Top Books to Read This Fall 2025

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like settling in with a book that matches the season’s mood. Whether you’re tucked under a blanket with chai or seated in the balcony for a moment to yourself, you need a book for Fall 2025 to keep you company.

Here’s a beautiful lineup of latest/upcoming releases and old bestsellers compiled from Goodreads’ recommendations. From sweeping historical sagas to spine-tingling mysteries and heartwarming romances, this guide rounds up the top new books to read this Fall.

Let’s dive in.

Contemporary & Historical Fiction

Buckeye, by Patrick Ryan

Set in mid-century Ohio, Buckeye traces the intertwined lives of two families from WWII through the 1970s. With themes of love, grief, and resilience, Ryan paints a vivid portrait of small-town America. Early readers praise its emotional depth and nuanced storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of multigenerational drama.

Amity, by Nathan Harris

In the aftermath of the Civil War, two siblings flee into the Mexican desert, seeking freedom amid chaos. Harris returns to the historical terrain of his acclaimed debut, weaving a tale of survival, hope, and the haunting legacy of slavery. Amity is both a gripping adventure and a poignant reflection on liberation.

17, Morris Road, by Parul Sharma

Set in 1980s Dehradun, 17, Morris Road follows Gayatri Trivedi at a life crossroads as her son leaves for college. Nostalgia draws her back to a colonial-era bungalow and formative friendships of her youth. Parul Sharma weaves themes of memory, self-discovery, and change into a heartfelt story of finding one’s place in a shifting world. This tender reflection on friendship, lost dreams, and new beginnings make it an excellent autumn read, stirring both nostalgia and hope.

Independence, by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

A haunting narrative set against the backdrop of India’s partition, Independence explores the intertwined lives of sisters caught in the social upheaval of 1947. It has enduring themes of sisterhood, sacrifice, and resilience, painting an evocative portrait of a nation and its people in turmoil. The novel’s rich historical texture and emotional depth make it a compelling fall read.

The Wilderness, by Angela Flournoy

Five Black women navigate the uncertain terrain between youth and midlife in early 2000s America. Flournoy’s novel explores friendship, identity, and the quiet revolutions of adulthood. With lyrical prose and emotional insight, The Wilderness captures the beauty and complexity of growing older while holding onto connection.

What We Can Know, by Ian McEwan

Set in 2119, McEwan’s speculative tale follows a British academic reflecting on humanity’s peak – and its decline. As perspectives shift, the novel probes memory, civilization, and the fragile line between progress and collapse. A cerebral yet moving meditation on time and truth.

Heart the Lover, by Lily King

A literary love triangle among English majors unfolds in King’s latest novel, blending youthful passion with adult reckoning. Years later, secrets resurface, challenging characters’ perceptions of love and loyalty. King’s signature emotional clarity makes this a standout exploration of regret and redemption.

The Trees Sing, by Rishikesh Lokapure

A vivid novel that explores intertwining lives and the deep connections between nature and human experience. The novel’s immersive storytelling and thematic depth make it a reflective read perfect for the changing moods of fall. It offers a contemplative world rich with emotions, weaving the serenity and melancholy of the season into every page.

This Our Paradise, by Karan Mujoo

Chronicles two Kashmiri families navigating political unrest, love, and loss from the late 1980s. It’s a richly textured historical novel that weaves personal lives with larger socio-political upheavals, capturing resilience and hope in times of change. The novel’s evocative prose and sweeping scope provide an engaging and poignant experience.

The Lost Story of Eva Fuentes, by Chanel Cleeton

Spanning Harvard (1900), Havana (1966), and London (present day), Cleeton’s novel follows the fate of a mysterious book across generations. With rich historical detail and a love for literature, this story celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and cultural memory.

Cursed Daughters, by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Eniiyi, believed to be the reincarnation of her tragic aunt, defies a family curse in modern Nigeria. Braithwaite blends humor, romance, and folklore to explore identity and generational trauma. A warm, witty, and haunting tale of self-determination.

Dopehri, by Pankaj Kapur

Set in Lucknow, Dopehri offers a quiet, intimate glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people. The book explores loneliness, community, and human connection in subtle yet profound ways. The storytelling captures the small moments that shape life, making it a gentle but resonant read for the contemplative fall season.

Canticle, by Janet Rich Edwards

In 13th-century Belgium, Aleys escapes an arranged marriage to join rogue mystics. Edwards, an epidemiologist turned novelist, crafts a lush historical narrative about faith, freedom, and feminine power. Canticle is a lyrical debut that questions societal norms through spiritual rebellion.

