Books I Read in October 2025
I read a bit of anything and everything. Here’s a bit of what I read in October.
Crazy Spooky Love by Josie Silver is one of those books that grew on me the more I read it. Its main characters are quirky and charming and lovable. And its mysteries evolve at the right pace once they’re introduced yet are still easy enough to follow for a cozy and enjoyable reading experience. I could easily see this book becoming a beloved TV series one day. (Read my full book review for Crazy Spooky Love.)
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna is a great novel to read during autumn, as it will make you want to curl up with a blanket and a nice cup of tea as you read it. It’s full of endearing characters that will keep you entertained and flipping pages. However, while it is cozy for the most part, there are bits of the novel that are quite emotional and serious. (Read my full book review for A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping.)
The Pretender by Jo Harkin is one of the best historical fiction novels I have read in a long time. It shines a critical yet entertaining light on things that may or may not have happened during the War of the Roses via the perspective of a boy who grows into a young man over the course of the novel who never knows who he really is aside from what he’s told by those who wield power over him and the world around him. (Read my full book review for The Pretender.)
No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson by Gardiner Harris is a book that will open your eyes to the routine and outright duplicitous practices of one of the best-known, frequently trusted, and largest pharmaceutical companies known today. It will shock you and make you rage and cry and scoff, and then some. By the time you’re done reading it, you will want to tell everyone all about it, as you will feel deeply and ethically obligated to do so. (Read my full book review for No More Tears: The Dark Secrets of Johnson & Johnson.)
House of Monstrous Women by Daphne Fama is a slow-burn gory horror novel that paints a vivid creepy picture that many readers will enjoy. Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who appreciate a slow-burn novel with gory scenes and sapphic undertones. It is a good book to read during the spooky months of the year, as well. (Read my full book review for House of Monstrous Women.)
One Cursed Rose by Rebecca Zanetti is super spicy but also sweet, in a completely toxic kind of way. This is one of the first dark romance novels I’ve read, and I’m not sure how many more I’ll read. I do have a lot to say about this genre now though, so expect a post at some point.
Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang is as thorough as it is entertaining. It offers a perfect blend of scripture and historical context, and is full of much-needed reminders of what Jesus Christ actually did, said, and represents — reminders most of us will find both useful and meaningful. Oh, and did I mention that it’s funny?
A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende is a beautiful, epic, historical fiction novel spanning continents and generations. Allende has a knack for immersing you in historical settings in intimate and vivid ways. Fans of her other works will enjoy this book.
Valley of Genius: The Uncensored History of Silicon Valley by Adam Fisher is a book that is perfect for those who love origin stories, pop culture, and have some ties to or interest in Silicon Valley. If you want to be reminded of where and how the latest tech revolution all began, directly from the mouths of those who lived it, read this book.
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness is the second book in the All Souls trilogy and will keep you turning pages well past your bedtime. It is an ideal read for this time of year. It offers detailed historical context and intrigue, forbidden romance, magic, mystery, blood lust, and more. I can’t wait to read the third book in this series!
See more of my book reviews and what I’m currently reading on Goodreads.
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