What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor.

Brew up a batch of your favorite cup of teafrom the Charleston Tea Gardenor grab a latte from Mercantile & Mashand get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Charleston.

Fiction

“If You Don’t Tell” by Alana Sommers| Release date: Jan. 4, 2022 | A debut novel from Charleston resident Alana Sommers, this twisty mystery about secrets on an island town will have you page-turning until the thrilling conclusion.
“A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham | Release date: Jan. 11, 2022 | A thriller about a woman who is coping with the aftermath of her father’s confession to serial murders… in the midst of an investigation of a missing teenager.
“The Book of Longings” by Sue Monk Kidd | Release date: April 21, 2020 | The story follows Ana, an educated woman who marries Jesus Christ and is often left alone while he begins his ministry.
“In Polite Company” by Gervais Hagerty | Release date: August 17, 2021 | Sneak a peek behind the veil of Charleston aristocracy in this local’s debut novel.
“South of Broad” by Pat Conroy | Release date: August 11, 2009 | Follow the story of Charleston teenager + outcast Leopold Bloom King who navigates life through the bond of friendship.

For the family

“Black Music Is” by Marcus Amaker | Release date: July 1, 2021 | Children can learn more about Black music + history through this illustrated poetry book featuring Bebop the cat.
“Teddy Spaghetti” by Dorothea Benton Frank | Release date: May 12, 2020 | The first children’s book by New York Times Bestselling Author Dorothea Benton Frank is about a spaghetti-loving kid who learns to stick up for himself.
“Heyward the Horse” by Andrew Barton | Release date: Oct. 5, 2021 | A history-loving carriage horse takes children back in time to learn about the beginnings of Charleston.
“Different: A Story About Loving Your Neighbor” by Chris Singleton | Release date: June 10, 2020 | This novel celebrates differences and is a tribute to the author’s mother, who was one of the victims of the Emanuel AME Church shooting in 2015.

Expand your worldview

“Psychological Secrets for Emotional Success” by Dr. Kelly Rabenstein | Release date: Aug. 30, 2022 | Learn how to unlock your potential + find greater success from this book written by a licensed psychologist.
“American Landmark: Charles Duell and the Rebirth of Middleton Place” by Virginia Christian Beach | Release date: March 28, 2022 | A historical nonfiction which examines the exploitation of enslaved people and the preservation of Middleton Place’s history.
“The River Where America Began: A Journey Along the James” by Bob Deans | Release date: March 15, 2007 | Learn about the history of the James River and how the history of the nation is rooted in its shores.
“Voices of Black South Carolina” by Damon L. Fordham | Release date: Feb. 1, 2009 | A collection showcasing the stories of notable Black South Carolinians, some of whom were never recognized.

Part of a series

“The House on Tradd Street” by Karen White | Release date: Nov. 4, 2008 | A chilling series about a young woman who can see ghosts involving romance, old houses, and even murder.
“Folly Beach Mysteries” by Michele Nutwell | Release date: June 2, 2011 | A fast-paced jaunt full of murder and mystery.
“The Summer of Lost and Found” by Mary Alice Monroe | Release date: May 11, 2021 | The latest installment of the best-selling Beach House Series by New York Times bestselling author Mary Alice Monroe.

Personal stories

“Monsoon Mansion” by Cinelle Barnes | Release date: May 1, 2018 | In this engrossing memoir, Charleston resident Cinelle Barnes recounts her family’s rise and fall in the Philippines.
“The Water Is Wide: A Memoir” by Pat Conroy | Release date: Oct. 1, 2002 | Based on New York Times bestselling author Pat Conroy’s experiences as the only teacher in a two-room schoolhouse.
“A Memoir of James De Veaux” by Robert W. Gibbes | Release date: Aug. 16, 2012 | Originally published in 1846, this biography + collection of letters and diary entries chronicle the life of a Charleston artist who died young.
“Heaven Is a Beautiful Place: A Memoir of the South Carolina Coast” by Genevieve C. Peterkin | Release Date: April 1, 2000 | Born and raised in Murrells Inlet, Genevieve Peterkin explores the struggles for racial equality, faith, and acceptance.

Need more recommendations? Stop by Blue Bicycle Books, Itinerant Literate Bookshop, or The Village Bookseller to get expert advice from the Holy City’s local booksellers. 📚