Looking for the "best" book in the genre you love? The following is a list chosen by librarians (from a division of the American Library Association) who specialize in readers' advisory as the best of each of the eight genre categories. Read one and see if you agree.

Adrenaline (a.k.a. thrillers, suspense and action/adventure)
The Second Objective by Mark Frost
In an attempt to regain the upper hand for Germany in the fall of 1944, commando Otto Skorzeny plots to have 2,000 English-speaking soldiers infiltrate Allied lines, while a smaller band of commandos embark on a more sinister mission.

Fantasy
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
A hero named Kvothe, now living under an assumed name as the humble proprietor of an inn, recounts his transformation from a magically gifted young man into the most notorious wizard, musician, thief, and assassin in his world.

Historical Fiction
The Religion by Tim Willocks
A French countess enlists the aid of a German sword-for-hire when she travels from her home to Malta in search of the boy she gave up at birth twelve years ago, but they arrive just as the city is invaded by the Turks.

Horror
The Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill (Stephen Kings' son)
Hnscrupulous metal band musician Judas Coyne is unable to resist purchasing a ghost over the Internet, which turns out to be the vengeful spirit of his late girlfriend's stepfather.

Mystery
Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin
Sent to medieval Cambridge in order to exonerate a group of Jewish prisoners with financial ties to King Henry I, University of Salerno medical examiner Adelia and a group of companions struggle to avoid being accused of witchcraft and discover that the killer may be a former crusader.

Romance
Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth
Taking to the road between seasons, attractive Chicago Stars quarterback Dean Robillard meets the beautiful and infuriating Blue under unusual circumstances and draws on his competitive skills to overcome her wariness of relationships.

Science Fiction
In War Times by Kathleen Ann Goonan
In an alternate-universe depiction of World War II, a man enlists for the military after his brother is killed at Pearl Harbor and receives plans for a mysterious device from one of his instructors that he spends the war constructing, with unexpected and bizarre results.

Women's Fiction
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
A successful caterer, Claire has always remained tied to the legacy of the Waverly family, until her peaceful life is transformed by Tyler Hughes, an art teacher and new next-door neighbor, and by the return of her prodigal sister,