Halfway through 2026, Baldwin readers have turned the page on last year's favorites. While established authors such as James Patterson, Danielle Steel and Freida McFadden remain popular, word-of-mouth successes like "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans and "Theo of Golden" by Allen Levi, a digital favorite, have emerged as favorites among Baldwin Public Library patrons. Here's a look at the current top five — and whether they'll still hold their spots by year's end.
The rankings reflect the books that circulated most frequently during the first half of 2026. Library staff said the top five were separated by narrow margins, meaning the list could change as new books are released later this year. None of the books that appeared on the library's 2025 favorites list returned to this year's top five, illustrating how quickly readers' tastes can change. Librarians also noted continued interest in psychological thrillers, while romance remains a growing genre.
The most-checked-out book at the Baldwin Public Library so far this year is “The Correspondent” by Virginia Evans. The 2025 epistolary novel follows 73-year-old retired attorney Sybil Van Antwerp as she navigates grief, regret and forgiveness through a series of letters and emails. As she reflects on her past, Sybil forms unexpected connections and discovers new purpose later in life. Evans' debut novel became a sleeper hit, earning praise for its heartfelt storytelling and nuanced portrayal of its central character.
Adult Programming Librarian Elly Muller, who will lead the Baldwin Public Library's July Afternoon Book Discussion of the novel Wednesday at 2 p.m., said “The Correspondent” has resonated with readers because it is "clear, concise and well-written."
"While of literary quality, it is an easy or straightforward read," Muller said. She added that Evans explores aging, relationships and personal growth through Sybil's letters, themes that resonate with many readers.
Details about the discussion are available on the library's website.
Released in January 2026, “Private Rome” is the 18th thriller in James Patterson and Adam Hamdy’s bestselling Private series. The novel follows lead investigator Jack Morgan as he works to clear a colleague’s name after a priest is found murdered during the opening of Private’s new Rome office. As the investigation unfolds, Morgan uncovers a conspiracy involving corruption within the Vatican.
Patterson remains one of the library’s most popular authors, with two of his 2026 novels appearing in the top five.
The third-most-checked-out book at the Baldwin Public Library is “Cross & Sampson: An Alex Cross and John Sampson Thriller.” Released in February 2026, it was James Patterson’s third novel published this year and arrived less than a month after “Private Rome.”
Co-written by Patterson and Brian Sitts, the thriller follows longtime detective partners Alex Cross and John Sampson as they confront two high-stakes crises that force them to work apart. While Cross travels to North Carolina to search for his missing son, Damon, Sampson remains in Washington, D.C., to track down a serial bomber targeting the nation’s capital.
The fourth-most-checked-out book at the Baldwin Public Library is “Dear Debbie,” a 2026 psychological thriller by Freida McFadden. The novel follows Debbie Mullen, an advice columnist who secretly exacts revenge on people who have wronged her and her family. As Debbie’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel, she discovers that her husband is hiding secrets of his own. Told from multiple perspectives, the novel explores themes of revenge, deception and hidden identities.
Released in January, "Dear Debbie" was the first of three major thrillers McFadden published in the first half of 2026, continuing the prolific publishing pace that has made her one of today's most sought-after thriller writers. Librarians said her popularity has grown dramatically over the past decade, evolving from a self-published author with a devoted following into a mainstream bestseller.
Rounding out the Baldwin Public Library’s current top five is “The Devil’s Daughter,” Danielle Steel’s January 2026 novel. The story follows two sisters with starkly different personalities: Billie, who is kind and accomplished, and Mickie, who is manipulative and self-serving. Their relationship is tested when Mickie becomes involved with a wealthy doctor, setting off a chain of fraud, scandal and betrayal.
As the sisters’ relationship is tested, Steel explores themes of family, loyalty, trust and the consequences of ambition. One of the world’s best-selling authors, Steel has written more than 200 books during her career, and her novels continue to be popular with Baldwin Public Library readers.
While library staff expect new fall releases to shake up the rankings, they believe familiar names such as Patterson, Steel and McFadden will likely remain among the library's most popular authors through the end of the year. They also reported increased use of digital borrowing services such as Libby and Hoopla for e-books and audiobooks, a trend they expect to continue through the rest of the year.
The Herald will revisit the rankings in December to see whether Baldwin readers stick with these favorites or whether a new bestseller claims the No. 1 spot.
