Best New Fiction Books to Read this Fall | 2024

Two brothers who are complete opposites, Peter and Ivan Koubek, carry on their lives in the wake of their father’s death.

Peter, a successful lawyer, struggles with anxiety and complicated relationships, juggling his first love, Sylvia, and a carefree college student named Naomi. Meanwhile, Ivan, a socially awkward chess player, finds an unexpected connection with Margaret, an older woman with her own turbulent history. Together, they dive into a poignant exploration of grief, desire, and the intricacies of love, all while discovering just how much they can carry without losing themselves.

My Thoughts: Sally Rooney has become a sensation since Normal People and the Hulu television series of the same name. Now, with her fourth book, Intermezzo, Sally Rooney has immersed readers once again in the relatable emotional depths of its characters. And, yes, there’s not a quotation mark to be found on any of the 400-plus pages!

*If you love Sally Rooney, also check out Conversations with Friends, which I featured in my booklist Top 10 Books About Friendship for Adults.

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Young playwright Melina Green thinks she’ll never see her new work inspired by her Elizabethan ancestor, Emilia Bassano, come to life because the male-dominated theater world wouldn’t give it the time of day. (That is until her friend takes matters into her own hands by submitting the play under a male pseudonym!) The story of Emilia in 1581 isn’t far from Melina’s present-day experience. Back then, Emilia also navigated the constraints of her society, dreaming of sharing her voice through the shadows of William Shakespeare. 

My Thoughts: Jodi Picoult is one of my favorite authors. She has a phenomenal talent for blending well-researched subjects with compelling storytelling. And, according to the glowing reviews, she’s outdone herself with this novel. Add it to my Fall reading list!

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In a captivating tale that weaves together the past and present, Anna, a farm girl in Ireland, helps an American translate enchanting fairy stories, only to stumble upon a life-altering mystery. Meanwhile, in modern-day New York, Sarah Harper sets off for Ireland and uncovers secrets that blur the lines between reality and the supernatural.

My Thoughts: Perfect for fall! Cozy up with this whimsical novel that’ll charm you with its setting in an old Irish village, fascinating characters, a mystery, rich storytelling, and a little magic in the form of fairies. The story looks like it’ll keep you turning pages as you follow parallel narratives between Anna and Sarah living 100 years apart.

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The three Blue sisters, Avery, the responsible lawyer recovering from addiction; Bonnie, a tough bouncer with a past in boxing; and Lucky, a wild model in Paris, are all trying to move on with their lives after the sudden death of their fourth sister, Nicky. When the three sisters return to New York to halt the sale of their childhood home, they confront the messy realities of grief, childhood disappointments, and the secrets hiding in their hearts.

My Thoughts: Keep a box of tissues nearby! This book is full of family drama and imperfect characters working their way through the grief of losing their sister. While it can be a heavy read emotionally, pick up this book if you enjoy a heartfelt journey. As one reviewer described, “This was a beautifully devastating story of true sisterhood.”

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Mavis Miller is totally not a PTA mom, but when she finds herself leading the brand-new DEI committee at her daughter Pearl’s elementary school, things get wild! Mavis battles the intense PTA president and unravels a mystery when the principal disappears after a heated meeting. As she dives deeper into school politics, she also has to navigate the challenges of parenting, friendship, and making real change. This witty and engaging mystery by Elise Bryant is the perfect escape that will keep you guessing and laughing all fall long!

My Thoughts: If a cozy mystery with a hint of romance is your cup of hot apple cider for your fall reading selection, pick this one up!  “It’s Elementary” blends humor, intrigue, and sharp social commentary. It’s fast-paced and so entertaining you may not want to put it down.

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An ordinary flight takes a wild turn when a mysterious woman confronts passengers with the shocking knowledge of how and when they will die. While many learn they’ll live long lives, six people face dire predictions that could change everything. The story weaves through themes of free will, fate, and the rollercoaster of emotions as characters grapple with their newfound revelations. With humor and emotional depth, this thrilling tale keeps readers guessing until the very last moment.

My Thoughts: With spooky season upon us, thoughts of the thin line between life and death tend to creep into our consciousness from time to time. So, why not lean into it with a story that’ll make you question your own life choices in the face of destiny? It may be a long book (over 500 pages!), but the clever storytelling, relatable characters, and suspenseful plot should keep you zooming through the pages.

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Author Elizabeth Strout whisks us back to the charming town of Crosby, Maine, where familiar faces like Lucy Barton and Olive Kitteridge confront a shocking crime while navigating love and friendship. As Bob Burgess becomes entangled in this murder case, he finds solace in his deepening friendship with Lucy, leading to soul-searching conversations about life, regrets, and what truly matters. Lucy’s introduction to Olive adds even more depth to the story, as they exchange tales of both lives lived and those unrecorded, showing how these connections can bring meaning to our experiences. It’s a rich exploration of relationships and the ways they shape our understanding of ourselves.

