The Baroness’ Choices of New Books Publishing This Week
2025, Week 42’s New Books
My choices for this week include Young Adult Dystopians, Cozy Mysteries, International Mystery, Police Procedural Mysteries, Cozy Paranormal Mystery, Cozy Holiday Animal Mystery, New Adult Romance, Sweet Royal Romance, Psychological Thriller, Political Thriller, Middle Grade Adventure Mystery, and Young Adult Sweet Romance.
It’s the second week of October already! I can’t believe it. It’s so much closer to Halloween now. Anyway, life here has been a bit crazy with work and fitting in reading time. I am still trying to figure out this ‘adulting’ thing. How’s everything going for all of you?
For this week, I got a longer list for you. Both Jen and I have books on this list on our TBR lists. Be on the lookout for our reviews!
Here are my choices for New Books Publishing Week 42 of 2025!
An Ocean Apart by Jill Tew
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
An electrifying dystopian novel packed with a tantalizing love triangle, gripping political intrigue, and a Bachelor-style competition from the critically acclaimed author of The Dividing Sky, Jill Tew.
Eden Lowell has plenty to be frustrated about. In the flooded Marshes of former Miami, each day is about survival. Even her feelings for her best friend Henry are more complicated than they should be. Luckily, Eden knows exactly who to blame: the Cruisers, corporate elite who sail the world on massive ships instead of facing the environmental crimes they’ve committed on land.
When Eden learns that a Cruiser family is hosting a dating competition for their heir, Theo Desjardins, she seizes an opportunity. Aided by a political agitator known as the Ringmaster, she’ll infiltrate the competition, break Theo’s heart, and then steal his money for the Marshes. A perfect plan, until she gets to know Theo, who’s not only handsome but surprisingly kind.
As Eden drifts deeper down into the Cruisers’ world, the line separating truth and lies becomes murky. Torn between two identities, two loves, and two futures, will she choose the mission, or her heart?
Claws for Concern by Lesley A. Diehl
Maddie Spark Mystery #3
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Maddie Sparks, senior amateur sleuth, sets aside her writing when her son, a defense attorney, is accused of murdering one of his clients, a high school friend and the woman the authorities believe murdered her estranged husband. Although Maddie knows her son is innocent, she also suspects he is hiding something. Before she can confront him, he disappears during the first snowstorm of the season. When he reappears, he is shocked to discover his house has been torched. He confesses he and the murdered woman had been seeing each other. Did the client kill her husband to be with Maddie’s son? To make sense of the murders and the arson, Maddie takes a close look at her son’s friends from high school. Do people change over time, or do they carry their past grievances into the present? In getting to know her son’s friends, she finds that teenage passion can sometimes lead to murder. It’s simply a matter of Maddie determining which friend is hiding a killer’s face.
Death on a Scottish Train by Lucy Connelly
Scottish Isle Mystery #4
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: International Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
Dr. Emilia McRoy, an American in Scotland, has a killer in sight in the fourth installment of the Scottish Isle mystery series, perfect for fans of Paige Shelton and Connie Berry.
Summer is coming to a close on beautiful Sea Isle in Scotland, and Dr. Emilia McRoy is celebrating one year since her big move. With a weeklong festival to end the season, the town gathers for a magical ride on the newly refurbished Storyteller’s Train, but the launch’s success is dampened by an unexpected death.
What appears to be a case of deadly allergies is soon revealed as murder. As Emilia, her assistant Abigail, and the local constable Ewan McGregor unravel the mystery, the killer sets their murderous intentions on them.
If they want to survive, they will need the help of all of their friends—before they become the latest victims.
Dying Cry by Margaret Mizushima
Timber Creek K-9 Mystery #10
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Police Procedural Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
A killer lurks in Colorado’s snowy high country in Dying Cry, the tenth thrilling installment of award-winning author Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mystery series.
