The days are getting shorter and darker, but when it comes to books, this autumn has never looked brighter. Bookworms are in for a treat as a bumper crop of books are hitting the shelves over the coming weeks. So put your box-sets aside and charge up your Kindle/make space on your bed side.
Here are eight top picks...
1. Us by David Nicholls
We've waited patiently and finally we're rewarded. The author of the multimillion bestseller One Day has returned with his new novel Us. The story centres around a relationship again, but this time it's about a married couple trying to hold onto love and romance. Their son has grown up and is leaving home and the couple embark on one last road trip to Europe together. But will it be enough to save their marriage? Us was long listed for this year's Booker Prize. We can't wait to get stuck in.
2. All Fall Down by Jennifer Weiner
We loved the bestsellers Good In Bed and In Her Shoes, which was made into a movie starring Cameron Diaz and Toni Colette. Now American chick-lit author Jennifer Weiner has returned with another pacy hit, tackling the dark side of addiction and rehab. All Fall Down centres around 30-something Allison who's life appears perfect on the surface, but she has a secret. She's addicted to painkillers and finds her world spiralling fast out of control. A compelling read.
3. Not That Kind of Girl by Lena Dunham
"If I could take what I've learned and make one menial job easier for you, or prevent you from having the kind of sex where you feel you must keep your sneakers on in case you want to run away during the act, then every misstep of mine was worthwhile." - says feminist icon and creator of Girls. The much-hyped collection of essays or 'dispatches from the frontlines', from 28 year old Lena Dunham is set to be at the top of our reading lists this autumn. Covering the terrain of sex, relationships, this is a intelligent, honest and funny take on twenty-somethings issues.
4. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters
Author of spine-tingling novels The Fingersmith, The Night Watch and The Little Stranger, this latest read will NOT disappoint. The story is set in London in 1922 and society is in the grips of change after the First World War. An impoverished widow Mrs Wray and her spinster daughter Frances live in a large house in south London. They take in lodgers to help pay the bills and the gripping story unfolds. Be warned, you will not be able to put this book down.
5. Vivienne Westwood by Vivienne Westwood and Ian Kelly
The co-creator of punk, fashion designer and political activist, Vivienne Westwood is a living legend. Now the doyenne of British fashion has shared the story of her fascinating life in a personal memoir. The arresting cover shot is by fashion photographer Juergen Teller. This autobiography journeys through Vivienne's life and includes contributions from her friends, family and collaborators. It's a must-read for fashionistas.
6. The Bone Clock by David Mitchell
Best known for his futuristic novel Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell is renowned for his mastery of big, ambitious ideas, his creation of totally unique and original characters and his ear for language, cultures and different time zones. The author returns with a sci-fi, fantasy novel that is described as a metaphysical thriller. "One drowsy summer's day in 1984, teenage runaway Holly Sykes encounters a strange woman who offers a small kindness in exchange for 'asylum'." It's dazzled reviewers across the globe and we can't wait to get stuck in.
7. Trust in Me by Sophie McKenzie
Crime and teen fiction author best known for Girl Missing has a chilling new psychological thriller. "Julia has always been the friend that Livy turns to when life is difficult. United fifteen years ago by grief at the brutal murder of Livy's sister, Kara, they've always told each other everything. Or so Livy thought. So when Julia is found dead in her home, Livy cannot come to terms with the news that she chose to end her own life". Trust us, you'll be reading this through the night...
8. The Monogram Murders by Sophie Hannah and Agatha Christie
One of the world's best known detectives Hercule Poirot, has come out of retirement in a new novel by bestselling crime fiction writer Sophie Hannah. The author was given permission by the family of Agatha Christie to bring back her best loved created Poirot. Once again the detective is plunged into unravelling the puzzle of a murder mystery, set in 1920s London.
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