From page-turning thrillers to empowering nonfiction, Oceanside Library patrons gravitated toward books that offered suspense, insight and escape in 2025. According to the library’s circulation data, readers couldn’t get enough of psychological thrillers — particularly those by Freida McFadden — while one standout self-help title also made the list. The top five most checked-out books of the year reflect a community eager for gripping stories and practical inspiration.
No. 1: "Broken Country" by Clare Leslie Hall
Topping the list, “Broken Country” captivated readers with its emotional depth and atmospheric storytelling. Set against a rural backdrop, the novel follows Beth, a woman confronting her past long-buried family secrets and the lingering effects of love, loss and loyalty. A sweeping love story with the quick pace and twists of a thriller, “Broken Country” drew readers in as Beth faces impossible decisions with explosive consequences.
No. 2: "The Tenant" by Freida McFadden
A fast-paced psychological thriller, “The Tenant” kept Oceanside readers guessing until the final pages. The story centers on a seemingly perfect rental arrangement between Blake Porter and the beautiful new tenant, Whitney, which quickly spirals into paranoia and danger. As tensions rise, secrets unravel and nothing is quite what it seems — hallmarks of McFadden’s suspenseful style.
No. 3: "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins
The lone nonfiction title on the list, “The Let Them Theory” resonated with readers seeking clarity and control in their daily lives. Robbins encourages readers to let go of what they cannot control — namely, other people — and focus instead on personal growth and peace of mind. Practical, relatable and motivational, the book aimed to help readers apply Robbins’ “Let Them” mindset to relationships, work and everyday challenges.
No. 4: "The Housemaid" by Freida McFadden
Another McFadden favorite, “The Housemaid” follows a young woman, Millie Calloway, who takes a live-in job for the Winchester family that quickly turns unsettling. As Millie uncovers disturbing truths about the family she works for, readers are drawn into a web of manipulation, power and revenge that builds into a shocking conclusion. McFadden’s depiction of psychological tension and claustrophobic settings kept readers on edge, casting light on the dangers that can hide behind closed doors.
No. 5: "The Crash" by Freida McFadden
Rounding out the list, “The Crash” delivers high-stakes suspense from its opening scene. After a life-altering accident, Tegan — who is also eight months pregnant — finds herself stranded in Maine with a dead car and broken ankle. Though she’s rescued by a couple that offers a room in their cabin, dangerous secretes soon emerge. With short chapters and relentless twists, the novel proved hard for readers to put down.
