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Locally Written Books in Kansas City

Treat your shelf with these books written by local authors in Kansas City.

book shelf

We like good books and we cannot lie.

Photo by KCtoday

Table of Contents

What’s better than a good book? A good book written by your neighbor. Brew up a batch of your favorite tea or coffee and get ready to meet your next read, because we’re talking about locally written books in Kansas City.

Fiction

  • “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn | Release date: April 22, 2014 | A tale of a marriage gone cold + a sociopath who will stop at nothing to get revenge.
  • “The Good Lieutenant” by Whitney Terrell | Release date: June 7, 2016 | This novel unfolds from points of view that are not customarily included in war coverage — a tenacious female officer, jaded career soldiers, and Iraqis, both innocent and not so innocent.
  • “Twelve and A Half Hearts” by Ian Cahill | Release date: September 6, 2018 | Follow Sue Anderson from high school valedictorian all the way through her thirties as she attempts to overcome a devastating discovery.

For the family

  • “Go Chiefs Go!: The Championship Season of the Kansas City Chiefs” by Chris Megs | Release date: May 15, 2020 | This read captures the magic of the Kansas City Chiefs season that lead to a victory in Super Bowl LIV — perfect for young Chiefs fans.
  • “Sullen Sally” by Jim Cosgrove | Release date: August 12, 2020 | This celebration of friendship uses a mix of lyrical rhymes + colorful illustrations, with folds, flaps, and wheels to turn for your little one.
  • The Man Who Loved Clowns” by Juna Rae Wood | Release date: May 1, 2005 | This story captures both the joy and sorrow that come when we open our hearts to love.

Learn something new

Part of a series

  • “Seconds Before Sunset” by Shannon A. Thompson | Release date: August 25, 2015 | The second story from the “Timely Death Trilogy” series.
  • “The King Will Kill You” by Sarah Henning | Release date: August 2, 2022 | This epic, pulse-pounding story wraps up Henning’s “Kingdoms of Sand and Sky” trilogy series.
  • “The Secret” by Julie Garwood | Release date: May 1, 1992 | The first read of the “Highlands’ Lairds” series, written by one of the most critically acclaimed and popular romance authors around.

Personal stories

Need more recommendations? Stop by Flagship Books, Prospero’s Books, Afterword Tavern + Shelves, or Wise Blood KC, to get expert advice from KC’s local booksellers. 📚

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