Snuggling up with a good book on a crisp fall afternoon is the epitome of relaxation. The feeling of being wrapped in your favourite blanket, surrounded by the warmth and coziness of the season, is unbeatable. And if that’s not enough, having your loyal companion snuggle up beside you only adds to the bliss. However, as much as I’d love for my furry friend Beau to join me for a reading session, he usually only deigns to do so when he wants attention or treats! As a result, I’ve decided to share my autumn reading list with fellow book enthusiasts and fall aficionados. These carefully curated titles are sure to delight anyone who loves the season as much as I do.
Fall Reading List Suggestions
As I approached the end of my fall reading list recommendations, I was hesitant to dive into Christmas and winter-themed books just yet – that deserves its own dedicated blog post. Instead, I decided to hold off on the holiday cheer for now and focus on sharing some fantastic autumn reads with you. If you enjoy these picks, please don’t hesitate to let me know in the comments below, and who knows, maybe we can even start a virtual book club of our own!
The Year of The Witching by Alexis Henderson
In Alexis Henderson’s enchanting novel, The Year of the Witching, a potent blend of dark magic, feminism, and rebellion against societal norms takes center stage. Immanuelle’s community is beset by a rigid faith that suffocates individuality and encourages submission to the status quo. However, this stifling atmosphere is shattered when Immanuelle ventures into the forbidden woods, a realm where secrets are revealed, power is unleashed, and her restless spirit finds solace.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
The mesmerizing opening scene of Erin Morgenstern’s The Night Circus is sure to captivate readers from the very first chapter. With protagonists who are magicians themselves, the tale unfolds as two taboo lovers meet and engage in a thrilling game of love, leaving readers yearning for more. As their story progresses, it naturally raises questions about the true nature of their relationship, fostering an insatiable desire for adventure and the unknown.
Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
In the captivating world of The Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin, readers are only just beginning their journey, as this is the first installment in a series. This means that if you find yourself enthralled with the story, there are still more tales to come! Furthermore, the book is packed with an array of enchanting elements, including magic, romance, witchcraft, and forbidden love – all of which will keep you spellbound until the morning light.
The Lady Sherlock Series by Sherry Thomas
This autumn, if you’re looking for a thrilling mystery series to devour, look no further than Sherry Thomas’ The Lady Sherlock series. As Charlotte Holmes navigates the treacherous landscape of accusations and unexpected deaths within her own family, she must use her remarkable detective skills to clear their names and bring justice to those who have been wrongfully taken from this world. With five books to immerse yourself in, you’ll be hooked from start to finish.
The Whisper Man by Alex North
In the midst of a spine-tingling autumn atmosphere, where the leaves rustle with an unsettling ferocity and the air is heavy with the promise of mystery, a town’s deepest fears are rekindled. As a notorious serial killer begins to claim new victims, brothers Tom and Jake Kennedy find themselves entangled in a desperate quest to uncover the truth behind the sinister figure known only as ‘The Whisper Man’.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
As the spooky season draws to a close, I’m thrilled to share a series of first books that will keep you enthralled long after Halloween is over. The Truly Devious series, for instance, boasts four installments that can be devoured in quick succession, with each book presenting a new and intriguing mystery to solve. At the heart of this series lies a sinister kidnapper who taunts his victims’ families by signing his cryptic riddles with the enigmatic phrase ‘Truly, Devious’. As the stakes escalate and lives hang precariously in the balance, our story hurtles into a gripping manhunt to unravel cold cases and prevent any further tragedies. With each twist and turn, the tension builds, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
The Accident Season by Moira Fowley-Doyle
October’s eerie atmosphere might bring chills for many, but for Cara, it’s a time of unsettling revelation. As she uncovers the long-buried secrets that have led to a string of tragedies in her family’s past, her relationships with those around her will take on a new level of clarity. In fact, if you’re looking for a compelling autumn read, ‘The Accident Season’ by Moira Fowley-Doyle is an absolute must-add to your list.
Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
On the island of Sawhill Rock, a dark history has unfolded over the decades, shrouded in mystery and terror. The countless disappearances of girls have been met with silence and resignation, as if the evil force behind these vanishings was an unassailable entity. However, fate intervenes when the lives of three young girls intersect, setting them on a collision course with the malevolent presence that has haunted their island home for so long. For fans of autumnal storytelling, Claire Legrand’s Sawkill Girls is a gripping and unsettling read that will keep you enthralled until the very end. If you’re looking for more great books to devour this fall, be sure to check out our list of must-reads.
Rebecca by Daphne DuMurier
In the autumnal atmosphere of Rebecca’s world, a sense of foreboding settles over the lives of its characters. As Rebecca, the protagonist, finds herself swept up in a whirlwind romance with a widower, she becomes entangled in his life and moves into his estate. However, her presence only seems to stir up the lingering spirit of his late wife, who refuses to rest easy. The ghostly presence grows increasingly resentful as Rebecca tries to make a place for herself in the man’s life, threatening to destroy their budding relationship and leaving them all wondering: what lies beyond the boundaries of mortal love?
The October Country Stories by Ray Bradbury
As the witching hour approaches on Halloween night, there’s no better way to set the tone than with a collection of spine-tingling tales that’ll leave your guests shivering in their seats. For a party that’s sure to be remembered for years to come, look no further than this chilling compilation of stories that explore themes of possession, murder, and even canine connections to the underworld. With Ray Bradbury’s The October Country Stories at the top of your reading list, you’ll be well on your way to crafting an evening that’s equal parts eerie and unforgettable.
The Lake House by Kate Morton
As the cold case of her brother’s disappearance reached nearly 60 years old, Alice’s thoughts remained fixated on the individual she suspected was responsible. Her life took an unexpected turn when a young detective’s curiosity led them to explore the very estate where her brother vanished from all those years ago. As they delved deeper into the property’s dark past, their lives became inextricably linked, uncovering a history that was as unsettling as the day of his disappearance. Meanwhile, I highly recommend adding Kate Morton’s ‘The Lake House’ to your fall reading list. In fact, why not pair it with some bookstagram-worthy moments and thought-provoking captions? Happy reading!