Welcome to my third annual KC Holiday Book Gift Guide! It’s my little way of helping you shop for the book lover in your life while also helping indie authors reach a larger audience.
Every author here has some connection to my hometown of Kansas City. They’re also all indie authors who deserve a spot on your shelf (whether real or virtual). Many are new to this year’s list, while some I’ve recommended before. After all, there’s no such thing as too much promotion when it comes to indie authors.
This year I’ve decided to remove the genre labels and let the books speak for themselves. This is not meant to be a “top list.” There’s no competition here. Just great stories. As such, I’ve listed the following 20 book recommendations alphabetically by the authors’ names.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy
by Megan Bannen
This whimsical and heartfelt romantic fantasy blends humor, charm, and emotional depth. Bannen crafts a tale of love and second chances in a richly imaginative world. With endearing characters and an enchanting plot, it’s a delightful escape into magical storytelling.
by Carrie Beamer
A moving tale of friendship, loyalty, and the courage to face the past. Beamer’s vivid storytelling and relatable characters create a heartfelt journey of resilience and redemption. A touching, beautifully written story that lingers with readers long after the final page.
by Jeff Berney
My own second novel has been described as a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the dark corners of belief and deception. With sharp prose and unpredictable twists, this is a story of intrigue and moral conflict. A thought-provoking and suspenseful read for fans of gritty, character-driven storytelling.
by Dan Brigman
An imaginative and thought-provoking journey through a world transformed by mysterious forces. With vivid world-building and compelling characters, Brigman weaves a tale of resilience, discovery, and hope. A captivating blend of science fiction and human drama that will leave readers pondering its themes long after.
by Ian Cahill
A sharp, fast-paced thriller that keeps readers on edge with gritty prose and unexpected twists. Cahill crafts a gripping tale of misfortune, survival, and determination. Packed with tension and clever plotting, it’s a must-read for fans of high-stakes, character-driven suspense.
A satirical look at love, ambition, and self-discovery packed with wit and keen observations. Campbell explores the complexities of relationships and identity with humor and heart. A clever, thought-provoking read for fans of contemporary fiction with a touch of sass.
by Zachariah Chamberlin
A dark and mesmerizing collection of tales exploring the macabre and mysterious. With lyrical prose and haunting imagery, Chamberlin crafts stories that linger long after the final page. Perfect for fans of eerie, thought-provoking fiction that delves into humanity’s shadowy depths.
by M.S. Chambers
A mesmerizing journey into a world of magic, courage, and discovery. With lush world-building and a heartfelt narrative, Chambers crafts a tale of resilience and friendship. Perfect for readers who crave enchanting adventures filled with wonder and the power of the human spirit.
A heartfelt and inspiring tale of hope, healing, and inner strength. Blending spiritual themes with compelling storytelling, Day-Admire explores the resilience of the human spirit. Uplifting and beautifully written, it’s a touching read for those seeking encouragement and a deeper connection to life’s wonders.
A thrilling mystery brimming with intrigue, danger, and redemption. With a compelling protagonist (I hope we haven’t seen the last of) and a tightly woven plot, Greenwood delivers a story full of twists and emotional depth. A satisfying blend of suspense and heart, perfect for fans of character-driven crime fiction.
A poignant exploration of how small choices shape lives. Helling’s emotional depth and relatable characters create a compelling narrative about resilience, love, and self-discovery. With its heartfelt storytelling and universal themes, this novel is a touching reminder of the interconnectedness of life’s moments.
by R.M. Kinder
A charming, reflective collection celebrating the unique bond between humans and cats. Through witty prose and heartfelt anecdotes, Kinder explores the quirks, wisdom, and companionship of feline friends. A delightful read for cat lovers and anyone who appreciates the joy pets bring.
An action-packed tale of vengeance, loyalty, and redemption. Set in a gritty, vividly imagined world, Meuschke delivers a fast-paced narrative with complex characters and gripping twists. A thrilling adventure that will captivate fans of high-stakes drama and immersive, character-driven storytelling.
A gripping dystopian tale of survival and rebellion. Set in a vividly imagined, rain-soaked world, Newhouse weaves a story of resilience, sacrifice, and hope. With complex characters and a relentless pace, it’s a compelling read for fans of dark, thought-provoking speculative fiction.
by Eisley Rose
A thrilling dive into a tech-driven dystopia where reality and virtual worlds collide. Rose’s gripping narrative and sharp character development pull readers into a high-stakes story of survival and identity. Fast-paced and thought-provoking, it’s a must-read for fans of cyberpunk and speculative fiction.
by Juliet E. Sedonie
A clever and engaging mystery that keeps readers guessing until the end. With sharp dialogue, intriguing characters, and unexpected twists, Sedonie crafts a gripping whodunit. A perfect blend of suspense and wit, it’s a delightful treat for fans of classic murder mysteries.
by Chloe Chun Seim
A deeply evocative exploration of identity, change, and resilience. With poetic prose and richly drawn characters, Seim crafts a narrative that flows like its namesake, pulling readers into its emotional depths. A beautifully crafted tale for those who appreciate introspective and transformative storytelling.
by Scott Thomas
A spine-chilling homage to classic horror. Combining vivid atmospherics with psychological depth, Thomas crafts a tale of terror as four authors confront a haunted house’s sinister secrets. Cleverly paced and genuinely unnerving, it’s a must-read for fans of intelligent, character-driven supernatural horror
A gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice. Vaughn’s dynamic characters and vivid storytelling create an emotionally charged narrative that keeps readers hooked. With its high-stakes plot and themes of honor and resilience, this is a must-read for fans of action-packed, character-driven fiction.
by Noon Westbrook
A heartfelt and transformative tale of self-discovery. Westbrook’s vibrant characters and poignant storytelling pull readers into a journey of love, courage, and second chances. With its emotionally resonant narrative, the book is both captivating and deeply inspiring—a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
If something sounds good to you, click the links in the book description to purchase directly from the author, or order online at my favorite KC area independent bookstores: Afterword Tavern & Shelves, KD’s Books, Parkville Coffee or Seven Stories Books.
