I look forward to fall every year! I love the curling up with a good book and a warm drink. I really am a seasonal reader. This time of year I tend to enjoy books that are atmospheric, Gothic, and have a paranormal, historical, or mystery element. These are just a few of the books that I have read in the last few years that I think would be perfect to read this Fall!
Rules of Magic by Alice Hoffman
The Rules of Magic is my favourite book involving witches. There is something very magical about this novel but it is still grounded in reality. This is very much a character-driven novel, and is focused on sibling relationships. The setting and the magical realism makes it a perfect Fall read. It is one I am hoping to reread myself!
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Any Agatha Christie novel would be perfect for Fall! Her novels are so mysterious and atmospheric. They are very much whodunits which I tend to gravitate towards this time of year. And Then There None is my favourite of her novels that I have read so far, but they are all great. She has the best endings! I never see them coming!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
There is something about the setting and themes of Six of Crow that makes it a great Fall read. The story itself is pretty dark, as are the characters. I also think that there is something about fantasy novels that make them perfect for these chilly months.
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
Any true crime books make for great Fall reads. This time of year I love books that are page-turners but are also leave you feeling a little bit scared of the dark. I have not read a lot of true crime, but it is a genre that I am really getting in to. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is my favourite so far, it is so well-researched and downright creepy!
Stalking Jack the Ripper
This recommendation is probably obvious! It is a book about Jack the Ripper so of course it is a Fall read. It is very dark, mysteries, and gory. There is also a great romance, but it is not at the center of the story. I can not wait to continue with the rest of the series.
The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry
I have never read a book that is quite like The Essex Serpent. It is so Gothic and incredibly atmospheric that it almost feels heavy. I can not even put in to words how this book made me feel but it is the perfect feeling to experience during the Fall. Sarah Perry’s writing is so descriptive, and I can not wait for her new book, Melmoth.
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
I think that books about books are great to read in the Fall. It is also historical, Gothic, and has an element of mystery. The is pretty much everything that I look for in a book. I would actually love to reread this one soon! Diane Setterfield has a new book coming out next year called Once Upon a River and it already has amazing reviews. I cant wait!
The Blood of Eden Series
This is my favourite paranormal series and I talk about it so often on my blog! It is about vampires so I don’t think I even have to explain why it instantly makes me think of Fall.
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
This book takes place in a boarding school, and it is both historical and fantasy. It is another one that is described as Gothic. There is a great atmosphere and setting to this book and very memorable characters. It has been years since I have read it but it feels like it was yesterday. I also think that The Diviners by Libba Bray would be a great book to read now!
These are just a few of my Fall recommendations! I would love to know what type of books that you enjoying reading this time of year, or if you are even a seasonal reader.
Such excellent recommendations! I think I’m going to read the very gothic House of Shattered Wings 😁
Thank you!! Ohh I need to read that!
Those first two are the only ones I’ve read from your list, and I agree that they would make superb fall reads! The Thirteenth Tale has a beautiful cover, and it sounds spectacular.
I don’t typically do seasonal TBRs, but I have decided to do one this fall. Wilkie Collins and Shirley Jackson are two of the authors on my list, which overall is Gothic and mysterious. Happy reading!
I have been meaning to real Shirley Jackson for ages. I just know I am going to like her!
The Thirteenth Tale is a book that everyone anyone who loves books should read!
“The Lottery” was my introduction to her (in college I think), and I’ve been captivated by her writing every since.
I may have to make time for The Thirteenth Tale this fall…😬😝
Great! Will look into these recommendations. The Agatha Christie book I have already read. But may do so again.
Awesome! Then There Were None has such an amazing ending!!
Great recommendations! Some of these have been on my TBR forever. I own all the books in the Immortal Rules series but haven’t read them yet! Ah, I need to get on that!
Thank you! Ah you need to read The Immortal Rules and then talk to me about it. Love that series!
I have it on the list! haha. I’ll try to get to it sooner rather than later! 🙂
Great post with some really intriguing titles. Most are a little outside of my normal area but they just sound too interesting not to try. Thank you. Brian
Thank you! I normally read books that are a little outside of my comfort zone during the Fall. I don’t know why!
omg i just reread Six of Crows! and have been thinking about picking up I’ll Be Gone in the Dark and Stalking Jack the Ripper. clearly it’s a sign. happy fall, kristin!
Amazing! Those two books are perfect to get you in the fall spirit. Happy Fall to you as well!
I’ll Be Gone in the Dark sounds like the perfect fall read! I especially love how the book played a part in the case actually being solved. Well at least, I think so? I’m so confused if it was solved or if they just found a possible suspect?
Anyways, I’ll have to check it out 🙂
It has been solved which is very exciting. When reading the book you realize just how right Michelle McNamara was. It’s incredible!
I really can’t wait to read it now!
I’ll be gone in the dark is the scariest thing I’ve read in recent memory. Even thinking about that case gives me a chill. Great list for fall!!
That is so true. Will keep you up at night that is for sure. Thank you!
Ooh this is such a good recommendation list. I’ve seen a few people talking about I’ll be Gone in the Dark and I’m starting to get really curious about it! Also, I was so ready for Autumn but it is FREEZING where I am and my body is not ready for the weather
Thank you! I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is amazing but definitely creepy. It’s starting to get cold here as well. I love sweater season!
This is a great list! I definitely agree with Agatha Christie and Six of Crows and The Thirteenth Tale. And some of these others, like Stalking Jack the Ripper, are books that I really want to get to soon!
Six of Crows and Jack the Ripper are on my TBR for so long already…. I should definitely pick them up soon!
They are both really great! I particularly loved Scythe. I recommend it to everyone!
And Then There Were None, The Essex Serpent, and The Thirteenth Tale are some of my favorite fall reads as well. I can’t wait to read Melmoth and Once Upon a River, and I’m very intrigued by I’ll Be Gone in the Dark. Excellent recommendations!
Thank you! We obviously have very similar tastes in books!
Th Essex Serpent and the Jack the Ripper series is on my list for the Fall so I’m glad you liked them! I have Once Upon a River as well but now I want to also pick up The Thirteenth Tale!
Ohhh I hope you love them. I am especially curious to see what you think of The Essex Serpent. It so atmospheric and I have never read anything quite like it.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more dark, twisty thrillers instead of the usual domestic thrillers that weren’t too dark that I’ve been reading recently. A Great and Terrible Beauty was a great selection, I remember the chilly atmosphere it brings in the writing. Great selection 🙂
Thank you! I love a good domestic thriller but I do look for something a little darker and more atmospheric this time of year!
The Thirteenth Tale was a good read!
This is a wonderful list! I adore Practical Magic, so I should really get to Rules of Magic soon and autumn seems like the perfect time. The Essex Serpent also sounds like something to add to my autumn TBR!
Rules of Magic is so fantastic. I loved the characters. I have never read anything quite like The Essex Serpent. So descriptive and atmospheric!!
Wow, The Rules of Magic has such a beautiful cover and sounds great! I love books about magic and I don’t read enough of them, so would definitely love to check this one out! 😊
I love the cover as well. What I like about Rules of Magic is that the magic feels believable and it’s not overdone. The characters are really at the centre of the story!
Agatha Christie, Six of Crows, thirteenth tale and great and terrible beauty are all fantastic books to read in the fall! Lovely list!
Thank you. It makes me want to reread them!
Amazing recs! The Essex Serpent is such a perfect fall read, it’s just got that cosy gothic feel.
It really does. Her next book just came out too. I am excited to read it!