A new month means a new stack of books to obsess over. 

In this episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by the wonderful Emma to chat about the July 2026 book releases they're most excited to add to their TBRs. From buzzy fiction and page-turning mysteries to heartfelt romances and unforgettable literary reads, they're sharing the upcoming titles that have already captured their attention. 

Whether you're planning your summer reading list, looking for the next great library hold or simply love keeping up with the latest book releases, this episode is packed with recommendations to help fill your TBR. 

Tune in for a fun conversation celebrating the most anticipated books hitting shelves in July 2026 and discover which titles deserve a spot at the top of your reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Emma’s Picks:  

Prince of Swords – Elise Kova  

A Forsaken Prophecy – Stacey McEwan  

In the Wake of the Ruined – Kalie Cassidy 

Hot Girl Murder Club – Ashley Winstead 

Foxx – Paisley Hope  

The MASH Up – Laura Marie Meyers  

If Books Could Kill – Kate Eberle  

Daggermouth – HM Wofle 

Joe’s Picks: 

Helpless – Jessica Knoll 

My Tokyo Summer – Abby Denson  

Coming Out Perfect – Richard Mercado  

Case Closed, Vol. 99 – Gosho Aoyama 

Witch’s Inheritance – Paige Hender 

The Inn at the Foot of Mount Vengeance  – Chiara Bullen 

The Masala Chai Mystery Club – MJ Soni 

Ghost Girl – Eva Benefield 

Alex, by Proxy – Karen Myna Cantor 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:20 Catching up with Emma 
00:06:50 July 2026 Book Picks 
01:20:23 Final thoughts and outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The temperature is rising, and so is the romance stack. In the Season 3 finale of Book Lounge by Libby, romance novel matchmaker, experienced bookseller, and bookish creator Destinee (@yourromancedestinee) joins the lounge to share the steamy romance books that deserve a spot on your summer TBR. 

From slow burns that leave readers desperate for more, to romances packed with chemistry, banter, longing, and unforgettable love stories, Joe & Destinee share recommendations for every kind of romance reader. The conversation dives into what makes a great romance novel, why the genre continues to captivate millions of readers, and how finding the perfect romance book is all about matching the right story to the right reader. 

Season 3 may be coming to a close, but Book Lounge by Libby isn’t going anywhere! After this episode, the podcast will move to a monthly rhythm of three episodes per month through the end of September when Season 4 launches with even more author conversations, reading recommendations and behind-the-scenes book world discussions. 

Whether searching for spicy romance books, summer romance reads, or a brand-new favorite love story, this episode is the perfect way to heat up a reading list. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Destinee’s picks: 

Never Seduce a Scot – Maya Banks 

High Seas Heat – Sarah Blue 

Die for Me – Shirlene Obuobi 

By the Bootstraps – Alexa Martin 

Rebel Heiress – Amalie Howard 

Just a Highland Fling – Naina Kumar 

Psy-Changeling Series (Book 1: Slave to Sensation) - Nalini Singh 

Joe’s picks: 

Extracurricular – Rachel Lynn Solomon 

Goliaths of Wrestling Series (Book 4: False Comeback) - Lily Mayne  

Jacksonville Rays Series (Book 4: Pucking Strong) - Emily Rath 

Shoutout: Puckboys Series (Book 1:  Egotistical Puckboy) – Eden Finley & Saxon James 

Night at the Vampire Castle – Hari Conner 

The Hades Calculus – Maria Ying 

Time and Time Again – Chatham Greenfield 

Lost Boys series (Book 1: The Skeptic) – Kelly Fox 

Who’s in this episode:  

Destinee (yourromancedestinee) - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:16 Welcome to Destinee 
00:02:15 Get to know Destinee and what got her into romance! 
00:04:30 The change of the romance reader landscape 
00:07:33 What are your favorite/least favorite tropes?  
00:11:24 What are your favorite questions to be asked as a bookseller?  
00:15:30 Romance Recommendations! 
00:54:05 Thank you and outro 
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer reading is getting steamy! Today, Joe is joined by bestselling romance authors Ann Liang and BK Borison for a conversation about creating unforgettable love stories, building electric chemistry, writing yearning and intimacy, and why romance continues to captivate readers around the world. 

