Debut authors often bring the most exciting surprises to the literary world, and September 2025 is packed with stories ready to capture readers’ imaginations. This month introduces us to time-traveling actors stumbling into Jane Austen’s world, a murder at a society wedding in Ireland, witches navigating love and power, and a haunting retelling of America’s first witch trial. Here are the most anticipated debut books of September 2025—each novel not only offers a gripping plot but also signals the arrival of writers to watch closely.
The Austen Affair — Madeline Bell
Madeline Bell’s debut novel, The Austen Affair, is a delightfully charming time-travel romance centered on Tess Bright, a struggling actress who lands her dream role in a film adaptation of Northanger Abbey. But Tess’s hopes of reviving her career are complicated by her irksome co-star, Hugh Balfour, a serious British method actor. Sparks fly—just not the romantic kind—until a freak electrical accident sweeps both of them into Regency-Era England.
As Tess and Hugh navigate the strict social codes and candlelit balls of Jane Austen’s world, their forced collaboration gradually turns into unexpected chemistry. The story is witty, fun, and full of homage to Austen’s style—mixing modern sensibilities with period elegance and enemies-to-lovers romance across time. It’s a light-hearted, immersive romp for Austen fans and newcomers alike.
Plot in two lines: A feuding pair of actors on the set of a Jane Austen adaptation are whisked into Regency England, where they must adapt, survive, and—much to their surprise—fall for each other.
A Killer Wedding — Joan O’Leary
Joan O’Leary’s debut A Killer Wedding, arriving September 23, 2025, is a stylish, darkly humorous murder mystery that blends high society glamour with sharp wit. Christine, a fashion magazine writer, is thrilled to attend—and cover—a lavish destination wedding in an Irish castle hosted by the legendary beauty mogul Gloria Beaufort. But the celebration turns deadly when Gloria is found dead on the first morning of the festivities.
As Christine digs deeper, she realizes everyone—from simmering heirs to cryptic staff and a mysterious uninvited guest—could be the murderer. The novel is praised for its clever plotting, twisty suspense, and biting social satire—“a whip-smart whodunit in the vein of Agatha Christie,” all wrapped in dark luxury and family secrets.
Plot in two lines: A fashion journalist covers a high-profile wedding that quickly turns into a murder investigation, peeling back layers of wealth, power, and deceit.
Witch of the Wolves — Kaylee Archer
Witch of the Wolves is Kaylee Archer’s debut romantasy, hitting shelves on September 30, 2025. The story follows 23-year-old Cordelia Levine, a witch living discreetly in Victorian London with her aunt, running an apothecary for the supernatural. Her quiet existence is shattered when she’s abducted by Bishop Danvers—a brooding werewolf—under orders from her estranged father, the Alpha of the Albion Pack.
Cordelia soon learns she’s both witch and werewolf—a rare bloodline coveted by rival packs. As she’s drawn deeper into pack politics, forbidden romance brews between her and Bishop. With tension, sensuality, and unexpected loyalties rising, she must navigate a perilous path where trust is rare and magic is her only defense.
Plot in two lines: A sheltered apothecary witch discovers her werewolf heritage and is thrust into a fraught, passionate world of pack politics and power plays.
The First Witch of Boston — Andrea Catalano
Andrea Catalano’s debut, The First Witch of Boston, published September 1, 2025, is rooted in historical fiction and based on the real story of Margaret Jones, the first woman executed for witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts. The narrative follows Thomas Jones and his outspoken wife Maggie—an herbalist with uncanny insights—who settle in Puritan Charlestown but soon become targets of suspicion.
The novel meticulously evokes mid-17th century New England, exploring how gossip, superstition, and social forces condemn Maggie. It interweaves historical detail—such as practice of witch trials and Puritan ideology—with rich emotional drama, showcasing a bold, complex heroine confronting a relentless, misogynistic society.
Plot in two lines: Set in 1646 Massachusetts, a gifted healer and her husband try to forge a new life, but her reputation and intuition kindle fatal rumors of witchcraft in a judgmental Puritan community.
