I loved Lessons in Chemistry but I'm tired of historical fiction right now. Looking for something with that same smart female protagonist energy and workplace dynamics, but set in like the last 10 years or contemporary. Does anyone have recommendations that scratch that itch?
Try *The Housemaid* by Nita Prose or *Remarkably Bright* by Catherine Benson if you want that sharp, capable woman navigating complex workplace or domestic situations - both have that intelligent protagonist figuring things out in real time. *Lessons in Chemistry* really nails that blend of personal stakes and professional ambition, so you might also vibe with *Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow* by Gabrielle Zevin, which follows women in the video game industry with genuine workplace chemistry and character depth. If you want something more straightforward about women crushing it in their fields without the thriller elements, *The Whisper Man* adjacent stuff gets mixed reviews, but honestly *Remarkably Bright* probably hits closest to what you're after with that smart, capable protagonist solving problems in a contemporary setting.
I'd push back a little on the "tired of historical fiction" thing though - sometimes what makes *Lessons in Chemistry* work isn't the era but the specific vibe. That said, if you want that same sharp, competent woman dealing with workplace sexism and complex dynamics in a modern setting, *Remarkably Bright* does nail some of it, but you might want to look wider.
Check out *The Thursday Murder Club* by Richard Osman if you haven't - hear me out, it's got an ensemble cast but the female leads are intelligent, witty problem-solvers in contemporary London dealing with real stakes. Or *Daisy Jones & The Six* if you want something with that insider-industry feel and smart women navigating professional hierarchies, though that one's got a slightly retro vibe (70s music scene) so maybe not what you're after. For something solidly modern-day, *Remarkably Bright* works better than *The Housemaid* actually - the latter leans more thriller than the intelligent-woman-in-her-element dynamic you're describing.
One practical thing I'd suggest: search Goodreads specifically for "female protagonist contemporary fiction workplace" and filter by books from 2015 onward. Sounds basic, but a ton of people miss this because they just browse recommendations instead of narrowing by those specific tags. You'll find way more options that fit the exact energy you want rather than settling for whatever fits loosely.
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