News  •  21 August 2026

 

September New Books

Winter is over and spring is ahead! Congratulations on making it through the cold, dark months—why not reward yourself with a new book?

James Islington fans can continue to rejoice: Scion is the first book in a thrilling new sci-fi series that features a contract killer assigned to protect a scientist from assassination who finds himself in the crosshairs. Robyn Dennison’s In Plain Sight is a character-driven crime novel that asks whether we can ever truly know what those closest to us are capable of. Nobel Prize-winner Olga Tokarczuk’s Primeval and Other Times, translated from the original Polish by Antonia Lloyd-Jones, is a journey through three generations in the life of a mythical Polish village. Ahead of her brand new memoir arriving in October, Magda Szubanski’s bestselling Reckoning is out in a smaller format. And we have an updated edition of Judith Brett’s political favourite From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage: How Australia Got Compulsory Voting.

Scion James Islington

Book 1 in an electrifying new series by the NYT #1 bestselling author. Scion is a gripping sci-fi thriller in which a contract killer assigned to protect a scientist from assassination finds himself in the crosshairs.

 

‘A high-octane cyberpunk thrill ride.’ Fonda Lee

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In Plain Sight Robyn Dennison

A character-driven crime novel that asks whether we can ever truly know what those closest to us are capable of. Robyn Dennison’s compelling debut crime novel dives into the world of police investigation where finding evidence is only part of the story.

 

‘Shattering, heartbreaking...A devastating novel about guilt, secrecy and love that holds you fast to the page.’ Fiona Hardy

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Primeval and Other Times Olga Tokarczuk

From one the world’s greatest living writers, a fable-like novel charting Poland’s turbulent twentieth century through the life of a mythical village. Rich with the capaciousness and imagination that have brought Tokarczuk to sustained international fame, Primeval and Other Times is yet another treasure for fans and new converts alike.

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Reckoning Magda Szubanski

Now in a smaller format paperback, Reckoning is the book where Magda Szubanski, one of Australia’s most beloved icons, tells her story. She describes her journey from an ordinary suburban childhood, haunted by the demons of her father’s espionage activities in wartime Poland and the ordeal of growing up gay in the 1970s, to the complex dramas of adulthood and unexpected fame.

'A brave and tender book about everything that matters most in life.' Cate Blanchett

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From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage Judith Brett

The lively, fascinating history of compulsory voting in Australia is now in a second edition, featuring new content about the Teal independents and an index. From Secret Ballot to Democracy Sausage is a landmark account of the character of Australian democracy by the celebrated historian Judith Brett.

 

‘This is the story of a young democracy that is unique. A thrilling and valuable book.’ Annabel Crabb

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