With summer officially over and chillier temperatures now setting in, there’s no better time to curl up on the sofa with a good book (snacks and cosy candles optional, but advised). But do you go for a new release or an old favourite? An autumn-appropriate read or a summery romance to transport you back to warmer days?
If you do fancy something fresh, October is full of exciting new releases, perfect for spooky season and beyond. There’s new releases from the likes of Freida McFadden and B.K. Borison, as well as Joe Hill’s first book in almost a decade. This list features 10 recommendations spanning all genres, with a mixture of big releases and hidden gems, so you can find your next favourite read.
1. King Sorrow by Joe Hill
Six friends make a deadly deal with a dragon in King Sorrow, Joe Hill’s first novel in almost 10 years. We follow Arthur, Gwen, Colin, Donna, Van and Allie over the course of four decades as they’re forced to choose a new victim for King Sorrow every Easter – or face death themselves.
This is truly a monster of a novel in both size and scope, but you’ll still find yourself wishing it was even longer. Fantastical yet grounded, it’s epic, exhilarating and haunting in equal measures.
You can buy King Sorrow, out October 21, here.
(Image: Talya Honebeek)
2. The Intruder by Freida McFadden
The queen of thrillers is back with another page-turning novel as a woman who offers refuge to a blood-soaked young girl in the middle of the night discovers she might just put herself in mortal peril.
In true Freida McFadden form, The Intruder is fast-paced, twisty and impossible to put down, and you’ll feel compelled to devour it in one sitting. Atmospheric and darker than some of her other books, it’s also perfectly timed for spooky season.
You can order The Intruder, out October 7, here.
(Image: Talya Honebeek)
3. Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
Holland has always been convinced magic is real, but when she’s told she’ll die tomorrow unless she finds an ancient magical relic, she’s thrown into a world she could never have imagined.
Racing through Los Angeles, she runs into the path of a magnetic stranger who claims he’s been sent to save her life. As she solves clues and searches for truth, she finds herself struggling to tell enemy from ally.
Caraval and Once Upon a Broken Heart author Stephanie Garber’s latest novel will delight any fantasy lover. The glamour of old Hollywood paired with lots of twists and high stakes make this a truly addictive read.
You can buy Alchemy of Secrets, out October 7, here.
(Image: Talya Honebeek)
4. Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake
If weird girl fiction is your thing, look no further than Girl Dinner, the new satirical story with a wild premise from The Atlas Six author Olivie Blake.
We follow Nina, a college student desperate to belong, and Sloane, a new mother and academic at the college, as they are both drawn into the world of The House, an exclusive campus sorority. As they climb the ladder, they realise the secret to their perfection is darker than they could have ever realised.
With arcane rituals, momfluencers and a rather sinister new wellness trend, Girl Dinner is a must-read for fans of Bunny by Mona Awad and anyone who enjoys reading about womanhood in all its many forms.
You can buy Girl Dinner, out October 23, now.
(Image: Talya Honebeek)
5. Good Spirits by B.K. Borison
The Ghost of Christmas Past meets sunshine personified in Good Spirits, First-Time Caller author B.K. Borison’s new festive romcom. Nolan usually spends the festive period haunting the very worst people of Annapolis, but Harriet, his latest assignment, doesn’t fit the usual type.
The concept might be fun, but don’t be fooled, as Good Spirits also packs an emotional punch. It’s cosy, heartfelt and is the perfect read for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit a little early this year.
You can order Good Spirits, out October 21, here.
(Image: Talya Honebeek)