Submissions for the following year’s reading list are collected every October. 
The suggestions are posted on this website for everyone to view and make comments.

Each member nominates only four books.

  • Take time to really vet the book. Look at reviews. Read a sample chapter on Amazon.
  • If we end up being short on submissions, I’ll open it up again for more submissions.
  • Deadline is October 30th. Earlier is better!

Books submitted must meet the following criteria:

  • The book must be available in paperback by December 1, 2026.
  • We cannot have read the book within the last 5 years. See the book list PDF on our Facebook Group, or look on this website under Reading Lists/Past Reading Lists.
  • It must be clearly and primarily classified as mystery fiction (no sci/fi, true crime, literary fiction with “mysterious happenings,” etc.)
  • Young Adult mystery fiction is allowed
  • Multiple books by one author may be nominated but only the one with the highest rank gets in, the others disqualified. Same rule applies to YA books.
  • If a book was proposed last year and not chosen, it may be resubmitted for consideration

How to submit a book:

  • Send your submissions to Marni. You can use the link from my Meetup profile or email me directly at malka1966@gmail.com
  • Please use the following format: Title, Author First Name Author Last Name
  • Include a 2-4 sentence “blurb” about why you are nominating this book. Please do not copy/paste from the back of the book or from other websites. We want your personal thoughts!

Here is a sample nomination:

Drowning With Others, Linda Keir

This book has all the things I love-a cold case, secrets from long ago, tricky family dynamics and a great title.

Your submission will be reviewed

After books are submitted, I will check to make sure all the criteria are met. If I have questions I will contact you. Once your nomination has been approved it will be posted on this website.

Review other members’ submissions

Remember to check back frequently during October as I’ll be adding new books throughout Oct. 1-30.