Most borrowed books in August

A new month means a fresh look at what readers across Australia couldn’t put down! From gripping thrillers to binge-worthy fantasy and powerful nonfiction, these are the books Libby readers borrowed most in August. A few of my personal favorites made the list—did yours?

The Housemaid’s Secret by Frieda McFadde
Frieda McFadden’s psychological thrillers have been dominating Libby shelves around the world, and Australian readers are no exception. The Housemaid’s Secret takes all the twists and tension of The Housemaid and dials it up, keeping you glued to the page (or your earbuds) until the very end.

The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
🎧 Audiobook

Sometimes the best advice is the simplest. Mel Robbins’ The Let Them Theory has become a global sensation for a reason—it’s a powerful reminder to stop controlling what others do and start focusing on how you respond. For readers looking for a reset heading into spring, this quick yet life-changing listen was a clear favourite.

Lyrebird by Jane Caro
🎧 Audiobook

This mystery set in the Barrington Tops National Park is striking a chord with Australian readers. Jane Caro tells the story of a woman who witnesses a lyrebird mimicking the dying screams of a woman. Despite taking this information to the police, no body is found…until 20 years later, exactly where she said it would be.

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
🎧 Audiobook

The romantasy phenomenon Fourth Wing continues to top Libby charts, with readers swept up in Violet’s fight to survive Basgiath War College. And of course, the steamy romance that emerges from the dust. If you’ve somehow missed this global sensation, now’s the time to dive in.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
🎧 Audiobook

Once you finish Fourth Wing, you won’t be able to stop there (speaking from personal experience). Make sure you read Iron Flame after Fourth Wing and then you’ll be ready for Onyx Storm. Released earlier this year, the third instalment in the Empyrean series gave us epic battles, heartbreak, and a devastating cliffhanger that I still haven’t gotten over.

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
🎧 Audiobook

Liane Moriarty’s latest novel is as addictive as ever, blending sharp observations of human behaviour with a central mystery that keeps you guessing. This brilliantly constructed story looks at free will and destiny, grief and love, and the endless struggle to maintain certainty and control in na uncertain world. It is no surprise that readers across the country have been devouring this one.

Smoke by Michael Brissenden
🎧 Audiobook

Hailed by crime greats like Chris Hammer, Dervla McTiernan, and Don Winslow as one of the year’s best crime novels, Smoke is a blistering, fast-paced mystery that will keep you guessing until the final page. Detective Alex Markov is pulled back to her hometown of Jasper under the shadow of an LAPD corruption probe, where a suspicious death during a wildfire points to a much deeper rot.

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
🎧 Audiobook

Another romantasy sensation, it’s no surprise Callie Hart’s Quicksilver hit Libby’s most borrowed list in August. This enemies-to-lovers romantasy is addicting with incredible banter, intense action, and another cliffhanger (sorry romantasy readers, I feel your pain). And if you loved this one, mark your calendars—book two in the series, Brimstone, is coming on November 18!

Ready to catch up on the books everyone’s talking about? Borrow these top picks now on Libby, free with your library card.

*Title availability may vary.