Experience Thrills and Shivers Down Your Spine With These October 2023 New Book Releases

There are so many reasons to love October. Between the influx of pumpkin spice products, the chill in the air, and the abundance of spooky décor, it's Halloween all the time for thirty-one days and nights. Regardless of how much you enjoy the festivities, it's also a great month to curl up with new book releases.

As always, Distractify's roundups are non-exhaustive.

Charlotte Wu has been looking forward to planning her senior prom her entire high school experience — until she falls off a ladder and into the arms of her arch-nemesis, J.T. Renner. When she wakes up, she finds herself as a thirty-year-old, sleeping soundly next to her fiancé ... Renner! Will the duo find their way back to seventeen?

Woke Up Like This releases on Oct. 1, 2023.

Texan Ivy's summer plans are derailed when she finds herself planning a cross-country road trip to get an abortion by staying with her grandmother on the West Coast. Her understanding boyfriend, Lorenzo, offers to make the best of their "abortion road trip love story" by stopping at every goofy attraction.

Plan A releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Seventh grader Wendy Toledo is determined to keep her head down and avoid the looming presence of ICE. But when a woman fleeing ICE agents hides in the church across from their home, it brings real danger to Wendy's doorstep. When someone Wendy loves is detained, she must keep afloat despite feeling pulled in many directions.

Tethered to Other Stars releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Catalina lived with her pa and brothers in a ramshackle cabin in Wisconsin in 1836. When a terrible illness claims her father, a strange being steps out of the woods and tries to take her brother as well. Desperate to keep her family safe and alive, Catalina finds help from a young lumberjack with his own debt to settle with the Man of Sap.

Before the Devil Knows You're Here releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Douglas Jones attends Regent Academy, an elite boarding school in Vermont known for turning its students into leaders. But when a student is murdered, and the rest of the student body doesn't seem to remember the victim, it's up to Douglas and the groundskeeper's son, Everett, to unravel a secret that's been buried for centuries.

The Forest Demands Its Due releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Soma Kear’s slam poetry might be viral, but the rest of her life is in chaos. Her Ba was deported back to Cambodia, and her older sister rules the household with an iron fist. As her school's spoken word contest looms, Soma searches for a way to make sense of the world around her with the power of words.

Kween releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Fritzi is a witch, and the lone survivor of a hexenjägers — witch hunter — attack on her coven. Otto is a hexenjäger; but that's just his cover. After his own childhood run-in with the evil group, Otto has spent the rest of his young adulthood plotting revenge against them from the inside. When the duo is unexpectedly thrown together, can they put their mistrust aside to seek justice for their families?

Night of the Witch releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

The sequel to Reign Returned follows Kyra Valorian and Sebastian Sayre, now fully remembering their rightful places as former Felserpent Queen and King. As Kyra hunts to uncover her father's hand in an evil Astral plot, Sebastian grapples with his relationship and his career. Meanwhile, Tallus, arch-enemy to the Felserpent monarchy, has returned, presenting a new challenge.

Blood Divided releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

The Blackwood family has four generations of Hollywood royalty, starting with Blossom "Bebe" Blackwood in 1962. But when the celebrated matriarch passes away, her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, find their secrets pulled into the public eye unlike ever before.

The Blackwoods releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Zilan dreams of being a royal alchemist; someone who makes gold and gems for the royal family to eat and stay youthful forever. Right now, she's trapped in a remote village in China practicing forbidden necromancy to make ends meet. When Zilan finally gets the opportunity to compete for the role of royal alchemist, her reputation follows her to the capitol. Soon, she finds herself wondering what dangers lurk behind the palace walls...

The Scarlet Alchemist releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Ruby Ortega is wealthy, ruthless, and intelligent. Her immediate goal is to get her gorgeous neighbor, Ashton, to notice her. But when wildfires devastate her California hometown, including her parents' business, suddenly, Ruby finds herself the head of her household. With her future in her hands, she decides to use her wealth to make a difference for others in this powerful debut novel.

Up in Flames releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Emory is a student at Aldryn College for Lunar Magics, but now, she's haunted by the memory of an incident in the sea caves that left all of her friends dead. In addition, she's plagued with strange powers no other healer has possessed. Aided by the help of Aldryn's most elusive student, Baz, and the brother of her drowned best friend, the two race against the clock to unravel a mystery as more dead students start washing ashore.

Curious Tides releases on Oct. 3, 2023.

Evan Taft has his life all planned out. He will take a gap year to take care of his family and continue his therapy in light of his father's departure. When his mother is unexpectedly diagnosed with an illness, Evan's plans fall apart, and he hears a strange song. Meanwhile, Shosh Bell has her own plans to move to LA for performing arts college. But when a drunk driver kills her sister, Shosh begins to hear a faint song in her ears...

