October is shaping up to be such a fun release month, and I think BOTM is going to lean heavily into thrillers, witchy reads, and cozy fall romances…because that’s what I want to see. They do always like to balance a buzzy thriller with a big-name romance and at least one literary or historical pick, so I tried to pull a mix that fits their typical fall vibe. With so many spooky, atmospheric, and highly anticipated books coming out, this might be one of their strongest months of the year. But let me just tell you, choosing my predictions this month was crazy difficult. Apparently all the fantasy books are hitting shelves in October and nothing else. I kid, but only partly.

Whether or not these are actually picks, only time will tell. Even if they are not all or most of these are on my October Most Anticipated New Releases list, which you can see HERE! When the picks are announced and you find you have space in your box still, make sure to also check out my most recent version of BOTM Add-On recommendations HERE!

Fall Most Anticipated List

SUMMER MOST ANTICIPATED LIST

September MOST ANTICIPATED LIST

October Most Anticipated List

BOTM ADD-ON GUIDE

Keep in mind that these are simply predictions and books I hope get chosen. I could get these completely wrong but the anticipated and guessing is part of the fun right?!

Mysteries & Thrillers

Mystery and Thriller is always the hardest category to predict, and honestly, I have zero idea what Book of the Month will pick this month. That said, here are some of the titles I’m keeping my eye on: If the Dead Belong Here by Carson Faust, The Hitchhikers by Chevy Stevens, We Had a Hunch by Tom Ryan, Atlas of Unknowable Things by McCormick Templenan, The Midnight Know by John Fram, and Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch. Each of these promises suspense, twists, and gripping mysteries perfect for the cozy and high-stakes reading moods of October.

Romance

For October, I’m excited to see what might be chosen for romances, as it’s not a typically romantic month. Some options I’m keeping an eye on are Isn’t It Obvious? by Rachel Katz, Tourist Season by Brynne Weaver (a repeat author I love), and Overdue by Stephanie Perkins. Each of these offers swoony romance, charming characters, and engaging storylines that could be perfect for readers looking for a mix of heart, humor, and emotional stakes this fall.

Historical Fiction

Historical fiction is always a category I love to speculate about, and for October, there are a couple of titles that immediately caught my attention. The Hong Kong Widow by Kristen Loesch offers a gripping tale set against the backdrop of wartime turmoil, blending personal drama with historical intrigue. The Last Witch by C.J. Cooke combines rich historical detail with suspense and mysticism, making it perfect for readers who love layered, atmospheric stories that transport them to another time. Both of these would make strong picks for BOTM this month, offering drama, history, and compelling characters.

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Literally so many fantasy books dropping soon and that are some strong contender, especially from repeat authors. The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow, Red City by Marie Lu, The Women of Wild Hill by Kristen Miller (which I’ve already read and have a review for!), and Thief of Night by Holly Black all offer rich worlds, compelling characters, and imaginative twists that BOTM readers love. We might also see The Second Chance Cinema by Thea Weiss as an addon pick, adding another layer of intrigue and creativity to the month’s SF/F lineup. With so many early releases, October looks like it could be a thrilling month for fans of speculative fiction.

The Women of Wild Hill Review

Contemporary & Literary Fiction

Another hard category this month but October has some intriguing possibilities. Wreck by Catherine Newman could be a strong pick, especially after her previous BOTM selection, Sandwich, resonated so well with readers. Other contenders include Workhorse by Caroline Palmer, which promises sharp insights into personal and professional struggles, and The Best Worst Thing by Lauren Okie, offering a character-driven story that blends humor and heart. Each of these titles delivers the thoughtful storytelling, engaging characters, and emotional resonance that BOTM members look for in their contemporary fiction selections.

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 BOTM picks, by commenting below or by messaging me on Instagram @speakingof_books. Don’t forget to follow me to get weekly updates and new reviews!

Happy Reading!

Disclaimer: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and recommendation. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.