Short Reads

When you want a quick win: fast-moving picks from the archive—thrillers, mysteries, cozy comfort reads, and more.

Book cover of The Granddaughters: Always by Margaret Belle

#1 fast read

The Granddaughters: Always — Margaret Belle

Margaret Belle's The Granddaughters: Always delivers the literary equivalent of a warm embrace, welcoming readers back to Orange Lake and the company of Ellie, Franny, and Sandy. There's an immediate sense of familiarity here—the kind that …

What to expect

  • Warm, inviting prose that feels like settling into a favorite chair
  • Gentle pacing with enough tension to maintain momentum
  • Focus on friendship dynamics and community connections
  • Small-town atmosphere with rich, familiar details
  • Tone balances lighthearted moments with meaningful stakes

Best for: Readers who love character-driven cozy mysteries with strong female friendships and small-town settings. Ideal for anyone seeking comfort reads that still deliver genuine suspense and emotional depth.

Book cover of Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

#2 fast read

Dungeon Crawler Carl — Matt Dinniman

This book has no right being as good as it is. The premise sounds ridiculous — guy and his ex's cat get trapped in a deadly alien-run dungeon that's basically a reality TV show for the galaxy — but Matt Dinniman makes it work through sheer …

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of The Hunter's Wife by Margaret Belle

#3 fast read

The Hunter's Wife — Margaret Belle

Following up on the events of "The Procedure," Margaret Belle's "The Hunter's Wife" takes readers on yet another fascinating adventure alongside the Allen twins. Belle's mastery of narrative builds a complicated tale that masterfully combin…

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall

#4 fast read

Broken Country — Clare Leslie Hall

Clare Leslie Hall's "Broken Country" is a nuanced exploration of memory, love, and the intricate ways past choices reverberate through present lives. Set in a rural landscape where secrets simmer just beneath the surface, the novel masterfu…

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

#5 fast read

The God of the Woods — Liz Moore

The God of the Woods, a mystery novel by Liz Moore, is a complex and fascinating work of family drama and suspense that uses a web of different dates and points of view. The story deftly examines the fourteen-year gap between the abductions…

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of The Moonflowers by Abigail Rose-Marie

#6 fast read

The Moonflowers — Abigail Rose-Marie

A moving and poignant book, The Moonflowers by Abigail Rose-Marie tells the lives of Appalachian women across generations. Ultimately, it is a story about the strength of female solidarity and the sacrifices women make to shield and uplift …

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of The Terminal List by Jack Carr

#7 fast read

The Terminal List — Jack Carr

A high-octane thriller with a protagonist as relentless as the titular character, "The Terminal List" is the debut novel by the former Navy SEAL Jack Carr. After his family is killed and his unit is ambushed, Lieutenant Commander James Reec…

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of The Granddaughters by Margaret Belle

#8 fast read

The Granddaughters — Margaret Belle

Perceived through the eyes of its three lively, mature heroines, "The Granddaughters" by Margaret Belle is a pleasant and novel spin on the mystery genre. Belle skillfully combines elements of humor, mystery, and genuine emotion to craft a …

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of Wild Dark Shore: A Novel by Charlotte McConaghy

#9 fast read

Wild Dark Shore: A Novel — Charlotte McConaghy

Charlotte McConaghy's "Wild Dark Shore" is a mesmerizing exploration of isolation, survival, and human connection set against the stark backdrop of a remote Antarctic island. McConaghy continues to demonstrate her exceptional skill at weavi…

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

Book cover of All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

#10 fast read

All the Colors of the Dark — Chris Whitaker

Interweaving themes of suspense, mystery, and moving coming-of-age drama, "All the Colors of the Dark" by Chris Whitaker is an enthralling and complex work of fiction. Whitaker creates a tale that spans decades, tracking the lives of its pe…

A quick, engaging pick from the archive—perfect when you want momentum.

More quick discovery

Browse more archive picks, or explore by genre if you already know what you’re in the mood for.