The conversation also briefly features romance author Sara Cate, who joined at the start of the episode before technical difficulties cut her time short. 

From the balance of tension and tenderness to the art of crafting a perfect happily ever after, Ann and BK share a behind-the-scenes look at their writing process, the emotional core of romance novels, and what makes a love story linger long after the final page. Whether you’re searching for your next spicy summer romance, a fan of contemporary love stories, or curious about how romance authors bring fictional relationships to life, this episode is a must-listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in the episode: 

Ann Liang: https://www.annliang.com/ 

BK Borison: https://bkborison.com/ 

Sara Cate: https://saracatebooks.com/ 

Time stamps: 00:00:00 Title 00:00:23 Intro 00:03:21 Diving into romance 00:50:58 Romance Lightning Round 00:54:52 Thanks and outro  

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating one of our favorite ways to experience stories. 

This week Joe is joined by Amy Allen Clark, host of the BOOK GANG podcast, to talk about the audiobooks they've been loving lately. From unforgettable narrations to stories that are impossible to pause, they're sharing recent audiobook recommendations that deserve a spot on your listening list. 

This conversation is packed with recommendations, listening inspiration, and plenty of appreciation for the magic of audiobooks. 

Tune in to discover new audiobook recommendations, celebrate Audiobook Month, and find your next favorite listen. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Titles for Episode:  

Amy’s Picks:  

Enormous Wings - Laurie Frankel 

Good People - Patmeena Sabit 

Lady Tremaine - Rachel Hochhauser 

My Lady Jane - Cynthia Hand 

Skin Contact - Elisa Faison 

Invasive Species - Ellery Adams 

Joe’s Picks:  

Swift and Saddled – Lyla Sage 

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop – Laurie Gilmore 

Headlights – CJ Leede 

Witches of Dubious Origin - Jenn McKinlay 

God of the Woods - Liz Moore  

Our Last Resort - Clémence Michallon 

A Fortune of Sand – Ruta Sepetys 

The Taking of Jake Livingston – Ryan Douglass 

Bath Haus – PJ Vernon 

The Perfect Home – Daniel Kenitz  

Don’t Let the Forest In – CG Drews  

The Good Vampire’s Guide to Blood & Boyfriends – Jamie D’Amato 

Legends & Lattes Series - Travis Baldree 

Operation Bounce House – Matt Dinniman 

The Diviners – Libba Bray 

Believing – Anita Hill 

The Autumn Sprints Retirement Home Massacre - Philip Fracassi 

Home is Where the Bodies Are – Jeneva Rose 

MindWorks – Neal Shusterman 

Out There – Kate Folk 

Bubblegum – Adam Levin  

The Dresden Files  – Jim Butcher 

A Series of Unforunate Events – Lemony Snicket 

Vagabond – Tim Curry 

NOS4ATU – Joe Hill 

Rosemary’s Baby – Ira Levin 

Charlotte’s Web – EB White  

The Curseworkers Series - Holly Black  

How to Train Your Dragon series – Cressida Cowell 

Leaving Isn’t the Hardest Thing – Lauren Hough 

Who’s in this episode:  

Amy Allen Clark – Links 

Discover your next favorite read with the NEW 2026 MomAdvice Summer Reading Guide! Dive into 70 handpicked titles—featuring upcoming releases, fresh new reads, and beloved backlist gems. Flip through 57 pages packed with bookish inspiration to create your ultimate summer reading stack.  
LINK: https://buymeacoffee.com/bookgangpodcast/e/535779 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:43 Welcome and catching up with Amy Allen Clark 
00:06:06 A reminder of our seasonal schedule 
00:07:11 We talk about our love of audiobooks 
00:19:06 Our audiobook recommendations 
01:12:50 Outro 
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is Audiobook Month, and we're celebrating with two of the most beloved voices in the industry. 

