Midlist Books

When your favorite bestsellers are checked out or have long hold lists, give a midlist book a try. What's a midlist book? It's a publishing industry term for books that are not heavily marketed and not expected to hit the "bestseller" list. A "midlist" author can be described as any author who does well, but not spectacularly for a publisher: someone who is well-reviewed, will often be nominated for book awards, but will not, or doesn't yet have a large readership or hit the bestseller list. In other words, "midlist" describes many talented authors and novels. Check out one of these great titles.

Etta and Otto and Russel and James by Emma Hooper
82-year old Etta has never seen the ocean. Early one morning she takes a rifle, some chocolate, and her favorite boots, and begins walking the 3,332 kilometers from rural Saskatchewan to Halifax. Her husband wakes to a note left on the kitchen table; his brother, who has loved Etta from afar for 60 years, insists on finding her, wherever she's gone.

Kitchens of the Great Midwest by Ryan J. Stradal
This novel is creative and imaginative. The story revolves around chef Eva Thorvald and the people who influence her life and her cooking. With well-drawn characters and appetizing descriptions of food, Kitchens of the Great Midwest will charm readers who like vivid storytelling.

Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clement
Born in a rural Mexico region where girls are hidden as boys to avoid the attentions of traffickers, Ladydi dreams of a better life before moving to Mexico City, where she falls in love and ends up in a prison with other women who share her experiences.

A Muder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
The acrimonious narrator is 40-year old British book publishing editor Samantha, whose best author goes missing after writing a tell-all book about a famous French fashion designer who died under suspicious circumstances. Hilarious, and great secondary characters as well.

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley
A modern day woman with psychic capabilities helps uncover the origin of a small wooden carving, tracing it all the way back to eighteenth century Scotland and Russia.

Ghostman by Roger Hobbs
Jack Delton (not his real name) is a nonentity who lives off the grid and spends his time on the move, and tidying up after heists. But a bungled job in his past puts the guy who planned it hot on his trail--along with the FBI and a rival conman. This time, it's going to take all of Jack's skills and and some luck to escape. Tons of action, well-realized characters, a remarkable amount of research, and a complex plot will keep readers engrossed to the very last page.