What to read in May 2025

Diving Deep Into the Dark Side (and Loving Every Page of It!)

May took a turn I didn’t expect. And I’m loving it. After a spring filled with romances and meet-cutes, I suddenly found myself craving something…grittier. Maybe it was the pollen count or just a need for a little adrenaline, but either way, I ditched my stack of literary fiction (sorry, library!) and dove headfirst into the world of psychological thrillers. Spoiler: no regrets.

While my original plan involved slow burns and literary prose, I kept nodding off before chapter three. So, I pivoted into secrets, lies, and the kind of suspense that keeps you up way too late on a work night. Here’s what thrilled me this month:

Money Can’t Buy You Safety—Or Sanity

Let’s start with Death Valley by J.F. Penn. Think: luxury desert resort meets survival thriller. The setting? A five-star hideaway in the middle of Death Valley, where the ultra-wealthy go to disconnect. The twist? Not everyone’s making it out. This story is a masterclass in bad decisions and buried secrets, and it proves that even the rich can’t buy their way out of danger. I got my copy through a Kickstarter campaign, but it’s hitting Amazon in June—perfect for your summer thriller fix.

True Crime Turned Page-Turner

I never thought I’d say this, but a true crime podcast actually changed my life. Fictionally, of course. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera isn’t your average whodunit. Lucy Chase was suspected, but never charged, in her best friend Savvy’s murder. Years later, a true crime podcaster decides to dig up the past. What follows is twisty, tense, and totally addictive. I pride myself on guessing endings, but this one got me. And it made sense.

Swipe Left on Joe, Please

Okay, I’m super late to the party here, but I finally started watching You on Netflix (originally on Lifetime, for any TV trivia buffs out there). Based on the novels by Caroline Kepnes, this show is everything: creepy, clever, and impossible to stop watching. Bookstore owner Joe might seem charming at first glance, but give it a few episodes and you’ll be side-eyeing every romantic lead in your TBR pile. I’m only on season one, and there are five. RIP, productivity.

What’s Next? Who Knows!

So where does that leave us for June? Honestly, I’m not sure. I might go full Western. There’s no shame in needing a rugged cowboy fix. Ransom Canyon, I see you. Or I could chase more psychological twists. One thing’s for sure: I’m letting my mood lead the way.