October’s Most-Anticipated Books

Look no further for your next read. The amount of great new books hitting shelves each month can be overwhelming but we’ve rounded up ten of the buzziest books coming out this October—no matter what genre you’re interested in. If you were approved for any of these books on NetGalley, you can read them directly in your NetGalley Shelf app. Don’t forget to leave a review!

The Night Ship by Jess Kidd

This historical novel from Jess Kidd draws inspiration from a real shipwreck. Starting in 1629, the book weaves together the stories of Mayken, an orphan on board the Batavia, and Gil, who arrives on an island off the coast of Western Australia in 1989 after the death of his mother. As Mayken hunts for the monster the crew speaks of, Gil witnesses the excavation of the Batavia and wonders about the rumors of a ghost haunting the island.

Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai

One of our romances to swoon over in the second half of 2022, Partners in Crime transports readers to Las Vegas, where settling a relative’s affairs turns into a dangerous and unforgettable adventure. Mira didn’t plan on seeing her ex-boyfriend Naveen again, let alone working side-by-side with him. But when they’re kidnapped together and have to go on the run, the two are given a second chance to realize they might just be perfect for each other.

Lavender House by Lev AC Rosen

This queer historical mystery is perfect for readers looking to dive into something suspenseful before Halloween. Access to Irene Lamontaine’s estate has always been restricted, but when she suddenly dies in 1952, her widow hires disgraced former police officer Evander Mills to uncover the truth of what happened. Within the home’s protected gates, he discovers a found family enjoying the freedom of being themselves openly. But he soon learns all is not as it appears at Lavender House.

Will Do Magic for Small Change by Andrea Hairston

Aliens and magic collide in Andrea Hairston’s latest—a match made in heaven for fans of both science fiction and fantasy. When Cinnamon Jones’ brother dies, he leaves her a copy of The Chronicles of the Great Wanderer—a book about a being from a different dimension who ends up in West Africa. The more Cinnamon reads, the more parallels she finds between the book and her own history.

A Scatter of Light by Malinda Lo

In this YA novel, Aria West is sent to spend the summer with her grandmother. What she first saw as punishment, soon becomes transformative as Aria connects with her grandma’s gardener Steph, a gender-nonconforming singer and songwriter. Fans of Lo’s Last Night at the Telegraph Club will be excited to learn this is a standalone companion that features a glimpse of Lily and Kath.

Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng

Set in an alternate present, this dystopian tale explores a world where the U.S. government can remove children from parents they deem unpatriotic. Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner’s white father has long told him to keep his head down, especially after the sudden disappearance of his Chinese American mother. When Bird receives a drawing he believes is from her, it sets him off on a journey to discover what happened to her.

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews

Mimi Matthews continues the Belles of London series this fall with a marriage of convenience historical romance. Tired of London ballrooms, Julia Wychwood cuts to the chase and proposes to Captain Jasper Blunt. At first, she’s thrilled that he’s accepted the match (and her conditions), but as she settles into his Yorkshire estate, she starts to wonder if the rumors of hauntings are true. Check out our interview with Matthews here for more on the book’s inspiration and cover!

Jackal by Erin E. Adams

Horror and thrills await readers who pick up this tension-filled tale from Erin E. Adams. Liz Rocher returns home to Johnstown, Pennsylvania for her best friend’s wedding. But on the big day, the bride’s daughter vanishes. Her disappearance reminds Liz of a similar one from years ago, and begins to investigate the town’s history. When she uncovers a string of missing Black girls, Liz knows she has to act quickly to save Caroline and stop this from ever happening again.

The River of Silver by S.A. Chakraborty

Fantasy readers who loved getting lost in S.A. Chakraborty’s Daevabad trilogy are in for a treat this fall! The River of Silver is a collection of 15 short stories set in the Daevabad world—including an alternate epilogue to The Empire of Gold. Some tales are scenes cut from the books, others introduce new characters, and all are sure to please those who weren’t ready to say goodbye after the final book.

Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra

Rati Mehrotra’s YA fantasy novel takes readers to an alternate medieval India. Katyani has a soul bond with the queen of Chandela, which makes her an ideal bodyguard for the royal family. After an assassin threatens the life of Crown Prince Ayan, Katyani is shipped off with him to military school to protect him while he learns the skills needed to one day rule the kingdom. When disaster strikes and a secret about Katyani’s past is revealed, it changes everything she thought she knew about her life.

Which October release are you most excited for?

Kelly Gallucci

Kelly Gallucci is the Executive Editor of We Are Bookish, where she oversees the editorial content, offers book recommendations, and interviews authors and NetGalley members. When she's not working, Kelly can be found color coordinating her bookshelves, eating Chipotle, and watching way too many baking shows.

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