The Best Fall Books to Keep You Cozy in Autumn 2023
Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love the crisp nights, colorful leaves, and celebrating Halloween. There is something so perfect about cozying up with a warm sweater and a great book next to a fire. So grab a cozy blanket, a hot cup of tea, and one of these fall books.
Whether you are looking for gothic fiction, thrillers, or classics, these books for fall have all the right vibes!
*Autumn Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Thriller Books for Fall
The Only One Left: A Novel
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2023
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
In this new mystery thriller book, Kit McDeere has taken a position as a home health aid for Lenora Hope who was accused of murdering her whole family years before. With no evidence, Lenora was never convicted and has lived in her home without leaving all this time. Lenora can only move her one finger and communicates with a typewriter.
Kit feels like there may be more to the story than anyone knows and wants to leave the crumbling mansion, but she has nowhere else to go. This is a perfect thriller book for fall.
Why Jackie loves it
If you have been following Beyond the Bookends for a while you know we love Riley Sager. This is one of my favorites! I was left guessing until the end what was really going on in this crazy house.
Find this book in: Isolation Thrillers / Riley Sager Books Ranked
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
I was a fan of Ware’s hit novel Woman in Cabin 10. I thought it was a unique story and I was anxious to try another of her books.
This book is dark and gothic and the perfect thriller for a list of books for fall. The premise is that a girl is mistaken for the relative of a recently deceased woman and she goes to the estate to try to capitalize on the error. Obviously, things are not what they seemed.
Killing Me by Michelle Gagnon
Amber Jamison believes that she is smart and street savvy so when she is stuffed inside a white van, by a serial killer she is more angry than scared.
The next thing she knows, she is rescued but finds herself running across the country to escape her past and stay alive. She has to decide who she can trust and figure out why she is a target. This is a dark and creepy thriller from fall books. If you are looking for a book for fall that will keep you on your toes, this is a perfect pick.
The Paris Apartment
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Jess has arrived in Paris to stay with her half-brother, Ben while she gets back on her feet. While he reluctantly agrees to help, he doesn’t answer the door when she shows up to move in.
Soon she gains entry into his apartment and begins the hunt to find out what happened to her brother. With secrets lurking around every corridor and the other residents being shady and elusive, Jess begins to think something sinister happened to Ben.
The first half of this story was a little slow while the character groundwork was laid out, but once the big reveal comes halfway through, I was reading the rest of the chapters at lightning speed. This is the only thriller on our list of books set in France and it’s a doozy! Lucy Foley is always a great pick if you are looking for slow-burn thrillers.
Why Kirsten loves it
The twists and turns in Lucy Foley’s books are always fantastic. I love the way she builds the story. It’s like the slow ride up a rollercoaster before the inevitable drop!
Why Jackie loves it
I was not expecting this book to take the turns it did. I am glad I kept reading- even if the beginning is a little slow. It was worth it in the end.
Find this book in: Haunted House Book / Books set in France / Halloween Thriller Books / The Best Audiobooks of 2022 /
The Best Fantasy Books for Fall
Fourth Wing
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Year: 2023
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: Empyrean Series Book #1 of 5
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
If you have not heard of this book and love fantasy, this is the book for you. Don’t be intimidated by the length of this dragon book. I started and finished this 528-page bad boy in a day and a half. I cannot remember the last time I did that!
Violet Sorrengail had spent her life studying to be a scribe until her father died and her mother, the commanding general, ordered her to join the dragon riders. Violet will become one of the hundreds of candidates who fight to the death to be a part of this elite group.
Unlike the other candidates who have worked towards this their whole lives, Violet is small and brittle and never meant for this to be her path. And other candidates do not have the children of rebel leaders waiting to take revenge.
This adult fantasy book has everything that you would want in a fantasy from epic world-building to amazing abilities, magical creatures, non-stop action, and romance.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic sexual content, death
Why Jackie loves it
I loved every second. It lives up to the hype and then some. The world-building is amazing and the book pulled me in from the first page. Usually the story begins with an event and the story commences after this catalyst moment. Fourth Wing begins after that crucial moment so I felt I was immersed in the story from page one.
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book, but Jackie was right when she told me how much I would love it. Even though I do not usually love world-building, fantasies like this, the plot line and romance throughout this book, kept me hooked the whole time.
Adaptation Information
It’s early days yet, but the rights to turn this book series into a TV series were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.
