This Week in War — Week of June 8, 2026

New War Releases

The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline

Published: May 12, 2026

This debut novel has added 510 ratings, with a growth rate of 34%, outpacing other new releases in the War genre. The book's unique blend of historical fiction and family drama has resonated with readers, propelling it to the top of the list. The Foursome's performance is particularly notable given its recent publication, suggesting strong word-of-mouth and effective marketing.

Stats: 1,484 → 1,994 (+510)

The Windsor Affair by Melanie Benjamin

Published: June 2, 2026

With a growth rate of 35%, this new release has gained 84 ratings, demonstrating a promising start. The Windsor Affair's historical fiction and romance elements have likely contributed to its appeal, and its debut on the list suggests a strong initial reception. As the book continues to gain traction, it will be interesting to see how its ratings evolve.

Stats: 243 → 327 (+84)

Ghosts of Sicily: The True Story of the Naval Intelligence Agents Who Courted the Mob to Fight Nazis in America and the Battlefields of Italy by Mark Harmon and Leon Carroll Jr.

Published: April 14, 2026

This nonfiction book has added 22 ratings, with a growth rate of 12%, indicating a steady, if not spectacular, start. Ghosts of Sicily's unique blend of World War II history and espionage may appeal to a niche audience, and its performance suggests a dedicated readership. The book's trajectory will be worth monitoring to see if it can build momentum.

Stats: 189 → 211 (+22)

The Last of the Old Breed: An Oral History of the Final Marines from World War II by Scott Davis

Published: May 19, 2026

With a growth rate of 22%, this new release has gained 8 ratings, demonstrating a modest but promising start. The Last of the Old Breed's historical significance and unique perspective on World War II may appeal to readers interested in military history. The book's performance will be worth tracking to see if it can attract a wider audience.

Stats: 37 → 45 (+8)

War Backlist Risers

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott

Published: September 2, 2014

This historical nonfiction book, published 11 years ago, has added 1 rating, with a negligible growth rate of 0.01%. Although the increase is small, Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy's enduring presence on the list suggests a dedicated readership and continued interest in the Civil War era. The book's steady performance is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Stats: 17,439 → 17,440 (+1)

The Takeaway

This week, new War releases dominate the list, with The Foursome and The Windsor Affair leading the charge. The Foursome's impressive growth rate of 34% and addition of 510 ratings make it the standout title, demonstrating strong momentum and a compelling narrative. In contrast, backlist titles like Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy, while still popular, have shown minimal growth. The Pick of the Week is The Foursome by Christina Baker Kline, which has added the most ratings and demonstrated the highest growth rate among all War titles, making it the most interesting story this week. Its performance suggests a strong debut and a promising future for this new release.