April Reads

By: Breanna Molix-Scott  |  Posted: May 1, 2026 

Can we talk about how April somehow felt both a hundred days long and gone in a blink? Between the spring showers and 3D printing everything, I managed to make my way through 12 books last month! I think that's the most I've EVER read (or listened to) in a single month.

I’ve always found that reading is a lot like baking, it’s all about the right composition. You need a solid structure, a bit of leavening to keep things light, and that specific "reaction" that happens when a story finally clicks.

Here is what was on my book stand and in my ear for the month of April: 

THE PHYSICAL STACK

There is just something about turning the pages of a physical book in a cozy chair, and smelling the freshly printed page.

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen & Hour of the Pumpkin Queen: If it's Nightmare Before Christmas adjacent, I'm sold. During our honeymoon, I grabbed Sally's Lament and finished it last month. I know, I know, over a year. But once I started it and got into a rhythm, I couldn't put it down! It then led to the natural progression of these 2 books. While I know Tim Burton would never, I actually enjoyed reading these two titles and continuing the potential storylines. Now to wait for Shadow Over the Pumpkin Queen to be released in July!

Everyone in This Bank is a Thief: I saw this book in a cute bookshop in downtown McKinney during a Spring Break day out with my Mother-in-Law. Not one to pay full price, I waited until I came across it in a Half Priced books and am I SO glad that I did! I absolutely LOVED this book! The mix of humor, mystery, and crime-solving made it one I struggled to put down. Only after I started reading did I realize it was the 4th book in the series, but that didn't stop me. Since reading, I've picked up the other 3 titles, and plan on reading them (in order) over the summer when I can dedicate a solid week to reading. They're first on my Summer TBR (after my Nightmare read of course!).

Blood of Hercules & Bonds of Hercules: Ok look, I know that people have some really strong feelings about these 2, but I liked them. If you're looking for a book that stays true to the exact mythology, these are not for you. But if you're someone who enjoys reimagining of stories, grab it. I also appreciated Jasmine Mas's humor. I will be adding whale battle cries to my sleepy delirium at the end of the day. I know James will be THRILLED! Just know there's an element of adult themes ... you've been warned.

The Ghostwriter: Oh. My. Gosh. Y'all. This is the FASTEST I have ever ready a book. I didn't even know I had it in me to fly through a novel in 2 days! I was hooked to say the least. One minute I thought I knew what happened, then I was second guessing myself. Julie Clark's writing style and the back and forth nature of this story really kept me saying "Just one more chapter" every time a chapter ended. Find it. Read it. Thank me later. Another one on my TBR is now The Lies I Tell by the same author.

MY HEADPHONE HAPPY PLACE

Now, these other titles were ones that I latched on to during car rides to campuses or late night work sessions. While some were short, it was the perfect dose of literature needed to get me through the monotony of in city traffic around the district.

The Answer is No: Such a quick listen but I loved it. I found myself laughing out loud in the car while listening to Lucas try and justify his choices, while also relating to him and being annoyed by some of his more entitled neighbors. All in all, it was a nice reminder that while others may, at times, drive you insane and make you unhappy, taking in the entire human experience often outweighs the need for solidarity.

She Made Me Do It: The month of April was apparently about me finding authors that I LOVED! Anna-Lou Weatherley is another I could read or listen to all day. It was also the month of me starting a book and realizing it was one in the middle of a series. This is the 9th (yes, the NINETH) book in the Detective Dan Riley series, and it was worth it to stick it through until the end. There were so many turns and twists and things to uncover, that I had myself second guessing if I knew what was actually happening. There's murder, deception, the second guessing of reality, manipulation, revenge; I mean, what else could you ask for??

Stranger in the Woods: This was SUCH a great listen. I know if I had the physical copy, I would have been staying up late trying to finish just as I did with The Ghostwriter. I loved how Anni Taylor laid everything out and pieced things together in this mystery-thriller. This was another book where I said "Got it! I know what happened!" And was only partially right. I love when I can't figure out the story AND it's good! An added bonus was narrator Harriet Gordon-Anderson. Everything about her reading of this book was phenomenal. I added a couple more titles to my Audible library that she also narrates for this reason alone. 

Same Time Next Year: This book was a much needed mini-romance to help balance out the thrillers I was sucked into. It's not often that I find myself enjoying much of anything romance related, but I needed a break from the back-to-back thrillers that had my brain going into overdrive. It didn't hurt that this turned out to be a spicy ready, as well. Again, this free title on Audible prompted me to snag a trio box set that went on sale on Amazon. I mean, $11 for 3 books? Uh, yes please!

The Dispatcher & Murder by Other Means: I came by these by chance and am now waiting for campus trips where I can continue the series, although I may just listen while I'm mowing the lawn. I'm not usually into Sci-Fi, but this series about a detective in the future who helps to kill people so they can be resurrected was really interesting! Tie that in with a little murder mystery and these fast paced novels were right up my alley. If you've got a couple hours to spare, definitely give them a listen!