The Best Fall Books to Read this Autumn

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston is a charming rom-com that blends romance with juuust the right touch of supernatural. It follows a ghostwriter who not only writes happily-ever-afters for a famous romance author but can also actually see ghosts, a gift that complicates her own love life. When she returns home for her father’s funeral, she unexpectedly encounters the ghost of her very handsome new editor, and what unfolds is equal parts heartfelt, witty, and tender. This book is perfect if you love cozy romances but want something a little different, with a touch of mystery and a sprinkle of magic. It balances banter with deeper themes of grief, family, and second chances, making it a great fall read when you’re craving something comforting yet unique.

In a Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware is a tense thriller that’s perfect for fall reading! The story follows a reclusive writer who gets unexpectedly invited to a bachelorette weekend in a remote glass house tucked deep in the woods. What begins as an awkward reunion quickly spirals into something much darker, with secrets, betrayals, and a shocking twist that keeps you turning pages late into the night. The isolated forest setting gives the book a haunting, almost claustrophobic feel that makes it the perfect read for a chilly autumn evening. Out of all of Ruth Ware’s novels I’ve read, this one stands out as my personal favorite, it’s sharp, unsettling, and hard to put down!

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson is a YA mystery that’s equal parts clever, chilling, and binge-worthy. The story follows Pippa, a determined high school student who reopens a local murder case for her senior project, a case the whole town believes was solved years ago. As she digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets, twists, and dangers that no one saw coming. It’s fast-paced, smartly written, and layered with just the right amount of suspense, making it hard to put down once you start. Pluuuus, with the TV adaptation bringing the story to life, there’s no better time to read the book!

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery is a timeless classic that feels especially perfect for fall reading. The story follows Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who finds a home at Green Gables. It’s heartwarming, whimsical, and full of the kind of charm that makes you want to curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea. One of its most famous lines, “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers” perfectly captures why this novel belongs on every fall reading list. Beyond its cozy aesthetic, it’s also a story about belonging, friendship, and the joy of seeing the world with fresh wonder.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury is the ultimate eerie fall read. Set in a small Midwestern town, the story follows two best friends who discover that a traveling carnival has a dark and sinister secret. Bradbury’s writing perfectly captures the magic of October nights, with imagery that’s both haunting and beautiful. It’s spooky without being gory, making it a perfect pick if you want something atmospheric and unsettling to curl up with as the days get shorter.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley is a modern murder mystery that feels like a mix of Agatha Christie and Big Little Lies. Set on a remote Irish island during a glamorous wedding, the story unravels as secrets, rivalries, and betrayals bubble to the surface all culminating in…you guessed it, murder. Foley’s trademark style of shifting perspectives keeps you guessing until the very end, making it a perfect binge read for a rainy fall weekend. With its moody atmosphere, stormy setting, and slow build of tension it’s a great autumn read!

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson is a smart and twisty YA mystery set at Ellingham Academy, a remote Vermont boarding school with a dark past. Decades ago, the school’s founder’s wife and daughter were kidnapped, and the only clue left behind was a mocking riddle signed “Truly, Devious.” Now, modern-day student Stevie Bell, a true-crime obsessed teen, enrolls at Ellingham determined to solve the cold case, only to find that history might be repeating itself. With its mix of puzzles, boarding school vibes, and eerie fall atmosphere, it’s the kind of book you’ll want to read in one sitting.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern is an enchanting, atmospheric fantasy that feels tailor-made for fall. The story follows two young magicians bound in a lifelong competition, with the mysterious black-and-white circus as their stage. It’s lush, romantic, and filled with vivid imagery that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the circus tents yourself. The book isn’t just about magic, it’s about love, fate, and the power of imagination, all wrapped in an otherworldly atmosphere.

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that’s as thought-provoking as it is fast-paced. It follows Jason Dessen, a physics professor who’s abducted one night and wakes up in an alternate version of his life, one where his choices and path look completely different. As he struggles to find his way back to his family, the story dives deep into questions of identity, love, and the roads not taken. It’s gripping, cinematic, and full of twists that make it impossible to put down.

The Immortalists by Chloe Benjamin is a sweeping, character-driven novel with just the right touch of magic to make it feel like a fall read. Set in New York City in 1969, it begins with four siblings who visit a fortune teller said to predict the exact date of a person’s death. What follows is the story of their lives as each grapples with the knowledge of their fate, exploring themes of destiny, choice, and family bonds. It’s poignant, beautifully written, and full of emotional depth that lingers long after you’ve finished.

Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore is the ultimate feel-good fall read. The story follows a charming café owner navigating love, friendship, and family while serving up all the seasonal treats you can imagine, from pumpkin lattes to apple pies. With its cozy small-town setting, warm-hearted romance, and festive autumn vibes, it’s the perfect book to curl up with on a crisp September or October evening. Fans of lighthearted, cozy rom-coms will love the charming characters and the way the café itself practically becomes part of the story.

Cackle by Rachel Harrison is a darkly funny, cozy-spooky read perfect for fall. After a breakup, Annie moves from Manhattan to a picturesque upstate village for a fresh start and everything seems perfect… except for the persistent spider infestation in her new apartment. As she settles in, she discovers the town isn’t quite what it seems, with secrets lurking beneath the charming surface. Witty, eerie, and a little mischievous, Cackle is perfect for anyone who loves witchy, small-town mysteries with a spine-tingling twist.