Post all the festivities, as the heat cools down, nothing feels better than a cosy nook and a book in hand. Since October is both a spooky month and the start of comfy days, it’s only fair to pick up some new, entertaining reads.
So, in this blog, we are gathering our favourite new story books in English! From supernatural romance to a cosy page-turner, we have it all. Keep reading!
Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan
Just in time for Halloween! But this is an unusual collaboration between two stalwarts of their genre. We know and love Nicholas Sparks for books like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember. Sparks has dominated the romance genre for a while. On the other hand, we know M. Night Shyamalan from movies like The Sixth Sense and Signs. So, needless to say, this is the partnership no one saw coming!
Now, about the story, it has something for fans of both horror and romance. We have a mature romance with enough supernatural elements. This book has an atmospheric tone, but it’s not especially frightening. However, it does contain some violence and disturbing moments, so readers should be aware.
The Intruder by Freida McFadden
Frieda McFadden has been on a roll, and she is back mere months after her last book. Her latest crime thriller is another standalone, focusing on one of the most common thriller tropes–the isolated cabin in the woods.
There’s a thirst for revenge and two unexpected victims. The discovery of an injured woman triggers a horrific domino of events for the protagonist. If you’re a fan of the classic slasher horror movies, you will enjoy this one!
Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber
If you love folklore and treasure hunts that twist through magical mazes, Stephanie Garber’s debut adult novel is for you.
Set in the very urban Los Angeles, we explore a different Hollywood. Here, everything is glamorous and mysterious, merging conspiracy theories with folklore. Magic is very much real, and it seems every famous person has made a deal with the devil. The protagonist, Holland, learns she will die on Halloween (how appropriate for this month). Thus begins her journey of following the breadcrumbs to save her life.
Both hardbound and paperback versions of this book are available on the best websites to buy books online, such as Oxford Bookstore and more.
Circle of Days by Ken Follett
We all know Stonehenge–it’s a marvel of the ancient world that still remains centuries later. It has been the centre of wonder and mystery for all who gaze upon it. A massive monolithic structure whose objective has been a source of debate since its beginning. People have been asking for years: who were the people who created such an incredible landmark? Ken Follett aims to answer that, albeit fictionally, in Circle of Days.
There is historical fiction and then there’s fiction set in a time when the written word didn’t even exist. There are no records for this period, so Follett had enough room to play. Undertaking this daunting task, he explores how the ancient wonder was built in his latest novel. This might not be a conventional Halloween read, but there’s enough myth and lore to keep you hooked!
Days at the Torunka Café by Satoshi Yagisawa
If you loved Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, you might enjoy the latest book release in India from the same author.
This is a poignant and charming tale set at an unassuming Tokyo cafe. Here, customers find unexpected bonds and experience daily miracles. Veering away from the spooks, this one is a cosy read, tucked in a narrow side street. There’s a mysterious young woman who leaves folded napkins in the shape of ballerinas. There’s a middle-aged man who has returned to the neighbourhood, trying to find the happiness he once had. Then, there’s the cafe owner’s young daughter, who is still grappling with her sister’s death and falling in love for the first time.
Since the weather outside slowly loses its heat, Cafe Torunka feels as nice as the perfect cup of coffee.
Honourable Mentions: If you want to check out some of the best selling novels in India, Arundhati Roy’s much-anticipated release, Mother Mary Comes to Me, has hit the bookshelves! So has Chetan Bhagat’s 12 Years: my messed up love story.
We hope this list helps you the next time you’re shopping for books! May one of these books become your cosy companion for the cooler months. Happy reading!
