The December 2024 Indie Next List Preview

Here are the 25 Indie Next List and 6 Now in Paperback picks on the December 2024 Indie Next List flier.

The December 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 November Indie Next List picks are available as a flier, along with past lists, on the Indie Next List page on BookWeb.org.      

The 25 December Indie Next List Picks

#1 Pick: The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
By Robin Wall Kimmerer, John Burgoyne (Illus.)
(Scribner, 9781668072240, $20, Nov. 19, Nature)
“Don’t let the size of this book fool you! It’s brimming with nuggets of wisdom regarding our relationship to the natural world and pleas for reciprocity in all aspects of living. A wonderful reference for a more equitable, meaningful existence.”
—Debra Horan, Booklovers’ Gourmet, Webster, MA

Private Rites: A Novel
By Julia Armfield
(Flatiron Books, 9781250344311, $27.99, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“No one does atmosphere like Julia Armfield: vivid and utterly engrossing. Private Rites is a haunting story about family, grief, and love in a slow-burn apocalypse. You won’t be able to come up for air — or want to.”
—Evan Fornicola, Left Bank Books, St. Louis, MO

Rental House: A Novel
By Weike Wang
(Riverhead Books, 9780593545546, $28, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“Weike Wang’s sharp insights on marriage, family, and home shine on every page of this slim novel. A treat for anyone who’s ever silently (or not so silently) questioned the absurdities of in-laws. I dare you to read this on your family vacation!”
—Sherri Puzey, Zibby’s Bookshop, Santa Monica, CA

CABIN: Off the Grid Adventures with a Clueless Craftsman
By Patrick Hutchison
(St. Martin’s Press, 9781250285706, $29, Dec. 3, Biography)
“A charming story of a young man swimming upstream against what’s expected of him. His impulsive purchase of a $7,500 cabin outside a small mountain town changes his life; and his self-deprecating tale of all the steps along the way is funny and moving.”
—Georgiana Blomberg, Magnolia’s Bookstore, Seattle, WA

Time of the Child: A Novel
By Niall Williams
(Bloomsbury Publishing, 9781639734207, $28.99, Nov. 19, Fiction)
“Time of the Child is beautifully written, and Williams’ subtle sense of humor surprises and delights. Doctor Jack Troy and his daughter Ronnie are perfectly drawn, as is the small Irish town of Faha. A perfect gift for every literary fiction lover!”
—Sue Kowalski, The Bookstore of Glen Ellyn, Glen Ellyn, IL

The City and Its Uncertain Walls: A Novel
By Haruki Murakami, Philip Gabriel (Transl.)
(Knopf, 9780593801970, $35, Nov. 19, Fiction)
“The City and Its Uncertain Walls is precisely what you would expect from Haruki Murakami. A perfect chimerical blend of fable, love story, and coming-of-age carefully overlaid by a blanket of magical realism. A wondrous and satisfying tale.”
—Shane Grebel, Watermark Books & Café, Wichita, KS

Brightly Shining: A Novel
By Ingvild Rishøi, Caroline Waight (Transl.)
(Grove Press, 9780802163493, $20, Nov. 19, Fiction)
“This has everything you could want in a Christmas story: the abiding love of siblings, the kindness of neighbors, the magic of life through a child’s eyes, and a massive emotional wallop. I can’t wait to give this warm, delightful gem to everyone!”
—Michaela Carter, Peregrine Book Company, Prescott, AZ

The Collaborators: A Novel
By Michael Idov
(Scribner, 9781668055571, $28.99, Nov. 19, Thriller)
“A dynamite spy thriller full of pulsating suspense, dead bodies, and vivid characters. Why did the billionaire’s daughter and rogue CIA sleeper agent team up to comb the world to find dangerous answers? This will keep you page-turning to find out.”
—Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, CA

Woo Woo: A Novel
By Ella Baxter
(Catapult, 9781646222551, $27, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“Surreal and chaotic. Take a wild ride with Sabine as she plunges her emotional depths prior to her art show opening. I enjoyed exploring the artists’ work that Baxter opens each chapter with. It’s fascinating to see who and what inspires creativity.”
—Jennifer Wood, East City Bookshop, Washington, DC

The Serpent and the Wolf
By Rebecca Robinson
(S&S/Saga Press, 9781668052488, $28.99, Nov. 19, Fantasy)
“The Serpent and the Wolf is a spellbinding debut that deftly blends high-stakes political intrigue with a steamy, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance. There’s much to admire in this tale of power, passion, and peril.”
—Jessie Fischer, The Book Nook, Saranac Lake, NY

