September brought a variety of stories that kept me entertained and on my toes. From psychological thrillers to heartfelt contemporary fiction, this month’s reads spanned multiple genres, and I’m excited to share them with you! Whether you’re into gripping mysteries or heartwarming tales, there’s something for everyone in this month’s lineup.
The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet
This domestic thriller kicks off with a couple swapping houses with strangers to escape their personal lives. What starts as a fresh start turns into a tense, unraveling web of secrets. Fleet does a fantastic job of weaving past trauma with present danger, keeping the suspense alive throughout.
How I Built This by Guy Raz
Taking a break from fiction, this was an inspiring look into the entrepreneurial journeys of some of the world’s most successful businesses. Guy Raz’s storytelling is captivating, and he brings a human element to the trials and triumphs of startup life. If you’re into business and personal growth, this book is packed with valuable lessons.
The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers
A charming and engaging contemporary novel about two people who swap books and, in the process, change each other’s lives. It’s filled with witty banter, emotional depth, and plenty of feel-good moments. A perfect weekend read when you want something lighthearted yet meaningful.
Girl, Unframed by Deb Caletti
This novel is all about mood and atmosphere, with a plot centered on a teenage girl navigating a summer fraught with danger and deception. Caletti’s writing is hauntingly beautiful, and the slow-building tension really pulls you into the story. A must-read if you love character-driven mysteries.
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
A gripping psychological thriller where nothing is quite as it seems. Unger delivers a story filled with secrets and misdirection, set in a small apartment building that seems to hold more mysteries than meets the eye. It’s intense, unpredictable, and perfect for fans of domestic thrillers.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
A slower-paced but emotionally rich story about relationships, love, and the complexities of modern life. Espach creates memorable characters and dives deep into their personal struggles, all against the backdrop of an upcoming wedding. This one’s for readers who enjoy character studies over fast-paced action.
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
A pulse-pounding thriller that had me hooked from the first chapter. McFadden builds tension with every page, keeping you guessing and second-guessing every character’s motives. The plot twists and reveals are done masterfully, making this one of the most exciting books I read this month.
Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score
This romance novel is full of charm and warmth, with plenty of chemistry between the leads. Lucy Score’s characters feel real, and their emotional journey is as engaging as the romantic one. It’s a story about second chances, finding yourself, and, of course, falling in love.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Another thriller from McFadden, The Housemaid keeps you on edge with its unsettling atmosphere and sharp twists. It’s a fast-paced, suspenseful read that grips you from beginning to end. McFadden knows how to create tension, and this book was no exception.
Kill for Me Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
For fans of legal thrillers, this book delivers with courtroom drama, strategic mind games, and a high-stakes murder plot. Cavanagh keeps you invested with a clever storyline and sharp dialogue. It’s one of those books where you’re constantly wondering how everything will unfold.
Such Charming Liars by Karen M. McManus
McManus brings her trademark style of fast-paced mystery and unreliable narrators to this tale of family secrets, lies, and a heist gone wrong. The tension between the characters and the ever-present danger made this a thrilling read. As always, McManus knows how to keep readers guessing.
September Highlights:
This month had a great mix of thrillers and heartfelt stories. The Inmate and Girl, Unframed were standouts for their suspenseful narratives, while Things We Never Got Over brought emotional depth and warmth.
Have you read any of these? Let me know which ones piqued your interest or what books are on your TBR for October!
The Bookish Ashley 
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