As we bid farewell to 2021 and usher in a new year, bookworms and literature enthusiasts are gearing up for a promising lineup of new releases. With a slew of highly anticipated books set to hit shelves in the first half of 2022, readers are in for a treat as they dive into a world of gripping plots, fascinating characters, and thought-provoking themes.

Here are seventeen of the most anticipated books releasing in the first half of 2022 that book lovers won’t want to miss:

1. “The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles: Following the success of his bestselling novel “A Gentleman in Moscow,” Towles returns with a riveting tale of adventure and redemption set in 1950s America.

2. “The Maid” by Nita Prose: This debut novel follows the quirky and endearing protagonist, Molly Gray, as she navigates the world of crime solving while working as a maid in a luxury hotel.

3. “The Diamond Eye” by Kate Quinn: Fans of historical fiction will be thrilled to delve into this gripping novel that follows a group of female spies during World War II.

4. “The Swimmers” by Julie Otsuka: This haunting and lyrical novel explores the lives of Japanese American swimmers before and after their internment during World War II.

5. “The Paradox Hotel” by Rob Hart: In this thrilling sci-fi mystery, a detective must solve a murder in a time-traveling hotel where the past, present, and future collide.

6. “The School for Good Mothers” by Jessamine Chan: This thought-provoking novel explores the dark side of motherhood and society’s expectations of women.

7. “The Book of Cold Cases” by Simone St. James: Fans of gothic suspense will be drawn into this chilling tale of a true crime writer investigating a decades-old murder.

8. “The Christie Affair” by Nina de Gramont: Set in the glamorous world of 1920s London, this novel follows the scandalous affair between famed author Agatha Christie and a mysterious American archaeologist.

9. “The Confession of Copeland Cane” by Keenan Norris: This powerful novel delves into issues of race and identity as a young black man seeks justice for a crime he didn’t commit.

10. “The Divines” by Ellie Eaton: Set in a prestigious all-girls boarding school, this debut novel explores the dark secrets and manipulative power dynamics among its students.

11. “The High House” by Jessie Greengrass: This haunting and atmospheric novel follows a family as they navigate a world ravaged by climate change and societal collapse.

12. “The Lowering Days” by Gregory Brown: Set in a fishing community in Maine, this lyrical novel follows the lives of three generations of a family as they grapple with love, loss, and tradition.

13. “The Beautician” by Phoebe Baker Hyde: This witty and charming novel follows a young beautician as she navigates love, friendship, and the pursuit of her dreams in 1950s Las Vegas.

14. “The Waiter” by Ajay Chowdhury: This gripping thriller follows a waiter at a high-end restaurant who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a notorious gangster.

15. “The Witch Haven” by Sasha Peyton Smith: Set in a magical alternate version of 1911 New York City, this spellbinding novel follows a young woman as she discovers her own hidden powers.

16. “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley: In this addictive mystery thriller, a young woman uncovers dark secrets hidden within her deceased grandmother’s Paris apartment.

17. “The Island of Missing Trees” by Elif Shafak: This beautifully woven tale follows the intertwined lives of a Greek Cypriot and a Turkish Cypriot family as they navigate love, loss, and reconciliation on the divided island of Cyprus.

With such a diverse and exciting array of books set to be released in the first half of 2022, readers are sure to find new favorites and embark on unforgettable literary journeys. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, mystery, romance, or sci-fi, there’s something for everyone in this list of highly anticipated books. So mark your calendars, make space on your bookshelves, and get ready to dive into a world of captivating stories and unforgettable characters in the coming year.