Looking for exciting May 2020 book releases to read? Well, you’re in luck as I’ve compiled some of my favorite upcoming releases I’ve read as well as some that are on my TBR list to pick up as soon as they’re released.
With everything going on in the world, this month’s focus is on more light and lighthearted reads, ranging from historical fiction, to YA novels, to cozy mysteries. While it’s easy to fall back on more classic books to escape into when you need a break from real life, consider picking up one of these fun new releases in May 2020 next time you’re looking for a great book to read!
1. Mousse and Murder by Elizabeth Logan
Release Date: May 5th, 2020
Looking for a cozy mystery book released in May 2020? Then Mousse and Murder is one you should pick up!
In this first book of the Alaskan Diner series, Charlie Cooke returns home to Elkview, Alaska to run her mother’s diner. She’d love to freshen up the diner’s menu, but her head cook Oliver disagrees and the two get in a big public fight over the menu. So when Oliver turns up dead just a few hours later, Charlie suddenly finds herself the main suspect in his murder! Can she find the real killer before it is too late?
The Alaskan setting of this book is fun, and the descriptions are lovely and do a wonderful job helping you visualize Charlie’s small Alaskan hometown. There is also lots of humor throughout the book that left me smiling and even laughing in places, especially when the Trooper deputizes Charlie and the local newspaperman. Plus, one of my favorite characters of this book is definitely Charlie’s orange cat named Eggs Benedict. Let me say that again: his name is Eggs Benedict. If that doesn’t make you want to read this book, then I don’t know what will!
While this was fun to read, I do have to say that it was obvious early on who the murderer was (although the murderer’s motive wasn’t completely clear until much later). I would have preferred more suspense to keep me captivated throughout. However, with the delightful interactions between Charlie and Chris and Charlie and Eggs Benedict, I definitely enjoyed reading this cozy mystery and think it is worth a read when you’re looking for something light and charming.
I received a copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Buy Mousse and Murder now on Bookshop or Amazon!
2. The Jane Austen Society by Natalie Jenner
Release Date: May 26th, 2020
Jane Austen’s works are the ultimate comfort read, but the next best thing is definitely a novel related to Jane Austen. And that’s exactly what The Jane Austen Society is—so add it to your list of books released in May 2020 that you need to read!
This novel is set just after WWII in Chawton, England…the home of Jane Austen. Now, around one hundred and fifty years after Austen lived here, a group of widely different people become united by their love of Jane Austen as they strive to protect her home and legacy.
I haven’t yet had a chance to read this book, but it sounds super sweet and has been getting excellent reviews so it is definitely top of my TBR list this month. I can’t wait to read it!
Buy The Jane Austen Society now on Bookshop or Amazon!
Love Jane Austen? Check out these fun gifts for Jane Austen fans!
3. By the Book by Amanda Sellet
Release Date: May 12th, 2020
Another of this year’s May book releases you’ll want to add to your TBR is By the Book, a YA romance with a book lover as the main character!
Mary loves books, and especially classic novels. In fact, she even uses classic books to guide her own and her friends’ futures…especially when it comes to love! So of course she compiles a “Scoundrel Survival Guide” (a list of all the different types of literary scoundrels she can think of) to help herself and her friends avoid making mistakes they’ll regret. But when Mary meets a boy who she thinks fits on the scoundrels list, will she take her own advice to stay away? Or will she be able to write her own happily ever after?
I’ve heard lots of good things about this book, especially about the delightful friendship-centered plot line, and I’ve also heard it has all the literary references and all the literary puns. Sounds like a book lover’s dream come true…so you’d better believe it’s on my list of new book releases for May 2020 to read as soon as possible!
Buy By the Book now on Bookshop or Amazon!
4. The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Release Date: May 19th, 2020
If you’re looking to read one of the most hyped-up new books May 2020 offers, then The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is the book for you. This book is a prequel to the bestselling Hunger Games series, and grants us a glimpse into the past of Coriolanus Snow. Yes, that Coriolanus Snow…the one we all hate!
18-year-old Snow is preparing to be a mentor for the Games, and since his family has fallen on hard times he needs to mentor the winning tribute to gain the glory. But unfortunately, he’s been given the task of mentoring an unlikely tribute: the female tribute from District 12, of course.
I’m honestly not sure whether this is a book I’ll be picking up when it’s released or not. I wasn’t a fan of the way the original trilogy ended and I’m not sure whether I’m willing to find out about the early days of Snow, when we know/already hate him in his future incarnation. But a lot of people are super excited for this release, and it might end up being amazing…so what do you think? Will you be reading this new book release?
Buy The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes now on Bookshop or Amazon!
5. The Study of Secrets by Cynthia Kuhn
Release Date: May 26th, 2020
Another book you may enjoy from the book releases May 2020 brings is The Study of Secrets, the fifth novel in the Lila Maclean Academic Mystery Series.
Lila Maclean is an English professor on her sabbatical, and she’s spending her time in the Victorian mansion belonging to her favorite mystery author—Bibi Callahan. But when Lila discovers a previously unpublished novel by Bibi, soon murder follows when one of Bibi’s friends is found dead in the study! Can Lila discover who the murderer is?
One of my favorite parts of this book is how witty it is and all the fun descriptions throughout. There were many, many moments that made me smile! I also love how our amateur detective is highly familiar with all the mystery literary tropes and often references these and plays off of them throughout her investigation. It’s a delight to read a cozy mystery with a book-loving main character!
However, there were a few times it was a bit difficult to follow what was happening, and the transitions between chapters were sometimes a bit disjointed. I also wish that we would have gotten to know the characters a little better as they seemed to act differently at the end from what we knew earlier on, and the ending as a whole felt a bit too tidy and rushed.
But if you’re looking for a quick, light, fun, and fluffy mystery read that will make you smile and delight you throughout, then you can’t go wrong with picking this book up!
I received a copy of this book from Henery Press and Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Buy The Study of Secrets now on Bookshop or Amazon!
Looking for more mystery books? Check out these exciting classic mysteries you can read for free!
6. The Betrothed by Kiera Cass
Release Date: May 5th, 2020
When you’re looking for highly-anticipated May 2020 releases, The Betrothed certainly deserves a mention. This could be a good book for you if you loved The Selection series, which is also by Cass.
Lady Hollis Brite has grown up vying for the king’s attention—and now he’s declared his love for her! Naturally, she’s excited. But when she meets an unexpected commoner, will she find her happily ever after with King Jameson is still everything she desires?
While reviews have been somewhat mixed so far on The Betrothed, I’m still holding out hope that it will be a good light and fluffy read, especially for those who loved The Selection. To be honest, it sounds quite similar to the selection, just in a different setting…so here’s hoping the characters and plot are likable!
Buy The Betrothed now on Bookshop or Amazon!
What books coming out in May 2020 are you planning to read this month?
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