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. Have you read any of these new releases? If not, you’ll want them on your TBR!

Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

Rumaan Alam’s latest is one of the buzziest books of the fall, with Roxane Gay calling it “an exceptional examination of race and class and family.” A week away from the bustle of New York City is just what Amanda and Clay, a white couple from Brooklyn, need. It’s a chance to spend time with their two teenagers on a quiet corner of Long Island without internet or cell service. One night, G.H. and Ruth, the Black couple who owns the home, arrive bringing news of blackouts across the East Coast. Over the next few days, the two families must share the home while waiting for news.

The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

Fans of The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle will be delighted to know Stuart Turton is back this month with a high-seas mystery. The year is 1634 and detective Samuel Pipps is being transported to Amsterdam to be executed. His bodyguard, Arent Hayes, is convinced that Samuel is innocent of the crime he’s been accused of and is working hard to prove his innocence before they dock. Unfortunately, Arent first must uncover the truth behind the strange happenings on the boat: passengers marked for death, animals slaughtered, and symbols appearing on the sails.

Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

Rebecca Roanhorse weaves together a tale of three characters whose fates are intertwined in this first installment in the Between Earth and Sky series. Sun Priest Naranpa is preparing for the winter solstice and trying to calm the unrest brewing in one of her city’s clans. Outcast sea captain Xiala is hired to take a single passenger from Cuecola to Tova, Naranpa’s home. She agrees to deliver Serapio to his destination, not knowing that he was raised to become a god’s vessel and is determined to seek revenge when he arrives in Tova.

Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett

Bethany Bennett’s Misfits of Mayfair series kicks off with a woman in need of a fake fiancé. Lady Charlotte Wentworth is being pressured into marriage with a man she doesn’t want by her father, who is looking to get her hitched before her reputation can worsen. Deciding he can’t force her to marry if she’s already engaged to someone else, Lottie calls on Ethan, Lord Amesbury, as he owes her a favor for starting the damaging rumors about her in the first place. Ethan agrees, wanting to make up for his past behavior and, perhaps, try to win her heart.

Come On In edited by Adi Alsaid

There’s something truly special coming to shelves for anthology fans this month. Come On In features 15 short stories about immigrant experiences from a mix of bestselling and upcoming young adult authors. The stories include characters from all across the globe (Ecuador, Australia, Mexico, etc) and explore themes of belonging and finding yourself. There are deep looks at microaggressions and the hurdles immigrants face, as well as celebrations of culture and family. With starred trade reviews from Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, this standout collection is a winner.

The Searcher by Tana French

Everyone’s favorite Irish crime novelist is back this season with a standalone about a boy missing in rural Ireland. Cal Hooper is a retired detective from the States who finds himself drawn back into his old line of work when a young boy asks for help in locating his missing brother. After years of working in Chicago, Hooper crossed the world in search of peace and quiet, yet he can’t resist the pull to uncover the dark secrets he thinks may be lurking in his new community.

Memorial by Bryan Washington

Readers who enjoyed Bryan Washington’s debut Lot won’t want to miss Memorial. Benson is left alone with his boyfriend Mike’s mother, Mitsuko, when Mike flies to Japan to say a final goodbye to his dying father. The time apart leaves both men with room to change in ways they didn’t think were possible. Soon they start to question what’s keeping them together. They love each other—but is that enough?

The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

This sophomore novel from Alix E. Harrow transports readers to alternate 1893 America where the estranged Eastwood sisters reunite as adults in New Salem. Since the Purge, magic hasn’t been seen in their world but Juniper, Beatrice, and Agnes uncover proof that it still exists. They join their local suffragists, and begin to fight for women’s rights using all of the new powers at their disposal. This book will put a spell on you, and readers looking to be enchanted will want it at the top of their October TBR.

If the Boot Fits by Rebekah Weatherspoon

Rebekah Weatherspoon’s Cowboys of California series continues this month with a modern-day retelling of “Cinderella.” With her diva of a boss in bed with the flu, personal assistant Amanda Queen has the chance to celebrate the Academy Awards in style. A party with some of the night’s biggest winners leads to a shared steamy encounter with actor Sam Pleasant. Just when she thinks she may never see him again, fate brings the two back together at his family’s ranch.

The Puppetmaster’s Apprentice by Lisa DeSelm

Drawing inspiration from “Pinocchio” and Frankenstein, this YA fantasy follows a puppetmaster’s apprentice who is called on to make life-size marionette soldiers for the ruler of Tavia. When her father becomes sick, it’s up to Pirouette to finish the order for the Margrave. Unfortunately, his son Laszlo has a special request: He wants her to build and bring to life an assassin. When it becomes clear that  Laszlo knows Piro’s most tightly guarded secret, she knows she can’t refuse.

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.

1 Comment
  1. I really enjoyed “Any Rogue Will Do” by Bethany Bennett. The humor that she peppered the story with kept a smile on on my face. Perfect combination of romance and humor. Loved it and absolutely LOVE NetGalley!

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