Best books to read in October - from twisty thriller to new book for Hunger Games fans

With summer officially over and chillier temperatures now setting in, there's no better time to curl up on the sofa with a good book (snacks and cosy candles optional, but advised). But do you go for a new release or an old favourite? An autumn-appropriate read or a summery romance to transport you back to warmer days?

If you do fancy something fresh, October is full of exciting new releases, perfect for spooky season and beyond. There's new releases from the likes of Freida McFadden and B.K. Borison, as well as Joe Hill's first book in almost a decade. This list features 10 recommendations spanning all genres, with a mixture of big releases and hidden gems, so you can find your next favourite read.

You can buy King Sorrow, out October 21, here. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> The queen of thrillers is back with another page-turning novel as a woman who offers refuge to a blood-soaked young girl in the middle of the night discovers she might just put herself in mortal peril.

In true Freida McFadden form, The Intruder is fast-paced, twisty and impossible to put down, and you'll feel compelled to devour it in one sitting. Atmospheric and darker than some of her other books, it's also perfectly timed for spooky season.

You can order The Intruder, out October 7, here.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> You can buy Alchemy of Secrets, out October 7, here. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> You can buy Girl Dinner, out October 23, now. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> You can order Good Spirits, out October 21, here. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> You can order The Women of Wild Hill, out October 7, here. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> You can order Conform, out October 16, here. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Pan Macmillan" data-licensor-name="Pan Macmillan" /> You can order The Everlasting, out October 30, here. " data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> 9. The Definitions by Matt Greene

After a mysterious illness wipes their memories, a group of people relearn how to navigate the world in The Definitions, Matt Greene's haunting new novel. The Centre's students arrive nameless, with no memories or sense of identity, to relearn how to speak, live and work before being returned to society.

But as some of the students start to get fragments of memories back, they question the definitions given to them by the Centre and try to work out how to define themselves.

The Definitions might be the shortest book on this list, but it's also one of the most impactful. Thought-provoking and smart, it's one that's sure to play on your mind in the days and weeks following.

You can order The Definitions, out October 2, here.

" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-portal-copyright="Talya Honebeek" data-licensor-name="Talya Honebeek" /> 10. ITCH! by Gemma Amor

Josie's hopes of a fresh start after hitting rock bottom are dashed when she stumbles across a body in the woods. She is forced to confront some uncomfortable truths about both herself and the victim while battling with a swarm of black ants that seem to have burrowed into her mind and flesh.

With Halloween just around the corner, there's no better time for a good horror novel. Not for the squeamish, ITCH! is a fast-paced, darkly feminist folk horror that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

You can order ITCH!, out October 9, here.

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