September is shaping up to be a huge month for Aardvark, and I am so ready for it. As summer fades into cozy reading weather, the September lineup is bringing that perfect mix of buzzy debuts, big-name returns, and under-the-radar gems just waiting to be discovered. From page-turning thrillers to heart-squeezing romances to literary fiction that lingers long after you close the cover, my Aardvark predictions this month are the books I think we’ll all be talking about well into fall.
Unlike some other book clubs, I feel that Aardvark is a bit more of a wildcard when it comes to their picks. I don’t feel that they ever have a set formula for the genres they pick, but I have noticed the books all tend to have similar ‘vibes’ or similar themes and tones. While they’re also featured some well-known authors, I find that their books tend to be more on the edgy or experimental side and showcase more less known authors. Because of this, I’ve listed my predictions all together instead of breaking them out by genre.
I should have a confirmed spoiler so, if you’re interested in finding out what it is, DM me then on Instagram @speakingof.books.
Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not, all or most of these are on my September 2025 MOST ANTICIPATED list and my Fall 2025 Most Anticipated.
September 2025 MOST ANTICIPATED
July 2025 MOST ANTICIPATED
August 2025 Most Anticipated
SUMMER 2025 MOST ANTICIPATED
Fall 2025 Most Anticipated
When the picks are announced and you find you have space in your box still, make sure to also check reviews of all past Aardvark Books that I’ve read HERE or check out my list of all the 2023 picks I read HERE, because who couldn’t use even more books!
Keep in mind that these are simply predictions and books I hope get chosen. I could get these completely wrong, but the anticipation and guessing is part of the fun right?!
September Predictions
I’m currently reading You Weren’t Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White, and it’s exactly the kind of visceral, genre-bending horror/fantasy Aardvark loves to spotlight. It’s dark, emotional, filled with potential Trigger Warnings, and I already can’t stop thinking about it, but it’s weird yall. Kiersten White’s The House of Quiet feels like another contender since she’s already been an Aardvark pick before (Mister Magic), and her eerie, atmospheric storytelling fits their vibe perfectly. The October Film Haunt by Michael Wehunt is practically tailor-made for spooky season: cult horror + unsettling atmosphere = classic September pick.
Catherine Chidgey’s The Book of Guilt offers literary heft with emotional resonance, the kind of novel Aardvark often includes to balance the list. On the thriller front, Bad Things Happened in This Room by Marie Still sounds like a dark, twisty suspense that could easily be their commercial hook, while Keith Rosson’s Coffin Moon mixes noir grit with supernatural intrigue, another thing we tend to see Aardvark reach for.
For YA crossover potential, The Second Death of Locke by V.L. Bovalino has gothic, mysterious vibes that would appeal to both teen and adult readers. I’m also betting on Guilt by Definition by Susie Dent, it just kind of seems like the kind of unexpected nonfiction pick that sneaks into the box. The Mires by Tina Makereti adds an international voice with lush, layered storytelling, which Aardvark often includes for range. And finally, Lucky Day by Chuck Tingle because honestly, nothing captures Aardvark’s love for weird, subversive, unexpected picks quite like a Chuck Tingle novel. I adored Bury Your Gays so would love to see if show up.
Bury your gays review
Between horror, literary fiction, thrillers, and a dash of weird, these feel like the perfect mix of books that could land in the September 2025 box.
Do you think any of these will be picks? Just a few days left before the Aardvark team starts putting out hints for their picks!
I hope you found a book that you are truly excited about in this post. Let me know which other new releases you are excited for this month or that you’re hoping are Aardvark picks, by commenting below or by messaging me on Instagram @speakingof.books or TikTok @speakingof.books. Don’t forget to follow me to get weekly updates and new reviews!
Happy Reading!
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