I read books for a living — these are the 10 best new books I think everyone should read

If you're looking for something fresh to read in September, this curated list of 10 of the best new releases might just contain your next favourite book, whatever your preferred genre.

Between R. F. Kuang’s Katabasis and new releases from the likes of T. Kingfisher, Carissa Broadbent and Gareth Brown, August was a good month for book lovers.

September is shaping up well too, with many big anticipated releases by beloved authors like Richard Osman, Rebecca Ross and Mona Awad, as well as some hidden gems that might have flown under your radar so far.

As someone who reads every day, both for work and pleasure, here are my 10 must-read books releasing in September 2025 across the romance, fantasy, crime, literary fiction and romantasy genres.

1. Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite

A young woman tries to shake off a long-standing family curse, as well as the belief that she is the reincarnation of her dead cousin, in Cursed Daughters, the new novel by the author of My Sister the Serial Killer.

Expect pacy chapters covering multiple timelines, hauntingly atmospheric writing and a cast of characters that will stay with you long after you reach the end of the story.

You can order Cursed Daughters, out September 25, here.

2. The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman

Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim are back to solve another murder in The Impossible Fortune, the fifth instalment of Richard Osman’s bestselling Thursday Murder Club series. This time around, a wedding guest in desperate trouble sets in motion an investigation involving cryptic codes and ruthless villains. Can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?

It’s a good time to be a Thursday Murder Club fan, with Netflix’s adaptation of the first novel starring Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren, Celia Imrie and Ben Kingsley also out now.

You can order The Impossible Fortune, out September 25, here.

3. Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross

Expect warring deities, dangerous secrets and a sweeping love story in Wild Reverence, a stunning new standalone romantasy set in the world of Rebecca Ross’ bestselling Divine Rivals.

Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic. Forced to come of age sooner than most, she carries letters through the realms, as well as some secrets of her own, including a mortal boy she’s never met, yet who still dreams of her. Ten years later, fate brings Matilda and Vincent together again as the goddess delivers a letter that changes both of their destinies.

Whether you’re a fan of the original duology or new to the world, Wild Reverence is a beautifully immersive novel with a unique magic system and characters you’ll fall head over heels in love with.

You can order Wild Reverence, out September 11, here.

4. We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad

It’s the Bunnies’ turn to tell their story in We Love You, Bunny, the hotly-anticipated sequel to bestselling author Mona Awad’s hit 2019 novel. Samatha was an outsider before being seduced by the Bunnies, a clique of sickly-sweet rich girls hiding a monstrous secret.

But in We Love You, Bunny, Samantha has just published her first novel to critical acclaim and is living her life free of the Bunnies… until, furious at how they have been portrayed, they kidnap her during her book tour to set the record straight.

Whether you read Bunny last week or six years ago, it only takes a couple of words for this hypnotic novel to transport you back into the Bunnyverse. It's fresh yet nostalgic, darkly funny and a complete page-turner.

You can order We Love You, Bunny, out September 23, here.

5. Uncharmed by Lucy Jane Wood

Annie Wildwood is the quintessential perfect witch. She runs a successful bakery and social calendar, all while looking perfect and never letting anyone down. But her people-pleasing magic is tested when she's tasked by her coven to mentor a troubled teenage witch with extraordinary powers.

Set in the same world as Rewitched (with some fun crossovers and Easter eggs to boot!), Uncharmed is the book to read to get into the cosy mood just in time for autumn. With glittering magic, quirky characters and a loveable animal sidekick or two, it's everything a cosy fantasy should be.

You can order Uncharmed, out September 18, here.

6. The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez

As the healer's daughter, Malka has seen how the cursed forest has plagued her village. But after her mother is accused of murder, she makes a deal to save her by venturing into the forest to find the monster.

But when she discovers not a beast, but a disgraced golem, she finds herself forging an unlikely alliance and facing a much more sinister threat while also facing her growing feelings for the creature she was taught to fear.

Inspired by Jewish myth and full of political intrigue, this is a beautifully atmospheric and romantic dark fantasy about resilience and redemption that should be on any fantasy fan's reading list this autumn.

You can order The Maiden and Her Monster, out September 11, here.

7. The Vanishing Act by Jo Jakeman

When Eloise Ford hears that human remains found in an abandoned mine are believed to be those of long-missing teenager Elizabeth King, she’s left reeling. It simply can’t be true, because she is Elizabeth King. As her carefully crafted life begins to fall apart, she must search for answers to keep her family, friends and identity safe.

Pacy and darkly funny, with plenty of twists and turns, this is the perfect September read for fans of Lisa Jewell and Bella Mackie.

You can order The Vanishing Act, out September 11, now.

8. The Time Hop Coffee Shop by Phaedra Patrick

A woman is given a second chance to live the life she's always dreamed of when she stumbles across a mysterious coffee shop serving a magical brew.

Greta Perks was once the star of the iconic Maple Gold coffee ads, but with her star faded, her marriage in trouble and her teenage daughter growing more distant, her once shining career feels like a distant memory. But after she wakes up in the idyllic world of a Maple Gold coffee advertisement, she’s forced to choose between perfection and real-life.

Perfect for fans of magical realism, this is a heartfelt and thought-provoking story about identity, second chances and rediscovering yourself.

You can order The Time Hop Coffee Shop, out September 25, here.

9. Big Time by Jordan Prosser

A new designer drug allowing users to see into their future hits a dystopian Australia in Big Time, award-winning writer and filmmaker Jordan Prosser’s debut novel.

We follow Melbourne-based band The Acceptables as they embark on the launch of their second album, while also glimpsing the escalating pandemic of ‘extreme coincidences’ in the outside world - all of which can be linked back to the album.

Fun, clever and utterly unique, this will undoubtedly be one of the wildest novels you read in 2025.

You can order Big Time, out September 4, here.

10. The Scent of Oranges by Kathy George

Rediscover the world of Oliver Twist with Kathy George’s new retelling of the classic Charles Dicken novel. In The Scent of Oranges, we get Nancy’s story, following as she navigates the grimy streets of Victorian London, from being one of Fagin’s child pickpockets to finding herself on the arm of the cruel Bill Sikes.

As she embarks on a new relationship and takes a young Oliver Twist under her wing, a better life feels possible for the first time. This is a clever deconstruction of the classic tale, with a powerful narrative that brings minor characters from the original tale to life in complex and vivid ways.

You can order The Scent of Oranges, out September 25, here.