Tag: If You Like

Six Ways to Find Your Next Romantic Read

Romances are books that feature a relationship between two main characters that have a “happily ever after” ending. They can be a great optimistic escape! There are many sub-genres too, if there is a particular setting or mood you like, such as historical, contemporary, paranormal, or inspirational. Here are six tips to help you find your next read as well as a convenient clickable list of contemporary romance authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. For more romantic reads browse our If You Like Historical Romance reading recommendations.

1. Read an award winner.

The Romance Writers of America (RWA) Vivian Award and the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) Rona Award both recognize excellence in romance writing.
The Swoon Awards, or “Swoonies” is a reader-based award celebrating the romance community’s favorite romance novels.
The Emma Awards are the premier award for diversity in romantic literature.
The Lambda Literary Awards, or “Lammys,” celebrate LGBTQ storytelling with category awards for Romance, Gay Romance and Lesbian Romance.
For audiobook listeners try out the Audie Award winners in the Romance category.

2. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use romance lists from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Romance Fiction from OverDrive

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured booklist to get romance reading recommendations, or see all our staff romance lists.

Romances Like Loving V. Virginia – IndyPL_RobinY
Read a Romance – The Fake Relationship – IndyPL_KateL
Red, White & Royal Blue – IndyPL_AllyM
Sci-Fi Romance – IndyPL_AllyM
Sapphic Romance Novels – IndyPL_BriP
17 Paperback Romances to Toss Into Your Beach Bag This Summer – IndyPL_RachelNW
Body Positive Plus-Size YA Romances – IndyPL_JessicaL
Celebrate Black Love with These Romance Novels – IndyPL_RachelNW
Contemporary Romances with Disabled Protagonists – IndyPL_RachelNW
For the Love of the Game: Sports-Related Romances – IndyPL_RachelNW
Kiss and Bake Up: Contemporary Romances Filled with Sweets – IndyPL_RachelNW
Reality TV Romance – IndyPL_RachelNW
Romance Novels Featuring Trans or GNC Main Characters – IndyPL_MasadaS
Romantic Suspense – IndyPL_MicheleP
Tropes We Love: Home Renovation and Romance – IndyPL_RachelNW

If You Liked Colleen Hoover…

Colleen Hoover writes mostly romance and psychological thrillers. Here are just a few titles for your consideration if you admire her writing style and want to find similar authors!

For even more ideas tailored to your particular romance taste, one of our staff romance readers suggests trying this book finder. Results are also linked to graded reviews, making it easier to find a book that suits your needs.

4. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

Get read-alikes and other “what to read next” suggestions from ovelist Plus. If you like contemporary romance, you’ll find romance reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Romance” category from the list on the left. When you click on a book you can read a brief description, see a star rating, and click “Check Availability” to see if your selection is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the romance newsletter from NextReads.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive romance reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a See a sample issue and Subscribe to NextReads!

6. Make a selection from these contemporary romance authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

You are invited to join in one of our many in-person or online book discussions that take place several times each month. In our book discussion groups we read and talk about both fiction and non-fiction books. We express our opinions (both likes and dislikes!) with other avid readers in the city.

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Romance

Here are tips to help you find your next read as well as a convenient clickable list of authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. See also If You Like Amish and Mennonite Fiction.

Find award winning Christian fiction.

The Christy awards are presented annually to recognize novels of excellence written from a Christian worldview. See Christy Award winners in our collection here.

Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Browse our OverDrive Christian Fiction Collection of e-books amd downloadable audiobooks you can borrow with your IndyPL library card.

Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning historical romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Fiction A-Z” category from the list on the left and then choose “Christian fiction.” Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, and then click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Subscribe to a Christian fiction email newsletter.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive romance reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a Christian fiction sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

Make a selection from one of these Christian fiction authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Religion

Here are six tips to help you find your next historical romantic read as well as a convenient clickable list of historical romance authors linked directly to our catalog for placing requests or checking out e-books or audiobooks. Also, browse our If You Like Contemporary Romance reading recommendations.

1. Read an award winner.

There are a variety of awards given each year for the best in romance writing. Browse the winners from peoples’ choice to the best romance audiobook.

The Romance Writers of America (RWA) Vivian Award and the Romantic Novelists Association (RNA) Rona Award both recognize excellence in romance writing.
The Swoon Awards, or “Swoonies” is a reader-based award celebrating the romance community’s favorite romance novels of the year.
The Emma Awards are the premier award for diversity in romantic literature recognizing excellence in works featuring diverse and multicultural protagonists.
The Lambda Literary Awards, or “Lammys,” celebrate LGBTQ storytelling with category awards for Romance, Gay Romance and Lesbian Romance.
For audiobook listeners try out the Audie Award winners in the Romance category.

