New York Times Hardcover Fiction Bestsellers May 25, 2025 1. Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry A princess deals with various adversaries as she moves into the role she chooses for herself, not the one chosen for her. 2. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry A writer looking for her big break competes against a Pulitzer winner to tell the story of an octogenarian with a storied past. 3. My Friends by Fredrik Backman A young woman looks into the story behind a painting that was made 25 years ago and a small group of teens depicted in it; translated by Neil Smith. 4. The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers with Alex Kiester Years after their sisters went missing in a similar way, Nicole Monroe and Jenna Connor team up to search for them. 5. Silver Elite by Dani Francis Wren Darlington winds up in the elite training program of her enemy and finds it hard to resist their commanding officer, Cross Redden. 6. 25 Alive by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro The 25th book in the Women's Murder Club series. Lindsay Boxer's former partner is the victim at a crime scene. 7. Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros The third book in the Empyrean series. As enemies gain traction, Violet Sorrengail goes beyond the Aretian wards in search of allies. 8. The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose Around the time of the disappearance of a woman who had a one-night stand with the attorney Sarah Morgan's new husband, police reopen the investigation into the murder of her first husband's mistress. 9. James by Percival Everett A reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn shines a different light on Mark Twain's classic, revealing new facets of the character of Jim. 10. Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Despite having a great date, Samantha asks a veterinarian to forget about her because her family is in crisis. 11. Strangers in Time by David Baldacci In London in 1944, two teenagers dealing with the dangers of World War II form an alliance with a bookshop owner. 12. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros The second book in the Empyrean series. Violet Sorrengail's next round of training under the new vice commandant might require her to betray the man she loves. 13. Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall Beth must confront her past when the man she once loved as a teenager returns to the village with his son.  14. The Names by Florence Knapp Three alternate and alternating versions of Cora's and her son's lives are spun over several decades. 15. The Women by Kristin Hannah A nurse follows her brother to serve during the Vietnam War and returns to a divided America. ©2025 All rights reserved by New York Times Syndication Sales Corp. This material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.   A version of this list appears in the May 25, 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending May 10, 2025.