Hi historical fiction friends!
Anyone else been trying to get all their spooky horror reads in this October? I’ll pick up a horror or thriller book upon occasion year-round, but it’s really October when I try to set my sights on all things haunted and haunting. A little bit of true crime, a little bit of Stephen Graham Jones. Autumn is just the perfect time for it and a good excuse to read some books I might not pick up as often the rest of the year.
Speaking of autumn, this time of year is the perfect time to curl up with a great read and get cozy—whatever your version of cozy looks like. Whether it’s romance, creepy reads, modern classics, or escapist reads you crave, TBR can help you find the perfect books for your fall reading, with options curated to your specific reading tastes. As a former bibliologist, I can confirm that a lot of time and effort is put into finding the perfect reads just for you. So why not sign up today as a little fall treat for yourself or a loved one?
Bookish Goods
Vintage Gothic Romance Bookmarks from La Creeperie
Finally, a fitting bookmark for all your thriller reads. $5
New Releases
Let the Dead Bury the Dead by Allison Epstein (October 17, 2023)
In Imperial Russia, the revolutionary spell of one woman changes the lives of a grand duke, an army captain, and a Koalitsiya lieutenant, and it threatens the lives and peace of an entire nation. Combining history with Eastern European folklore, Epstein paints a thrilling historical tale of forbidden love and revolutionary fervor.
The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng (October 17, 2023)
Based on true events, The House of Doors tells the story of a couple living on the Straits Settlement of Penang when it is visited by author William Somerset Maugham and his secretary, Gerald, as he searches for inspiration for his next book. He finds it in Lesley, whose marriage is more troubled than it at first appears and whose relationship with the revolutionary Dr. Sun Yat Sen is the beginning of a tale far more fascinating than William ever could’ve imagined.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
So far this month we’ve looked at witches and ghosts in historical fiction, but now it’s time to turn our eye on the most horrifying of all monsters: the vampire.
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
Years ago, Nena was attacked by a strange creature that left her all but dead. Now, years later, the United States has invaded Mexico, and rumors of terrifying monsters once again plague the countryside. Can Nena survive them–and the encroaching violence–a second time?
Opium and Absinthe by Lydia Kang
A girl drained of her blood. A new book about a terrifying monster.
After her sister is found dead with two puncture wounds on her neck, Tillie can’t help but think of Bram Stocker’s recently released novel. But vampires only exist in stories, don’t they? With rumors swirling and those closest to her all too happy to keep her in a laudanum-induced haze, Tillie begins to wonder just who–and what–she can trust.
That’s it for now, folks! Stay subscribed for more stories of yesteryear.
If you want to talk books, historical or otherwise, you can find me @rachelsbrittain on Goodreads, Instagram, and Litsy, my favorite bookish social media.
Right now I’m reading Rouge by Mona Awad. What about you?