What Are We Reading This Fall?

By Rachel Tran | October 13 2025 | Staff Picks

Our Penguin Random House Library Marketing team welcomes the cooler days ahead with these staff picks for fall. What are we reading? Scroll to find out!

Rachel's Pick

“A compelling and sinister modern gothic horror, Orpheus Builds a Girl draws from a harrowing true story about obsession, heartbreak, and control. It’s a perfect pick to kick off the season of scares.”


Maureen's Pick

A Mysterious Death in a Gilded City and a Family's Search for Truth

“As soon as I heard about this new book from Keefe, I had to get my hands on an advanced copy. And, yes, he’s done it again. I tore through this book like a thriller. Come for the writing and mysterious death—stay for the vulnerable, emotional journey of two grieving parents. Long live Patrick Radden Keefe.”


Jen R.'s Pick

A Novel

“This was the perfect vacation read and it will also be great to carry readers or listeners through any fall road trips, holiday travel, or general put-your-feet-up-and-relax reading time! John Grisham’s first-ever whodunit is sure to appeal to a long list of usual suspects at your library—book club members, mystery lovers, and anyone who doesn’t know quite what to read next.”


Sharnell's Pick

“When Jen returns home to prove her father isn’t really dead, she ends up facing something far worse than grief—the forest itself. Creepy, folklore-laced, and brimming with feminist fury, this one’s Midsommar meets Blair Witch in the best way. I’ll be reading with the lights on.”


Miriam's Pick

Public Education and the Future of Democracy

“At once a love letter to teachers and a manifesto, Why Fascists Fear Teachers is thoroughly compelling. Weingarten shines a light on the daily work of public school educators, paying homage to their leadership in the classroom from promoting critical thinking, fostering welcoming environments, and creating opportunities for youth to thrive.”