Sister Snake: A Novel
By Amanda Lee Koe
(Ecco, 9780063355064, $28, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“A unique book about two ancient sisters who are both human and snake. Su lives her life as humanly as possible; Emerald is very much herself. Though this novel was pitched as dark humor, it explored themes of identity, queerness, and family poignantly.”
—Sara Landon, Paragraphs Bookstore, Mount Vernon, OH

A Monsoon Rising: A Novel
By Thea Guanzon
(Harper Voyager, 9780063277304, $32, Dec. 10, 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

The Champagne Letters: A Novel
By Kate MacIntosh
(Gallery Books, 9781668061886, $28.99, Dec. 10, Historical Fiction)
“This novel is an exciting glass of history and present day that celebrates a strong woman, pouring in journal entries from an 18^th-century connoisseur of early champagne with a modern tale of deception, love, and revenge. Well worth the time and read!”
—R. Aimee Chipman, The Bluestocking Bookshop, Holland, MI

Only Here, Only Now: A Novel (Indies Introduce)
By Tom Newlands
(HarperVia, 9780063393455, $28.99, Nov. 12, Fiction)
“This debut is the thunderous announcement of a brilliant novelist with a keen wit. Like Derry Girls done by Dave Eggers, Only Here, Only Now is fiercely original, unabashedly Scottish, heartrendingly poignant, and hilarious to the point of tears.”
—Steve Iwanski, Charter Books, Newport, RI

An Earthquake Is a Shaking of the Surface of the Earth: A Novel
By Anna Moschovakis
(Soft Skull, 9781593767839, $16.95, Paperback, Nov. 19, Fiction)
“A glimpse into the fractured psyche of a former actress living in a city where the Earth shakes. The dystopian otherworldliness takes a backseat to the obsessive unwellness of our unnamed narrator. Part sci-fi, part mystery, deeply literary.”
—Andrew Preston, CoffeeTree Books, Morehead, KY

Under Loch and Key: A Novel
By Lana Ferguson
(Berkley, 9780593816851, $19, Paperback, Dec. 3, Romance)
“For fans of romantasy novels that feature tropes like grumpy meets sunshine and enemies to lovers. Even for those who may not read romance often, the Loch Ness monster may attract a whole new type of reader. Equally steamy and heartwarming.”
—Stephanie Csaszar, Death by TBR Books, Bremerton, WA

Not in My Book: A Novel
By Katie Holt
(Alcove Press, 9781639109753, $19.99, Paperback, Dec. 10, Romance)
“WOW! I loved this book. Great characters, great uses of several romance tropes in a great way, and I was crying through the last few pages. An exciting debut; I can’t wait to read more of Katie Holt’s work.”
—Nicole Miller, Barbara’s Bookstore, Chicago, IL

On the Calculation of Volume (Book I): A Novel
Solvej Balle, Barbara J. Haveland (Transl.)
(New Directions, 9780811237253, $15.95, Paperback, Nov. 26, Science Fiction)
“This first installment of Solvej Balle’s septology, is a spare, delicate stunner that reverberates like an echo. It’s got all the feeling of a misty mid-November morning, with a healthy dose of philosophical intrigue to keep readers on their toes.”
—Bryan Seitz, Literati Bookstore, Ann Arbor, MI

I Might Be in Trouble: A Novel
By Daniel Aleman
(Grand Central Publishing, 9781538766347, $29, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“Daniel Aleman nailed his adult debut. This book was funny, relatable, heart-wrenching, and heart-stopping. I’d recommend this book to damn near anyone — especially anyone who feels adrift and is looking for a book that will make them feel hopeful.”
—Renee Becher, The Crowded Bookshelf, Fort Collins, CO

Shy Creatures: A Novel
By Clare Chambers
(Mariner Books, 9780063258228, $30, Nov. 12, Fiction)
“An inventive and satisfying novel. Not just a story you’ll look forward to cozying up with, but a brilliant affirmation of non-conformity, self-determination, and the power of art. For fans of Elizabeth McCracken, Tessa Hadley, and Ann Patchett!”
—Kristen Iskandrian, Thank You Books, Birmingham, AL