This week on Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by acclaimed audiobook narrators Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the art of bringing stories to life through audio. 

From developing character voices to recording emotional scenes, Saskia and Michael share what really goes into creating an unforgettable listening experience. Together, they explore the unique magic of audiobooks, the relationship between narrator and listener, and why hearing a story can feel so different from reading one on the page. 

Saskia Maarleveld has narrated more than 700 audiobooks and is known for her remarkable ability to perform a wide range of accents and characters across genres including historical fiction, fantasy, mystery, and young adult literature. Listeners may recognize her work on bestselling titles like The Alice Network, The Rose Code, and The God of the Woods.  

Michael Crouch has recorded more than 500 audiobooks and is an AudioFile Golden Voice narrator whose work has earned Audie Awards, Earphones Awards, and widespread acclaim from listeners and critics alike. He's particularly celebrated for his performances in young adult fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, and contemporary literary fiction.  

Whether you're a lifelong audiobook fan, a devoted Book Lounge listener, or someone who's been curious about trying audiobooks for the first time, this conversation offers a fascinating look inside one of publishing's most beloved formats. 

Celebrate Audiobook Month with us and discover why a great narrator can transform a great book into an unforgettable experience. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Michael Crouch - Website 

Saskia Maarleveld– Instagram 
Check out Saskia’s Medium article – The Voice in Your Ears 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:39 Welcome to Saskia Maarleveld and Michael Crouch 
00:03:05 What does it feel like to work on IP books vs. Original Content?  
00:06:30 What does creative freedom look like to you in narration?  
00:15:05 What brought you into audiobook work?  
00:25:03 What genre feels like home?  
00:30:08 How are people getting into narration today?  
00:40:41 Is there a standard for what you’re paid for your work?  
00:50:03 Working on pronunciations 
00:53:32 Lightning Round 
00:59:55 Thanks and Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should you read this Pride Month? 

In this Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by Jananie K. Velu to share book recommendations that celebrate queer stories, queer joy, and the many ways LGBTQIA+ people find connection, community, and hope. 

As they discuss the books they're recommending this June, the conversation expands beyond reading lists to explore what it means to live Pride every day of the year. Together, Joe and Jananie reflect on the importance of making space for joy, remembrance, rest, and reflection, and how books can help us better understand ourselves and each other. 

Whether you're looking to discover new LGBTQIA+ authors, add more queer stories to your TBR, or simply find your next great read, this episode offers thoughtful recommendations and meaningful conversation about the power of reading during Pride Month and beyond. 

From stories that celebrate queer futures to books that honor the past, this is a conversation about reading, identity, community, and the many ways Pride can live on long after June ends. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Book recommendations: 

Jananie’s Picks: 

Comedic Timing – Upasna Barath 

Tall Water – SJ Sindu 

Meeting Millie – Clare Ashton 

Honey Girl – Morgan Roges 

Perfume and Pain – Anna Dorn 

Fundamentally – Nussaibah Younis 

Big Swiss – Jen Beagin 

Local Heavens – K. M. Fajardo 

Devil of the Deep – Falencia Jean Francois 

House of Hunger - Alexis Henderson 

Joe’s Picks: 

Stag Dance & Detransition Baby – Torrey Peters 

Tell Me I’m Worthless – Alison Rumfitt 

Northranger – Rey Terciero 

Jackson Alone – Jose Ando 

Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous – Autumn K. England 

We Burned So Bright – TJ Klune 

Patricia Wants to Cuddle – Samantha Allen 

You Weren’t Meant to Be Human – Andrew Joseph White 

Who’s in this episode:  

Jananie K. Velu – Links  

Glad Day Lit, Toronto - website 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:54 Welcome to Jananie K. Velu 
00:01:26 What are your pride practices?  
00:07:50 Our Pride Reading Recommendations 
01:00:10 Thanks to Jananie and Outro! 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pride Month is a celebration, but it's also a reminder of the journeys so many LGBTQ+ people take to find acceptance, belonging, and hope. 