My Thoughts: Strout’s beautiful prose and keen understanding of human emotions make this book perfect for curling up with on a crisp autumn day, especially if you love escaping into a heartfelt, thought-provoking narrative. And if you adore the characters, you can find them in many of Elizabeth Strout’s other novels!

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While enjoying a taste of luxury while house-sitting in LA, Jane dreams of completing her epic novel and reinvigorating her life. Just as she seems poised for success, her plans spiral out of control, causing her to turn to Hollywood for help. Juggling ambition, identity, and a hilarious attempt to craft a biracial comedy while navigating the complexities of the industry, Jane’s journey is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply insightful. Senna’s sharp wit and engaging storytelling is sure to keep you hooked from start to finish!

My Thoughts: I learned about this new release in the Sunday edition of The Morning (New York Times newsletter). They’ve started a new feature in which Times book editor Elisabeth Egan highlights a book recommendation to readers. In her recap of the book, Elisabeth describes it as “book-clubbable” and perfect if you’re a fan of “The Plot,” “Leave the World Behind,” and “Erasure.”

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Thomas and Matt, who had left their wives to find happiness and come out, enjoy a second chance at marriage in a cozy summer cottage on the southern coast of Maine. This idyllic life feels like the perfect way to start anew.

However, this peaceful existence is disrupted when their three nearly adult children, each grappling with crises, descend upon their fathers’ haven. The limited space of the two-bedroom getaway becomes a challenge as the unintentional family reunion unfolds with pain, anger, and flaws brewing to the surface.

My thoughts: I’m reading this book and so enjoying it. The writing puts you inside each character’s thoughts, and the setting in Maine is ever so lovely to imagine. Plus, it pulls on your heart as the characters are determined to forge a path forward with love and understanding.

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At her favorite local pub, Alix Summer, a popular podcaster, is celebrating her forty-fifth birthday when she unexpectedly meets Josie Fair. Surprisingly, they both realize they share the exact birthdate, making them birthday twins. Josie, fascinated by Alix’s podcasts, believes that she would be a captivating subject for her series.

Alix finds herself unable to resist the allure of producing a podcast about Josie. However, gradually, Alix starts to uncover undisclosed dark secrets that Josie has been concealing. Unexpectedly, Josie integrates herself into Alix’s life and even infiltrates her home. 

When Josie suddenly disappears, Alix realizes that her own life and her family’s are in imminent danger.

My thoughts: How I love reading about a crazy female character like in Gone Girl! Add it to my fall reading list! FYI – I discovered this book on Amazon book club, Sarah Selects, curated by Sarah Gelman, the Editorial Director for Books at Amazon. Check it out for great book recommendations like this one!

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A biracial Korean-American family residing in Virginia has their lives thrown into disarray when their beloved father and husband goes missing. Mia, the twenty-year-old daughter, has an explanation for everything. That’s why she doesn’t initially panic when her father and younger brother Eugene fail to return from a walk in a nearby park.

However, when Eugene bursts through the front door alone and covered in blood, it becomes apparent that the father is missing, and the only witness is Eugene, who suffers from a rare genetic condition called Angelman syndrome that leaves him unable to speak.

Now, it’s a race against time as the family tries to locate their missing father while uncovering deeply buried family secrets that may hold the key to his disappearance.

My thoughts: This Good Morning America Book Club pick looks intriguing. Read it if you love taking your time and diving into a mystery that goes deep into family secrets.

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This breakaway hit with fantasy lovers and Instant New York Times Bestseller tells the story of twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, who was originally supposed to lead a peaceful life surrounded by books and history in the Scribe Quadrant.

However, her stern and commanding mother, also known as the commanding general, completely changed Violet’s life when she demanded Violet become one of the many candidates striving to be the elite dragon riders of Navarre.

Yet, Violet faced an inherent challenge. Dragons have a habit of incinerating those they consider weak. And Violet is smaller and more fragile than the other riders. Relying on her intelligence and cleverness, Violet strives to survive – because once you enter this institution, there are only two ways out, as a graduate or in a coffin.

My thoughts: Get in on the hype, even if fantasy isn’t your preferred genre. The reviews are off the chart, with readers loving the epic world-building and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Read this first book in the Empyrean Book Series before the next installment, Iron Flame, is released on November 7, 2023.