Newlyweds Mattie and Cole Walker are teaching Cole’s daughters how to snowshoe in a remote canyon when a shattering scream pierces the air. They know that somewhere ahead, someone has been injured or worse. Cole takes the girls while Mattie and Robo go deeper into the canyon to search for the source of the scream.
From a distance, Mattie and Robo see a shadowy figure at the base of a cliff, but a rockslide buries the person under layers of stone and shale before they can provide help. Desperate to uncover the individual in case they’re still alive under the rock, their efforts are in vain. The victim is already dead. When they investigate the canyon rim from which the person fell, they discover evidence that indicates the fall was no accident. To make matters worse, the victim was one of Cole’s friends.
The Timber Creek County investigative team springs into action, uncovering a trail of greed that leads to a killer who threatens Mattie’s cherished new family and tests her with the most difficult task she’s faced in her duty as a K-9 handler.
Fallen Star by Lee Goldberg
Eve Ronin #6
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Police Procedural Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
A spiraling case of betrayal, corruption, and murder could destroy Eve Ronin if she exposes it in a gripping thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling author Lee Goldberg.
A fifty-five-gallon drum washes up in the Malibu Lagoon stuffed with the corpse of Gene Dent, the key player in a bribery scandal that ensnared several local politicians. LASD detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone know the case―and all the likely suspects―well. Just as they begin their investigation, the sheriff publicly reveals evidence linking the crime to LA’s mayor.
But Eve and Duncan realize the bombshell allegation, true or not, arises from corruption within the sheriff’s own office…because they helped cover it up years ago. If the sheriff goes down, so will they.
Eve is agonizing over her moral dilemma when a helicopter crashes in the hillside below her Calabasas home. It’s not a coincidence. Eve soon discovers among the twisted wreckage and dead passengers shocking connections to her own past…and they lead straight to a fight for her life.
Flamed Out by Valona Jones
Magical Candle Shop Mysteries #5
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Mystery
Supernatural intrigue, a web of lies, and deadly secrets
When a loyal customer begs Tabby Quigsly to look into her uncle’s suspicious death, Tabby can’t say no—even if the police rule it an accident. Dr. Willim Rosemont, a respected psychiatrist, took a fatal tumble down Savannah’s infamous Stone Stairs of Death, but the five people who were with him that night all claim to have seen nothing.
Tabby’s ties to the case run deep—friends, frenemies, and even her husband’s best friend are among the witnesses. Then she uncovers a chilling truth: Rosemont was part of Savannah’s hidden Paranormal Council—the very group Tabby’s been hiding from all her life.
As the August heat rises, so does the pressure. Tabby’s new marriage is reeling from revelations about her husband’s shocking powers, her psychic gifts are spiraling, and the killer is closing in.
Can she unravel the mystery before everything—including her freedom—goes up in flames?
Murder Two Doors Down by Chuck Storla
HOA Homicide Mystery #1
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
Welcome to the Estates at Chestnut Lake, home of perfect lawns, matching houses, and an inconvenient murder or two.
This hilarious and compelling whodunit mystery has the “crime close to home” feel of Only Murders in the Building and is perfect for readers who loved Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect and Finlay Donovan Is Killing It.
Brad Hanson’s life in his suburban Atlanta subdivision is unremarkable. He investigates insurance fraud, which is as dull as it sounds, though if he’s able to get a good bonus this year, his wife, Rhonda, will finally get to have her new kitchen. His highest achievement in life is being secretary and de facto parliamentarian on the homeowners association board, which is the center of all the neighborhood drama.
As frustrating—and heated—as the arguments over tennis court resurfacing and dog droppings may be, much like his subdivision compatriots, Brad would never kill a neighbor, but… he might enjoy thinking about it from time to time. (Who hasn’t?)
When someone murders cranky old Inga Oskarsdotter—a frequent source of complaints to the HOA board—a literal smoking gun turns Brad into the chief suspect. But Brad is not waiting around to be arrested—after all, he is an investigator by trade—and he takes it upon himself to find the real killer. Then the body count starts to rise.