In this special Pride Month episode of Book Lounge by Libby, Joe is joined by authors Kody Keplinger, Ryan Collett, and TJ Alexander for honest, heartfelt conversations about identity, community and the power of seeing yourself reflected in stories. 

In the first half of the episode, Kody Keplinger and Ryan Collett discuss the isolation and shame that many queer people experience, the importance of finding your people and how books can help readers feel less alone. Together, they explore the transformative power of connection, representation, and hope. 

In the second half, TJ Alexander joins Joe for a conversation about queer joy, love stories, and the importance of imagining futures where LGBTQIA+ people aren't simply surviving, they're thriving. From romance and community to the possibilities of a more inclusive world, this discussion celebrates the beauty and power of queer storytelling. 

This episode is a reminder that none of us are meant to navigate life alone. 

Book Lounge by Libby is a podcast for readers, book lovers, and anyone searching for their next great read. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026) and June – October 2026! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Segment 1: 

Kody Keplinger – Website, WHERE LOST GIRLS GO 

Ryan Collett – Website, GEORGE FALLS THROUGH TIME 

Segment 2:  

TJ Alexander – Website, A LADY FOR ALL SEASONS 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:41 Segment 1 with Kody Keplinger and Ryan Collett 
00:45:06 Segment 2 with TJ Alexander 
01:28:04 Outro 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June is STACKED with incredible new releases, and this month’s Book Picks episode is here to help you build your summer TBR. Joe is joined by Kieran, founder of the Queer Liberation Library, to talk about the most exciting June 2026 book releases across genres — from buzzy literary fiction and swoony romances to twisty thrillers, queer stories, fantasy adventures, and everything in between. 

Along the way, Kieran also shares more about the mission behind the Queer Liberation Library, a digital library working to increase access to LGBTQIA+ books for readers across the United States. If you’re looking for more queer stories to add to your reading life, it’s an incredible resource worth exploring. 

Whether you’re planning beach reads, book club picks, or simply trying to stay ahead of the biggest releases of the month, this episode is packed with recommendations to keep your TBR thriving all summer long. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Check out the Queer Liberation Library (website)! You can show your support with a donation here (donation link) or just by supporting them on social media (Instagram). 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! 

Book recommendations: 

Kieran’s Picks:  

Honorable Mention: The Fake Divination Offense – Sara Raasch 

Puck – Samantha Allen 

25 Days in Athens – Jack Strange 

Supergay! - Frankie Grande 

Double Dutch Fuss – Phill Branch 

Red X – David Demchuk  

Tillinghast – Clare Cavenagh 

Grief Eater – Emma Osborne  

 Joe’s Picks:  

Slasher Summer – E.L. Chen 

Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel – Kiersten White, Illustrated by Veronica & Andy Fish 

The Disaster Gay Detective Agency – Lev AC Rosen 

The Disco at the End of the World – Nathan Tavares 

We Hexed the Moon – Mollyhall Seeley 

Girl’s Girl – Sonia Feldman 

Valley of the Moms – Hannah Selinger 

Marion – Leah Rowan 

I am not a Vampire (Anymore) - Darcy Miller 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:03 Welcome Kieran and the Queer Liberation Library 
00:01:27 What is the Queer Liberation Library (QLL)?  
00:03:24 Supporting QLL and the Pride month donation drive 
00:04:44 June 2026 Book Picks 
00:58:48 Thanks to Kieran and Outro 
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If your TBR is looking a little too well-behaved, consider this your official invitation to cause some chaos. 

Joe is joined by Abby from @crimebythebook to dive headfirst into a stack of mystery and thriller recommendations that are twisty, chilling, and completely unputdownable. From locked-room tension and atmospheric horror-leaning suspense to darkly clever whodunits and cult-favorite thrillers, this episode is packed with reads guaranteed to keep you guessing long after “just one more chapter.” 

