New York Times
Hardcover Fiction Bestsellers
December 21, 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. Alchemised
by SenLinYu

After the war, an imprisoned alchemist is sent to a necromancer to recover her lost memories.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. The Dark Is Descending
by Chloe C. Peñaranda

The third book in the Nytefall trilogy. As the end of the world seems imminent, two lovers must make a big decision.
13. Fallen Gods
by Rachel Van Dyken

The fate of the world may depend on a complicated relationship forming at Endir University.
14. 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.
15. 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.
©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 This material may not be published, broadcast or redistributed in any manner.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 21, 2025 issue of The New York Times Book Review. Rankings reflect sales for the week ending December 6, 2025.
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