Thrills, history, and heart…
As Autumn rolls in, the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, September feels like the perfect month to curl up with a story that transports you. This month’s RealSAM Accessible BookClub selections take you from a remote island retreat to the streets of ancient Pompeii, and finally, to a London train platform full of unexpected friendships. Join RealSAM BookClub and access more than 45,000 audiobooks for every occasion.
September Pick 1 is a psychological thriller!
The Retreat by Sarah Pearse
If you’re in the mood for a slow-burn psychological thriller, Sarah Pearse’s The Retreat delivers. Set on a remote island off the Devon coast, what begins as a luxurious wellness escape quickly turns dark when a guest is found dead.
Detective Elin Warner is called in to investigate, but beneath the island’s calm surface lie secrets, tragedies, and dangerous motives. With its gothic setting, tense atmosphere, and simmering character dynamics, this is a perfect autumn listen for fans of suspenseful crime dramas.
September Pick 2 is historical fiction!
Pompeii by Robert Harris
Robert Harris’s Pompeii is a gripping historical thriller that combines rich detail with page-turning drama. Following Attilius, a young Roman engineer sent to repair a vital aqueduct, the novel builds towards the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79.
As Attilius uncovers corruption and strange signs of disaster—sulphur in springs, dead fish, tremors—the tension grows. Harris masterfully evokes Roman life while capturing the dread of a natural disaster no one is ready for. Equal parts history lesson and thriller, Pompeii is as immersive as it is unforgettable.
September Pick 3 is feel-good fiction!
The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley
For something lighter but equally rewarding, Clare Pooley’s The People on Platform 5 is a heartwarming, feel-good novel about strangers who commute together daily on a London train. When one small act of kindness breaks their routine, connections begin to form, slowly changing each of their lives.
Funny, warm, and uplifting, this novel celebrates community, empathy, and the extraordinary found in ordinary moments. It’s an ideal September read—gentle, hopeful, and a reminder of the unexpected joy in everyday encounters.
Join BookClub today!
This month’s books span three genres—psychological thriller, historical drama, and contemporary feel-good fiction—each with something unique to offer. Whether you’re drawn to dark mysteries, ancient history, or uplifting stories of human connection, September’s picks promise to spark meaningful discussion.
Join the RealSAM Accessible BookClub community here and share your thoughts on this month’s reads!
