The Best Books to Read During Fall
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If you can’t tell by my general vibe and aesthetic, fall is my absolute favorite season, so of course, I had to list out some of my favorite fall reading options.
Living in Florida, I definitely have a weird experience with Fall. Fall and our version of Winter are really the height of tourism season here, so while I don’t get any leaves falling or trees changing color, I do tend to mark the occasion with the glorious changing of the license plates on the road. Plus, on very special days, it may even drop below 80.
When it comes to my own personal book recommendations for autumn-themed books, you can get me with anything that involves witches. Maybe it’s just my own dream of hoping one day I would wake up with magical powers… Or maybe it’s just that I would like to no longer have to clean my house.
Of course, everyone has their own vibe for fall, whether you’re a classic horror fan or you prefer to break out a cozy mystery series, it’s time to grab your fall reading list and find your next favorite book.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
If you know me at all, of course, I have to start out with a classic for my fall reading list. Something about these gothic mysteries will absolutely put me in a fall mood. This feels very much like a haunted house type of story, and something about it really sucks you in. If you want to listen to a full deep dive into this story, make sure to check out Rebecca on the Barely Bookish podcast.
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
Fall really is the perfect time to settle in for a witchy rom-com. Of course, this is also featured in my Best Books About Witches post, which is very on-brand for me. Maybe it’s just that I am obsessed with fall, but I will honestly never turn down a witchy book or a vampire book. If I do, something is WRONG.
This book was on my TBR forever before I finally got to read it, and I am so glad I did. It’s got a perfect hint of spice that works itself into the story slowly. It’s really perfect if you just need a bit of fluff.
I would consider this on the list of cozy fall books, so if that’s what you’re looking for with your seasonal reading, look no further.
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
Are you looking for a cozy mystery to get you through the fall? Personally, I am a big fan of magical realism; it’s what threw me into the fantasy genre originally. Also, the cover reminds me a lot of Belladonna, which is another book I absolutely adored.
Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
It may be hard to believe right now, but there was a time in my life when I didn’t do much reading. Discovery of Witches brought me back to reading, and it will always be one of my favorite books for that very reason. I am also such a fan of magical realism/urban fantasy, and I think this series does that incredibly well.
Strangely, I still never finished the TV show. I keep meaning to, and yet it keeps not happening. One day, I’ll get there, but for now, it’ll just keep being one of those cozy books I adore.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
How do I describe Jane Eyre… First, I absolutely loved this book, and I have discussed it at length over on the Barely Bookish podcast. But, this book is perfectly gothic and full of secrets and somehow romance? Definitely ripe for the spooky season, I think.
This is one of those books I toss around the idea of whether it should be considered gothic horror or if it just leans into the gothic genre so heavily that it ultimately features horror elements.
The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
If you’re obsessed with dark academia and secret societies, Ninth House will be the perfect book for you. This book screams fall, with its murder mystery and ghosts running rampant. Plus, the second book is finally out, so there’s no waiting when it comes to getting your dark academia fix.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
If you haven’t already checked out my book list of the best books by Agatha Christie, that’s definitely a post you should check out. Truly, we all know that Agatha Christie is the queen of mystery, so does much more even need to be said?
Plus, after reading the book, you can watch the 2017 movie, which features Kenneth Branagh, Penélope Cruz, and Willem Dafoe. I personally still haven’t gotten around to watching it yet, so definitely let me know in the comments all your thoughts.
Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux
If you’re a fan of dark romance or just spicy books in general, this is a series I am a big fan of. This is one of the ones you should check all the content warnings for.
Again, I am not sure if it’s the witch vibes with grimoires or the fact that there are demons in this book, but I couldn’t get enough of this series. Plus, it’s super fast-paced, and the series is three different couples in the same general time frame and showing how they each reached their goals. I am not sure how to describe it any further without any spoilers, so I am going to leave it at that for you to enjoy.
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg
If you’re looking for a cozy fantasy-vibes kind of novel, this beauty is perfect. First off, I love Charlie N. Holmberg. Her writing always takes my breath away.
I always love a little forced proximity, but pair that with a haunted house and a little mystery, and I am absolutely locked in.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
I, much like every other child, watched this when I was little and was terrified. Now, though, it’s very much fun kid horror, and I don’t freak out while reading this beauty. Also, the movie? An absolute must-watch.
Tell me all about your favorite fall books in the comments!
