Looking for good books to read? We’ve been reading up a storm this year, and—while our reading lists are always expanding—we have unearthed some brand-new, distinctly Southern books we think you’ll love. These are the best Southern books of 2017…so far. The best new Southern books run the genre gamut. They’re bestsellers and slow burners, romances and mysteries, critically acclaimed releases and under-the-radar reads. They’re hot off the presses, and they’re all connected by their Southern roots. Also, we think you’ll love them. Scratch that. We know you’ll love them. These books are either set in the South or are written by Southern authors , and they deserve to be added to your bookshelf as soon as possible. There have been so many great Southern releases this year (and late last year), and of course there are plenty of promising books yet to be published this year. After browsing our picks below, be sure to check out all of our highly anticipated fall releases , and don’t forget to put them on your autumn and winter reading lists. Happy reading!