The book world has been running at a sprint lately, with scandals and prize announcements dominating headlines, alongside a relentless publishing schedule since August. However, as the year winds down, December brings a quieter, yet intriguing, selection of new releases. From Olivia Nuzzi’s headline-grabbing memoir to tales of royal intrigue, outback mysteries, political slang, and an in-depth look into China’s espionage tactics, there’s plenty to captivate readers as the 2025 reading calendar concludes.
Exploring Political Intrigue and Historical Figures
Among the anticipated releases is Dirty Politics: A–Z of Trickery, Treachery and Other Tasty Treats by Macquarie Dictionary. Priced at $19.99, this book offers a sharp compendium of the language that has shaped Australian public life over the past two decades. From terms like “bonk ban” to “virtue signalling soy cap intelligentsia,” it provides a linguistic lens on power dynamics.
The Dark Prince of Melbourne by Ian W. Shaw, priced at $35.99, delves into the life of Joseph “Squizzy” Taylor, a notorious figure in Melbourne’s underworld. Shaw’s narrative follows Taylor’s rise from a pickpocket to a celebrated gangster, painting a vivid picture of his dramatic life and eventual downfall.
Royal Intrigue and Literary Adventures
The Heir Apparent by Rebecca Armitage, available for $34.99, is a sparkling debut that explores royal life through the eyes of Lexi Villiers. Once removed from the royal scene, Lexi is thrust back into the limelight following a family accident, forcing her to reconsider her future and the crown.
In The Endless Sky by Di Morrissey, priced at $39.99, readers are taken on a journey into Australia’s red center. This novel follows a TV presenter and her producer as they uncover the mysteries and dangers of the outback, with the land itself becoming a central character in this tale of adventure and discovery.
Nature, Thrillers, and Memoirs
Botanist Stephen D. Hopper’s Eucalyptus, releasing on December 1 for $39.99, provides a richly illustrated exploration of Australia’s iconic trees. This book combines ecological insights with decades of fieldwork to reveal the complexity and significance of eucalypts in Australian culture and beyond.
Sarah Hall’s Helm, available December 2 for $34.99, offers a unique narrative partially told by the Helm wind itself. This inventive novel explores human attempts to understand and coexist with nature, set against the backdrop of Cumbria’s Eden Valley.
For those seeking a thrilling read, Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino, priced at $34.99, presents a darkly comic thriller about the psychological toll of house hunting. The novel follows Margo’s obsession with securing her dream home, leading her down a path of surveillance and manipulation.
Memoirs and Global Espionage
American Canto by Olivia Nuzzi, priced at $49.99 and releasing December 2, dives into the author’s personal entanglement with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The memoir has already generated significant buzz, promising to dominate discussions with its candid portrayal of political and personal dynamics.
In The Great Heist: China’s Epic Campaign to Steal America’s Secrets by David R. Shedd and Andrew Badger, priced at $27.99, former intelligence officers recount what they describe as the largest organized theft of intellectual property in history. This book sheds light on how China has allegedly reshaped global power through these actions.
Legal Insights and Genre-Bending Fiction
World of War Crimes by Geoffrey Robertson, available December 9 for $36.99, offers a comprehensive guide to understanding war crimes. Drawing on global conflicts and decades of legal expertise, Robertson explains the challenges in holding perpetrators accountable.
Brandon Sanderson’s Tailored Realities, releasing December 9, presents an illustrated collection of short fiction that spans fantasy and science fiction. This collection includes a new novella, Moment Zero, providing both fans and newcomers a glimpse into Sanderson’s storytelling prowess.
Finally, On the Edge by Kate Horan, priced at $34.99 and available December 30, revisits a small-town mystery involving the unsolved death of a teenage girl. As old suspicions resurface, this novel promises to be a gripping addition to any beach bag.
As the year comes to a close, these diverse selections offer readers a chance to explore new worlds, reflect on historical events, and engage with contemporary issues, ensuring that December’s literary offerings are anything but dull.
