New York Times
Hardcover Fiction Bestsellers
December 28, 2025

1. The Widow
by John Grisham

When Simon Latch, a lawyer in rural Virginia, is accused of murder, he goes in search of the real killer.
 
2. The Secret of Secrets
by Dan Brown

As he searches for the missing noetic scientist he has been seeing, Robert Langdon discovers something regarding a secret project.
3. The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans

Letters from someone she used to know push Sybil Van Antwerp toward revisiting her past and finding a way to forgive.
4. Alchemised
by SenLinYu

After the war, an imprisoned alchemist is sent to a necromancer to recover her lost memories.
5. Brimstone
by Callie Hart

The second book in the Fae & Alchemy series. To save those close to them, Saeris and Fisher face a new set of dangers.
6. Mona's Eyes
by Thomas Schlesser

A 10-year-old who may get permanent vision loss is bolstered by her grandfather’s quest to bring beauty into her life; translated by Hildegarde Serle.
7. Return of the Spider
by James Patterson

The 34th book in the Alex Cross series. An enemy’s murder book suggests Cross may have made rookie mistakes years ago.
8. The Intruder
by Freida McFadden

During a rough storm, Casey puts herself in danger when she lets a girl, who is covered in blood, into her cabin.
9. Twice
by Mitch Albom

Alfie Logan, who was gifted with the ability to live any moment a second time but must accept the outcomes, makes a risky love decision.
10. Tailored Realities
by Brandon Sanderson

A collection of 10 works of short fiction that includes the novella Moment Zero.
11. Nash Falls
by David Baldacci

A successful businessman’s life is turned upside down when he is recruited by the F.B.I. to stop a large money laundering scheme.
12. Dungeon Crawler Carl
by Matt Dinniman

A Coast Guard vet named Carl and his ex-girlfriend's cat, Princess Donut, are trapped in a fantasy dungeon.
13. Exit Strategy
by Lee Child and Andrew Child

The 30th book in the Jack Reacher series. Reacher’s interest is piqued when he finds a handwritten note in his pocket.
14. Gone Before Goodbye
by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben

When a mysterious man disappears, the former combat surgeon giving him medical assistance goes on the lam.
15. Buckeye
by Patrick Ryan

Consequences created by a secret forged between members of two families in a small Ohio town affect a new generation.
©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 This material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.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 December 28, 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending December 13, 2025.
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