Sunday, October 11, 2026

The best new books according to readers

 
Readworthy by BookBub
This Month’s Best New Reader Favorites
What are readers saying about the buzziest books of the month? We’ve rounded up their top-rated picks — including a New York Times bestseller from Elin Hilderbrand, a twisty British mystery, and more!
 
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Book cover for The Butterfly Season by Lea Korsgaard
An ‘enchanting account’ (BookPage) capturing the hearts of readers across the globe
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • An award-winning journalist spent a year tracking every species of butterfly in her native Denmark — and learned about life along the way
  • “An inspiring love letter to the magic of the natural world… An unforgettable reminder that wonder awakens the heart” (Amy Tan)
  • Readers say: “It is an excellent book to settle down with on a quiet afternoon and reflect upon every time you close the cover”
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Butterfly Season by Lea Korsgaard MEDIA MENTIONS: The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Partita by Barbara Kingsolver
The latest from a beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning author is being hailed as a modern classic
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • This moving read from the writer of Demon Copperhead and The Poisonwood Bible is October’s Read with Jenna pick
  • Livia’s quiet life on her family’s farm is upended when she receives a shocking phone call — and is forced to reckon with the past
  • Readers say: “The ending was so perfect I was left in tears… Partita is a perfect choice for those who enjoy beautifully written literary novels”
Learn more...
Media mentions for Partita by Barbara Kingsolver MEDIA MENTIONS: TODAY Book Club/Read with Jenna, The New Yorker, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Elle, Vulture, Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, The Times, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman
‘Osman’s trademark wit’ (Shari Lapena) is on full display in this wildly popular mystery
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • When a body is found at an Italian villa, a scrappy team of private detectives finds that a seemingly straightforward case involves more unsavory characters than expected…
  • A New York Times bestseller from the author of The Thursday Murder Club, which has been adapted into a Netflix movie
  • Readers say: “I cannot get enough of Osman’s characters, writing, and humor. I laughed all the way through this one!”
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Media mentions for We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Good Housekeeping, Parade, The Times, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Mazywood by Tananarive Due
A fan-favorite author pens a haunting page-turner you won’t be able to put down
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • When filmmaker Johnny returns to the isolated mountain lodge that once belonged to his famous grandmother, he uncovers his family’s dark legacy
  • Starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Kirkus Reviews, which says, “This feels perilously close to a career triumph for its author”
  • Readers say: “Mazywood has a little something for everyone. Family secrets, generational trauma, legacy, mystery, horror, and a lesson in having faith… This one is not to be missed”
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Media mentions for Mazywood by Tananarive Due MEDIA MENTIONS: People, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw
Calling all book clubs: Here’s your next ‘fierce, fabulous, and very funny’ read (Oprah Daily)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • When the wife of a popular megachurch pastor finds herself at the center of a shocking scandal, her seemingly perfect life implodes
  • Readers say: “Some parts are funny as heck, other parts will make you cry, and some will make you want to put your fist through the wall”
  • Praise from Rufi Thorpe, Ron Charles, Tia Williams, and Bonnie Garmus, who says, “I read the first three pages and that was all it took — I was hooked. Pure audacious joy!”
Learn more...
Media mentions for The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw MEDIA MENTIONS: NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, Harper's Bazaar, Los Angeles Times, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Electric Literature
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Other Worlds Than These by Peter Straub and Stephen King
Suspense fans are loving this collaboration between ‘two masters of the craft’ (The Independent)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Follow weary, middle-aged Jack Sawyer as he faces members of a murderous cult in an apocalyptic battle…
  • Readers are saying this highly anticipated novel — which concludes the Talisman trilogy — is well worth the decades-long wait
  • “Astonishingly good… Fans of the earlier Talisman novels will absolutely love this one, and because King is a wizard at providing backstory, new readers can thoroughly enjoy it” (Booklist starred review)
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Media mentions for Other Worlds Than These by Peter Straub and Stephen King MEDIA MENTIONS: The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Esquire, Parade, The Boston Globe, Reactor, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Victorious by V. E. Schwab
