Whether you’re drawn to literary fiction, dark sports comedies, or psychological thrillers, May’s roundup of book covers has something for you. Here are six designs that I feel are particularly outstanding.
off season Written by Avigail Sharp
The cover design is Chloe Scheffe (Astra House, May 5th)
I suddenly wanted to know how a ladybug, a cigarette, and a sparkling pearl could live in the same story. It has an unconventional and rustic atmosphere that stimulates curiosity.
hunger and thirst Written by Claire Fuller
design: Josie Staveley Taylorwith art Therese Mulgrew (Fig Tree, May 7, 2026)
A true gothic psychological thriller. The font and fly illustration are a great combination, but it’s the subject’s blank gaze that makes me reach for this book at the bookstore.
dad had a bad day Written by Ashton Politanov
design: Rodrigo Coral (Astra House, May 19th)
dad had a bad day ” has been described as “very entertaining,” and it’s no exaggeration to say that the cover image accurately represents that. I love dangling tennis rackets.
inheritance Written by Jane Park
design: Elisha Zapeda (May 21, 2026)
A complicated (Chekhovian?) knife is placed facing the meadow, echo Wyeth’s “Christina’s World” cover inheritance All the right questions arise.
Bye-bye sector Written by Missouri Williams
design: thomas corrigan (Fourth Estate, May 21)
The cover of this intellectual campus novel is unforgettable thanks to the delicate strings that eerily connect the various characters. You can actually hear the violin playing in the background.
pixie Written by Jill Dawson
design: Carmen R. Barritt (Bloomsbury Publishing, May 26)
30% of Americans now consult tarot regularly; pixie’s Adding a cover is not only aesthetically appealing, but also a smart choice. It should fit perfectly next to my Rider-Waite-Smith deck.
Source: Our Culture – ourculturemag.com