2. Borrow e-books, downloadable audiobooks, or movies.

Use romance lists from OverDrive and Kanopy to find e-books, audiobooks & streaming movies. Here are some short cut links to easily borrow online with your IndyPL library card. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before, try these Kanopy directions.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

The Gilded Age

In United States history, the Gilded Age was an era extending roughly from 1877 to 1900. It was a time of rapid economic growth, especially in the Northern and Western United States. As American wages grew much higher than those in Europe, especially for skilled workers, and industrialization demanded an ever-increasing unskilled labor force, the period saw an influx of millions of European immigrants. The fiction and mystery books listed here are all set in that time period.

Bi Historical Romances – IndyPL_SarahS
Enemies-to-Lovers Historical Romance to Read in Honor of Bridgerton’s Second Season – IndyPL_RachelNW
Historical Romance Featuring Characters of Color – IndyPL_RachelNW

4. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus. On Novelist Plus you’ll find historical romance reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning historical romance books. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Romance” category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Regency Rogues,” “Victorian Days,” “Men in Kilts,” and more. Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or choose “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the romance newsletter from NextReads.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive romance reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

6. Make a selection from these historical romance authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Romance

Cozy mysteries, often referred to as “cozies,” are a gentle subgenre of crime fiction or more hardened mysteries. The stories are often set in small communities and feature unlikely amateur detectives like letter carriers, inn keepers, teachers or librarians. Explicit sexuality and graphic violence take place offstage and any profanity is mild. If you like cozy mysteries you can browse a wide variety of titles in our catalog, or take a look at these four tips and tricks to make your next selection!

1. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use a mystery list from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Cozy Mystery Fiction from OverDrive

2. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured booklist to get cozy mystery reading recommendations. See also our If You Like Mysteries recommendations. You might also try Cozymyster.com for a one stop shop for all matters cozy. It provides recommendations, booklists, and announcements of upcoming entries in all your favorite series.

Hallmark Mystery Channel shows and the books that inspired them. – IndyPL_MicheleP
Mysteries and Bookstores – IndyPL_MicheleP
Mysteries Featuring Members of the Clergy – IndyPL_MicheleP
Mysteries for Antique Lovers – IndyPL_MicheleP
Quilt a Mystery – IndyPL_MicheleP
That Cozy Mystery Tastes Good – IndyPL_MicheleP

3. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus to find more cozy mysteries.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find cozy mystery reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, and reviews. Once you login, choose the “Mystery” category from the list on the left and then choose “Getting Cozy.” Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

4. Subscribe to the cozy mystery newsletter from NextReads.

Subscribe to NextReads to receive cozy mystery reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads here!

5. Make a Selection from these cozy mystery authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Mysteries

That’s it… the geeks have finally won! No longer relegated to drug-store paperback spinner racks, the science fiction and fantasy genres are undergoing a huge cultural surge right now, and we have the books, movies, television shows, and graphic novels to prove it. If you like science fiction, we have the content at the Library to keep you satisfied and Indianapolis has several unique resources and conventions to keep you in a fantasy world all year round.

Indianapolis Science Fiction Resources

The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is in the process of renovating their new building, and is currently operating a pop-up shop in the Circle Center Mall downtown.
The Center for Ray Bradbury Studies is another extraordinary resource we are lucky to have in our city. The Center contains tons of Bradbury resources, including manuscripts, drafts, notes, correspondence, recordings, personal artifacts such as his personal typewriters, photographs, and more.
If you don’t mind a short road trip, head southwest to hit up the Who North America store in Camby, Indiana. Not only do they sell Dr. Who related merchandise, they have a museum of Dr. Who memorabilia, some items dating from when the show began in the UK over 50 years ago. There is a rumor that they even have a Dr. Who pinball machine. A must for any Whovian!

Science Fiction and Fantasy Conventions

Looking to have some fun and meet other fans of science fiction and fantasy? Indianapolis is home to many gatherings of fans from all over the globe.

