New Books Released in August 2025
The Book Guide® is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
August has arrived, bringing with it long, sun-soaked days, vibrant late-summer blooms, and the perfect chance to refresh your reading list with some of the season’s most captivating new releases. As summer reaches its peak across the United States, there’s no better way to soak up the warmth and energy of the month than by diving into stories full of adventure, laughter, and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re unwinding by the pool, savoring a picnic in the park, or curling up for a cozy indoor escape, these August book picks are sure to keep you engaged all month long.
A Diverse Selection of Must-Reads Awaits this August
The Book Guide’ editorial team creates a monthly list of popular new books, based on several ratings. The monthly curated preview of new books covers various genres, including contemporary fiction, historical fiction, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, fantasy, romance, horror, young adult, and nonfiction. This month, three standout titles demand your attention.
First up, Katabasis by R.F. Kuang is a highly anticipated novel from an acclaimed author known for her unflinching exploration of power, mythology, and the human psyche. In this book, Kuang takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through ancient legends and the darkness that comes from venturing into the unknown. Her signature blend of intricate world-building, sharp social commentary, and deeply flawed yet compelling characters ensures that Katabasis will captivate longtime fans and newcomers alike. Expect a mesmerizing story about survival, sacrifice, and the perilous descent into the underworld of the mind.
If you’re seeking a thriller with a haunting emotional core, Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham is the book to pick up. Willingham crafts an immersive, heart-pounding narrative driven by a protagonist grappling with lost memories and a relentless need for answers. Secrets unfold and danger looms as the investigation into a mysterious disappearance pulls her deeper into the shadows of her own mind. With twisty plotting, nuanced relationships, and atmospheric suspense, Forget Me Not will keep you guessing until the very last page.
For fans of witty, character-driven heists with a dash of romance, Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer is an irresistible choice. Maehrer introduces readers to a world where sidekicks and supervillains tangle with expectations—and each other. This novel balances laugh-out-loud humor with clever banter, intriguing schemes, and the unexpected tenderness that can bloom between unlikely allies. If you love stories about finding your place on the wrong side of the law, with sparkling dialogue and plenty of heart, you’ll be charmed by this fresh new take on villainy and partnership.
What to Read This August 2025: Best Book Releases.
August’s new releases bring a thrilling blend of glamour, romance, and suspense—ideal for lingering summer days or warm, cozy nights. Be sure to check out these standout books that will make your summer reading truly unforgettable.
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang
Author R.F. Kuang dives back into the rich, intricate world of literate fantasy with Katabasis, a gripping tale inspired by the ancient Greek idea of a journey into the underworld. Follow graduate student Alice Law as she boldly ventures into hell itself to save her thesis adviser—a mysterious Cambridge professor who met a shocking and unforgettable fate. Kuang weaves an exciting and atmospheric adventure that not only captivates but also offers a sharp and thoughtful critique of the “school of magic” genre and the often harsh realities lurking beneath the surface of academia.
Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
Dive into the latest Southern thriller from Stacy Willingham, the acclaimed author of A Flicker in the Dark. Meet Claire Campbell, a former journalist seeking solace in a summer job at a scenic muscadine vineyard along South Carolina’s coast. Still carrying the weight of her sister’s tragic childhood loss, Claire’s quiet retreat takes a chilling turn when she discovers an old diary with a haunting past. Perfect for fans of Southern mysteries and the rich charm of scuppernongs. And here’s a fun tidbit: Willingham herself calls nearby Charleston, South Carolina, home — adding an authentic touch to this gripping tale.
Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Dive into the enchanting world of Hannah Nicole Maehrer’s latest book, inspired by her wildly popular TikTok series! This third installment in the delightfully quirky and laugh-out-loud Assistant to the Villain romantasy saga follows Evie Sage—the somewhat reluctant right-hand woman to the kingdom’s most infamously wicked villain. Think of it as a magical office comedy packed with all the fun and chaos you could want: tangled workplace politics, crowned frogs causing a stir, mercenary assassins lurking in the shadows, wildly inappropriate crushes on the boss, and a sprinkle of passive-aggressive spells. If you’re craving a fresh, funny fantasy adventure with a twist, this is your perfect next read!.
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Dive into Karin Slaughter’s newest mystery-thriller, where small-town life takes a dark turn through the eyes of Officer Emmy Clifton. Emmy’s a determined cop facing more than her fair share of challenges, and when two teenage girls disappear on the Fourth of July, her search uncovers deep secrets lurking beneath the quiet streets of North Falls. Slaughter’s trademark mix of gripping procedural suspense and rich psychological insight keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Plus, here’s a little bonus: Karin Slaughter is the passionate founder of the Save the Libraries project, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting libraries everywhere—proof that she’s not just a great writer, but a wonderful person, too.
The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis
Get ready for a captivating change of pace! One of this year’s most talked-about debuts, The Hounding, whisks readers away to the eerie 18th-century hamlet of Little Nettlebed, England. This quiet village is no stranger to odd happenings, but the newest mystery has everyone on edge: whispers swirl that the Mansfield family girls are turning into hounds. Is it really witchcraft that threatens the community, or could the rumors themselves be the true menace? Xenobe Purvis’ debut novel masterfully weaves horror, mystery, and allegory into a gripping exploration of community — a story that feels as urgent and relevant now as ever.
