From witchy suspense and campy horror to sharp romance and fake dating, these are the five books I’m recommending this October. My October reading recommendations are embracing the whole range of fall moods. Want a creepy old house? I’ve got you. A sarcastic final girl who’s had enough? Definitely. Two people fake dating while everyone—including … Continue reading This Month’s Must Reads: 5 October Books for Your TBR
The Witch by Freida McFadden
A bingeable, twisty thriller with witches, ghosts, and a creepy old house Goodreads | The Witch Release date: October 6, 2026 Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Genre: Mystery/Thriller Synopsis: Some secrets don't die―they wait. When Julia Barlow loses her job and her apartment, she has nowhere left to go but Pemberton, her family's sprawling seventeenth-century estate … Continue reading The Witch by Freida McFadden
The Ghost and the Dead Librarian by Cleo Coyle
A bookshop mystery with a wisecracking ghost, two cases, and plenty of cozy charm Goodreads |The Ghost and the Dead Librarian Release date: September 29, 2026 Publisher: Kensington Genre: Cozy Mystery Synopsis: A Library Journal "Mystery Pick of the Month" In an utterly charming new mystery from New York Timesbestselling author Cleo Coyle, a smalltown Rhode Island bookshop … Continue reading The Ghost and the Dead Librarian by Cleo Coyle
Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson
A smart, sharp slow burn romance about art, criticism, ambition, and the messy people behind the words. Goodreads | Bad Words Release date: October 6, 2026 Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genre: Contemporary Romance Narrators: Katharine Chin and Major Curda Synopsis: A sharp and deeply felt debut about art, ambition, and the connections that both inspire and … Continue reading Bad Words by Rioghnach Robinson
Call Off the Dark by Hallie Shepard
An atmospheric, grief soaked debut that didn’t quite come together for me Goodreads | Call Off the Dark Release date: September 22, 2026 Publisher: William Morrow Genre: Mystery/Thriller Synopsis: A haunting, atmospheric debut thriller with a love story at its heart, following a feisty young woman caught between her husband and a mysterious stranger who … Continue reading Call Off the Dark by Hallie Shepard
Bound by Kathy Lockheart
Enemies to lovers tension, a fake engagement, and an audiobook packed with heat and suspense Goodreads | Bound Release date: September 17, 2026 Genre: Contemporary Romance Synopsis: "Marry me or watch your company burn." That's how Axel Pierce—my biggest rival and brother's best friend—proposed our fake engagement. Some call him a corporate shark. I call … Continue reading Bound by Kathy Lockheart
Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass
A fast, strange psychological thriller about obsession, loneliness, and one unforgettable woman Goodreads | Old Ham Release date: October 13, 2026 Publisher: Podium Genre: Mystery/Thriller Synopsis: Everyone knows Junie Oldham is more than a little strange—but is she actually dangerous? She’s unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters … Continue reading Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass
Cozy Mysteries for Apple Picking Season
12 Apple Orchard, Cider Festival & Harvest Cozy Mysteries Perfect for Fall Reading There are certain things I want from my fall reading: crisp small town settings, apple orchards, cider, baked goods, harvest festivals…and apparently a suspicious death or two. 😂 Apple themed cozy mysteries may be one of the most ridiculously specific corners of … Continue reading Cozy Mysteries for Apple Picking Season
Trying Not to Need You by Kaylee Ryan
A sweet, steamy he falls first romance with a patient retired bull rider, small town charm, sister dynamics, and fantastic narration from Erin Mallon and Stephen Dexter. Goodreads | Trying Not to Need You Release date: September 22, 2026 Genre: Contemporary Romance Synopsis: om NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan comes a new … Continue reading Trying Not to Need You by Kaylee Ryan
Mac Meyers Needs Me by Helena Hunting
A fun and flirty fake-dating college hockey romance made even better by Kat Auden and Alex Kydd’s fantastic duet narration. Goodreads | Mac Myers Needs Me Release date: August 28, 2026 Genre: Contemporary Romance Narrators: Kat Auden & Alex Kydd Synopsis: Mac Meyers.My secret crush.Most unattainable guy on campus.Relentless flirt (except with me). Being friends … Continue reading Mac Meyers Needs Me by Helena Hunting