If you are purely interested in fiction you might want to try InConJunction, a local science fiction and fantasy convention put on and run by fans. Past guests include George RR Martin, Timothy Zahn, Tobias Buckell, and Mercedes Lackey.
GenCon hosts some amazing authors thanks to their Writer’s Symposium series. Robin Hobb, Cherie Priest, Scott Lynch, Elizabeth Hand, Patrick Rothfuss, John Scalzi, Jo Walton, and Brandon Sanderson have all made appearances there.
If you are more interested in science fiction and fantasy television and movies, then save up for Indy Popcon and the Indiana Comic Convention! Both conventions feature panels about varied topics and includes visits from some of your favorite actors and creators.

Online Science Fiction and Fantasy Resources

If you would rather stay at home there are luckily several places on the internet (beyond Goodreads and Twitter) that encourage reasoned discussion on all things fantastical or futuristic.

Tor.com is the place to go if you are looking for places on the web to learn more about science fiction and fantasy books, join a community of readers, or read original short fiction by well-known authors for free. Browse commentary of beloved series, essays by fiction luminaries, tons of original short fiction, and a free monthly e-book if you sign up for their e-book club.
Locus magazine is considered the trade magazine for the science fiction, fantasy, and horror field. It has everything from exhaustive lists of new releases, to author interviews, reports on conferences, writing workshops, industry events, and award ceremonies. Pages and pages of book reviews every month ensure you will never miss out on the best new thing.
Fantastic Fiction is the perfect site if you are looking for the full bibliography of an author you are reading. With lists organized neatly and easily into series and links from author to their pseudonyms, it is an easy and quick way to find that next book.
Lastly, Novelist is the place librarians go to help someone find their next favorite book to read – and you can use it to! You will just need a valid Indianapolis Public Library card number. Type in an author or book you enjoy and the database will generate lists of similar books or authors you may enjoy, based either on expert recommendations or similar appeal factors.

Need more help?

These are just some of the many resources available to Nap-town residents. Be sure to check the library’s website periodically for events, author signings, and new titles. And may the nerds continue to reign supreme for a long time to come!

Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

Reading Recommendations from IndyPL Staff

Sci-Fi Romance

Romance doesn’t just happen on Earth, it happens in outer space! Celebrate Read a Romance Month with some sci-fi romances.

Title - The Long Way to A Small, Angry Planet

Click on a featured booklist to get science reading recommendations or see all our staff science fiction lists.

In addition to books of science fiction and fantasy, the library also has many great works about science fiction and fantasy. This list of general reference science fiction resources will help you find your next series, keep you up to date on the latest short fiction, or help you while away the hours learning about the books and movies you love.

Aliens in Science Fiction – IndyPL_RyanL
"Eureka" (2006-2012) – Science Fiction – IndyPL_MontoyaB
Grimdark Science Fiction and Fantasy – IndyPL_CarriG
Horror and Sci-Fi Books by Black Authors – IndyPL_Recommends
Space Westerns – IndyPL_RyanL
Try A New Genre: Space Opera Comics – IndyPL_RyanL

Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus

On Novelist Plus you’ll find science fiction reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning science fiction books. Once you login, choose the “Science Fiction” category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Alternate Histories,” “Apocalyptic and Dystopian Fiction,” and more! Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, or click “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

Science Fiction Newsletter from NextReads

Receive science fiction reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

Science Fiction Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Science Fiction

Urban Fiction, or Street Lit, share the socio-economic realities and culture of its characters in a city landscape. Profanity, sex, and violence are usually explicit and it is common that authors of this genre draw upon their own past experiences to inform their stories. Here are several ways to easily find and check out urban fiction reading recommendations with your IndyPL library card.

Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Browse urban fiction lists from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both app directions and browser directions are available as well as a video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

Urban Fiction from OverDrive

Need more help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. Additionally, the Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch and listen on a PC, tablet or phone.

Urban Fiction Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Urban Fiction

If you like mysteries, browse these seven tips and tricks for finding your next mysterious read. There is a huge amount of variation within the genre from true crime to the supernatural, thriller or romance. A mystery fits any reading taste!

1. Read an award winner.

The Agatha Awards celebrate traditional mysteries, a genre defined as mysteries that contain no explicit sex, excessive gore, or gratuitous violence. To place convenient requests in our catalog, browse all of the Agatha Award winners in our collection browse all of the Agatha Award winners in our collection.

The Anthony Awards for mystery writers are announced at the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention. To place convenient requests in our catalog, browse all of the Anthony Award winners in our collection browse all of the Anthony Award winners in our collection.

2. Borrow e-books or downloadable audiobooks.

Use mystery lists from OverDrive to find e-books and downloadable audiobooks. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before, both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured booklist to get mystery reading recommendations. Browse all our staff mystery lists or see our If You Like Cozy Mysteries recommendations.

