The third Thursday of every November is World Philosophy Day. That means today, November 20th, is the day to celebrate. We list a wide variety of philosophers here on Book Notification, from Aristotle to Immanuel Kant to Karl Marx. Even if you disagree with what you are reading, philosophy helps open our minds to new ideas and that is never a bad thing. Speaking of new ideas, let’s check out today’s new books.
Rat Town Blues by Brian Kaufman (Slag Ferguson Series)
Rat Town Blues by Brian Kaufman follows Mark “Slag” Ferguson, a tough ex-boxer turned bartender who takes on side work as an unlicensed private investigator to make ends meet. When the mysterious Kelly Mason hires him to look into her husband’s suspicious behavior, Slag expects a straightforward case of blackmail. What he finds instead drags him into a world far darker than he imagined.
Set in a gritty near future where survival means constant hustling, Slag learns that some streets hide more than trouble. They conceal corruption, violence, and the cost of conscience. As he chases the truth through the city’s shadows, he is forced to confront not only the people exploiting others but also his own fading morality. In *Rat Town Blues*, every choice has a price, and for Slag, the cost may be his soul.
Seas & Greetings by Christina Berry (Merry Mermaids Series)
In Seas & Greetings by Christina Berry, a rookie paramedic’s Christmas takes an unexpected turn when he’s called to rescue a “mermaid in distress” and meets a quirky, accident-prone bartender who captures his heart. What starts as a bizarre emergency quickly turns into a holiday romance filled with humor, heat, and island charm. As sparks fly between the tattooed hero and the mischievous mermaid, they discover that love can be just as unpredictable as the sea. This festive small-island romcom launches the Merry Mermaids Series, blending high tides, holiday cheer, and plenty of heart.
His Double Life by AJ Carter
His Double Life is a new domestic thriller by AJ Carter. The story follows Mia, who begins to question everything she believes about her seemingly perfect boyfriend after receiving an anonymous warning that he is living a lie. As she watches him more closely, ordinary moments twist into unsettling clues that shake her trust and leave her wondering who he really is. Each new secret pushes her deeper into fear while the threat around her grows. With danger closing in, Mia must uncover the truth before the man she loves becomes the person she has every reason to fear.
Mayhem Beneath the Mistletoe by Sandra Sookoo (Kourier and Ives Series)
The Kourier and Ives Series continues with Mayhem Beneath the Mistletoe by Sandra Sookoo. Caroline Ives and Major Felix Kourier’s hesitant courtship collides with a new mystery during the London Christmastide season. Caroline wants a future with Felix, but he hesitates even as he enjoys her sharp mind and warm affection. Their romantic progress halts when a peer is found dead on the steps of St. Paul and the case strikes close to Felix’s heart. As they investigate through holiday festivities and rising danger, the pair must stay ahead of a determined killer if they hope to secure both justice and their growing love.
Here is a list of all of the new books releasing today:
New Book Releases for November 20th, 2025
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vince is the Entertainment Editor at Book Notification. His first book was Green Eggs & Ham by Dr. Seuss, and his passion for reading took off from there. He'll read just about anything, but can usually be found re-reading his favorite Pynchon novels and Seattle Mariners box scores.