10 Summer Reads Chosen By Tattered Cover Book Store Experts

The warmer months are a time for relaxation and catching up on all that we haven’t read, so we checked with the experts at the world-renowned Tattered Cover to get some recommendations for your summer reading list. Whether you’re headed to the high country or a secluded beach, these books are all worthy of a place in your suitcase.

The New Neighbor

By Carter Wilson
Release date: April 12, 2022
“Winning the lottery provides enough challenges, but Aidan Marlowe has plenty more to deal with as he’s recently widowed and has moved into a house with a complicated history that forces him to deal with his own troubled past. With The New Neighbor, Wilson has once again excelled at making dark, unsettling narratives highly entertaining.” —Josh Clark, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Any Other Family

By Eleanor Brown
Release date: July 12, 2022
“The Denver-based author of Weird Sisters, Eleanor Brown is back with a family drama that will be a favorite of book clubs. A unique family made up of three sets of adoptive parents of four biological siblings sets out on their first family vacation when a phone call changes their world.” —Kathy Baum, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Four Treasures of the Sky

By Jenny Tingui Zhang
Release date: April 5, 2022
“Zhang, who graduated with an MFA from the University of Wyoming, has produced one of the most moving and informational American West historical novels of the year. Spanning China to San Francisco, the book enlightens readers on the Chinese Exclusion Act from 1882. With unforgettable characters and rich, scenic descriptions, this novel will transport readers to a moment in history often not taught in schools.” —Adam Vitcavage, Tattered Cover Book Store director of events

Woman of Light

By Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Release date: June 7, 2022
“Set in Denver and the American West, Woman of Light spans five generations of Indigenous Chicano people, many based on some of the author’s actual ancestors. This is a gorgeous story about love, family, fate, and betrayal.” —Kathy Baum, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Upgrade

By Blake Crouch
Release date: July 12, 2022
“Science fiction and thriller mash-ups are one of my favorite things to read, and Crouch is one of the best at crafting such action-packed, mind-bending narratives. Upgrade drops us into an accessible, high-octane adventure, yet offers plenty to chew on in this realistic potential future shaped by believable advancements of genetic engineering.” —Josh Clark, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Shadow Atlas: Dark Landscapes of the Americas

Edited by Carina Bissett, Hillary Dodge, and Joshua Viola
Release date: Nov. 30, 2021
“The dark tales and poetry of Shadow Atlas are strong enough on their own, but this project provides several additional levels of storytelling in what is a well-designed experience from Hex Publishers. The stories and poems from across the Americas integrate with elements like illustrations, emails, and case files to create a layered narrative you’ll want to take your time immersing yourself in.” —Josh Clark, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Sands of Dune

By Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Release date: June 28, 2022
“If sand is a prerequisite for a beach read, Sands of Dune has plenty as it takes you to Arrakis and other unknown corners of the expansive Dune universe. Fans who can’t get enough of this rich world have even more to explore in this collection of Dune novellas from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson.” —Josh Clark, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Denver Noir

Edited by Cynthia Swanson
Release date: May 3, 2022
“Take a tour of Denver’s neighborhoods via this collection from 14 local authors, including a comic story from R. Alan Brooks. Swanson’s Pieces of Everyone, Everywhere and David Heska Wanbli Weiden’s Colfax and Havana are two of my favorites in this strong assortment of tales exploring the Mile High City’s dark side.”
—Josh Clark, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold Cases

By Paul Holes
Release date: April 26, 2022
“If you’ve read Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, the name Paul Holes [an investigator known for his contributions to the Golden State killer case] may sound familiar. Fans of true crime will not want to miss Holes’ book discussing his life, his career, and his cases.” —Jennifer Martin, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer

Always Be My Duchess

By Amalie Howard
Release date: July 12, 2022
“Feel free to judge this book by its cover, which perfectly encapsulates this Victorian era historical rom-com inspired by Pretty Woman. Always Be My Duchess is a breezy beach read or a ripping rainy day read or an escapist everyday read. This is the kind of book that fits perfectly with any summer plan.” —Jennifer Martin, Tattered Cover Book Store buyer