels. Whatever your taste, one of Agatha Christie’s over 80 books will have a murder for you…

This book comes highly recommended by not one, but THREE of our CMK staff. We say it's definitely worth the read!

Ally says: The most entertaining textbook I've ever read! Gripping, unique and fun while still informative--so immersive you'll almost believe it was fiction! Essential reading for any aspiring student.

Alex says: Some people dream of going to Hogwarts, Narnia, or Wonderland. I dream of going to and living at McMasters.

KC says: Do you like Piña Coladas?

Amanda says: Jaw -dropping! Poignant! This collection of short stories is truly Science Fiction at its best. For the scientist and the poet, the mathematician and the artist, the left and right brain, this one's for you!

Will says: One of my favorite science fiction books of all time. A satisfying story about revenge, love, and politics. Action packed and extremely cool.

Charisma says: An incredible adventure story with protagonists who truly blur the line between good and evil. Engaging characters, wicked villains, and a whole new universe to lose yourself in.

Gia says: A chilling read about sexual repression and the racially and socially tense climate of 1920s New York. Old friends reunite, a marriage is strained, and all ends in death. Good stuff.

Alex says: Welcome to Lyla Land! The new and upcoming author Lyla Sage published the Rebel Blue Ranch world in 2023 with the first novel “Done and Dusted.” This world is full of heart melting cowboys, laugh out loud scenes, and spicy romance.

Mallory says: This was my favorite book of the year. I love Wilson’s writing. It’s personable, yet witty and just so creative. He has a way to write about bizarre circumstances in such a realistic way, like twins that spontaneously combust. The story follows Lillian, the children’s “governess” as she takes care of these two feral anomalies. She becomes their world and they become hers.

Viggo Says: This story is set in a very unique world where death is no more. The story follows two characters and their journey to become Scythes. The story sucks you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. Having you question everything. It’s filled with strong and emotional moments that make for a great read!

Viv says: This novel takes place between the late 60’s to early 70’s with three main characters. It’s a nostalgic story of loss from the perspective of Toru in his college days in Tokyo. Super sappy and wholesome.

Austin says: Claire Lombardo perfectly executes the life of a woman who has her faults, self-destructive habits, and impactful relationships. This is not a “coming-of-age” story, but rather an “acceptance-of-age” tale. Immerse yourself into the life of Julia, a middle-aged mother who has become bored of her daily, average life. Learn the deep secrets about this relatable main character, it’s complicated.

Alaina says: A story that starts with a murder and retraces the chain of events that lead to the death. The book follows a group of New England college students and is captivating from start to finish. Tartt’s integration of classic mystery and Greek mythological references truly make this book an amazing read.

Mallory says: Dark. Mysterious. Addictive.
This book is the first in a trilogy following the life and career of Detective Valerie Hart. If you like reading about strong-willed women chasing deranged serial killers, this book is for you.

Emily says: This is a perfect book for anyone who has ever fallen into the true deep “fandom” experience of finding a part of yourself in the art or artist you love. Thornton clearly understands this intrinsically, and couches it in crazy lush prose that I highly recommend to any aspiring writer who wants to seethe with delighted envy. A must-read for queer misfits and fandom girlies <3

Claire says: If you love immersive fantasy, you will love this book. Follow Paige, a clairvoyant in a world where having any form of magic is an act of treason. This is set in an alternate version of our world, where London has become the hub of an oppressive empire. I love this book, Samantha Shannon never misses! The best part is, this is the first book in a 7 book series, so be ready to jump into a fun and magical world :)

Viggo says: Loki is a story about love, friendship, and murder. Whether you’re a fan of Marvel or not, this story sucks you in. This book dives into the character of Loki and shows him in ways you’ve never seen before. You get a look at the man behind the curtain and see Loki at his most vulnerable after losing the one person that knew the true him. A string of suspicious murders on earth brings them back together. Highly recommend!

Alaina says: In this memoir/manifesto of Black Panther co-founder Huey P. Newton, he recounts his childhood growing up on the streets of Oakland, CA, the creation & philosophies of the Panther Party, his 1968 trial, and his wrongful conviction. Though written almost 50 years ago, Newton’s messages still hold extremely relevant to todays political landscape and the struggles of Black Americans.

Lydia says: About Julie Andrews, who shaped part of my childhood with 'The Sound of Music.' Knowing more about where she came from and how she worked through the industry is inspiring. As I want to work on the film production side, I hope I can make an impact like she has.

Mason says: Set in Boston, 'Writers and Lovers' follows the story of a young writer who is struggling with the loss of her mom and trying to navigate relationships. It is a very comforting read - and is very relatable for a twenty-something! My favorite comfort book!

Kathleen says: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry is the perfect balance of heartwarming and heartbreaking (in a good way). After her grandmother passes away, seven-year-old Elsa embarks on one last quest for her. With the help of her parents, a few unlikely friends, and a very loyal dog, she learns that we touch more people’s lives than we could ever imagine, and that grief is just another form of love. Fredrik Backman always explores family relationships so beautifully, but telling such a profound story through the eyes of a child makes this book so special. Elsa and her friends will have you laughing through your tears <3

Caroline H. says: Heather Fawcett is magnificent at bringing my dreams of being a fairy hunter to life in 'Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.' I’m not a huge fan of romance, but the romance plot in this book kept me hooked until the very last page. She perfectly intertwines the romance plot into the novel without taking away from the main plot of the story, which follows Emily Wilde’s journey of hunting down the elusive “Hidden Ones." It is a book that is loved amongst our Newbury booksellers, and a must read for fans of fantasy and magical realism!

Caroline M. says: This is the perfect mix of sci-fi and sapphic slow burn, as two rival time agents meet again and again across the universe. Their letters build their story as they thwart each other over and over again in a story that will make you laugh, cry, and feel alive.

Molly says: Priory Of The Orange Tree is a fantastic, sprawling epic whose size might seem daunting, but is absolutely worth the read! It’s got magic, politics, romance, and each character is so well-written, letting you see the conflict from every angle. This feminist retelling of Saint George and the Dragon will have you so enraptured, you won’t even notice how quickly the pages fly by!

Sarah says: The first time I read this was in 5th grade, and it has been a comfort read ever since! The book is a billion times better than the film - the characterization of Brody, Hooper, and Quint is incredible, and it makes me happy how Hooper's fate is (thankfully) different in the book. It's a perfect summer read written by someone who did a lot of work for shark conservation post-publication as well! It's an absolutely fintastic read that I will forever love and reread over and over!! Perfect for any shark lover, Cape goer, and more:)

Kate says: This is a fantastic anthology of dark academia short stories that is perfect for anyone who enjoyed If We Were Villains or The Secret History. Reading this anthology is a great introduction to dark academia or a fun way to discover new authors writing within the genre.

Jonas sys: Do not let the beauty of this book and its writing fool you—this dreamlike retelling of The Crane Wife folktale left me quiet, haunted, and yearning. I loved every page.

Carter says: This book has it all! Dragons? Check! Magic? Check! LGBT Rep? Check! Lovable main characters? Check! Enemies t lovers? Check! An ending that will have you dying for the sequel?
OH MY GOD CHECK!

Yem says: James is the retelling of Huckleberry Finn we all deserve. Often we find that literary classics would be received quite differently today. In this novel we still get the feeling of adventure but we also get to view Jim as a fully developed character. No spoilers, but we find out a surprising revelation about Huck as well!