Never Never Land, by Namita Gokhale

A lyrical exploration of self-discovery set in the Himalayan hills, delving into themes of freedom, memory, and the pull of one’s roots. It offers a meditative journey perfect for the reflective autumn months. Through the protagonist’s story, it traverse landscapes both external and internal, blending the beauty of nature with profound emotional awakening.

Mystery & Thriller

Forget Me Not, by Stacy Willingham

Investigative journalist Claire Campbell takes a summer job at a vineyard in South Carolina, only to uncover a decades-old cold case through a forgotten diary. Willingham blends Southern gothic atmosphere with psychological suspense, crafting a story that’s both intimate and chilling. As Claire digs deeper, some personal memories resurface, and the line between truth and obsession begins to blur.

The Impossible Fortune, by Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club returns with a wedding, a missing Best Man, and a mystery only septuagenarian sleuths can solve. Osman’s signature wit and warmth shine through this cozy whodunit, which balances humor with heartfelt moments. With Netflix’s adaptation on the horizon, this installment is a delightful continuation for fans and newcomers alike.

The Intruder, by Freida McFadden

A hurricane bears down on a remote cabin where a young girl and a stranger seek shelter. But survival becomes secondary when secrets unravel and danger creeps closer. McFadden’s thriller is a taut, atmospheric ride that mixes psychological tension with elemental dread. Expect twists, unreliable narrators, and a storm that’s more than just weather.

Boom Town, by Nic Stone

When a dancer vanishes from Atlanta’s infamous strip club, former headliner Lyriq must confront her past to uncover the truth. Stone’s mystery-thriller is raw, provocative, and socially charged, tackling race, power, and survival. With sharp prose and emotional depth, Boom Town is more than a whodunit – it’s a reckoning.

The Widow, by John Grisham

Grisham pivots to classic mystery with a tale of a widow, a suspicious inheritance, and a small-town lawyer caught in a web of circumstantial evidence. With courtroom drama and unexpected twists, The Widow is a return to roots for the legal thriller master, offering suspense with a slow-burn elegance.

Fantasy

Blackthorn, by Emily Eve

Blackthorn is a fast-paced fantasy adventure following Bonnie, a young assassin with a mysterious past. Raised by a rebel group, her journey is one of survival, self-discovery, and rebellion against an evil regime. The book is a blends of action, fantasy, and strong character dynamics into an approachable, thrilling tale.

Alchemised, by SenLinYu

In a world ruled by necromancers and alchemists, secrets simmer beneath the surface. SenLinYu’s debut draws from fan fiction roots to create a dark, immersive fantasy where storytelling itself becomes a form of magic. With morally complex characters and eerie worldbuilding, Alchemised is a love letter to transformation and rebellion.

Alchemy of Secrets, by Stephanie Garber

Garber’s adult debut blends dark academia with paranormal romance. A folklore class in Los Angeles leads a young woman into a hidden magical realm. With lush prose and emotional stakes, Alchemy of Secrets explores identity, myth, and the seductive pull of the unknown. A perfect bridge between YA and adult fantasy.

Fallen City, by Adrienne Young

Set in a Greco-Roman-inspired metropolis, this fantasy follows two protagonists navigating love, war, and shifting timelines. Young’s dual POV structure and rich setting offer a sweeping tale of destiny and resistance. With echoes of ancient myth and modern emotion, Fallen City is both epic and intimate.

The Strength of the Few, by James Islington

In this gritty sequel to The Will of the Many, one young man becomes three – literally. Islington’s epic fantasy tackles imperialism, identity, and sacrifice with philosophical depth and cinematic action. Fans of Sanderson and Rothfuss will find much to admire in its layered world and high-stakes narrative.

I, Medusa, by Ayana Gray

Medusa reimagined as a vigilante in ancient Athens, Gray’s novel flips Greek mythology on its head. With feminist fire and rich cultural detail, I, Medusa turns a victim into a warrior. Gray’s storytelling is bold and lyrical, offering a fresh lens on gods, monsters, and justice.

Science Fiction

The Once and Future Me, by Melissa Pace

Dorothy Frasier is institutionalized in 1964 Virginia, diagnosed with schizophrenia. But she insists she’s a time traveler sent to save humanity. Melissa Pace’s debut blurs the line between dystopian sci-fi and psychological thriller, exploring themes of memory, madness, and belief. As Dorothy’s reality fractures, readers are left questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. A haunting, cerebral ride through time and trauma.

