Autumn 25 Book Club

Autumn’s here and so is your excuse to stay in with a brilliant book. This season, we’ve rounded up a cracking selection of northern reads that are guaranteed to keep you turning pages long after the kettle’s gone cold. From ghostly goings-on and Madchester mayhem to footballing legends and fiendishly twisty thrillers, there’s no shortage of stories to get stuck into.

So pop on the kettle, grab your comfiest blanket, and prepare to lose yourself in tales that are dark, dazzling, and distinctly northern.

THE WORLDS OF JANE AUSTEN

BY HELENA KELLY

Mark the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with this captivating new book by acclaimed Austen scholar Helena Kelly. The Worlds of Jane Austen offers a fresh and insightful look into the beloved author’s life and legacy, enriched with beautifully crafted illustrations that bring her era to life. Kelly’s engaging and accessible style, combined with the latest scholarly research, reveals just how enduring and relevant Austen’s work remains today. A must-read for devoted fans and newcomers alike. Perfect for curling up with as the nights draw in.

£25. Published by Frances Lincoln. Available from 25th Sept. Preorder here. 

KEEGAN

BY ANTHONY QUINN

An elegant and heartfelt tribute to Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan, this book charts the rise of one of Britain’s first true football superstars. From his modest beginnings at Scunthorpe United to the weighty challenge of leading the England team to glory, the narrative captures both the triumphs and tribulations of Keegan’s extraordinary career. More than just a sports biography, it’s a poignant exploration of brilliance, disappointment, and the enduring hope of fans in search of a messiah.

£14.99. Published by Faber. Available from 28th August. Preorder here. 

SHADOWPLAYERS

BY JAMES NICE

James Nice peels back the layers of myth and mayhem surrounding the rise and fall of Madchester, revealing a truth that’s often stranger than fiction. This is the definitive history of Factory Records, the pioneering label that launched Joy Division, New Order, Durutti Column, and the Happy Mondays into the cultural stratosphere. A vivid portrait of a time when anarchists and entrepreneurs outmanoeuvred bankers, journalists, and gangsters to build one of the most influential record labels in modern music. So, dust off your bucket hat and baggy jeans. This is your backstage pass to the chaos, creativity, and cultural revolution of Manchester at its peak.

£14.99. Published by Faber. Available from 11th Sept. Preorder here. 

CHASING THE DARK: ENCOUNTERS WITH THE SUPERNATURAL

BY BEN MACHELL

Looking for a spooky read to send shivers down your spine this autumn? Times journalist and Leeds lad Ben Machell offers a compelling and meticulously researched exploration of our enduring fascination with the supernatural. Drawing on the archives of paranormal investigator Tony Cornell, Machell examines eerie encounters reported by everyday people, and the investigator’s efforts to separate fact from the fantastical. Measured, rational, and all the more unsettling because of it, this is the perfect read for those who can’t quite dismiss the strange world lurking just beyond our sight.

£22. Published by Abacus Books. Order here. 

THE FINAL VOW 

BY M.W. CRAVEN

The Final Vow is the latest instalment in the Sunday Times bestselling Washington Poe series, celebrated for its dark humour, gritty atmosphere, and deliciously twisty plots. This gripping thriller opens with a jaw-dropping first scene that pulls in both devoted fans and new readers alike, setting the tone for what may be the most twisted ride in the series yet.

The author will be touring Yorkshire this September. Catch him at the Stripey Badger in Skipton on Thursday 25th September at 7 pm, or at Hebden Bridge Library on Sunday 28th September at 5.30 pm.

£20. Published by Constable. Order here. 

CLASSICAL MUSIC PUZZLE BOOK

BY PETROC TRELAWNY

Can you tell your Bach from your Berlioz? Your Mozart from your Mendelssohn? Put your knowledge to the test with this elegant and entertaining journey through the world of classical music, curated by BBC Radio 3’s Petroc Trelawny. Packed with beautifully designed puzzles, quizzes, and fascinating facts, this book explores everything from legendary composers and iconic concert halls to beloved symphonies and hidden gems. Whether you’re a lifelong classical fan or a casual Radio 3 or Classic FM listener, this charming collection offers a delightful mix of challenge and discovery.

£15.99. Published by Quarto. Available from the 9th Oct. Preorder here.