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In this mystery-thriller-suspense read, you’ll be turning pages wondering about how a stolen baby from twenty years ago and a murder in a care home have a sinister connection.

Edith, an eighty-year-old resident, plans her escape from the nursing home she was tricked into, while Patience, a caretaker, forms a bond with her while keeping many secrets. Meanwhile, Edith’s daughter, Clio, who refuses to speak to her, has an unknown person with malicious intentions approach her.

Amidst their mutual distrust, the women must uncover the truth behind two murders and a mysterious disappearance.

My thoughts: If you read and liked Daisy Darker and Rock Paper Scissors, you’ll enjoy the pace and suspense of this novel. With twists and unexpected turns, it’s a great psychological thriller with a fascinating toxic mother-daughter element.

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Lara’s three daughters reunite with her at the family’s orchard in Northern Michigan during the spring of 2020. While they busy themselves with cherry picking, the girls urge their mother to share the tale of her past with Peter Duke, a well-known actor with whom she had a passionate relationship during their time together at Tom Lake Theater Company.

Lara’s recollections of this period prompt her daughters to reflect on their lives and their connection with their mother. Suddenly, their perception of the world and their previous knowledge is called into question.

My thoughts: For fans of Ann Patchett, it’s no surprise this New York Times Bestseller and Reese’s Book Club Pick is receiving loads of hype. More than simply a “pandemic novel,” read it if you love devouring a beautifully written book that satisfyingly weaves in humor, drama, and tragedy.

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When Penny Dahl desperately calls the Finders Keepers detective agency for assistance locating her missing daughter, Holly initially hesitates to accept the case. Still, something in Penny Dahl’s voice compels Holly.

Just a few blocks away, Professors Rodney and Emily Harris reside. On the surface, they appear to be ordinary and respectable, both married octogenarians and former academics. However, hidden within the walls of their well-maintained, book-filled home lies a sinister secret that may be linked to Penny’s daughter’s disappearance.

However, the cunning professors always seem a step ahead of Holly’s relentless pursuit of justice.

My thoughts: Hello, Stephen King fans! You’ve got another chilling, masterful tale right on time for the spooky fall season! As fans, you’ll enjoy catching up with a beloved returning character, Holly Gibney.

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London-born Madeleine Grant has lived in Paris since studying at the prestigious Sorbonne. Her life seemed charmed after marrying French journalist Giles Martin and now raising their beloved son, Olivier.

However, with the outbreak of war, Giles, driven by his unwavering dedication to the cause, decides to join the resistance, leaving Madeleine and Olivier to travel to the presumed safety of England. Sadly, the cruel hand of fate occurs in the loss of their cherished son.

Clutching onto a sliver of hope that Giles may still be alive, Madeleine returns to her war-torn homeland of France. Determined to make a difference and seek revenge, she’s prepared to combat the Nazis single-handedly if necessary.

My thoughts: This Amazon best-seller in Historical World War II fiction packs an emotional punch. With three-dimensional characters and a fast-paced plot, you may not be able to put this one down once you start reading it.

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Dr. Carver Livingston, a veterinarian, has avoided his hometown in Vermont. However, the imminent divorce of his parents and his mother’s plea for support compel a reluctant Carver to return home.

His sole purpose is to mend a crumbling marriage and exit undetected by his past acquaintances. Unfortunately, fate intervenes, making it nearly impossible for him to conceal himself from former friends and the tragic decision he made two decades ago.

Despite his yearning to leave town ASAP, between his resurfacing emotions for his high school sweetheart and Mrs. Cartwright, his former English teacher who once guided him out of despair by teaching him to seek solace in the grandeur of the stars, Carver decides to stay a while longer.

My thoughts: This fall read has all the cozy feels: a charming little town in Vermont, a complicated, hurting main character to root for, and a well-told story of love and angst written in the stars.

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Young, gay, and currently unemployed, Lewis, who’s only interested in earning money, agrees to fulfill the job requirements of running errands, being on call, and enduring the company of the unbearable and grumpy old Chester, whom nobody else in Buffalo can stand.

Driven by his inability to refuse a dying man’s wish, Lewis embarks on a one-week, two-thousand-mile journey from Buffalo to Arizona in Chester’s dilapidated Winnebago, to reunite him with the ex-wife he hasn’t seen in over three decades.

What started as a relationship between neighbors and strangers develops into an unexpected friendship, offering Chester the closure he seeks while simultaneously opening new chapters in their lives.

My thoughts: Unlike the other books on this list, the term “new release” is a stretch. However, this book comes highly recommended by my mom (who has a knack for picking a good story). And I like the cozy, feel-good premise – it seems like the kind of book you can enjoy reading while sipping on warmed apple cider.

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