New Notable Books to Explore This Autumn

Among the highlighted works is Polly Barton's debut, *What Am I, a Deer?*, which explores themes of reinvention and romance, set against the backdrop of karaoke. Hannah Mathewson's *The Age of Blood and Magic* combines elements of billionaire culture, vampires, and a fierce succession conflict. *Lost Lambs* by Madeline Cash tells the story of three sisters drawn into a dangerous obsession with a corrupt billionaire. Meanwhile, debut author Madeleine Dunnigan presents *Jean*, a queer coming-of-age narrative set in a 1970s boys' boarding school. Asako Yuzuki, known for the viral success of *Butter*, returns with *Hooked*, a disturbing look at friendship and obsession.

Non-fiction also features prominently this year, with Belle Burden's memoir *Strangers* detailing her marriage's dissolution after infidelity. Patrick Radden Keefe, recognized for *Empire of Pain*, investigates the mysterious death of a young man in *London Falling*. Caro Claire Burke's *Yesteryear* critically examines the trad wife phenomenon.

Looking ahead, readers can anticipate Barbara Kingsolver's *Partita*, her first novel since *Demon Copperhead*, along with new entries in Sarah J. Maas's *A Court of Thorns and Roses* series, set to release in October and January 2027.

The IndyBest team evaluated numerous new titles to identify worthwhile reads. Among their top picks is *Yesteryear* by Claire Caro Burke, praised as the best overall; *The Age of Blood and Magic* by Hannah Mathewson, recognized as the best debut; Lori Inglis Hall’s *The Shock of The Light*, celebrated as the best historical fiction; and Madeline Cash's *Lost Lambs*, noted as the best family saga.