Mysteries and Thrillers from AAPI Authors

Do you like murder-mysteries? What about psychological thrillers? Find your next page-turner in this list of mysteries and thrillers from Asian American and Pacific Islander authors. I’ve made note of any titles that are a part of a series if you want to keep the thrills coming!

Mysteries and Thrillers by Indigenous Authors

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous People is celebrated each August. Indigenous people from every continent have long and storied histories, traditions, and cultures as well as varying relationships with their neighboring communities. Here are mysteries and thrillers from Indigenous authors from around the world, including North America, Europe, and Oceania.

Standalone Mysteries for Adults and Teens

From Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes to Alex Cross and Jack Reacher, the detectives in popular mystery novels are often as famous as the titles themselves. Serial releases are arguably most at home in the mystery genre, where familiar investigators tackle new, exhilarating cases in every entry. Yet many readers may not want to get into a series without starting from the beginning, and there are few feelings more disappointing for such a reader than picking up a new bestseller only to find it’s the latest in a long-running series. If you find you can empathize with this feeling, consider a read from the following list, which is composed entirely of standalone mysteries or first entries in a series.

Black Mystery Writers

Looking for mysteries by Black writers? This list includes recent releases by current authors as well as classics from historically influential names.

Romantic Suspense

Finding your true love while also solving a mystery combines two of my favorite reading genres, ROMANCE and MYSTERY. Here are a few titles you might enjoy.

Mysteries set in the Interwar Years

People called WWI the great war and the war to end all wars and hoped to never see another war, but one did come. The time between the World Wars included the Jazz Age, the Roaring Twenties, Art Deco design, and the Great Depression. This is a list of mystery books and series set in the period between the end of WWI- November 11, 1918 and the beginning of WWII-September 1, 1939.

Title - Classic American Crime Fiction of the 1920s

Lady Darby Mysteries

This mystery series begins in 1830 Scotland, and follows the crime-solving experiences of Lady Kiera Darby as she is first compelled to prove her own innocence in a murder. Through her bravery, wits and unique artistic perspective, Lady Darby’s career as a female “inquiry agent” or investigator is born. If you love mystery and history combined, then this is the series for you!

Title - The Case of the Missing Marquess

4. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

Find mystery reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning mystery books on Novelist Plus. First, login, then choose the “Mystery” category from the list on the left. Choose from categories like like “Standalone Mysteries,” “Police Procedurals,” “Historical Mysteries,” and more! Read a brief description, see a star rating, and select “Check Availability” to see if the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Look online for more reading suggestions.

Our staff suggests these sites for mystery readers.

Novelsuspects.com is great for fans of mysteries, thrillers, and true crime. There you’ll find book lists, essays, reviews, and more.
On Mysteryfile.com read daily reviews of both books and media.
On Stopyourekillingme.com browse reviews or thousands of authors sorted by series or explore by setting or the sleuth’s occupation.
Crimereads.com really lets you drill down to your mystery flavor of choice: noir, suspense, legal thriller, etc.

6. Subscribe to the mystery newsletter from NextReads.

Receive mystery reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue and Subscribe to NextReads!

7. Make a selection from this list of mystery authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Mysteries

e-Books & Audiobooks

Browse OverDrive’s Amish and Mennonite fiction collection of e-books and downloadable audiobooks you can borrow with your IndyPL library card.

Amish & Mennonite Fiction Authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags If You Like, Religion

1. Read an award winner.

If you like fantasy here are several awards that are good sources for finding outstanding novels, short stories, or anthologies.

The Nebula Awards are presented each year for the best science fiction or fantasy published in the United States during the previous year. Browse Nebula Award winners in our collection.
The Hugo Awards are presented each year by the World Science Fiction Society. Browse Hugo Award winners in our collection.
The World Fantasy Awards are presented annually by the World Fantasy Convention to writers of fantasy fiction. Browse World Fantasy Award winners in our collection.
The Ignyte Awards are presented by FIYAH Literary Magazine and are intended to celebrate excellent Speculative Fiction written by people of color.

2. Borrow e-books, downloadable audiobooks & movies.

Here are some short cut links to easily borrow materials online with your IndyPL library card. If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before or used OverDrive’s Libby app, both Libby app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available as well as an OverDrive video tutorial and Overdrive Support. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before, you can get Kanopy directions.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured booklist to get fantasy reading recommendations or see all our staff fantasy book lists.

