12 New Releases // October 2026
Here I was thinking, October new releases would bring more spooky books, but I have put a few Christmas books on the wishlist for this month.
For October, I picked….
I have included the title, author and synopsis of the books in the image above, below…
The Haunted Librarian by Auralee Wallace
“Amelia Bates has always found comfort in books, preferring their company to that of the living or the dead. As a newly hired librarian, she hopes the library will be her safe haven. Instead, she discovers curious patrons, a shy head librarian who catches her eye, and three mischievous ghosts causing paranormal chaos. With the future of the library at risk, Amelia must find the courage to trust others and embrace the unexpected. This cosy paranormal story combines autumnal atmosphere, quirky spirits, romance and a little library magic.”
The Dues and Don’ts of Magic by Delemhach
“Spidena Kettle runs a quiet magic shop, selling spells and potions while trying to keep out of trouble. Her peaceful routine changes when Benthrop Hozel arrives, desperate to escape the people pursuing him. He offers her a favour in exchange for a little magical help. Spidena sees little danger in making a deal with an ordinary human. However, Ben may be hiding more than she realises. Their fates become magically intertwined, forcing them to travel together while evading enemies and making the most of their limited resources. Along the way, they must confront long-kept secrets and learn to work together, despite getting on each other’s nerves. This cosy romantic fantasy is full of witchcraft, magical mishaps and reluctant companionship.”
The House Built on Alligator Bones by Sophia Huneycutt
“After her mother’s sudden death, Dartrine Beaumont discovers that she has wealthy relatives living in Florida. Hoping to find a family connection, she travels to her grandmother’s mansion on Amelia Island. There, she becomes involved in a bitter inheritance dispute over the family’s alligator farming empire. As tensions rise and strange events unfold, Dart begins to uncover a disturbing family history involving curses, violence and a mysterious presence. She must decide whether to accept the legacy she has inherited or forge a different future. This Southern Gothic mystery blends family secrets, eerie folklore and an unsettling atmosphere.”
She’s a Doll by Barbara Truelove
“Lucy McQuinn has been murdered, but she refuses to rest until she gets revenge on the man responsible. Now inhabiting the body of an antique porcelain doll, she sets out to find her killer, Kyle. Being just eighteen inches tall makes her mission rather complicated. Fortunately, she finds an unlikely ally in Nicola, a fellow outsider with her own reasons to despise him. In their seemingly idyllic town, nobody wants to believe that Kyle could be capable of anything terrible. With the truth being ignored, Lucy decides to take matters into her own tiny hands. This darkly humorous horror story explores female rage, revenge and the power of friendship, even beyond death.”
A Christmas Bookshop Murder
“Christmas should be the most wonderful time of the year, but a festive celebration in the small town of Riddelton takes a sinister turn when a stranger is found dead after a Christmas party. Local crime writer and amateur sleuth Jen is soon drawn into the investigation when her friend Angus is arrested for the murder. Convinced he is innocent, Jen sets out to uncover the truth. Her investigation reveals a trail of long-buried secrets, generational grief and a stolen future. As the danger grows and the killer begins targeting Jen herself, she must race to solve the case before it is too late. This festive cosy mystery combines small town secrets, an amateur detective and a Christmas murder that threatens to ruin the holidays.”
Merry Spooky Love by Josie Silver
“Melody has an unusual gift. She can see and speak with spirits, which brings plenty of complications to her everyday life. Her feelings for Fletch add another layer of difficulty, especially when he struggles to believe in her supernatural work. With quirky characters, romantic tension and a paranormal mystery woven into the story, this cosy read blends spooky elements with warmth and humour. It is a charming choice for readers who enjoy romance with a ghostly twist and a little seasonal magic.”
Look What the Cat Dragged In by Jason Rekulak
“Penny Padgett is a twenty-seven-year-old cartoonist who agrees to look after an unusual cat named Godfrey. At first, he seems like an affectionate companion. Soon, however, unsettling events begin to take over Penny’s life. She experiences disturbing nightmares, discovers a troubling insect infestation and notices her cartoon illustrations becoming increasingly dark. Her health also begins to deteriorate. As these strange occurrences continue, Penny starts to question whether Godfrey is an ordinary cat at all. This creepy horror novel from the author of Hidden Pictures is perfect for readers who enjoy unsettling mysteries and the darker side of the seemingly innocent.“
What a Nightmare by Rebekah Faubion
“Haven Powers has spent years trying to hide the fiery personality that once made her stand out in her small Texas hometown. After a disturbing encounter with her boss, she experiences a terrifying dream that appears to come true. Desperate to understand her newfound ability, Haven returns home and finds herself facing the people and experiences she hoped to leave behind. Her family and community expect obedience, but Haven has other plans. As she confronts her past, she begins to embrace the power she has spent years suppressing. This dark, gothic story explores revenge, family expectations and what happens when a woman decides she has had enough.“
Entities to Lovers by Mallory Marlowe
“Rory Woods is a paranormal medium who spends her days giving psychic readings at her family’s spirit shop and her nights leading ghost tours around Boston. Her biggest annoyance is Ezra Blackwell, a charismatic history professor who loves getting under her skin. When the two are forced to work together, they disturb a matchmaking ghost and find themselves caught in a magical curse. Their luck turns sour whenever they are apart, forcing the reluctant pair to stay close. As they try everything from séances to kissing to break the spell, their rivalry begins to develop into something unexpected. This playful paranormal romance is full of ghostly mischief, witty banter and romantic tension.”
Snowed Inn by Valerie Bowman
“Maria never planned to spend Christmas stranded in a snowy small town. When a snowstorm disrupts her travel plans, she finds herself staying at her best friend’s Honeycrisp Orchard Inn. The festive setting should be perfect, but there is one complication. Jesse, a handsome local brewery owner, has a talent for getting under her skin. As the snow continues to fall, the pair find themselves spending more time together than either expected. Between Christmas decorations, cosy evenings and plenty of teasing, Maria begins to see her unexpected holiday in a different light. This festive romance combines a snowy setting, enemies-to-lovers tension and the magic of discovering what really matters.”
Barb Jacobs Just Won’t Die! by Tanya Pell
“Barbra Jacobs has spent twenty years playing the final girl in a horror film franchise. She is tired of being remembered for her past and has decided to attend one last horror convention. Unfortunately, things take a sinister turn when she discovers a murdered woman. A killer is on the loose and begins targeting Barb’s former castmates one by one. After years of playing the survivor on screen, Barb finds herself facing a very real threat. This blood-soaked slasher horror combines nostalgia for classic horror films with a determined heroine who is ready to fight back. Perfect for readers who love gory scares and final girl stories.”
When the Night Comes Knocking by Katherine Daniel
“A quiet roadside convenience store in Appalachia becomes the setting for a terrifying night. The customers are going about their journeys when two men arrive, one horribly injured and claiming to have been attacked by a monster. At first, nobody believes the story. Then a customer leaves the store and is brutally killed. When the impossible happens and the victim returns, the survivors begin to fear that a local legend might be real. Something is lurking in the mountains, and it feeds on guilty hearts. As the attacks escalate, suspicion spreads among those trapped inside. This atmospheric monster horror explores fear, guilt and the desperate struggle to survive until morning.”
Have you started putting festive books on your pre-order lists and TBRs? What would you recommend?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, Bookstagram or Pinterest.
As always, thanks for reading…