Find this book in: Adult Fantasy Books / Fourth Wing Series in Order / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults
For More Books Like This: The Best Books Like Fourth Wing
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Author: Sangu Mandanna
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This book for fall is definitely the feel-good book of the Halloween season. Mika Moon knows that she must hide her magic and stay away from other witches so their powers do not draw the attention of other people. She also knows that witches are destined to be orphans, a very lonely existence.
When she is asked to come and teach magic to three young witches, she finds the life that she had always dreamed of, even if it is temporary. But, does it have to be? Can she find the life she always wanted?
Why Jackie loves it
I listened to this charming book in one day and loved it. This adult fantasy book is a delightful pick book for fall. The characters we sweet and the book left me with a smile on my face. I could not put it down.
Find this book in: Witch Books / Feel-Good Books / Adult Fantasy Novels
The Book of Magic
Author: Alice Hoffman
Year: 2021
Genre: Magical Realism
More info: Practical Magic Series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:16+
Plot
The Owens family has been cursed for over three hundred years. When Jet Owens hears the deathwatch beetle chirping, she knows she will die and is determined to break the curse once and for all before the seven days are up.
As the curse begins to take its toll on one more victim, the Owens family comes together to confront their past, uncover the truth, and end the curse for them all. If you have been reading the Practical Magic Series
Why Jackie loves it
This is the last book in the Practical Magic Series and it might be my favorite one yet. I loved this conclusion to the series. It left me feeling good with no unanswered questions and true to Hoffman’s style, is a page-turner until the final word. Alice Hoffman’s books never disappoint!
Find this book in: Alice Hoffman Books in Order / Practical Magic Books in Order
The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix. E Harrow
I’ve never read a book quite like this and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. The writing is subtle, the plot is driven by character and intrigue rather than action-packed suspense. It also has a feel of historical fiction about it. Lovers of this genre may love this book as well.
When January is seven years old, she stumbles upon a door that leads her to a different place. When she is reprimanded for lying about the door, she eventually forgets about it until she finds the book “The Ten Thousand Doors of January” years later. January becomes intrigued and the real story begins.
The story alternates between the story of January and the book. The concept is such a fun way to narrate the plot. At times, the plot moved a little bit slowly as one storyline stopped and another began in the alternating chapters. This is such a unique and wonderful magical realism book and is a must-read from fall books.
The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner
I was so excited about this new book written by the author of The Lost Apothecary, a book on our Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books, and this newest book did not disappoint!
In 1873, The Seance Society is looking for answers about the death of their leader and turned to a renowned spiritualist for help. Out of loyalty and obligation, she leaves Paris and returns to London with her trainee, a woman seeking answers about her dead sister.
If you love magical realism books, this book is a perfect pick. The story takes twists and turns and kept me turning the pages. It was just too good not to include it in our list of best fantasy books for adults as well. If you are looking for a great fall read, this one is for you.
The Best Mystery Books for Fall
Daisy Darker: A Novel by Alice Feeney
Daisy’s family is gathering for Nan’s birthday on a tiny, private, tidal island after not seeing each other for years. When the tide comes in, they will be cut off from everybody for 8 hours.
When Nana’s body is found dead with a creepy poem written on the wall beside her, they each begin to suspect each other- after all, one of them is a murderer. Soon, everybody’s secrets start to come out as the members of the family die one at a time.
This pick from isolation books had me guessing until the very end and definitely has the feeling of “And Then There Were None”. In the true Alice Feeney style, I had no idea what was going to happen next so, I stopped trying to guess so I could just enjoy the thrill of the ride. You will love this pick from the Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2023. It is a locked room mystery at its finest. If you are looking for books for fall to snuggle up with, this one will not disappoint.
The Secret History
Author: Donna Tartt
Year: 1992
Genre: Literary Fiction
More info: December 2022 Read with Jenna Book Pick
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Richard is one of a select group of six students who have been hand-picked to work under the guidance of a classics teacher named Julian Morrow. Richard is narrating the story and he begins by telling about the death of one of the students named Bunny.
As the story progresses, it is clear that this secret society of students rides the line of morality. The strained friendships and sexual tensions continue to push the edge until Bunny is killed.