A #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a must-read for dark fantasy fans
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Once best friends and now mortal enemies, Eli Ever and Victor Vale cross paths for one final, fateful game…
  • Readers say: “It was an absolute masterpiece… I am continuously flabbergasted by the sheer talent that V. E. Schwab possesses to create intricate storylines, complex worlds, and multifaceted characters”
  • “Who is victorious? The author and the readers” (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
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Media mentions for Victorious by V. E. Schwab MEDIA MENTIONS: The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Entertainment Weekly, Parade, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves
This reader-recommended mystery features compelling characters and surprising twists
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Under an oppressive heat wave, a young woman’s body is discovered in a luxurious home’s swimming pool — sparking an investigation that implicates a powerful family
  • Readers say: “Superbly plotted, it will keep you guessing until the end. I highly recommend and am eager for the next book!”
  • Take it from David Baldacci: “Whatever Cleeves comes up with next, I will be reading it. And so should you”
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves MEDIA MENTIONS: People, The Times, Publishers Weekly
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for How to Write a Murder by Jessica Brody
Mystery lovers will devour this cleverly constructed whodunit
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • A “love letter to classic crime fiction” (BookPage starred review) that “delivers twist after surprising twist” (Amy Tintera, author of Listen for the Lie)
  • A dead body turns up at a prestigious mystery writing conference held in an old monastery — and the suspect list includes seven authors who know how to get away with murder…
  • Readers say: “Not only was it completely original, but it was also a highly intriguing story that kept me guessing”
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Media mentions for How to Write a Murder by Jessica Brody MEDIA MENTIONS: Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
See why readers are calling this New York Times bestseller the perfect fall read
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • At an elite New England boarding school, the seniors are gearing up for a year full of goodbyes and big decisions — but their excitement is upended by dark secrets that rise to the surface…
  • “Irresistible… Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this” (Publishers Weekly)
  • Readers say: “The drama, secrets, and gossip kept me turning the pages”
Learn more...
Media mentions for The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham MEDIA MENTIONS: CBS Mornings, People, Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Incarnate by Alma Katsu
Readers are loving this dark, inventive reimagining of a classic
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Dorothy’s job at a deepfake company leads her to create Isabella — a perfect influencer who amasses a huge following. But Dorothy’s scheme soon spirals out of control…
  • From the acclaimed author of The Deep and The Hunger, who counts Stephen King and S. A. Cosby among her many fans
  • According to readers, this chilling twist on The Picture of Dorian Gray is filled with sharp commentary and surprising reveals
Learn more...
Media mentions for Incarnate by Alma Katsu MEDIA MENTIONS: Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Bad Words by Ríoghnach Robinson
October’s GMA Book Club pick is receiving glowing reader reviews
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Emily Henry calls this buzzy new release “a once-in-a-lifetime read”
  • After critic Selina writes a scathing review of author Parker’s latest novel, they’re drawn into a public feud that challenges everything they believe about art, success, and each other
  • Readers say: “A deeply moving tribute to literature and the meaningful connections it can spark… A thought-provoking debut for booklovers”
Learn more...
Media mentions for Bad Words by Ríoghnach Robinson MEDIA MENTIONS: Good Morning America Book Club, Book of the Month, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Indie Next List, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Amazon Other formats and retailers
Book cover for Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel
This breathtaking novel from the author of Station Eleven is earning high praise
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • A New York Times bestseller that’s “the kind of novel you’ll be desperate to talk about” (Ron Charles)
  • During the first spring after the collapse of the United States, a house party goes terribly wrong…
  • Readers are declaring it Mandel’s best book yet
Learn more...
Media mentions for Exit Party by Emily St. John Mandel MEDIA MENTIONS: The New Yorker, NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, The Wall Street Journal, Town & Country, Real Simple, The Boston Globe, Indie Next List, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, Literary Hub
GET EBOOK ON:
Amazon Other formats and retailers
 
   
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