Loaded Books of the month
by stewart lochrie
Alright lads, here’s your no-nonsense bloke’s guide to five cracking new books hitting UK shelves this autumn. Real titles, real authors, and exactly the kind of page-turners that’ll have you glued to the sofa with a brew in hand.
The Hallmarked Man — Robert Galbraith (a.k.a. J.K. Rowling)
Out: 2 September 2025
What’s the deal: Strike and Robin are back in another hefty murder mystery — this time with Masonic intrigue, exotic locales like Sark, and that trademark, smoky London vibe. Fans won’t be let down by more of the intricate investigations that made this series a bestseller.
Why you’ll love it: You get classic detective action, proper whodunit drama, and a rich dose of British grit. Exactly the kind of novel you crack open in front of the telly.
The Rose Field — Philip Pullman
Out: 23 October 2025
What’s the deal: The grand finale to the Book of Dust trilogy. Lyra is on a desperate quest for her dæmon across a strange, dystopian world — think Silk Roads, spies, witches and full-on mythic adventure. Pullman’s weighing commerce vs. tradition, with hope in the mix.
Why you’ll love it: It’s epic, visionary and drenched in lore — perfect if you fancy a fantasy punch that’s a bit more grown-up and brims with proper storytelling muscle.
The Macabre — Kosoko Jackson
Out: 9 September 2025
What’s the deal: A fantasy-horror mash-up involving cursed paintings and ancient magic that haunts the British Museum. Think Hereditary vibes, eerie horror, and art that bites back. A proper adult debut about secrets buried in paint.
Why you’ll love it: For those who like their scares with a dash of cultured creepiness, this is a dark, stylish thrill — perfect for autumn chills.
The Drums — Mike Joyce (The Smiths’ drummer)
Out: 6 November 2025
What’s the deal: Joyce tells the untold story of The Smiths, giving the insider’s lowdown with honesty and a wry sense of humour. Expect rock ’n’ roll highs, backstage drama, and emotional undercurrents from one of the band’s own.
Why you’ll love it: If you’ve ever cranked up This Charming Man and thought “what really went on behind the scenes?” — here’s the candid, nostalgic scoop.
Katabasis — R.F. Kuang
Out: Autumn 2025 (exact date TBC)
What’s the deal: A dark academia adventure where grad students embark on a hellish odyssey to save their beleaguered professor. Equal parts Dante and dissertation drama, it digs into academic burnout, death, despair — all wrapped in satire.
Why you’ll love it: It’s clever, unnerving and dips deep into the themes of mental strain with a bold edge — exactly the sort of brainy, edgy drama that sticks in your thoughts.