Trigger Warnings
Murder, Alcoholism, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the books about secret societies that was deeply disturbing and difficult to read. It certainly earns its place on our list of dark academia books and books about cults! And as with most books set in college, this one is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Books set in College / Books about Cults / Books about Secret Societies / Best Fall Books / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in the 80s
Fiction Books for Fall
The Dutch House
Author: Ann Patchett
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: October 2019 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Ann Patchett has done it again with this tale of sibling devotion that is a testament to the love that holds a family together. Danny and Maeve are victims of an abandoned mother and father who all but ignores them. Danny narrates the story of their lives as it ties into The Dutch House – a storied mansion their father purchased in Elkins Park. The home that is both a blessing and a curse, symbolizes how the mistakes parents make can impact children for a lifetime.
Why Kirsten loves it
I couldn’t put this story down. I did a mix of reading and listening, but ultimately I got swept into Tom Hank’s incredible narration. I was so fully drawn into the story that the world seemed to fall away.
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Family Sagas / Fall Books / Best Books of 2019
Charlotte Walsh Likes to Win
Author: Jo Piazza
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This political fiction book struck the perfect balance between lighthearted and serious. I was fascinated by the titular character’s quest to be the first female senator in PA. It’s a delicious look at what happens when a woman tries to have it all.
Charlotte Walsh is running for office in a race crucial to the Senate in DC. After leaving her high-powered Silicon Valley job, she relocates to the suburbs of PA to kick off her campaign. But she isn’t prepared for how nasty politics can be – or how much she might have to sacrifice to win.
Why Kirsten loves it
The dynamics at play when running for office drew me in, but I stayed for her marriage and her struggles to be everything to everyone. I loved the references to places I was familiar with making this a must-read for any local and a perfect pick for a list of contemporary fiction books and books about women in politics!
Find this book in: Cozy Books for Fall / Books about Women in Politics / Contemporary Fiction Novels
The Creepiest Horror Autumn Books
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes
January 2023 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
As books with unreliable narrators go, this is the best I have ever read. Maya was days away from moving away to college when he best friend Aubrey mysteriously dropped dead in front of her. She blamed Frank, an older guy who she had been hanging out with that summer although there was nothing to prove that he had done a thing to harm Aubrey.
Now, years later, Maya is trying to overcome an addiction to the drug prescribed to help her overcome the loss of Aubrey. When she sees a video of a woman who drops dead in a cafe and Frank is sitting with her, she sets off in a spiral again and needs to prove that Frank is responsible. I love this book with a totally likable and yet, completely unreliable narrator. This is one of the best thrillers of 2023 pick for sure.
If you have not read this pick from ultimate beach reads 2023, run, don’t walk, to get it! It needs to be top of the list of your books for fall.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
Author: Grady Hendrix
Year: 2020
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Horror Thriller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I do not usually like horror but I love thrillers, book clubs, and vampires so I decided to read this urban fantasy book. I absolutely loved every minute- even when I was completely scared out of my wits. This vampire book will have you on your toes.
This book really is Steel Magnolias meets Dracula. Patricia is a housewife with two kids who don’t appreciate her and a husband who travels a lot. She spends a lot of her time caring for her senile mother-in-law who lives with them. When her elderly neighbor attacks her one night, James comes to the rescue. James seems well-read and well-traveled but Patricia is convinced he is a monster in disguise.
Patricia knows what she sees but nobody else agrees with her. The psychological warfare in this adult fantasy book is next-level creepy – it definitely earns its spot on our Best Books of 2020 list! Be warned that this book is scary and creepy but is one of the best books for fall!
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Gore, Blood
Why Jackie loves it
This book is one of the scariest books I have ever read and yet, I loved every second. This book will mess with everything you think is true. There is graphic violence which was actually less scary than the anticipation of a jump scare the entire time I was reading this book.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books/ Adult Fantasy Novels / Vampire Books / Best Books of 2020
The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling
Jane is a very practical woman. She has done her research and has found the perfect man to be her husband. She assured him that the relationship will be strictly business. But as her feelings for him grow, she starts to learn there is more to this hard-working and quiet doctor.
As a matter of fact, there is something strange going on at his house that cannot be explained and she starts to worry for her health as well as that of her husband.
I was looking forward to this gothic horror with a touch of fantasy mixed in. While I was unfortunately left disappointed, this pick from thriller horror books, is definitely creepy and is a must-read book for fall.
Best Autumn Books: Romance
The Dead Romantics
Author: Ashley Poston
Year: 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: GMA Book Club Pick July 2022
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Florence Day is a ghostwriter for one of the most successful and well-known romance authors in the industry. The name is apt seeing as how she can also see ghosts. But, after a terrible break-up, she no longer believes in love.
