Books to watch out for in 2025

Update your TBR list with new thrillers, fantasy and memoir

KARACHI/SLOUGH:

'Mother Mary Comes to Me'

Arundhati Roy steps into the realm of memoir with Mother Mary Comes to Me, an intimate exploration of love, loss, and legacy. Written in the aftermath of her mother Mary Roy's passing in 2022, the book is expected to offer a deeply personal look at the life of the woman who profoundly shaped Roy's own journey as a writer and activist.

Mary Roy, a fearless educator and social reformer, was fictionalised in The God of Small Things, and her influence has long echoed through Roy's work. In this memoir, Roy takes on their complex relationship, the shared history they navigated, and the ways in which grief has redefined her sense of self. Scribner describes the book as "astonishing, often disturbing, and surprisingly funny," promising an honest and evocative narrative that spans Roy's early years in Kerala to her present life in Delhi. Known for her poetic prose and razor-sharp political commentary, Roy brings the same lyrical intensity and emotional depth to this memoir that have made her fiction and essays so compelling. Mother Mary Comes to Me will be released on September 4.

'The Emperor of Gladness'

Ocean Vuong's upcoming novel, The Emperor of Gladness, is a poignant meditation on second chances, memory, and the unexpected ways in which human connections can change us. At the heart of the story is Hai, a troubled teenager struggling with deep despair, and Grazina, an elderly widow facing the early stages of dementia. When their paths cross in a moment of crisis, Grazina becomes an unlikely lifeline for Hai, and in turn, he becomes her caregiver. Over the course of a year, their relationship deepens, filled with moments of tenderness, miscommunication, and mutual discovery.

Themes of care, identity, and resilience take centre stage in what promises to be one of Vuong's most heartfelt works yet. One of Vuong's strong suits is his melodic writing on grief and healing and this is an expectation readers can have of this upcoming novel. The Emperor of Gladness will be published on May 13.

'Never Flinch'

Stephen King returns to the world of Holly Gibney with Never Flinch, a new detective thriller that combines King's knack for psychological tension with his trademark social commentary. This time, Holly finds herself entangled in two urgent cases: one involving a vengeful serial killer who promises to claim thirteen innocent lives and one guilty, and the other centred on a women's rights activist being harassed by a relentless stalker.

As Holly juggles both investigations, she's drawn deeper into a web of obsession, justice, and fear. King has never shied away from exploring contemporary issues, and Never Flinch takes on the battleground of reproductive rights, revisiting themes he first touched upon in 1994's Insomnia. With his blend of heart-pounding suspense and rich character development, King is all set to bring a gripping tale of the anxieties of modern America on May 27.

'Katabasis'

Following the massive success of Babel, RF Kuang returns with Katabasis, a novel that blends dark academia with mythic adventure. The story follows Alice Law, a brilliant Cambridge scholar of Magick, who embarks on a perilous journey into the depths of Hell to retrieve her late professor. As per Esquire, the book has already been described as "Dante's Inferno meets Susanna Clarke's Piranesi," promising an intoxicating blend of philosophical reflection and immersive world-building.

As Alice ventures deeper into the underworld, she must confront both literal and metaphorical demons, uncovering unsettling truths about the nature of power and knowledge. Kuang's meticulous attention to historical and cultural detail, combined with her gift for storytelling, ensures that Katabasis will be a rich, layered experience. The novel's physical release will feature stunning stencilled edges and illustrated endpapers, reflecting the grandeur of the story within. Katabasis will hit shelves on August 26.

'Authority: Essays'

In Authority, Andrea Long Chu takes a sharp, often irreverent look at the concept of expertise in an age where everyone claims to have an opinion. Across more than 20 essays - some previously published, others brand new - Chu interrogates the cultural forces that shape authority and influence. Whether analysing the enduring appeal of The Phantom of the Opera or questioning the literary motives behind A Little Life, Chu's writing is incisive, witty, and unafraid to challenge conventional wisdom.

Fans of Chu's previous work will find much to admire here, as Authority continues her tradition of blending humour with rigorous critique. Authority: Essays is slated to release on April 8.

'Blob'

In Maggie Su's debut novel, Blob, twenty-something Vi Liu is drifting through life when she stumbles upon a mysterious creature with the ability to shape-shift. What starts as a whimsical distraction soon becomes something more complicated, as Vi molds the blob into her ideal boyfriend, confronting deeper questions about her identity and emotional needs. Blending humour with genuine emotional insight, Su's debut is a unique coming-of-age story that speaks to the challenges of modern life and self-acceptance. Blob will be released on January 28.

'The Hallmarked Man'

Cormoran Strike fans, this is your year. After a gap of two long years, Robert Galbraith, better known as JK Rowling, will deliver the eighth instalment of the private detective's adventures this September. With an explosive romantic cliffhanger having floored readers in the seventh book (The Running Grave), the stakes are higher than ever as Strike and his partner Robin return to solve their most challenging case yet.

As with the Harry Potter books, each Strike addition swells in length, delving deep into his and Robin's psyche until you know them both like the back of your hand. Those who are new to the series have ample time to catch up beginning with book 1, Cuckoo's Calling. A grumpy one-legged private detective, a brainy, beautiful partner who all women will be able to relate to, and the most ingenious murders ever to take place across London and beyond – what more could a reader want? If you want to get truly immersed in fiction, this mixture of crime, humour and the slow-burn will-they-won't-they will keep you hooked, revealing new details upon every re-read. The Hallmarked Man will be released on September 9.

'Great Big Beautiful Life'

Chick-lit lovers, this one's for you. Emily Henry is back with a dazzling, sweeping new novel, Great Big Beautiful Life, which sees two writers, Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson, competing for the chance to tell the story of the reclusive tragic heiress, Margeret Ives. Intrigued yet? Naturally, Margaret invites them both to listen to her tale – but craftily only shares small, separate segments of her life. The problem? Thanks to a non-disclosure agreement both Alice and Scott have signed, neither is allowed to share what the other has.

Those who have already fallen under Henry's spell will know that whichever trimmings she dresses up her novels with, at the heart lies a simple love story with hilarious rising tension and revelations that will remind you why you fell in love with chick-lit in the first place. For pure escapist entertainment, look no further. Great Big Beautiful Life is scheduled to be released on April 22.