One thing is sure: A murderer on the block is not good for property values.
O, Deadly Night by Vicki Delany
Year-Round Christmas Mystery #8
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Cozy Holiday Animal Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
’Tis the season for mischief and murder in the eighth Year-Round Christmas mystery from national bestselling author Vicki Delany.
It’s Christmastime in Rudolph, New York, which means it’s time for the December Santa Claus parade. This year, shop owner Merry Wilkinson has decided to decorate her float as Santa’s elves’ workshop and invites her landlady, Mabel D’Angelo, to help supervise the excited children playing the elves. But when Mrs. D’Angelo doesn’t show up, Merry begins to worry.
Worry quickly turns into frustration when Mrs. D’Angelo reveals she was delayed by new neighbors moving in. As the center for all things gossip, Mrs. D’Angelo is determined to introduce the new arrivals to the neighborhood. As the days pass, Mrs. D’Angelo notices strange things about the newcomers, but Merry, busier than an elf in Santa’s workshop, has little time for matters that really don’t concern her. But things turn from jolly to downright concerning when Mrs. D’Angelo disappears and Merry is forced to admit that something might be terribly wrong.
With family and friends counting on her during this stressful holiday season, it is up to Merry to make sure this Christmas doesn’t end up wrapped in blood red.
Revolve by Bal Khabra
Off the Ice #3
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: New Adult Romance
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
The road to redemption is far from smooth as ice in this sweeping romance between a figure skater and hockey player from the USA Today bestselling author of Collide.
Sierra Romanova was an Olympian figure skater before a life-altering accident on the ice left her with panic attacks every time she enters the rink. Now, back for her final year at Dalton University, she’s ready to reclaim the spotlight, with all eyes on her…including those of hockey player Dylan Donovan, whose audacious words goad her back into her skates to prove him wrong.
After getting kicked off his hockey team for his reckless behavior, Dylan is left with slim chances of making it to the NHL draft. But Dylan’s whole world revolves around the ice, and if hockey is forbidden, well at least there’s figure skating. Even better, it means more time at the rink with Sierra. Sure, he’s helping her rebuild her confidence, but pushing her buttons along the way? That’s just a bonus.
As the figure skating world awaits Sierra’s comeback, she finds herself in need for a new pairs partner. The only person she knows who can match her skill on the ice is none other than the cocky hockey player who refuses to cut her any slack. Dylan’s a wildcard, Sierra’s a seasoned pro, but together, they might just be the perfect match on the ice.
Royal Replacement by Holly Kerr
Love in Laandia #6
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Sweet Royal Romance
Will being the replacement Suitorette lead to a fairy tale ending for Abigail, or will it become a reality-show nightmare?
When Princess Lyra ditches The Suitorette reality romance show for true love, Abigail finds herself thrown into the spotlight—satin gowns, champagne toasts, and twelve very confused (but ridiculously handsome) suitors included.
A rock star. A hockey player. A prince. Even a billionaire or two. The cameras are rolling, the champagne is flowing, and Abigail is supposed to pick the man of her dreams.
The catch? Most of them signed up for Lyra, not her. And being anyone’s second choice is one role Abigail refuses to play.
Between awkward on-camera kisses, too many roses, and all the chaos a reality show can throw at her, Abigail begins to realize the best plot twist of all: this isn’t just about finding someone to choose her—it’s about learning to choose herself.
And if she’s lucky? She might just walk away with her own happily-ever-after.
Royal Replacement is a sweet, swoony reality romance with a royal twist—part of the Love in Laandia closed-door romantic comedy series. Perfect for anyone who loves rooting for the supporting role to step into the spotlight and become the star.
Sugar and Spite by M.C. Beaton and R.W. Green
Agatha Raisin Mysteries #36
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
Beloved New York Times bestseller M. C. Beaton’s cranky, crafty Agatha Raisin―the star of her own hit T.V. series―is back on the case again.