I Loved You in Another Life releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

In 1890s Paris, Léon Delafosse might be France's next great pianist — and the youngest. But there's no way he can make it as a musician without a wealthy patron. Enter: gossip columnist Marcel Proust, who offers to take Léon under his wing. But when Count Robert de Montesquiou-Fézensac offers him the chance of a lifetime, Léon finds himself pulled into a new world. Yet, there are certain people he can't quite bring himself to leave behind.

Charming Young Man releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

In her adult debut, bestselling author Cassandra Clare returns to fantasy with Sword Catcher. Kel is an orphan, plucked off the streets to be the body double for Prince Conor Aurelian, better known as his "sword catcher." Meanwhile, Lin Caster is a physician and magic user who remains isolated behind the city walls. But when the mysterious Ragpicker King pulls them all together, the trio wonders: is knowledge worth the price of betrayal?

Sword Catcher releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Mariella Morse accuses her boyfriend, Vik Gomez, of murdering her wealthy parents with an axe. But Vik's sister, Tessa, is convinced of his innocence. Tessa's search for answers leads her to the heart of the town's spooky forest, while Mariella finds herself drawn into the original town murder — that of Lizzie Borden.

Hatchet Girls releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

A collection of short horror stories from debut author Andrew Duplessie, Too Scared to Sleep also comes with a QR code to a terrifying video — if you dare.

Too Scared to Sleep releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Sana Saeed has all but given up on the idea of a swoon-worthy romance, as all her arranged dates have been duds. Plus, she has a responsibility to take care of her sweet, autistic brother Zia. But her mother refuses to sign over legal guardianship to Sana unless she's married, making them a package deal. When childhood friend Daniel Malik becomes her boss, the pair reunite and sparks begin to fly.

The Mis-Arrangement of Sana Saeed releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

The year is 1593. Will Hughes is an actor in Shakespeare's troupe, hiding his identity from the world as the son of traitors. But when his mentor, Christopher Marlowe, is murdered unexpectedly, putting an assassination plot in Will's path. When he unwittingly foils it, the queen names him her next spymaster. To add pressure, Will must work with Lord James Bloomsbury, who is unfairly handsome and gets under his skin.

By Any Other Name releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Frederieke Teitler and her older sister, Astra, live with their grandfather and their mother after their father ran out on them. But their home of Czernowitz is becoming increasingly hostile to Jewish people, and as war breaks out, overnight, their world changes. Now, Rieke must decide if holding on to her life is worth letting go of everything else that mattered to her.

The Blood Years releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Eli is a teen who has been sent to Raeth, a remote mountain retreat for teens with mental health issues. She initially doesn't intend to participate in the program, but the magical mountains around her pull her grief-laden memories to the surface of her mind in a mixture of poetry and prose.

The Night Fox releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

In a follow-up to The Traveling Cat Chronicles, The Goodbye Cat chronicles the lives of seven different cats in a celebration of felines everywhere and a poignant exploration of the cycle of life.

The Goodbye Cat releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Ever since their breakup, Whitney and Zay have been at odds. When they're both assigned to organize the fall formal, it could spell disaster. But when sparks start to fly again, could their previous feud have been a big misunderstanding?

The Fall of Whit Rivera releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Hundreds of years in the future after climate change has wrecked the world, there are no cars, planes, televisions or smart phones. Thirteen year old Kevin uncovers a secret known as "Project F" and is thrilled to discover the adventure he's longed for. But what if that adventure also risks the world as he knows it?

Project F releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

In rural Caball Hollow, the James sisters live peacefully surrounded by a forest. But all four sisters were born with unusual abilities, including Linden, who vanished into the forest a year ago and returned with no memories of her disappearance. Now, during the heat of the summer, another girl has disappeared, then turned up dead — and it's up to the James sisters to discover what happened.

Bittersweet in the Hollow releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Former boyband member Kallum Lieberman is living his best life as the owner of a regional pizza chain. But after an old sex tape of his goes viral, Kallum steps into the spotlight in a steamy Santa film for the Hope Channel. His co-star, Winnie Baker, did everything right — married her childhood sweetheart, settled down, and transitioned into an adult acting career. But when sparks fly on set, are these two ready for their close up?

A Holly Jolly Ever After releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

In 1943 Lithuania, a father mourns his daughter killed by the Nazis. While he can't bring her back, he can use kishuf — ancient magic — to bring her likeness back as a golem to avenge her death. When Vera awakens, she is filled with vengeful purpose, but she also carries memories of a life before, including the sweet boy, Akiva.

Wrath Becomes Her releases on Oct. 10, 2023.

Corbin College’s elite academic society, Magni Viri, have their tuition paid for and dream jobs when they graduate. When first-generation college student Tara is offered a chance to enroll, she doesn't hesitate. A series of strange events begins to unfold, and Tara realizes there's a secret lurking at the heart of Magni Viri.

All That Consumes Us releases on Oct. 17, 2023.

