50 Insanely Cozy Fall Books to Read Right Now

Recently updated on September 18th, 2024 at 02:37 pm

From eerie thrillers to cozy fantasy and dark academia. Curl up with a hot drink and one of these cozy fall books to read.

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Scented Candles, Warm blankets, and pumpkin spice. Autumn is the best season! Nothing beats curling up curling up on the sofa with a good book and rain pattering on the window.

Whether you’re after a cozy murder mystery, a chilling horror or a cozy fantasy book – I’ve got you covered!

 Grab your blanket – here are 25 cozy fall books to read. These books are the perfect start to bring the best of the fall feeling into your life.

Read on for the best cozy fall books to read

Cozy fall books to read

Fall books to Read for Adults

1. The Secret History by Donna Tart

Good Reads Rating: 4.18

This classic dark academia is easily one of the most recommended fall books. Fans of the Dead Poet’s Society, Babel or Dark academia will love this contemporary thriller.

We follow a group of clever misfits at an elite college. Under the influence  of their charismatic classics professor, they discover a way of living away from a humdrum existence.

 But they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality and slip gradually from obsession to corruption. 

This book is unlike anything else you will read, with hypnotic writing and unlikeable characters. It’s dark so read the trigger warnings carefully.

For Fans of The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt  and If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Read the trigger warnings here

2. We Have Always Lived In The Castle by Shirley Jackson

Good Reads Rating: 3.95

Do you enjoy a horror? Trying to read more classics? You’ll love We have Always Lived in the Castle. This 1962 Gothic Horror was consistently recommended as the perfect Autumnal read. 

This haunting read is perfect for Halloween. It follows a girl called Merricat and her family’s dark secret/

An unsettling novel about an isolated and possibly murderous family. We follow the struggle that ensues when a cousin arrives at their estate.

This is perfect for anyone new to classics. A short read but it packs a punch. Shirley Jackson’s writing builds a growing sense of unease. If you’re searching for fall books to read you need to add this to your tbr list.

For Fans of Our Wives Under The Sea  by Julia Armfield   or The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte  Perkins Gilman

3. Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier

Good Reads Rating: 4.24

Rebecca is raved about by its fans. It sold 2.8 million copies between 1938 and 1965.  And it has never gone out of print. Also in 2017, English bookworms voted it their favourite book of the past 225 years. While it starts in summer, this has such eerie fall vibes.

The novel opens in Monte Carlo. The young protagonist is a companion for an American woman Mrs Van Hopper.  She meets Maxim De Winter who completely sweeps her off her feet. And he proposes.

But when they arrive at Manderley country estate she realises how large a shadow his late wife will cast over their lives.

The complex characters,  slow build tension and gothic atmosphere hook you into this classic.

For Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte or Mrs de Winter by Susan Hill

4. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Good Reads Rating: 4.24

Sherlock Holmes reminds me of cozy autumn evenings next to the fire. Fans of cozy mysteries will love the Sherlock Holmes series. Plus the short stories make this easy to read.

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes features 12 short stories. It follows detective Sherlock Holmes. He solves a number of different cases.

The detective is at the height of his powers. And this collection features some of the most famous stories.

This collection of short stories about Sherlock Holmes is incredible. And they are satisfyingly easy to read!

If you’re new to classics or in a reading slump – then I highly recommend these! The short stories can be easily read in one sitting. These were first published in Strand magazine. And they were incredibly successful.

Searching for cozy fall books with a murder to solve? You’ll love The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.

For Fans of the Hercule Poirot Series by Agatha Christie

5. Dracula by Bram Stoker

Good Reads Rating: 4.24

Dracula is a classic horror story. Dracula is a great starting point if you want to read more gothic literature.

Jonathon Harker is a young English lawyer. He travels to Castle Dracula in Transylvania to conclude a real estate deal with Count Dracula. However, the local peasants warn him about evil. He makes a series of horrific discoveries about his client.

 Soon afterwards, various bizarre incidents unfold in England: an apparently unmanned ship is wrecked off the coast of Whitby; a young woman discovers strange puncture marks on her neck; and the inmate of a lunatic asylum raves about the ‘Master’ and his imminent arrival.

Searching for a dark, gothic read? Then you should pick this one up. This timeless horror story sets the tone for vampire fiction. The original book is very different from the movie. It creates an uneasy horror atmosphere that has never quite been captured again. Fans of spooky fall books will love Dracula.

For Fans of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Read the trigger warnings here

6. Murder on The Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Good Reads Rating: 4.20

Agatha Christie was an incredible writer. And she has so many amazing detective stories. ‘Murder on The Orient Express’ is an excellent starting point.

It follows Poirot. He is on a train journey when there is a murder. And he has to investigate who the murderer is.

The characters in Christie’s books were often based on real people. And so they feel very relatable – even today. The plot has some good twists in it. I love reading Poirot’s thought process when solving the murder.