When her new editor will not give her an extension on her deadline, she is in a panic and is on the verge of losing her career. Now, the unthinkable has happened. Her beloved father has died and she must return home to bury him. When she sees the ghost of her editor outside the funeral parlor, she cannot understand why he is there with her, and her life is turned upside down.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was a complete delight to read from the very first page. If you are looking for a book for fall, I love this adorable adult fantasy romance book that is totally unique. It reminds me a little of the 2005 movie starring Reese Witherspoon.
Find this book in: Ghost Books / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / GMA Book Club Picks
The Ex Hex
Author: Erin Sterling
Year: 2021
Genre: Magical Realism/ Fantasy Romance
More info: New York Times Bestseller
The Graves Glen Series
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This is the most charming Halloween romance book about witches EVER. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it, but it’s perfect for the spooky season and a perfect book for fall.
Nine years ago Rhys Penhallow broke Viviane Jones’ heart and so she cursed him. Now he’s back in the town his family founded to infuse magic back into the ley lines but everything goes wrong!
As his curse takes over the town, Rhys and Vivi have to work to end the curse and restore the right magic back to the town…if they can keep their rekindled romance at bay long enough!
Why Jackie loves it
There is so much to this fantasy romance book to love. The story is sweet, charming, and easy to read for a fun Halloween read.
Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Second Chance Romance Books
My Roommate Is a Vampire
Author: Jenna Levine
Year: 2023
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
I loved this vampire book. It was an absolute delight to read and very steamy in parts which I was not expecting. This book was so charming, funny, and such a nice change from the usual vampire/ human trope. This adult fantasy novel was a fun and quick read and is a perfect book for fall.
When …. needs a place to live and finds a too-good-to-be-true apartment, she has no choice but to take it. The only other choice is to move onto her best friend’s couch. Soon, she discovers that her new roommate is a vampire who needs someone to teach him how to blend in with the 21st century.
Why Jackie loves it
The idea of a vampire needing to be taught how to blend into society is hilarious. The nuances of the relationship made me laugh. The romance is spicy but the story is laugh-out-loud funny.
Find this book in: Fall Books/ Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Vampire Books / Adult Fantasy Books
Best Fall Books: Paranormal
Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward
This book is an award winner and the writing is undeniably wonderful. The story itself has elements of magic that add to the difficult subject matter. It deals with drugs, violence, and poverty- all of which are completely relevant in today’s society.
Why We Like It: The characters did not develop throughout the story as much as I would have liked, but this ghost book is a worthwhile read when considering the wonderful writing. The paranormal aspect makes this a great book for fall.
Find this book in Fall Books / Jazz Age Books / Ghost Books
Under the Whispering Door by T.J Klune
How many stars can I give? T.J Klune has done it again with the wonderful book. House on the Cerulean Sea was my favorite book last year and I am not sure that anything will top it. I read this paranormal book in a day and loved every minute of this wonderful family drama book that is truly about found family.
Wallace is dead. When the reaper collects him at his funeral and brings him to a strange tea shop, Hugo is waiting with the promise of helping him cross over. This light fantasy will make you smile until the last page.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
Strange, but probably one of the most imaginative novels I have ever experienced. It’s about the night that Abraham Lincoln buried his son and takes place entirely in the cemetery.
I listened to this full cast audiobook which was great because it used 166 voices including David Sedaris, Lena Dunham, Ben Stiller, Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, Kat Dennings, and Don Cheadle among others. As ghost books go, this one is not to be missed! it’s truly one of the best fantasy audiobooks ever! If you are looking for a book for fall, this pick is fantastic.
Home Before Dark
Author: Riley Sager
Year: 2020
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Best Books of 2020
Age Range: 18+
Plot
It is so strange that I have read four paranormal fiction this month! Maggie Holt spent three weeks in a house that became the subject of a best-selling novel written by her father.
During the three weeks in the house, the family was haunted by ghosts before they were eventually forced to flee. Twenty-five years later, Maggie is shocked to learn that her father still owned the house when he died and the house is now hers.
As Maggie returns to the house to find out what really happened, she might be in for more than she bargained for. Even though this is last on our list of Riley Sager books, it was a fun read that I would highly recommend.
Why Jackie likes it
This is a fun book that is not only about books but also has a touch of paranormal as well. If ghosts are not your thing but you love thrillers, I would recommend this one as a perfect “in-between” book. Riely Sager is very readable and his books are never a disappointment.
