Readworthy by BookBub
This Month’s Best New Reader Favorites
What are readers saying about the buzziest books of the month? We’ve rounded up their top-rated picks — including a New York Times bestseller from Elin Hilderbrand, a twisty British mystery, and more!
 
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Book cover for The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham
See why readers are calling this New York Times bestseller the perfect fall read
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • At an elite New England boarding school, the seniors are gearing up for a year full of goodbyes and big decisions — but their excitement is upended by dark secrets that rise to the surface…
  • “Irresistible… Fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this” (Publishers Weekly)
  • Readers say: “The drama, secrets, and gossip kept me turning the pages”
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Media mentions for The Thoroughbreds by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby CunninghamMEDIA MENTIONS:CBS Mornings, People, Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews
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Book cover for The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw
Calling all book clubs: Here’s your next ‘fierce, fabulous, and very funny’ read (Oprah Daily)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • When the wife of a popular megachurch pastor finds herself at the center of a shocking scandal, her seemingly perfect life implodes
  • Readers say: “Some parts are funny as heck, other parts will make you cry, and some will make you want to put your fist through the wall”
  • Praise from Rufi Thorpe, Ron Charles, Tia Williams, and Bonnie Garmus, who says, “I read the first three pages and that was all it took — I was hooked. Pure audacious joy!”
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Media mentions for The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha PhilyawMEDIA MENTIONS:NPR, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Oprah Daily, People, Harper's Bazaar, Los Angeles Times, Library Reads, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, BookPage, Electric Literature
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Book cover for Victorious by V. E. Schwab
A #1 New York Times bestselling author delivers a must-read for dark fantasy fans
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Once best friends and now mortal enemies, Eli Ever and Victor Vale cross paths for one final, fateful game…
  • Readers say: “It was an absolute masterpiece… I am continuously flabbergasted by the sheer talent that V. E. Schwab possesses to create intricate storylines, complex worlds, and multifaceted characters”
  • “Who is victorious? The author and the readers” (Kirkus Reviews starred review)
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Media mentions for Victorious by V. E. SchwabMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, Entertainment Weekly, Parade, Kirkus Reviews, Literary Hub
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Book cover for Other Worlds Than These by Peter Straub and Stephen King
Suspense fans are loving this collaboration between ‘two masters of the craft’ (The Independent)
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Follow weary, middle-aged Jack Sawyer as he faces members of a murderous cult in an apocalyptic battle…
  • Readers are saying this highly anticipated novel — which concludes the Talisman trilogy — is well worth the decades-long wait
  • “Astonishingly good… Fans of the earlier Talisman novels will absolutely love this one, and because King is a wizard at providing backstory, new readers can thoroughly enjoy it” (Booklist starred review)
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Media mentions for Other Worlds Than These by Peter Straub and Stephen KingMEDIA MENTIONS:The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Esquire, Parade, The Boston Globe, Reactor, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist
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Book cover for The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves
This reader-recommended mystery features compelling characters and surprising twists
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Under an oppressive heat wave, a young woman’s body is discovered in a luxurious home’s swimming pool — sparking an investigation that implicates a powerful family
  • Readers say: “Superbly plotted, it will keep you guessing until the end. I highly recommend and am eager for the next book!”
  • Take it from David Baldacci: “Whatever Cleeves comes up with next, I will be reading it. And so should you”
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Media mentions for The Dying Light by Ann CleevesMEDIA MENTIONS:People, The Times, Publishers Weekly
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Book cover for Bad Words by Ríoghnach Robinson
October’s GMA Book Club pick is receiving glowing reader reviews
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • Emily Henry calls this buzzy new release “a once-in-a-lifetime read”
  • After critic Selina writes a scathing review of author Parker’s latest novel, they’re drawn into a public feud that challenges everything they believe about art, success, and each other
  • Readers say: “A deeply moving tribute to literature and the meaningful connections it can spark… A thought-provoking debut for booklovers”
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Media mentions for Bad Words by Ríoghnach RobinsonMEDIA MENTIONS:Good Morning America Book Club, Book of the Month, The New York Times/The New York Times Book Review, People, Indie Next List, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist, Literary Hub
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Book cover for The Butterfly Season by Lea Korsgaard
An ‘enchanting account’ (BookPage) capturing the hearts of readers across the globe
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • An award-winning journalist spent a year tracking every species of butterfly in her native Denmark — and learned about life along the way
  • “An inspiring love letter to the magic of the natural world… An unforgettable reminder that wonder awakens the heart” (Amy Tan)
  • Readers say: “It is an excellent book to settle down with on a quiet afternoon and reflect upon every time you close the cover”
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Media mentions for The Butterfly Season by Lea KorsgaardMEDIA MENTIONS:The Economist, The Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Booklist, BookPage
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Book cover for How to Write a Murder by Jessica Brody
Mystery lovers will devour this cleverly constructed whodunit
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • A “love letter to classic crime fiction” (BookPage starred review) that “delivers twist after surprising twist” (Amy Tintera, author of Listen for the Lie)
  • A dead body turns up at a prestigious mystery writing conference held in an old monastery — and the suspect list includes seven authors who know how to get away with murder…
  • Readers say: “Not only was it completely original, but it was also a highly intriguing story that kept me guessing”
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Media mentions for How to Write a Murder by Jessica BrodyMEDIA MENTIONS:Parade, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, BookPage
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AmazonOther formats and retailers
Book cover for Partita by Barbara Kingsolver
The latest from a beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning author is being hailed as a modern classic
WHY IT’S READWORTHY:
  • This moving read from the writer of Demon Copperhead and The Poisonwood Bible is October’s Read with Jenna pick
  • Livia’s quiet life on her family’s farm is upended when she receives a shocking phone