Evelyn Hazard is living the life that's expected of her as a young, middle-class housewife in 1920s Scotland. One night, her husband Robert makes an announcement: he can communicate with the dead. As the couple is pulled into Spiritualism, pieces of Evelyn's past resurface, and she begins to question whether the man she loves is a fraud. Or worse: is he telling the truth?

Hazardous Spirits releases on Oct. 17, 2023.

In this graphic novel, two seemingly different people — sweet, shy Momo and flirtatious lone wolf PG — collide in a meet cute perfect for fans of Heartstopper. But between Momo's overprotective friend and PG's past, will their love stand the test of time?

If You'll Have Me releases on Oct. 17, 2023.

Boarding school student Emily Walters is selected for the opportunity of a lifetime: to win a cash prize that will cover her entire college tuition. But from the moment she and 11 other contestants board a private jet to Europe, she learns that her fellow competitors will do anything to win. As Emily begins to observe secrets around her, it becomes clear she'll have to fight for survival.

Thin Air releases on Oct. 17, 2023.

Sam Becker is a bed and bath retailer who doesn't get along with his boss, Jonathan Forest. But when Sam is sent on a trip, he falls and bumps his head, pretending to get amnesia to avoid being fired. Except, Jonathan's guilt brings out a distinctly softer side than Sam has ever seen before, and he likes the new Jonathan a lot more than he'd ever admit.

10 Things That Never Happened releases on Oct. 17, 2023.

Bandaal lives in rural Pakistan, and in his final year of school, his parents' marriage reaches its breaking point. One day, he meets Meena, an older woman who has just escaped an abusive marriage. Together, they leave The Town to forge a new life together, but their hardships are only just beginning.

The River, The Town releases on Oct. 17, 2023.

Samira Murphy needs help. While caring for her elderly grandmother and putting her older brother into recovery, she decides to do a DNA test in search of the father she desperately needs. What she finds instead is Henry Owen, a half-brother she never knew she had, who lives with his unreliable mom and strict aunt and uncle. Together, they begin a search for their father on a greater journey in search of family.

The Search For Us releases on Oct. 24, 2023.

Lady Abigail Worthing knew better than to expect more from her marriage of convenience. The one perk of married life is a box at the Drury Lane theater. One night at a show, a real-life mystery unfolds before the audience, and Lady Abigail races backstage to investigate with her neighbor, Stapleton Henderson. But uncovering the truth always has a price ...

Murder In Drury Lane releases on Oct. 24, 2023.

The highly anticipated conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy, Evangeline Fox finds herself caught between two men — one, her husband and her dream happily ever after, and the other, Jacks, the Prince of Hearts himself.

A Curse for True Love releases on Oct. 24, 2023.

For a romance author, Iris Kelly prefers her no-commitment lifestyle. However, now that she's on a deadline for her second romance book, she's completely out of ideas. After a steamy one night stand with a stranger named Stevie, she asks for Iris' help pretending to be her girlfriend. Iris goes along with Stevie's wild plan, but soon, fake dating begins to turn into something more.

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date releases on Oct. 24, 2023.

Lily Rosewood lives with her coat empire matriarch grandmother after the sudden death of her father. Everything changes when Gram dies suddenly. Lily and three others across town receive mysterious messages to a treasure hunt that they hope will lead to the Rosewood fortune. But with every treasure hunt, there are unseen obstacles in their way that could make this fun game a deadly gamble.

The Rosewood Hunt releases on Oct. 31, 2023.

When Phoebe, goddess of the moon, is murdered by Hyperion, god of the sun, the land is sent into chaos. Raef is a thief and child of the night. But when he discovers an ornate box at Hyperion's temple, he's drawn into an adventure. Seth is a knight of the sun on his own journey — but when their paths cross, Seth and Raef find their destinies intertwined in ways they never could have imagined.

Dark Moon, Shallow Sea releases on Oct. 31, 2023.

As an archeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Syd Walker is dedicated to her job. However, she's haunted by the events of fifteen years ago in her Oklahoma hometown, a place she swore never to return — until now. Her sister, Emma Lou, has vanished, and Syd refuses to sit idly by as another Native woman goes missing. Once home, she starts digging into a history of missing Native women, which only leads her further down the rabbit hole.

Blood Sisters releases Oct. 31, 2023.

Inez Olivera is an upper class debutante with everything she wants: except when her globe-trotting parents leave her behind. Upon their tragic deaths, she inherits their fortunes and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Intrigued, Inez sails to Cairo in possession of a mysterious ring her father gave her before he died. But the ring soon pulls her down a path of magic and mystery, and Inez is inclined to let it.

What the River Knows releases on Oct. 31, 2023.

Legendary author E. Starling is the only claim to fame Eden, Kentucky, has to its name; even more so after Starling's mysterious disappearance. Before she vanished, however, her even more mysterious residence Starling House appeared, and with it, lonely heir Arthur Starling. Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses, but as she broaches the doors of Starling House, she feels l

Starling House releases Oct. 31, 2023.