The best new books out in August

This heart-racing young adult horror, reminiscent of the film Get Out, sees a reckless ouija board session unleash a murderous presence at a private school party.

Published on 1 August

If, like me, Red, White and Royal Blue is one of your favourite romance novels (if you haven’t yet seen the film adaptation, you really should), then you need to check out the author’s newest release. McQuiston is back with another irresistible, inclusive romance, as two bisexual exes embark on a European hookup competition to prove that they are really over each other.

Published on 6 August

After reading and loving four of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s books so far, I’ve decided that I will read anything she writes. The author of Mexican Gothic now tells a dark tale of envy and entitlement set amidst the ruthless glamour of Golden Age Hollywood, as two ambitious actresses clash over who should play Salome in a big budget movie.

Published on 6 August

From the celebrated author of 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World comes a meditation on love, loss, and memory centred around three characters living on the banks of the River Thames and the River Tigris.

Published on 8 August

Looking for a page-turning summer read? This is a perfect option. When a group of colleagues heads out on the first night of their corporate retreat, everyone drinks too much. People say – and do – things they regret. And the next morning, one of the team is missing.

Published on 8 August

As a teenager I inhaled Rainbow Rowell's novels (I still think about Eleanor & Park), so when I discovered she's written her first novel for adults I couldn't be more excited to dive in. In Slow Dance, Shiloh and Cary are two former school best friends, who everyone, apart from Shiloh and Cary would end up together. Now 14 years since they last spoke, Shiloh is invited to an old friend's wedding, and can't help but hope she'll run into Cary.

Lady Macbeth is the third Ava Reid book I’ve read, and it was no doubt my favourite. Channelling the dark magic at the heart of one of Shakespeare's most intriguing anti-heroes, this reimagining of Lady Macbeth is full of witchcraft and deadly power games. Not to worry if you’re not the most familiar with Shakespeare – this retelling has its own intriguing identity, full of dark schemes, supernatural elements, and a touch of romance.

Published on 13 August

Inspired by the Greek myth of Eros and Psyche, this young adult novel from the author of The Lies We Sing to the Sea finds Eirene determined to keep her sister Phoebe from the amorous attentions of Leandros. Eirene strikes a bargain with Leandros: if she can complete the four elaborate tasks he sets her, he will find another bride. But it soon becomes clear that the tasks are part of something bigger.

Published on 15 August

From the bestselling author of Gwen and Art are Not in Love comes a witty queer romcom featuring Robin Hood's granddaughter and her annoyingly cheerful, yet strangely alluring kidnapee.

Published on 15 August

In this fantasy novel, the daughter of a powerful but disgraced Blood Worker has spent her entire life perfecting her blood magic, building her network of spies, and gathering every scrap of power she could. Now, to protect her brother, she assassinates their father and takes her place at the head of the family. And that is only the start of her revenge.

Published on 15 August

From the author of Our Stop and Love Struck comes a romcom perfect for the beach, as highly-strung Flo finds herself thrown together with her brother’s irritating best friend on a family holiday in Greece.

Published on 15 August

This third, college-set instalment in the Maple Hills romcom series finds introverted and intelligent Halle struggling to focus while tutoring academically struggling Henry.

Published on 27 August

In Hallett's latest novel an art student winds up dead and suspicion falls on their dysfunctional classmates. It spins another intricate mystery where a close reading of all the evidence is essential – I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the unique format of Hallet’s books and can’t wait to dive into this latest release!

Published on 29 August

The beloved author of The Midnight Library and How to Stop Time returns with another inspiring novel of wild adventure and deep transformation. When retired Maths teacher Grace is left a run-down house on a Mediterranean island by a long-lost friend, she arrives with no plan. Searching for answers about her friend’s life and how it ended, she uncovers something stranger than she could have dreamed.

Published on 29 August

Brimming with forbidden romance and dark magic, this fantasy romance adventure finds a fae and a mysterious war hero thrown into a monstrous world of ancient books. The atmosphere and characters were my favourite part of this story – if you’re a fan of books with a gothic, academic setting then this is a great one to dive into.

Published on 29 August