The Shattering Peace, by John Scalzi

Returning to his Old Man’s War universe, Scalzi introduces a fragile peace between Earth, the Colonial Union, and alien allies. When a new species threatens this balance, a diplomat is dispatched on a covert mission. Scalzi’s trademark wit and clarity shine in this military sci-fi tale of diplomacy, danger, and interstellar politics. A must-read for fans of Heinlein and Card.

Saltcrop, by Yume Kitasei

In a drowned world, two estranged sisters sail across a collapsing Earth in search of hope. Kitasei’s maritime sci-fi blends ecological collapse with emotional intimacy, tackling themes of corporate greed, climate grief, and sisterhood. With lyrical prose and eerie worldbuilding, Saltcrop is a poignant reflection on what we’ve lost – and what we might still save.

Local Heavens, by K.M. Fajardo

A cyberpunk reimagining of The Great Gatsby set in 2075 New York, this debut follows Filipino hacker Nick Carraway as he navigates transhumanism, queer romance, and digital excess. Fajardo’s twist on classic literature is bold, inventive, and deeply personal. With nods to Fitzgerald and 1980s sci-fi, Local Heavens is a genre-bending exploration of identity and ambition.

The Merge, by Grace Walker

In a future where minds can be merged, one woman fuses with her dying mother and enters a rehab center for “Mergers.” But something’s wrong. Walker’s debut explores grief, memory, and the ethics of technological intimacy. With chilling undertones and emotional resonance, The Merge is a speculative tale of love, loss, and the boundaries of selfhood.

Horror

The Possession of Alba Díaz, by Isabel Cañas

Set in 1765 Mexico, this historical horror follows a young woman haunted by a demonic force in a remote silver mine. Cañas blends Gothic romance with supernatural dread, drawing on her background as a historian and linguist. Richly atmospheric and deeply unsettling, this tale explores colonialism, faith, and feminine resistance.

Play Nice, by Rachel Harrison

Influencer Clio Barnes returns to her haunted childhood home to flip it for content – only to find the ghosts are real. Harrison’s haunted house story updates the trope for the digital age, mixing horror with satire. As Clio confronts her past, the house reveals secrets that refuse to stay buried. A chilling, clever take on generational trauma.

Bad Things Happened in This Room, by Marie Still

Willow Hawthorne is trapped – maybe in her house, maybe in her mind. As time warps and her only friend vanishes, reality fractures. Still’s psychological horror is a slow descent into madness, exploring isolation, memory, and the terror of losing control. With eerie pacing and emotional depth, it’s a haunting portrait of unraveling.

We Love You, Bunny, by Mona Awad

A sequel-prequel to Bunny, this novel sees Samantha return to her MFA campus on a book tour – only to face the wrath of the Bunnies. Awad’s surreal horror blends satire, academia, and psychological dread. With twisted logic and biting humor, it’s a darkly whimsical exploration of creativity, conformity, and cultish obsession.

How Bad Things Can Get, by Darcy Coates

A luxury island retreat turns into a nightmare when cultists crash the party. Coates’ horror-thriller riffs on real-life festival disasters, adding blood, ritual, and a deadly game of hide-and-seek. Fast-paced and terrifying, it’s a cautionary tale about privilege, survival, and the monsters we invite in.

Romance

Wild Card, by Elsie Silver

In the final installment of the Rose Hill series, Gwen falls for Sebastian “Bash” Rousseau – a fire pilot and her ex-boyfriend’s dad. Silver leans into taboo romance with warmth and humor, crafting a story that’s both tender and sizzling. Set against the backdrop of small-town Western charm, Wild Card explores second chances, family dynamics, and unexpected love. Fans of age-gap romance and emotional healing arcs will find this a satisfying conclusion.

Tourist Season, by Brynne Weaver

Cape Carnage is a seaside villa with a dark twist: visitors don’t leave. Harper Starling, a local with a taste for vengeance, meets her match in a visiting serial killer. Weaver’s dark romance blends horror and heat, challenging readers to root for love in the most twisted of circumstances. With sharp dialogue and psychological tension, Tourist Season is a genre-bending ride for fans of morally gray characters.

The Scent of Fallen Stars, by Aishwarya Jha

The novel explores love’s complexities, cultural transitions, and the search for belonging. Its heartfelt emotions and tender relationships invite readers into deep connection, making it well suited for the cozy, contemplative atmosphere of fall. This romance is both intimate and expansive, a perfect companion for crisp autumn days and reflective evenings.

