Raise your hand if you’ve ever held off on reading a book or watching a movie because it was just too hyped up. (Same. My hands up too.) I can’t tell you how many times I’ve jumped into a book or hit play on a movie just because everyone was talking about it… only to end up thinking, “Wait, that was it?” It’s the worst. So now, whenever I see a title trending, I hesitate. If something’s going to take up space on my TBR, it better be worth it.

So if you’ve ever felt the same way, even just once, this list is for you. I asked our digital content librarians (they’re basically book whisperers) to pull together a list of titles that actually live up to the hype. No fluff. No letdowns. Just solid reads that are worth your time.

And yep, they’re all available on the Libby app.

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
🎧 Audiobook

If you’ve read The Thursday Murder Club, you already know Osman knows his way around a good mystery. This one’s a fresh story with new characters but still has his clever plotting and that dry humour he does so well.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
🎧 Audiobook

This is classic Rooney. Quiet, emotionally layered, and full of those awkward, honest moments between people who don’t always know what they want. It’s a slow burn but one that will for sure stay with you.

All Fours by Miranda July
🎧 Audiobook

This one’s different. Kinda strange, kinda brilliant. It doesn’t follow a straight path, but if you’re open to something offbeat and introspective, it really gets under your skin in a way you wouldn’t expect.

Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
🎧 Audiobook

A tender story about grief, family, and figuring each other out when everything’s gone sideways. The writing’s beautiful, the characters feel real, and it’s easy to get pulled into their world.

Funny Story by Emily Henry
🎧 Audiobook

Emily Henry knows how to write a romance that feels modern without being fluffy. This one’s about two people thrown together unexpectedly and finding connection in the mess. It’s light in all the right ways but still has depth.

Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
🎧 Audiobook

This explores big ideas, like how power works and where the world is heading, but in a way that’s easy to follow. If you’ve been curious about Harari’s work but didn’t know where to start, this is a good entry point. Adding to my TBR.

The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves
🎧 Audiobook

This mystery doesn’t rush, but it does keep you thinking. It’s perfect for when you want something with a darker tone that still feels grounded and real.

You Are Here by David Nicholls
🎧 Audiobook

A thoughtful story about two people at a bit of a crossroads in life. It’s not dramatic or flashy, but it captures the small, personal moments that slowly shift everything.

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden
🎧 Audiobook

Set in the Netherlands after WWII, this story is full of tension, longing, and the things people don’t say out loud. It’s beautifully written and emotionally charged, but still very readable.

Want by Gillian Anderson
🎧 Audiobook

Gillian Anderson’s debut novel follows a woman trying to hold her life together while quietly unraveling. Honest, raw, and very real, especially if you’ve ever felt stretched too thin. Felt. Me. I’ll be reading this one too.

*Title availability may vary.