Be prepared to be spellbound by our May highlights. We've got fiction and non-fiction to shout about from both brand new authors and established bestsellers. Be enthralled, be inspired, be compelled and entertained with these new releases. All come with the LoveReading stamp of approval.

LoveReading's May Genre Picks of the Month

Our genre-focused picks for May are thrilling, ferociously funny, enchanting tales and a classic novel of a family in crisis. Discover these May highlights from key genres.

Our Crime / Thriller Pick of the Month

Be Mine by Lizzy Barber - "A thrilling ride about identity, manipulation, and our desperate desire to belong."

Our Romance Pick of the Month

The Revenge Club By Kathy Lette - "A ferociously funny and pointed story of sexism and revenge, join four women as they attempt to turn the tables on the men who destroyed their lives."

Our Sci-Fi / Fantasy Pick of the Month

Spellbound by Georgia Leighton - "Singing an enchanting tale that highlights the lives of the women within, as darkness, perseverance, and hope make themselves known in this retelling of Sleeping Beauty."

Our Literary Pick of the Month

Speak to Me of Home By Jeanine Cummins - "From the internationally bestselling author of American Dirt, comes a classic novel of a family in crisis."

LoveReading's May 2025 Fiction Books of the Month

Whether looking for an achingly amusing read, a soul-spinning thriller, twisty stories of murder and mayhem or thrilling coming-of-age reads, explore our fiction books of the month in our May 2025 recommendations.

Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi - "Discover a journey, a quest, a finding of self, in this wise and heartfelt story as it soars from India to Europe in vividly captivating style."

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman - "A brand new series. An iconic new detective duo. And a puzzling new murder to solve."

When We Were Killers by C. F. Barrington - "A soul-spinning and intelligent thriller set within St Andrews University as five students investigate the background to the Viking Berserkers."

The Witch, the Seed and the Scalpel by Scott O'Neill - "Within the pages of this eerily atmospheric novel set in Scotland during 1841 dwells an entirely captivating, and entirely chilling story."

So Good to See You by Francesca Hornak - "Smart, achingly amusing and emotional, this LoveReading Star Book delves into the highs and lows of friendship with a piercing clarity."

The Revenge Club by Kathy Lette - "A ferociously funny and pointed story of sexism and revenge, join four women as they attempt to turn the tables on the men who destroyed their lives."

The Maiden of Florence by Katherine Mezzacappa - "A fascinating glimpse into a slice of history relating to the Medici family in 1584, this work of fiction is based on true events and highlights the difficulties faced by women."

This Song Is About Us by Sara Barnard - "Big emotions and conflicts play out against a big-stage backdrop in this thrilling coming-of-age novel of romance, courage, fame and staying true to yourself."

Bloody Scotland by Lin Anderson, Chris Brookmyre, Gordon Brown, Ann Cleeves, Doug Johnstone, Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid, Denise Mina, Craig Rob - "Twelve crime authors, twelve locations within Scotland, and twelve twisty compelling stories of murder and mayhem."

LoveReading's May 2025 Non-Fiction Books of the Month

Our May non-fiction duo delivers an utterly enchanting, nature-infused account of a new life and a fierce, chilling investigation into the 17th century witch trials with the resonance of dangers women can still face today. Explore our highlights and shop knowing you'll be supporting UK schools when you shop.

Lifelines by Julian Hoffman - "An utterly enchanting, nature-infused account of finding a new life, close to the confluence of three countries."

How To Kill A Witch by Claire Mitchell, Zoë Venditozzi - "Fierce and fascinating, chilling and yet compassionate, this investigation into the 17th century witch trials highlights the dangers women can still face today."

LoveReading's May 2025 Debuts of the Month

Our May debut recommendations highlight a new story brimming with heart and an entertaining crime caper. Catch a snippet of our reviews below, and click the links to read the full reviews. 

Palm Meridian by Grace Flahive - "Bittersweet lesbians try to enjoy one last farewell party at the end of the world — this is a delicious debut from Grace Flahive."

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs - "A smart, smirky, and highly entertaining crime caper that twists and turns its way through to an extremely satisfying conclusion."

LoveReading's May 2025 Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month

Liz Robinson's May picks feature a mix of new books that are also celebrated above, paperback releases of enthralling reads and new fiction and non-fiction selections that are inspiring, full of action and magnificent. Browse the handful of picks below.

How To Kill A Witch by Claire Mitchell, Zoë Venditozzi - "Fierce and fascinating, chilling and yet compassionate, this investigation into the 17th century witch trials highlights the dangers women can still face today."

The Generosity of Plants by Rosemary Gladstar - "An inspiring, colourful, and graceful collection of images and quotes highlighting our wonderful world of plants."

The Devils by Joe Abercrombie - "A league of extraordinary characters fight their way to the throne of Troy in this hugely epic adventure, it’s not to be missed!"

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs - "A smart, smirky, and highly entertaining crime caper that twists and turns its way through to an extremely satisfying conclusion."

The Castle by John Sutherland - "Full of action and energy, empathy and honour, this absolutely cracking thriller set in Scotland certainly lives up to expectations."

The Cracked Mirror by Christopher Brookmyre - "Crime sub-genres are shaken to their core to create a hugely enthralling and exciting corkscrewing rollercoaster of a ride."

The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson - "Magnificent! A beautiful blend of mystery and epic fantasy, this LoveReading Star Book delivers a simply captivating tale."

LoveReading's May 2025 Star Books

There's been a tidal wave of new additions to our Star Books category this May. With brand new stories and paperback releases filling the shelves. With the summer fast approaching, our Star Books are the perfect place for recommendations if you only have time to squeeze in a read while you're on holiday.