The Librarian's Nightstand, Fall 2026

Are there things you never share with those closest to you? What happens when the things left unsaid leave you feeling alone, even among those you love? In The Things We Never Say by Elizabeth Strout, Artie Dam, a high school teacher, appears to have a happy life but quietly struggles with loneliness, family worries, and political anxiety. When a family secret comes to light, he must question whom he can trust as the world around him challenges his values.

Set against the 2024 U.S. election, this novel explores trust, disillusionment, and connection. Strout’s wonderfully empathetic writing draws you into her characters’ lives. I was especially struck by Artie’s kindness and how his small acts of connection shape young lives. A moving read for anyone who appreciates the quiet ways we connect with one another.

Kumkum often reads two to three books at a time, selecting from various genres, including mysteries and thrillers, relationship fiction, contemporary and historical fiction, memoirs, and non-fiction.

Marion by Leah Rowan is a psychological thriller inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. When Marion stops at a remote motel, she fights back against an attack by the owner, Norm. As she tries to help her sister escape an abusive marriage, she becomes caught up in a dangerous web of secrets, violence, and unexpected twists.

I enjoyed this book because it was exciting and full of surprises. I enjoyed how Leah Rowan reimagines a familiar horror story by giving the female protagonist the power to fight back rather than become a victim. It was a gripping story that kept me interested until the end.

Teacher-turned-librarian Deepti loves a good suspense mystery—especially books by master storyteller, Jeffrey Archer—or young adult fiction adventures.

If you're in the mood for a romance sprinkled with magical realism, this one is for you!

Atmospheric and cozy, Our Common Thread by Kahli Scott is set during the filming of a Christmas movie in a charming small town. Mattie Bridges is stuck in a day-to-day routine as a wardrobe assistant when she stumbles upon a secret passageway hidden behind the wardrobe in her rented apartment. Mattie soon discovers that the hidden passageway not only leads to the apartment next door but also to the many different paths she could have taken in life. Each dip into a new reality unveils a different career, life trajectory and sometimes, a new romance.

Check out this book to discover the common thread weaving through each reality and find out where Mattie lands.

Sarah's favourite genres include romance, cozy Christmas fiction, and the niche realm of space horror. Her top picks so far this year are Finding Flora by Elinor Florence and The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez.

The fall months always have me craving creepy, moody, and downright scary stories, and The Troop by Nick Cutter delivered! Four boys and their Scout leader head out on a camping trip when an emaciated stranger stumbles into their camp. Desperate, dangerously hungry, and unable to stop talking about it, the man sets off a horrifying chain of events that turns their trip into a fight for survival.

This book moves at a breakneck pace, and the group’s complicated dynamics make the story even more fascinating. Be warned: this one isn’t for the faint of heart! Cutter doesn’t shy away from gruesome details, so prepare for some truly disturbing moments. If you loved Lord of the Flies and enjoy watching human nature unravel under extreme circumstances, give this one a try!

Sarah is a mood reader, so while usually reaching for fantasy, action, and thrillers, she is always happy to pick up something that catches her interest. Some favourites include: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, The Hunt for Atlantis by Andy McDermott, and Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe.

My pick is The Make-Believe: A Memoir of Magic and Madness by Hannah Murray. Best known for playing Cassie in Skins and Gilly in Game of Thrones, the British actress candidly explores how her mental health struggles and the instability of her acting career left her vulnerable to a "wellness organization" (a cult) that would come to dominate her life.

Murray takes readers along as her vulnerability deepens into delusion and her grip on reality begins to unravel. I was shocked by what she came to believe and struck by how effectively her story shows how cults exploit people’s vulnerabilities. Murray is an incredible storyteller, and I admire her for sharing such an intimate account of her mental health.

Kathleen loves historical and contemporary fiction that spans time and place—especially a good family saga. She's drawn to stories that offer fresh perspectives and insights into different lives. Lately, she’s also been hooked on dystopian and speculative fiction, with favourites like Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro and The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard.

Set in 1920s Montreal, Agnes Aubert’s Mystical Cat Shelter by Heather Fawcett follows Agnes as she must find a new home for her cat shelter after her building is damaged in a magical attack. After searching for a new location, she finds a place to rent from Havelock Renard, a grumpy and powerful magician with secrets of his own.

As Agnes tries to protect her beloved cats, she finds herself caught up in magical and dangerous encounters and an unforeseen romance subplot. As a cat person, I was drawn to the story's heartwarming, charming characters and cozy fantasy elements. It’s the perfect book for a chilly fall day, especially during spooky season!

Astrid loves fun romance stories, especially cozy, light-hearted ones she can enjoy year-round. She also likes fiction classics and non-fiction books about art, design, psychology, wellness, self-growth, technology and memoirs that share insightful perspectives and people's stories.