Well, I’ve been a little more active on my blog lately, however I totally forgot to post my usual monthly reading wrap-up. Once again, another month, another stack of books completed! I consumed 6 books in May, which brings my total to 30 books read in 2025 so far. Let’s dive into what I read and what’s coming next!
What I Read in May
1. Finders Keepers by Stephen King
Format: Audio Book
Platform: Libby (through my local library)
Device: Pixel 9 XL
Book #2 in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, Finders Keepers steps away from the crime focus of Mr. Mercedes and takes a more literary twist. The story centers on a reclusive author whose unpublished works are stolen in a violent robbery, and the consequences of that theft years later. While the build-up takes time (King spends a good portion of the novel developing antagonist Morris Bellamy), it makes for a satisfying payoff.
Although it can almost stand alone, I recommend reading Mr. Mercedes first to catch all the important references.
2. The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens
Format: Digital
Platform: Libby (through my local library)
Device: Kobo Libra Color
This was easily one of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it delivered. Eskens, whose work I discovered through The Life We Bury (recommended by my local library), crafts a moving story about Hana, a woman grappling with grief, memory, and secrets tied to the Bosnian War. It’s a standalone novel with echoes of Eskens’ typical Midwest setting, blending themes of love, loss, and revenge in an unexpected but powerful way. This is the first time I can say that you should read one of Eskens’ books without having to go back and read some others.
3. Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare
Format: Physical Softcover
A reread in preparation for the upcoming film adaptation, and also our May book club pick for Blake and Cole Read a Book! This YA horror novel kicks off with small-town life and quickly devolves into gruesome slasher chaos. It nails the campy horror vibe, blending comedy and carnage in some surprisingly creative death scenes.
Check out my original review and if you read this, I highly recommend watching the movie as it’s also a ton of fun!
4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Format: Physical Hardcover
WOW. Just wow. Visiting this modern dystopian classic for the first time (in book form), I was blown away. Having seen the films, I wasn’t prepared for how much depth and emotion the book packs, especially around Katniss and Peeta’s dynamic. As I move away from certain childhood fandoms due to problematic creators, I’m glad to have found something like this to one day share with my kids. With the a badass star like Katniss, my daughter will grow to love this.
5. Block’d by Brian Hawkins & Ignacio di Meglio
Format: Physical Trade Paperback
While I’ve been focused more on novels this year, I’m starting to get back into graphic novels and trades. I picked up Block’d at Bettie Page’s, a local indie bookstore. Hawkins is a past guest on my old podcast, and I previously worked with artist Ignacio di Meglio on two comic covers (comment if you can find me):
This YA coming-of-age graphic novel from Mad Cave’s Maverick imprint follows a teen trying to live up to his father’s legacy, an ex-basketball star, business mogul, and… shapeshifter? With a vibe similar to sports manga, this was a heartfelt, unique read.
6. End of Watch by Stephen King
Format: Audio Book
Platform: Libby (through my local library)
Device: Pixel 9 XL
I’ve already written a longer piece about this one and its discusses social media and social engineering, you can read that here. Of the Bill Hodges trilogy, this was probably the weakest installment for me. The “fishing hole” plot device felt a bit odd, but overall the trilogy is still a fantastic blend of crime, horror, and supernatural suspense.
Best Book of May?
Hands down: The Hunger Games. It’s popular for a reason. And now, more than ever, it feels like a series I want to revisit and potentially share with my kids. This book was the second 5 star book I have on the year.
What was your favorite read in May?
What I’m Reading in June
Okay, so June is pretty much over by the time this goes live, but here are a few books I’ve been diving into this month:
Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman
Our June pick for the Blake and Cole Read a Book club on Fable. This one came highly recommended and is generating a lot of buzz. If you’re a fan of psychological horror and literary suspense, don’t miss it. We’re also starting to take member recommendations for future reads, so come join us!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Return to New York by Jason Aaron (ARC)
I grabbed this ARC from NetGalley, and posted a full review here. This is the beginning of Aaron’s new TMNT run, and I’m loving how it reinvents classic characters. I’ve also started a new weekly blog series every Tuesday focused on the Turtles, check it out if you’re a fan!
The October Film Haunt by Michael Wehunt (ARC)
This book is wild so far—creepy, experimental, and full of strange cinematic horror vibes. I’m excited to dive deeper and share my thoughts in an upcoming review.
What are you planning to read this summer? Drop your recommendations or your May favorites below.
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