October's Most Anticipated New Releases

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Theodor Geisel said that—he’s better known as Dr. Seuss—and it’s as true these days as it ever was. Maybe more so. With the Covid-19 crisis keeping us still and separated, books become modes of transport. They can still take us away.
New this month: V.E. Schwab takes us to 18th century France–then forward again in time–with the imaginative historical tale The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Stuart Turton escorts readers to the high seas in 1634 with The Devil and the Dark Water. And Rebecca Roanhorse sets sail for an entirely new world–one based on ancient civilizations of the Americas–in the innovative fantasy Black Sun. Also watch for a panic in New York City, a retired detective in rural Ireland, and the newest installment in the Practical Magic series.
Each month the Goodreads editorial team takes a look at the books that are being published in the U.S., readers' early reviews, and how many readers are adding these books to their Want to Read shelves (which is how we measure anticipation). We use the information to curate this list of hottest new releases.
Theodor Geisel said that—he’s better known as Dr. Seuss—and it’s as true these days as it ever was. Maybe more so. With the Covid-19 crisis keeping us still and separated, books become modes of transport. They can still take us away.
New this month: V.E. Schwab takes us to 18th century France–then forward again in time–with the imaginative historical tale The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. Stuart Turton escorts readers to the high seas in 1634 with The Devil and the Dark Water. And Rebecca Roanhorse sets sail for an entirely new world–one based on ancient civilizations of the Americas–in the innovative fantasy Black Sun. Also watch for a panic in New York City, a retired detective in rural Ireland, and the newest installment in the Practical Magic series.
Each month the Goodreads editorial team takes a look at the books that are being published in the U.S., readers' early reviews, and how many readers are adding these books to their Want to Read shelves (which is how we measure anticipation). We use the information to curate this list of hottest new releases.
Together for years and still in love, Benson and Mike have a good thing going, even if things are getting choppy of late. But when Mike leaves for Japan to visit his dying father, Benson finds himself with a new roommate–Mike’s mom. As the new domestic situation gets weird for Benson, Mike finds some family secrets in Japan. Apart for the first time in a long, long while, the two men find new challenges and rewards to commitment.
Read our exclusive interview with Bryan Washington.
Read our exclusive interview with Bryan Washington.
Here’s a thought experiment for you: Would you be willing to accept a bargain for eternal life, if it meant that you would be forgotten by everyone who you ever met? In 1714 France, Addie LaRue cut a deal with a Faustian twist. As the decades roll by, Addie discovers the cruel twist at the heart of her decision. Until one day, after 300 years, she meets a young man who remembers her.
From the author of Rich and Pretty, this timely thriller finds two families stranded together in a Long Island rental property. Amanda and Clay are NYC urbanites, on vacation with their two kids. But after some unknown catastrophe descends on New York City, the rental house’s owners return in a panic. With the power out and the Internet down, no one knows what to do or who to trust. Throw in some complexities on race and class, and things get interesting. And by “interesting” we mean “terrifying.”
Read our exclusive interview with Rumaan Alam.
Read our exclusive interview with Rumaan Alam.
Blending historical fiction and mystery thriller with supernatural elements, Stuart Turton’s book takes readers to the year 1634. Samuel Pipps–the world’s greatest detective–is in deep trouble on the high seas. He’s scheduled for execution in Amsterdam, for a crime he didn’t commit. Probably. With Samuel in chains, it’s up to his loyal bodyguard to solve the mystery–which features a dead leper, slaughtered livestock, arcane symbols and a demon. Probably.
This intriguing story-within-a-story novel tangles up two timelines in a celebration of mischievous Gothic horror. Celebrity actor and queer idol Harper Harper is filming her new movie in the crumbing ruins of the Brookhants School for Girls, reportedly haunted. When the mysterious deaths that inspired the film refuse to stay in the past, it’s weirdsies for all. Author Danforth (The Miseducation of Cameron Post) adds some metafictional elements, plus period illustrations from Sara Lautman.
Author Lisa Jewell’s new mystery thriller promises twists inside of twists: A 30-year-old geography teacher, accused of sexual misconduct, wanders into the dark world of incels – involuntarily celibate males obsessed with their own raging insecurities. Meanwhile, a child psychologist is stalked by a former child patient who suddenly disappears. And it’s all happening on the same street. From the author of The Family Upstairs and Then She Was Gone.
Heralded as one of the most original series debuts in a decade, author Rebecca Roanhorse’s latest takes fantasy in an entirely new direction. Inspired by the civilizations of the ancient Americas, Black Sun chronicles events during and after the winter solstice in the holy city of Tova. A solar eclipse heralds deadly disruption as Xiala, captain of a ship from a distant land, arrives in the city. Xiala’s ship carries one passenger, blind and scarred. He seems harmless. What could go wrong?
The latest in Alice Hoffman’s Practical Magic witchcraft series pulls us back to the 1600s to explore the origins of the resolute Owens family. It all starts with a baby abandoned in a snowy England meadow. Adopted and instructed in the “Unnamed Arts” of eldritch legend, Maria Owens sails to the colonial town of Salem, Massachusetts, setting in motion an epic tale that will span generations. Tracing a curse to its source is always so rewarding.
Somewhere between historical fiction and fantasy lies the bountiful terrain of historical fantasy, and it’s getting awfully good lately. The new one from Alix E. Harrow (The Ten Thousand Doors of January) tells the story of the Eastwood sisters, three spirited siblings who have just joined the suffragist movement in New Salem circa 1893. The women’s movement and the witchcraft movement converge, squaring off against powers that will not suffer a witch to vote.
A general consensus is emerging that author Tana French may be the single best practicing mystery writer on the planet. Her new book follows retired city detective Cal Hooper to a remote village in rural Ireland, where the case of a missing young boy is roiling the community. Cal gets pulled into the crisis–or maybe pushed is the better term.
Which new releases are you looking forward to reading? Let's talk books in the comments!
Check out more recent articles, including:
October's Most Anticipated YA Reads
October's Hottest Romances
The Big Mysteries and Thrillers of Fall
Check out more recent articles, including:
October's Most Anticipated YA Reads
October's Hottest Romances
The Big Mysteries and Thrillers of Fall
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Oct 01, 2020 03:54AM

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She has seven previous books. I thoroughly enjoyed 5 of the 7 and find her to be a captivating author. That being said, I wouldn't recommend Witch Elm or Broken Harbor.
Depending on what you didn't like about Witch Elm, she is well worth another shot. If you don't like descriptive and character driven plots, keep to your plan.

A Wild Winter Swan by Gregory Maguire
Snow by John Banville
Tindalos Asset by Caitlin R. Kiernan
Ring Shout by P. Djeli Clark
Archive of the Forgotten by A.J. Hackwith
Hollowpx by Jessica Townsend (I think this is the publication month)



You really should read her Dublin Murder Squad series. Way better than "The Witch Elm".


Ann wrote: "Pam wrote: "Just finished Tana French's The Witch Elm. Won't be giving her a second chance . . ."
You really should read her Dublin Murder Squad series. Way better than "The Witch Elm"."
Read Tana French’s The Searcher and wasn’t impressed. The newly retired, transplant from the US detective character seemed stereotypical. Those aren’t the characters I want to read from Tana French.