When a series of deaths within the small Cotswolds birdwatching community begins to unravel her village, Agatha and her team at Raisin Investigators are certain there has been foul play involved. Now, they must dig up decades’ worth of tempestuous relationships and simmering secrets among the birdwatching enthusiasts of the village in order to prevent any further deaths.
But with Agatha’s own relationship with John Glass on the rocks after he is called away on his job as a cruise ship dance instructor, and Sir Charles Fraith now attempting to step into John’s shoes as her lover, Agatha has her work cut out for her.
Agatha will have to break out her binoculars and embrace her bitter side to solve the murders and wrangle the sickly-sweet temptations in her own life. Will she be able to gather all the breadcrumbs and put together the clues before she becomes a sitting duck herself?
Thanks for Muffin by Victoria Hamilton
Merry Muffin Mysteries #8
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon
When Merry Wynter’s festive gala takes a fatal turn, she’ll have to grill her guests to catch a killer . . .
After years of planning and hard work, Merry Wynter was finally ready to host the grand opening gala of the Wynter Woods Center for the Performing Arts. With musicians, entertainers, members of the media and even influencers on the guest list, the event went off without a hitch—until a particularly nasty journalist posted a criticism of the gala and everything Merry was trying to accomplish. Still reeling from the review days later, Merry wasn’t sure what to feel when she discovered the reporter’s dead body on the grounds of Wynter Castle.
With many of her guests staying on at the castle for the weekend, Merry realizes they’ve got a murderer in their midst. Going from celebrating to sleuthing, she discreetly questions each of them, trying to weed out the culprit. She quickly learns that the victim had heated arguments with several of the people at the gala, and it turns out those people were all connected by a tragedy in the past. Certain the killer is among them, Merry will have to unearth the final clue that nails the killer—before the killer decides she’s getting too close . . .
Includes delicious muffin recipes!
The Ravenous Sky by K.D. Kirchmeier
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Dystopian
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | Amazon
In this heart-pounding adventure perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, two teens must venture into the unknown to save humanity from dragon-like monsters.
Thomas and Cassie found hope where the shadow road ended. Now they must forge a future for themselves and their newfound community of people left behind after the blitz ravaged their homes. But the journey ahead is dangerous.
Thomas and Cassie separate, each seeking important clues to the origin of the blitz, while surviving threats at every turn. They must find a way to send the terrifying dragon-like monsters back where they came from. Could answers lie in a mythical world beneath our own?
This post-apocalyptic adventure blends heartfelt friendship with high stakes action in an unforgettable tale of survival against all odds.
The Tarot Reader by Finley Turner
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Goodreads | Bookhype | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
A phony psychic vision goes wrong when a woman unexpectedly finds herself involved in a murder investigation, perfect for fans of May Cobb and Catherine McKenzie.
Twenty-five-year-old Jade Crawford spends her days selling crystals, conducting séances, and reading tarot cards in her shop in Winston-Salem, NC. But her connection to the other side is all a facade. After losing their mother to a terrible accident and their father serving jail time, Jade and her younger sister Stevie do what they can to survive. When a local politician goes missing, Jade sees a lucrative opportunity to drum up new clients and inject some much-needed cash into their pockets.
Jade submits a “psychic vision” to the police tipline only to discover that her shot in the dark is chillingly accurate when the police find the politician’s body. Caught in a media whirlwind, Jade revels in her newfound popularity and success, but she quickly finds herself the target of not only a police investigation but of the killer who is still on the loose.
With stunning suspense that is perfect for fans of Samantha M. Bailey, Finley turns the screws tighter into a taut and thrilling read.
The Tourists by Christopher Reich
Mac Dekker #2
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Genre: Political Thriller
Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon
From the New York Times bestselling author of Matterhorn comes a heart-stopping thriller about a man who returns to a life of espionage to save the woman he loves and the City of Light.