Mate, by Ali Hazelwood

Serena Paris, a human-were hybrid, finds herself entangled with Koen Alexander, Alpha of the Northwest pack. Hazelwood’s second entry in the Bride series expands her paranormal romance universe with humor, heart, and lupine longing. As Serena navigates pack politics and personal desire, Mate explores themes of identity, belonging, and primal connection. A perfect pick for readers who love STEM heroines with supernatural flair.

Good Spirits, by B.K. Borison

Nolan Callahan is the Ghost of Christmas Past – lonely, spectral, and stuck. When antiques dealer Harriet York enlists his help, sparks fly across timelines. Borison’s cozy paranormal romance is sweet, clever, and full of holiday charm. With themes of redemption and emotional healing, Good Spirits offers a gentle, feel-good escape for fans of ghostly love stories and festive magic.

The Defender, by Ana Huang

Vincent DuBois, soccer captain of Blackcastle FC, shares a flat with Brooklyn Armstrong – his coach’s daughter and a nutritionist with secrets. Huang’s sports romance is fast-paced, flirty, and full of tension. As professional stakes collide with personal chemistry, The Defender explores ambition, vulnerability, and the messy beauty of falling in love. A great fit for fans of enemies-to-lovers and forced proximity tropes.

Romantasy

Sweets and Sycamores, by Arianne Nicks

Set in a charming town of Sycamore Falls, this is a cozy romance with fall vibes. It’s a heartfelt story centered around love and healing. With a perfect balance of emotional depth and lighthearted moments, the novel offers a sweet, comforting escape. Ideal for autumn’s crisp days, this offers a tender celebration of relationships and second chances against a backdrop of small-town charm.

Wild Reverence, by Rebecca Ross

Set in the world of Divine Rivals, this prequel standalone explores mortal-immortal love through letters, longing, and lyrical prose. Ross deepens her romantasy universe with emotional stakes and mythic resonance. Wild Reverence is ideal for readers who crave slow-burn romance, poetic storytelling, and richly imagined worlds where love defies fate.

The Primal of Blood and Bone, by Jennifer L. Armentrout

In a realm on the brink of destruction, ancient powers awaken. Armentrout’s latest in the Blood and Ash series delivers high-stakes romance, epic battles, and emotional intensity. Though details are sparse, fans can expect familiar characters, new twists, and a setup for the series finale. A must-read for romantasy devotees who love dramatic arcs and powerful heroines.

Bonds of Hercules, by Jasmine Mas

Alexis, a female Hercules, faces Olympians, Titans, and multiple husbands in this bold reimagining of Greek myth. Mas blends action, sensuality, and classical lore with feminist fire. With witty banter and rich worldbuilding, Bonds of Hercules is perfect for readers who enjoy mythological retellings with a modern, empowered twist.

Our Vicious Oaths, by N.E. Davenport

Princess Kadeesha is caught between two kings – one betrothed, one a kidnapper – but she has her own agenda. Davenport’s romantasy is packed with palace intrigue, magical politics, and fierce romance. With a strong heroine and layered world, Our Vicious Oaths explores autonomy, loyalty, and the cost of power. Ideal for fans of court drama and enemies-to-lovers dynamics.

Brimstone, by Callie Hart

Saeris Fane, thief-turned-queen, returns alongside fae warrior Fisher in this sequel to Quicksilver. Hart’s romantasy blends heist energy with regal stakes, offering lush settings and sizzling chemistry. Brimstone deepens the emotional arcs while expanding the magical world, making it a compelling continuation for readers who love romance with rebellion.

Young Adult

Sisters in the Wind, by Angeline Boulley

Lucy Smith, a troubled teen in Northern Michigan, finds herself drawn into an Ojibwe mystery that reveals startling truths about her heritage. Boulley, author of Firekeeper’s Daughter, returns with a powerful story of identity, resilience, and cultural reclamation. With strong female leads and a rich sense of place, Sisters in the Wind blends suspense with emotional depth, offering a compelling narrative for readers who value Indigenous storytelling and personal transformation.

Fake Skating, by Lynn Painter

Childhood best friends Dani and Alec reunite in their hockey-obsessed Minnesota town, only to find high school complicates everything. Painter’s YA romance is full of humor, heartache, and the classic fake-dating trope. As Dani and Alec navigate friendship, feelings, and family expectations, Fake Skating delivers a charming, relatable story about growing up and figuring out what love really means.

