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Denver is poised to have the hottest March on record, which means we’re officially swapping out our puffers for picnic blankets this month. Whether you’re enjoying the view of early spring blooms at Washington Park or packing for a spring break trip, it’s never a bad idea to bring along a book. So to help you find your next five-star read, we asked the pros at Tattered Cover Book Store to tell us what’s on their spring TBR.
From an edge-of-your-seat mystery romance to a heartwarming children’s book, here are 10 new releases—all penned by Colorado authors—to read this spring.
Salt Lakes: An Unnatural History by Caroline Tracey
In Caroline Tracey’s bold debut novel, the acclaimed nature writer chases vanishing salt lakes across four different continents and inadvertently uncovers truths about her life and identity along the way. Tracey thoughtfully forms sociological connections between landscape and humanity, highlighting some of the reasons behind the deterioration of salt lakes and the broader environmental implications. I believe everyone has much to learn from this illuminating and heartfelt book. It left me both informed and inspired to continue learning about the deep context behind environmental and ecological concerns in the present day. Tracey, a researcher originally from Colorado, offers a compelling perspective that makes this an especially great local author read. —Alex Clark, Tattered Cover Union Station bookseller
The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas
All high schooler Martha Helen has ever known is dust. Life on the plains of southeastern Colorado during the Dust Bowl is harsh but familiar, and her family manages well enough to feed themselves and lend a hand to neighbors. They even take in a drifter named Otis as extra labor on their farm. But as an outsider in a tight-knit community, Otis quickly becomes the subject of suspicion and quiet distrust. Those tensions rise to the surface when Martha Helen’s best friend is murdered. This gripping coming-of-age tale, releasing on March 30, is engrossing enough to read in one sitting. —Jen Martin, Tattered Cover buyer
Cross Your Heart and Hope He Dies by Jenny Elder Moke
From the author of She Doesn’t Have a Clue, this bitingly funny mystery rom-com revisits the raucous world of rich people behaving badly. Do your best to keep up with headstrong publishing executive Juliette Winters as she chases a career-making book deal: the explosive, tell-all memoir of business magnate Warren Ellingham. But Ellingham’s elite country club colleagues are not too happy about the idea of their secrets becoming public. When Ellingham dies suddenly of an apparent heart attack and the highly sought-after manuscript mysteriously disappears, Juliette finds herself tangled in a twisty investigation. To avoid taking the fall herself, Juliette will need to track down Warren’s killer—all while maintaining her strict “No Romance Rule,” which proves to be difficult when she needs the help of heartthrob Australian cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Charlie Hawkins. —Katie B., Tattered Cover Colfax store manager
Queen of the Night Sky by Amalie Howard
In the thrilling conclusion to The Starlight Heir romantasy duology, all of protagonist Sura’s beliefs are upended. The king she loves is succumbing to corruption, each day she faces more threats to her life, and the mysterious man who once existed only in her dreams has become very real—and possibly something more. Readers can expect intense yearning, fulfilled destinies, and a whole lot of spice. A must-read for fans of Rebecca Yarros. —Jen Martin
Begin Where You Are: The Colorado Poets Laureate Anthology compiled by Turner Wyatt
A labor of love, hope, and determination, this anthology is a thoughtful curation of work from all 10 of Colorado’s past poets laureate. Spanning more than a century of verse, the collection highlights the voices that have helped shape Colorado’s literary landscape, including unpublished work from the late Andrea Gibson. With poems accompanied by notes from the laureates themselves, this is a great book for all who love—or wonder about—the power of poetry. —Jen Martin
The Westerners: Mythmaking and Belonging on the American Frontier by Megan Kate Nelson
Author of The Three-Cornered War (a Pulitzer Prize finalist), historian Megan Kate Nelson challenges the oversimplified narrative of the American West in her latest release. To do so, she follows the lives of seven individuals, who illuminate the multiplicity of experiences on the frontier and the diversity of our region. Nelson also delves into how and why so many people disappeared from the American story. A stellar read for anyone who loves history told in a vibrant, narrative style and learning about how hidden corners of the past affect the present. —Jen Martin
Best Dog Hikes Colorado 3rd Edition by Emma Walker
Attention, all dog and outdoor lovers! Falcon Guides has released its latest edition of Best Dog Hikes Colorado—just in time for warmer weather. This comprehensive guide is packed with beautiful photos, detailed maps, and helpful trail information about difficulty, distance, and seasonality. It’s an excellent resource for seasoned hikers and burgeoning adventurers alike who want to explore Colorado’s trails with their pup. —Jen Martin
Huck ‘N’ Hairball and the Litterbox Time Machine by Rich Moyer
A cat, a hairball, and a girl scout walk into a litter box. The punchline? That litterbox is actually a time machine, and now this plucky trio must save the universe from the damage they’ve unwittingly done. Packed with absurd humor, chaotic adventures, and plenty of heart, the story launches readers into a wildly imaginative ride through time. This graphic novel, from the same mind that created the Ham Helsing trilogy, is a perfect pick for middle-grade readers looking for their next adventure. —John Michael, Tattered Cover Stanley Marketplace Store Manager
Worm and Butterfly Are Friends Always by Kaz Windness
Is your friend still a friend if they’re far away from you? In this adorable early-reader graphic novel, best friends Butterfly and Worm face an unexpected challenge when Butterfly must fly south for the winter, leaving Worm behind. Suddenly, Worm feels lonely and confused, unsure how their friendship can survive the distance. Along the way, Worm meets a kindred spirit and discovers that friendship can be bigger than he ever imagined. With charming illustrations, this sweet story explores what it means to stay friends even when life takes you in different directions. —Jen Martin
Mama Won’t Mind by Kathleen Bahr
A little raccoon finds the perfect present for his mother’s birthday and eagerly sets off for home to deliver it, but along the way things go awry. As small mishaps snowball into a slightly bigger adventure, readers are left wondering: Will Mama still love her present? This sweet (and sweetly illustrated) picture book captures the lovable chaos of good intentions and the reassuring power of a mother’s love. With its gentle humor and heartwarming message, it’s a delightful read for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or really any occasion that calls for a cozy story. —Jen Martin