Booked for Murder: A Mystery
By P. J. Nelson
(Minotaur Books, 9781250909954, $28, Dec. 10, Mystery)
“Madeline inherits her aunt’s bookstore and mansion. She finds herself in the middle of much drama and mystery, with a murder to solve. In the midst of everything, Madeline finds kindred spirits and possibly a home.”
—Alexandra Bender, Fonts Books, Mclean, VA

American Bulk: Essays on Excess
By Emily Mester
(W. W. Norton & Company, 9781324035237, $17.99, Paperback, Nov. 26, Essays)
“It’s so refreshing to read cultural critique written by someone who’s in the trenches with the rest of us. American Bulk is the essay collection we need as we're bombarded by algorithmically intelligent ads and our one-click-buy existences.”
—Laurel Kane, White Whale Bookstore, Pittsburgh, PA

Sundown in San Ojuela: A Novel
By M. M. Olivas
(Lanternfish Press, 9781941360750, $19, Paperback, Nov. 19, Fiction)
“Wow! It’s been so long since I read a book that got this deep into me and did not let go. I loved all the complicated, messy, dark characters that populated this scary and grotesque debut. Snatch this book up and let it devour you!”
—Katelyn Phillips, Books Are Magic, Brooklyn, NY

I Made It Out of Clay: A Novel
By Beth Kander
(MIRA, 9780778368120, $30, Dec. 10, Fiction)
“In her adult debut, award-winning playwright Beth Kander dreams up a charming romantic dramedy that even hearts made of stone — er, clay — won’t be able to resist, served with a healthy dose of pathos and a twist inspired by Jewish folklore.”
—Emily Liner, Friendly City Books, Columbus, MS

Havoc: A Novel
By Christopher Bollen
(Harper, 9780063378896, $30, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“This novel is laugh-out-loud funny as the absurd scenarios play out between an octogenarian and her 8-year-old nemesis. Set in a majestic Egyptian hotel that has seen better days, be prepared for a variety of twists and turns in this unexpected story.”
—Sarah Badger, Bright Side Bookshop, Flagstaff, AZ

The 6 Now in Paperback Titles

Alice Sadie Celine: A Novel
By Sarah Blakley-Cartwright
(Simon & Schuster, 9781668021606, $17.99, Dec. 10, Fiction)
“Written in gorgeous prose that dives deeply into each of the three women’s characters and backstories, with a level of suspense that kept me wondering how things would turn out in the end. This novel is unique and surprising. A great read.”
—Christine Bell, Roundabout Books, Bend, OR

The End of the World Is a Cul de Sac: Stories
By Louise Kennedy
(Riverhead Books, 9780593540930, $18, Dec. 3, Short Stories)
“Kennedy displays why she was able to make her name, writing with a delicateness that articulates a great love for these characters as they weave through domestic peril. Her ability to fit complex characters into a short window is remarkable.”
—Richard Dixon, Politics and Prose Bookstore, Washington, DC

Hello Beautiful: A Novel
By Ann Napolitano
(Dial Press Trade Paperback, 9780593243756, $18.99, Nov. 19, Fiction)
“I loved this big-hearted story about family and acceptance, betrayal, and loyalty. The issues that arise, and emotions they evoke, are relatable. We care about each character and their relationships. This will touch every heart!”
—Marcia Vanderford, Vanderford’s Books & Office Products, Sandpoint, ID

The Hunter: A Novel
By Tana French
(Penguin Books, 9780593493458, $19, Dec. 3, Thriller)
“With sharp dialogue and expert character development, Tana French transports readers to the Irish countryside in The Hunter. Asking what we owe our community, this novel secures French’s place at the top of the literary mystery genre.”
—Leslie Logemann, Highland Books, Brevard, NC

Poor Deer: A Novel
By Claire Oshetsky
(Ecco, 9780063327672, $16.99, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“Poor Deer is a fantastic reminder that only we can see the burdens we carry. Oshetsky writes about the way we shape our memories of trauma, guilt, and loss in order to cope in an earnest, heartfelt way. This book will linger in the corners of my mind.”
—Lindsay Ryon, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA

Welcome Home, Stranger: A Novel
By Kate Christensen
(Harper Perennial, 9780063299719, $17.99, Dec. 3, Fiction)
“Rachel lives an independent life. When her mom dies back home in Maine, Rachel’s return opens up wounds that she might finally be able to examine and heal. Complex, insightful and real, this moving story of lifelong relationships is resonant.”
—Beth Mynhier, Lake Forest Book Store, Lake Forest, IL