When the Cranes Fly South by Lisa Ridzén
Just newly translated into English, Lisa Ridzén’s captivating debut novel has already captured hearts worldwide and earned a treasure trove of awards in Sweden. With a sharp, intimate focus, the story gently follows Bo, an elderly man reflecting on his past, present, and the uncertain days ahead. The tension rises when Bo’s son threatens to take away his cherished elkhound, Sixten. Early readers describe the book as both beautifully moving and bittersweet. If you love dogs, this one’s a heartfelt must-read—don’t forget to give your furry friend an extra hug!
People Like Us by Jason Mott
Building on the success of his acclaimed novel Hell of a Book—which won the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction—North Carolina author Jason Mott invites us once again into a vivid, swirling vision of a world coming apart at the seams. This compelling new story follows two Black writers as they navigate life and creativity in America and Europe, each on their own journey. In Mott’s imaginative hands, time and place flow like liquid, twisting and blending through an alternating timeline that hints at a deeper connection beneath it all. Known for his unique blend of poetic language and sharp humor, Mott also brings back familiar faces for readers who loved his earlier work, making this a captivating read that feels both fresh and warmly familiar.
Love Arranged by Lauren Asher
The third and final chapter in Lauren Asher’s Lakefront Billionaires contemporary romance series, Love Arranged brings us the irresistible and tangled story of Lorenzo Vittori and Lily Muñoz. These two just can’t seem to stay out of each other’s way! With a complicated history between them, their unexpected reunion through a dating app sparks all kinds of drama. Lorenzo’s running for mayor and needs a convincing fake romance to win the public’s favor—because sometimes, relationships of convenience can be surprisingly sweet. Get ready for a story full of unexpected twists, undeniable chemistry, and charming sparks flying!
Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
Lottie Jones has hung up her murderous ways—she’s officially retired from her career as a serial killer. But when an inquisitive documentary filmmaker starts digging into her quiet new life in a small Oregon town, Lottie’s world is about to get a lot more complicated. Though she was cleared of those chilling murders from four decades ago, that doesn’t mean the whispers have stopped—or the truth won’t resurface. From Samantha Downing, the mind behind My Lovely Wife, comes a darkly funny and gripping mystery-thriller that will keep you hooked. And did we mention the cover art? It’s absolutely stunning.
The Witch’s Orchard by Archer Sullivan
Debut author Archer Sullivan, a proud ninth-generation Appalachian native, warmly welcomes readers into the mysterious mountain hollers with a gripping missing-persons cold case. Private investigator Annie Gore is on the trail, tasked with uncovering what happened to two little girls who vanished a decade ago. But in these tight-knit mountain communities, secrets run deep—and the mystery is tangled with local legends and whispers of witchcraft. Luckily, Annie knows these valleys like the back of her hand, and she’s ready to follow every clue to the truth..
High Season by Katie Bishop
Twenty years ago, just six years old, Nina Drayton made history as the youngest person ever to testify in a French murder trial. She bravely recounted the haunting moment when her babysitter drowned her older sister in the shimmering pool of a luxurious mansion. Now, two decades later, with the accused out of jail, a true-crime podcaster begins digging into the past. Following her captivating 2023 debut, The Girls of Summer, author Katie Bishop returns with a gripping dual-timeline mystery that explores how memories can twist and turn — and how the truth might not always be what it seems.
The Dead Husband Cookbook by Danielle Valentine
Step into the world of The Dead Husband Cookbook, this month’s winner of the Most Compelling Book Title award. Follow the intriguing journey of celebrity chef Maria Capello, who skyrocketed to fame and fortune after her husband, the legendary chef Damien Capello, mysteriously vanished. Now, with the buzz building, Maria is ready to share all the secrets in her long-awaited tell-all memoir—and she’s invited editor Thea Woods to her remote farm for the unveiling. But once Thea arrives, things take an unexpected—and truly strange—turn. Dive in, and prepare for a story that’s as deliciously mysterious as it is unforgettable. And here’s a fun bonus: You might recognize author Danielle Valentine from her other pen names, Danielle Vega, Danielle Rollins, or Ellie Rollins.
What Hunger by Catherine Dang
Catherine Dang, known for Nice Girls, is back with a thrilling coming-of-age horror story that perfectly blends teenage angst, deep-rooted generational trauma, and fierce female rage. Meet fourteen-year-old Ronny Nyugen, the spirited daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, navigating a summer full of challenges. With her older brother heading off to college and a complicated relationship with her parents, Ronny’s world feels uncertain. But when a night at a high school party takes an unexpected turn, she’s suddenly overwhelmed by a wild, primal craving for raw meat. Early readers are loving this gripping tale and have been eager to share recommendations for similar books that dive into its powerful themes.
The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown
Beneath a quiet London bookshop lies a hidden world where three members of a secret society have sworn to protect us all from Unknowable Objects—ordinary-looking items with extraordinary and dangerous powers. When a mysterious new artifact emerges in bustling Hong Kong, everything changes in an instant. The secret society’s cover starts to unravel, and suddenly, deadly professionals are on the hunt. Gareth Brown invites you back into this thrilling universe with a fresh standalone adventure, following his acclaimed 2024 novel, The Book of Doors. Get ready for a story full of suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists!
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent
With the fourth installment of her Crowns of Nyaxia series, Carissa Broadbent invites readers to dive back into the enchanting world she first brought to life with her 2022 hit, The Serpent and the Wings of Night. Fans will be thrilled to follow Mische and Asar on their gripping journey toward true divinity, while newcomers can look forward to a rich blend of vampires, gods, magic, and monsters. Expect a tangled web of romance, filled with fiery, unpredictable deities that make every twist and turn impossible to resist.
