PEOPLE’s Best New Books to Read in Dec. 2023 — A Young Bruce Springsteen to Ariana Madix’s Revenge Cocktails

Settle in for the holidays with our picks for the best books of December

Romance and reckonings in Maine, a curse (or not) in Cornwall, and a mystery in uppercrust London — here are PEOPLE's best books of December.

Welcome Home Stranger by Kate Christensen

“Everything turns out to be hormonal when you have hormones,” menopausal Rachel tells her sister Celeste after Rachel’s return to Maine to deal with their mother’s death results in unexpected liaisons for them both. Rachel and Celeste actually don’t get along, and Rachel was estranged from their alcoholic drama-queen mom. . . . And if you’re looking for some dysfunctional-family schadenfreude to sweeten your holidays, look no further. — Marion Winik

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

The Curse of Penryth Hall by Jess Armstrong

When a baronet is found dead in 1920s Cornwall, local villagers are convinced he was struck down by an ancient curse. Shopkeeper Ruby Vaughn sets out to prove otherwise— and to find the murderer among them before he kills again. A delightful debut. — Robin Micheli

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner

London mom and freelance journalist Tash is thrilled when women from her son’s posh playgroup invite her into the fold. But she soon learns that her investigation into the death of a nanny is unsettling someone in the group. A deliciously twisted thriller. — Lisa Greissinger 

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

Flores and Miss Paula by Melissa Rivero

After Flores’s father’s death, she and her mother bury themselves in their jobs—at an online aquarium vendor and a dollar store—and confront old secrets. Set in Brooklyn’s Peruvian community, this mother-daughter dramedy sparkles with fresh dialogue and vivid settings. — Marion Winik

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

When I Was Your Age by Kenan Thompson

The longest-running cast member on Saturday Night Live opens up about fatherhood, comedy and his previous estrangement with co-star Kel Mitchell, among other stories from his life and career. Thompson brings both wit and heart to the page.

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

Single AF Cocktails by Ariana Madix

What does you do when you find out your parter is having an affair? Write a collection of cocktail recipes. The Vanderpump Rules star serves up both wisdom and drinks as she reflects on the end of her nine-year relationship — and her strength afterward — in this refreshing read.

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney

The former Wyoming congresswoman garnered attention when she spoke out against President Donald Trump and her party in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election, and later helped lead the House investigation into the Jan. 6 Capitol riots. In her new memoir, Cheney tells of her time in Congress and her current mission toward a better future.

Buy it: Amazon, Bookshop.org

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band by Lynn Goldsmith

Go behind the scenes to the Boss' years recording and touring the 1978 album Darkness on the Edge of Town with the one who captured it all — legendary rock photographer Lynn Goldsmith.

Buy it: Amazon

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