If you’re searching for the best mystery books, psychological thrillers, dark academia vibes, or hidden gem crime fiction to add to your reading list, this episode is your next obsession.  

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! 

Book recommendations: 

Abby’s Picks:  

Nightwatching – Tracy Sierra 

You Are Fatally Invited  & The Library After Dark  – Ande Pliego 

The Treasure Hunters Club – Tom Ryan  

The Anniversary – Alex Finlay  

Hide & Seek - Søren Sveistrup  

The Possession of Alba Díaz - Isabel Cañas  

 Joe’s Picks:  

The Mill House Murders – Yukito Ayatsuji 

Dead & Breakfast & Summer Coven  - Kat Hillis & Rosiee Thor (Aug. 25) 

Murder in the Dressing Room & Missing in Soho – Holly Stars (Jun. 2) 

With My Little Eye – Joshilyn Jackson 

The Sister Holiday Series (Book 1: Scorched Grace, Book 3: Divine Ruin) - Margot Douaihy 

Who’s in this episode:  

Abby (Crime by the Book) - Links 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:00:44 Welcome to Abby from CrimebytheBook! 
00:01:06 Getting to know Abby and Crime by the Book 
00:11:11 Our Mystery & Mayhem Recommendations 
00:51:54 Thanks to Abby and Outro! 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season, or this list for today’s episode! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge! 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes readers gasp out loud at the end of a thriller? How do authors plant clues without giving everything away? And why do some plot twists stay with us forever? 

This week on Book Lounge, Joe is joined by three powerhouse thriller writers — Clare Mackintosh, Jo Piazza, and Lisa Gardner — for an exciting conversation all about The Anatomy of a Twist. Together, they unpack the art of suspense, the challenge of surprising modern readers, and the careful balance between foreshadowing and deception. 

From unreliable narrators and shocking endings to pacing, character secrets, and the emotional impact of a perfectly executed reveal, this episode is a must-listen for thriller readers, mystery lovers, and aspiring writers alike. The group also discusses some of their favorite twists in fiction, the pressure of “outsmarting” readers in the age of online theories, and what they believe makes psychological thrillers so addictive. 

If you love mystery books, crime fiction, suspense novels, plot twists, and behind-the-scenes conversations with bestselling authors, this episode delivers plenty of intrigue, insight, and mayhem. 

Looking for the video version of our show? Check out the Libby App YouTube channel! 

Link to our full book list: 
Find all the books mentioned in Season 3 on Libby Life!  
Here’s a recap of our Monthly Book Picks (Jan-May 2026)! 

Who’s in this episode:  

Clare Mackintosh - website 
Jo Piazza - website 
Lisa Gardner - website 

Time stamps: 
00:00:00 Title 
00:00:23 Intro 
00:01:11 Get to know today’s guests 
00:02:51 Writing by the seat of your pants 
00:03:31 Figuring as you go vs. Planning 
00:06:53 The Architect vs. The Builder 
00:08:48 Working backwards 
00:15:48 Do you want the reader to have the chance to figure out the mystery?  
00:22:17 Twists at the top of the book 
00:39:14 Do they track body bags?  
00:42:33 Do readers want to be surprised?  
00:50:10 How do you balance plot + pacing with your twist?  
00:57:35 Outro 
 

Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today’s episode in Libby. Library friends can add these titles to their digital collections for free in OverDrive Marketplace and Kanopy. Check out our Cumulative List for the whole season! 

Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! 

We hope you enjoy this episode of Book Lounge by Libby. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can watch the video version of our show on the Libby App YouTube channel. Keep up with us on social media by following the Libby App on Instagram!  

Want to reach out? Send an email to [email protected]. Want some cool bookish swag? Check out our merch store at: http://plotthreadsshop.com/booklounge!

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