
Pick up the best reads of the new season with Waterstone’s round-up of the best books for October.
Crime fiction
Midnight and Blue by Ian Rankin (£12.50) - out on October 10. Legendary crime novelist Ian Rankin is back with the 25th page-turning installment of the Inspector Rebus series. This time, the retired detective is drawn into the dark underworld of Edinburgh to face one of his most challenging cases to date.
Historical fiction
The Map of Bones, by Kate Mosse (£22) - out on October 10. The final instalment of the sweeping Joubert Family Chronicles spans two centuries, from 1688 to 1862.
Children’s literature
Christmas at Hogwarts, by JK Rowling (£16.99) - out on October 15. This beautifully illustrated book, with text drawn from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and magical artwork by Ziyi Gao, makes the perfect Christmas gift for young Harry Potter fans.
Poems
Paper Boat: New and Selected Poems 1961-2023, by Margaret Atwood (£25) - out on October 10. Spanning six decades of work, this volume traces the legacy of one of the most revered authors and poets of contemporary literature, bringing together all her most vital poems in one volume.
Politics
Unleashed, by Boris Johnson (£30) - out on October 10. The controversial Conservative and former PM Boris Johnson reflects on his turbulent premiership, from Brexit to Covid and beyond.
Science and nature
England: A Natural History, by John Lewis-Stempel (£25) - out on October 3. From rugged coastline to ancient moors, national parks to picturesque villages, the acclaimed naturalist weaves an elegant history of England.
Food & drink
What I Ate In One Year, by Stanley Tucci (£20) - out October 10. The award-winning actor and author of Taste shares the importance of food in his life and takes readers through a year eating at home, on film sets, with friends or – occasionally – on his own.