A Curious Kind of Magic, by Mara Rutherford

Willow Stokes runs a fake magic shop – until Brianna Hargrave arrives and turns everything she touches into real magic. Rutherford’s cozy fantasy is whimsical and warm, with a sapphic romance and a quirky quest. Perfect for fans of lighthearted fantasy and found family themes, A Curious Kind of Magic celebrates authenticity, connection, and the unexpected magic of everyday life.

Hazelthorn, by C.G. Drews

Evander inherits the eerie Hazelthorn estate and must team up with his sworn enemy to protect it from greedy relatives. Drews blends Gothic horror, queer romance, and YA fantasy in a tale full of haunted gardens, emotional tension, and lush atmosphere. Hazelthorn is ideal for readers who love moody settings, slow-burn relationships, and stories that explore grief and belonging.

The House Saphir, by Marissa Meyer

Mallory Fontaine sees ghosts – and runs haunted mansion tours with her sister. But when a real murder occurs, she must solve mysteries both spectral and human. Meyer reimagines the Bluebeard folktale with a modern twist, adding slow-burn romance and eerie suspense. The House Saphir is a captivating blend of folklore, mystery, and emotional growth.

Nonfiction

Mother Mary Comes to Me, by Arundhati Roy

Roy’s memoir explores her complex relationship with her late mother, weaving personal history with political insight. Known for her activism and literary brilliance, Roy reflects on how her upbringing shaped her voice as a writer and advocate. Mother Mary Comes to Me is intimate, lyrical, and deeply resonant – a tribute to maternal love and the fight for justice.

All the Way to the River, by Elizabeth Gilbert

Gilbert’s memoir centers on her relationship with partner Rayya Elias, who passed away in 2018. Through grief, addiction, and love, Gilbert explores the transformative power of vulnerability. All the Way to the River is a raw, poetic meditation on loss and liberation, offering solace and strength to readers navigating their own emotional journeys.

Replaceable You, by Mary Roach

Roach dives into the world of lab-grown organs, 3D-printed limbs, and the future of human anatomy. With her signature wit and curiosity, she explores how science is reshaping our bodies – and what that means for identity, ethics, and mortality. Replaceable You is both hilarious and thought-provoking, perfect for fans of quirky science writing.

We the People, by Jill Lepore

Lepore offers a sweeping history of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the critical role of amendments in a changing world. With urgency and clarity, she argues that adaptability is key to democracy’s survival. We the People is essential reading for anyone interested in civic engagement, historical context, and the future of American governance.

The Tragedy of True Crime, by John J. Lennon

Written from prison, Lennon’s book profiles three convicted murderers while weaving in his own story. It’s a raw, immersive look at the human side of incarceration and society’s obsession with crime. The Tragedy of True Crime challenges you to rethink justice, empathy, and the narratives you consume.

Paper Girl, by Beth Macy

Macy blends memoir and investigative journalism to explore the decline of her hometown, Urbana, Ohio. Through personal stories and systemic analysis, she examines the forces unraveling small-town America. Paper Girl is a poignant, urgent call to action for rebuilding community and hope.

Heart Lamp, by Banu Mushtaq

Winner of the International Booker Prize, Heart Lamp is a poignant collection of stories illuminating the lives of Muslim women in southern India. It explores themes of gender, faith, and resilience with poetic depth and compassion. The powerful stories offer profound insights into lived experiences, enriching autumn reading lists with its blend of reality and lyrical storytelling.

Enshittification, by Cory Doctorow

Doctorow coins a new term to describe the internet’s decline, blaming profit-driven platforms for degrading user experience. With biting humor and sharp analysis, Enshittification is a rallying cry for digital reform and user empowerment.

Joyride, by Susan Orlean

Orlean’s memoir chronicles her life as a writer, offering insights into creativity, storytelling, and personal growth. Joyride is both a reflection and a guide, filled with anecdotes and practical wisdom for aspiring creatives.

The Zorg, by Siddharth Kara

Kara uncovers the story of a Dutch slave ship that sparked abolitionist movements. Through meticulous research and gripping narrative, The Zorg sheds light on a pivotal moment in history, making it essential reading for those interested in justice and historical truth.

Family of Spies, by Christine Kuehn

Kuehn’s dual-timeline memoir reveals her family’s hidden role in WWII espionage. From Pearl Harbor to Nazi spy networks, Family of Spies is a riveting tale of secrets, survival, and historical reckoning.

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