Discover Epic Fantasy – IndyPL_CarriG
Diverse Adult Fantasy Novels with Magic – IndyPL_DonnaS
Epic Fantasy’s Hidden Gems – IndyPL_MasadaS
Fantastically Well Written – IndyPL_CarrieS
Fiction Titles Perfect for Tabletop Fans – IndyPL_JosephL
A Taste of Magic: Fantasy Books with Magical Food – IndyPL_RachelNW

4. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

Find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books on Novelist Plus. Once you login with your IndyPL library card, choose the “Fantasy” category from the list on the left.

Here is a sample recommendation. When you click on a book you can read a brief description, see a star rating, and click “Check Availability” to see if it is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the Fantasy newsletter from NextReads.

Receive fantasy reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a ample issue or Subscribe to NextReads!

6. Make a Selection from these fantasy authors.

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags Fantasy, If You Like

6 Ways to Find Your Next Terrifying Read

1. Read an award winner.

Given out yearly since 1988, The Bram Stoker Awards® are the premiere awards for outstanding writing presented by the Horror Writers Association. To place convenient requests in our catalog, see all of the Bram Stoker Award winners in our collection.

2. Borrow e-books, downloadable audiobooks, or movies.

Here are some quick links to fiction & films you can borrow with your IndyPL library card.

If you have never borrowed from OverDrive before both OverDrive app directions and OverDrive browser directions are available. Additionally, you can watch an OverDrive video tutorial or consult with Overdrive Support. If you have never borrowed from Kanopy before here are some Kanopy directions and a Kanopy video tutorial.

3. Get reading recommendations from IndyPL staff.

Click on a featured book list to get reading recommendations or see all our staff horror lists.

Horror Comics on Hoopla

Check out this scream-worthy selection of horror e-comics and digital graphic novels. These spine-shivering tales are eerily entertaining and sometimes just a little bit weird. It’s always a good time to read something spooky, find these chilling titles on Hoopla for a thrill.

Titles to Get in the Spooky Mood

I just love fall and all that comes with it so here is a list of spooky/Halloweeny-feeling books that I have read recently.

Chilling African American Horror Novels and Films

Connecting horror story tropes to African American narratives, these books and films explore the African American experience through the lens of the horror genre.

Sci Fi Horror

Frightening creatures, spaceship massacres, natural disasters — these are a few of the scary events that you’ll find in this list.

Title - The Murders of Molly Southbourne

Teen Horror Books

As if raging hormones, annoying parents, and having to navigate the high school and college experience wasn’t enough, these books and movies will give teens and young adults something to truly worry about. Adults might even find them scary too.

Camp Upside-Down: If you like Stranger Things

If you love this nostalgic horror phenomenon from Netflix, you know it makes 80s pop culture references galore! Here are some of the gems that The Duffer Brothers reference, as well as Hawkins, IN adjacent goodies for all seasons.

Horror Romances

Some book recommendations for those who love both sappy and spooky!

Queer vampires

Between the exchange of fluids and the forbidden desire, vampirism and queerness have been linked in literature for decades. Sexy or scary, you can really sink your teeth into these novels.

4. Use your IndyPL Library card to login to Novelist Plus.

On Novelist Plus you’ll find reading recommendations, read-alikes, series lists, reviews, and lists of award-winning books. Once you login, choose the a category from the list on the left which includes choices like “Blood-drenched,” “Creature Feature,” “Creepy Clowns & Bad Seeds,” and more! Click on a book to read a brief description, see a star rating, and “Check Availability” to see if it the book is available to borrow from IndyPL.

5. Subscribe to the horror newsletter from NextReads

Receive reading recommendation in your inbox monthly. Book suggestions are linked to our catalog for easy requesting. It’s FREE! See a sample issue. Subscribe to NextReads!

6. Make a selection from this list of horror authors

Find a book discussion near you!

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Nora
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 5:30pm
Location: Nora Branch
Description: Join us for a discussion of “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman. Adults are invited to join us in this monthly book discussion.
Register Here

Event: All Things True Crime Online Book Discussion
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:00pm
Location: Online
Description: Join us as we discuss all things true crime. This month we will discuss “Hell’s Princess: The Mystery of Belle Gunness, Butcher of Men” by Harold Schechter.
Register Here

Event: Adult Book Discussion at Beech Grove
Date & Time: Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
Location: Beech Grove Branch
Description: Adults are invited to this monthly book discussion.
No Registration Required.

Tags Horror, If You Like