Find this book in: The Best Riley Sager Books Ranked / Fall Books / Halloween Thriller Books / Books About Books
Chilling Gothic Fiction Books to Read this Fall
The Thirteenth Tale
Author: Diane Setterfield
Year: 2006
Genre: Gothic Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A young biographer is called to help a reclusive author of 12 books tell her life story. In the process, she learns there is a thirteenth tale after all. It’s a gothic romance, a mystery, and a story about family ties all in one.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adored this gothic story when I read it on vacation a few years back. The setting and gothic vibes make this book perfect for a chilly autumn day. I was swept into this story and read it to completion at 3 a.m.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Fall Books / Ultimate List of Mysteries
Tidelands
Author: Philippa Gregory
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: #1 Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Philippa Gregory is back with a new non-royal series, this one is actually a book about poverty in Renaissance England. Tidelands is set in 1648 in the midst of the English civil war. The king has been overthrown and the country is in turmoil, but in the marshlands of the South, the villagers are worried about survival.
Alinor is a healer whose services are both respected and feared. She carefully toes the line between a wise woman and a witch as she struggles to feed her family. One fateful night she decides to help a catholic priest to safety without realizing the danger this secret would bring to her family.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion
Why Kirsten loves it
Philippa Gregory’s books are epic and this one is a perfect book for fall. It had everything I needed to whisk me away to another time and place.
Find this book in: The Best Books of 2019 / Best Family Sagas / The Best Fall Books
Plot
A young girl is abandoned on a ship headed to Australia. When she arrives, the only thing in her possession is a suitcase with some clothes and a book of fairy tales. The dock master and his wife adopt Nell and tell her the story of her arrival in Australia on her 21st birthday. She goes back to England on a quest to find her lost identity.
Unsuccessful, her granddaughter later takes up the search and tries to assemble the pieces of her grandmother’s mystery and unlock the secrets of her past.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Infertility
Why Kirsten loves it
I was swept away by this story and found myself dreaming of Cornwall while reading. This gothic fiction is a perfect book for fall.
Find this book in: Kate Morton Books / Cozy Books / Family Saga / Books set in Cornwall / Historical Mystery / British Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books
Classic Autumn Books
Rebecca
Author: Daphne Du Maurier
Year: 1938
Genre: Thriller
More info: National Book Award Winner, 1938
Anthony Award Winner, 2000
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The OG psychological thriller book, Rebecca is a book set in Cornwall that will leave you checking behind you when you walk down a dark hallway.
The new Mrs. de Winter is haunted by her husband’s first wife, Rebecca. The deceit will have you second-guessing everything you read while you yell at the pages. It is a chilling novel about a naive second wife discovering the truth behind the wife who came before her.
The Netflix book adaptation stars Lily James and it reignited this popular thriller book’s success. If you have not read this book, it is a perfect book for fall.
Why Kirsten loves it
One of the most acclaimed psychological thriller authors, Daphne Du Maurier is at her best in this chilling psychological thriller. Everything about this gothic thriller will make you feel a little bit uncomfortable. I love Du Maurier and I have read this classic more than once.
Why Jackie loves it
I was at least 50 pages into this book when I called Kirsten and asked if I would ever learn the new Mrs. De Winter’s name. The fact that the main character remains nameless throughout the book adds to the thrill of the book. It is a classic that everyone should read at least once.
Find this book in: Best Mystery Novels / Popular Thriller Books / Unreliable Narrator Books / Best Classic Books / British Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books
Plot
This is the book that started it all. Jonathan Harker is a young English solicitor who finds himself in Count Dracula’s castle in Transylvania. Count Dracula has strange customs and mannerisms and things go from strange to scary to completely horrifying.
The slow torture and the helplessness of Harker is terrifying because he is never sure of what is happening to him.
The story of Dracula is timeless and has been remade into countless movies. But, in my opinion, none have been able to capture the truly terrifying essence of this book.
Why Jackie loves it
This is truly a disturbing thriller horror book. If you love vampire books and have not read this one, it is a must-read that will scare the pants off you.
Find this book in: Epistolary Novels / Thriller Horror Books / Vampire Books/ Dark Academia Fantasy Books
Frankenstein by Mary Shelly
This iconic book for fall was a must for the best sci-fi books of all time. Viktor Frankenstein and his monster are more than they appear on the surface.
This classic sci-fi book is also a story of triumph and tragedy. It brings up many philosophical questions that are still relevant today. Just because we can, does that mean we should? This awe-inspiring book is imagination at its finest is it is a perfect classic book for fall.
What are your favorite fall books?
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