Retired special agent Mac Dekker travels to Paris to propose to Ava Attal, once Mossad’s deadliest operative. After too long, life is good. But before he can propose, Ava leaves the table to take an urgent call. And never returns.
Mac launches a frantic search, spiraling through the city’s brightest and darkest places. People are lying, agents are dying, and he finds himself caught in the crosshairs of CIA shadows and enigmatic assassins while battling a wealthy, ruthless prince planning a truly terrifying act of violence.
With only hours to find Ava and save thousands of lives, Mac’s CIA training kicks in, along with his instincts: Is Ava truly missing, or did she come to Paris on a mission even more secretive than his own?
The Screaming Monkey by Thomas Lockhaven
Ava and Carol Detective Agency #11
Publication Date: October 15, 2025
Genre: Middle Grade Adventure Mystery
A hidden pirate treasure. A legendary artifact. Two teen detectives caught in a dangerous game of secrets and lies.
Join teen detectives Ava and Carol in this action-packed, Nancy Drew meets National Treasure, mystery adventure as they hunt for the legendary Screaming Monkey statue and unearth the secrets hidden on Nantucket.
When Ava and Carol cross paths with celebrity adventurer Sebastian Strong and his film crew, they stumble onto a legend of lost pirate treasure: the Screaming Monkey statue, rumored to have vanished with the shipwreck of the Whydah Gally. But the deeper they dig, the more they realize this isn’t just a ghost story—it’s a deadly game of secrets, betrayal, and hidden treasure.
Armed with forensic science, fearless determination, and the help of quirky characters, Ava and Carol follow clues through Nantucket’s cemetery and a centuries-old schoolhouse. From coded letters hidden in old Bibles to fingerprints and fibers left behind, every piece of evidence brings them closer to the truth—and closer to ruthless enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their legacy.
Perfect for fans of Nancy Drew, Enola Holmes, and fast-paced treasure hunt mysteries, The Screaming Monkey combines history, adventure, and heart in a thrilling page-turner for young detectives and mystery lovers of all ages.
Will Ava and Carol solve the cipher and uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or will the Screaming Monkey claim its next victims?
It’s in the Contract by Jessica Flory
Publication Date: October 17, 2025
Genre: Young Adult Sweet Romance
Goodreads | BookBub | StoryGraph | Amazon | Karen’s Book Review
Callie Carter is NOT running for Homecoming Queen. She just doesn’t have it in her after her boyfriend dumped her and broke her heart. But when her lifelong nemesis, Brielle, gets Callie’s best friend disqualified from the race, Callie’s done playing nice. She’s going to win that crown and finally prove her worth—to Brielle, to her perfectionist mom, and maybe even to herself.
The problem? Brielle’s got a ruthless streak and 200k Insta followers, many of whom attend their school. Callie’s campaign is doomed… unless she can totally switch things up.
Enter Zeke Harris—gamer, loner, and YouTube famous. With a massive subscriber base, Zeke could be Callie’s secret weapon. If Callie could persuade Zeke to help her win “nerd crowd” votes, that could change everything. But Zeke doesn’t do real-life friendships—until his parents threaten to cut him off from gaming unless he proves he can be social. Callie and Zeke strike a deal: she gets his followers, he keeps his consoles. Strictly business.
Callie never meant to fall for Zeke, but there’s something irresistible about his quirky charm and the way he sees the real her. With him, she can breathe, drop the act, be herself. It’s terrifying… and kind of magical. But Callie must keep those feelings—and their contract—hidden. Hanging out with a nerd is one thing. Dating one? Absolutely not.
Well, that’s it for the New Books Releasing Week 42 of 2025
Drop a comment if you like one of the books above or if you have one to recommend.
Thank you for stopping by,
Happy Reading!
Baroness’ Book Trove is an Amazon affiliate, meaning that if you click the link and make a purchase, this blog receives a small percentage of the sale. Mainly, this helps with the cost of the website and a few giveaways.
Leave a Reply