Top 10 New Books to Read – July 2025

From cozy fantasy and thrilling mysteries to powerful historical fiction, July 2025 is overflowing with page-turners. Here are the ten hottest new releases to add to your shelf this summer.

1. Stone & Sky by Ben Aaronovitch

Release Date: July 8, 2025 – Urban Fantasy

The 10th entry in the beloved Rivers of London series drops readers into a magical mystery in the Scottish Highlands. Smart, funny, and full of supernatural charm. More info ?

2. The Rabbit Club by Christopher J. Yates

Release Date: July 8, 2025 – Dark Academia Thriller

Secret societies, mind games, and a murder at Oxford. Yates returns with another mind-bending thriller fans of Black Chalk will love. Read more ?

3. Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

Release Date: July 2025 – YA Thriller

A girl investigates her own murder before it happens. Jackson’s latest YA thriller is already topping pre-order charts and Goodreads lists.

4. A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

Release Date: July 15, 2025 – Cozy Fantasy

From the bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this warmhearted story follows a witch who inherits a magical B&B.

5. The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Release Date: July 15, 2025 – Historical Horror

A multigenerational gothic tale steeped in witchcraft and secrets. Think Mexican Gothic meets The House of the Spirits.

6. Grave Birds by Dana Elmendorf

Release Date: July 1, 2025 – Southern Gothic Horror

In a plague-struck Southern town, a vampire family fights for survival. Spooky, atmospheric, and soaked in Southern lore.

7. The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware

Release Date: July 8, 2025 – Crime Thriller

A luxury hotel. A vanished guest. A haunting secret. Ruth Ware brings her signature suspense back to a European setting.

8. This Stays Between Us by Sara Ochs

Release Date: July 15, 2025 – Study-Abroad Thriller

A murder unfolds during a study-abroad program. Secrets, guilt, and betrayal make this an unputdownable beach read.

9. An Inside Job by Daniel Silva

Release Date: July 2025 – Espionage Thriller

Art theft and spy games collide in the latest Gabriel Allon novel. A tense, intelligent thriller with global intrigue.

10. There Will Be Bodies by Lindsey Davis

Release Date: July 22, 2025 – Historical Crime

Ancient Roman sleuth Flavia Albia investigates a chilling locked-room mystery during a deadly festival. Smart and richly detailed.

Bonus Mentions

  • Rose in Chains by Julie Soto – Romantic fantasy from a rising star.
  • A Resistance of Witches by Morgan Ryan – A WWII fantasy debut about rebellion and magic.
  • Sky on Fire by E.K. Johnston – A bold, queer speculative adventure.

Have you picked your next read? Let us know which July release you’re most excited for!

Sources: Goodreads, Locus Magazine, Read With Allison, Times Union, and other verified book blogs.