Christie’s books are the ultimate cosy fall reading. I recommend checking out the BBC audiobook adaptations of the Agatha Christie books. They are some of the best audiobooks, with sound effects and a full cast of narrators.

For Fans of The Sherlock Holmes series  by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

7. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Good Reads Rating: 3.86

Frankenstein is a classic. The book is interesting to read and differs greatly from many of the adaptations.

Many people are familiar with the basic story but the novel might not be what you expect.

In this classic story, a scientist decides to create a new being. He plunders graveyards for parts and brings it to life using electricity.

Frankenstein is hard-hitting and politically charged. You can take so much from this novel and it truly reflects the anxieties at the time. Book annotators will love Frankenstein. In fact, anyone who likes to analyse and interpret books will enjoy Frankenstein. It highlights many different themes with mesmerising language.

Mary Shelley was a super talented author. I gain a new appreciation for Frankenstein every time I read it. And this book is much more emotionally powerful than you realise.

8. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

Good Reads Rating: 3.84

Northanger Abbey is my favourite Jane Austen book. The gothic, spooky atmosphere stands out from her other works. And the BBC adaptation with Carey Mulligan is exceptional. Northanger Abbey is ideal for fans of historical fiction, classic literature or coming-of-age stories.

We follow Catherine Morland, a remarkably innocent seventeen-year-old woman from the country. She spends a few weeks in Bath with a family friend. And she falls in love with Henry Tilney. He invites Catherine to visit his family estate, Northanger Abbey.

Once there, Catherine, a great reader of Gothic thrillers, lets the shadowy atmosphere of the old mansion fill her mind with terrible suspicions. What is the mystery surrounding the death of Henry’s mother? Is the family concealing a terrible secret within the elegant rooms of the Abbey? Can she trust Henry, or is he part of an evil conspiracy?

For Fans of Persuasion by Jane Austen, Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte or other Jane Austen books

9. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Good Reads Rating: 3.84

Scary, mysterious and full of suspense.   Horror fan? Halloween lovers searching for fall books will love this classic horror.

Cooger & Dark’s Pandemonium Shadow Show has come to Green Town, Illinois.  And it will destroy every life touched by its strange and sinister mystery. The carnival rolls in sometime after midnight, ushering in Halloween a week early.

A calliope’s shrill siren song beckons to all with a seductive promise of dreams and youth regained. Two boys will discover its secret. And soon they will know all too well the heavy cost of wishes. 

For Fans of The Haunting of Hill House  by Shirley Jackson  or Fairytale by Stephen King

Read the Trigger Warnings here

10. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

Good Reads Rating: 3.74

Unpopular opinion – I love reading books with adaptations. Don’t get me wrong, some of the adaptations are terrible. But I enjoy reading the book and watching the movie afterwards. 

Are you also a fan of a book with an adaptation? Then Practical Magic is the fall book for you. 

For more than two hundred years, the Owens women have been blamed for everything that has gone wrong in their Massachusetts town.

 Gillian and Sally have endured that fate as well: as children, the sisters were forever outsiders, taunted, talked about, pointed at. All Gillian and Sally wanted was to escape.One will do so by marrying, the other by running away. But the bonds they share will bring them back—almost as if by magic… 

For Fans of The Secret Society of Irregular Witches  by Sangu Mandanna or The Ex Hex  by Erin Sterling

Read the Trigger Warnings here

11. The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates

Good Reads Rating: 3.9 

Searching for fall books? You can’t beat a classic haunted house story.

Everyone knows about Ashburn House. They whisper its old owner went mad, and restless ghosts still walk the halls. But when Adrienne―desperate and in need of a place to stay―inherits the crumbling old mansion, she only sees it as a lifeline… until darkness falls.Strange messages are etched into the walls. Furniture moves when she leaves the room. There’s something here―something powerful, angry, and hell-bent on shaking things up. Worse, a grave hidden in the depths of the forest hints at a terrible, unforgivable secret.

 Eventually Adrienne can’t ignore that a twisted thing lives in the house, its hungry eyes ever-watchful. Chasing the threads of a decades-old mystery, it isn’t long before she realizes she’s become prey to something deeply unnatural and intensely resentful.

For Fans of The Shining by Stephen King or The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

12. Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

Good Reads Rating: 4.00

I saw this book recommended on Riley Marie’s Youtube Channel. And I’m thrilled she recommended it.

This book follows a forest guardian, Tobias. He is tasked to look after the forest.

Henry Silver moves into Greenhollow Hall, the house in the forest. Old secrets better left buried are dug up, and Tobias is forced to reckon with his troubled past—both the green magic of the woods, and the dark things that rest in its heart.

From the start, the writing was beautiful. And the imagery in the forest is whimsical and enchanting. But the world-building is balanced well and still easy to read.

The romance is adorable. It has a grumpy/sunshine vibe. And the author executed this perfectly.

If you like the cottagecore aesthetic you’ll probably love this book. I listened to the audiobook. And the duology is only 5 hours so it’s a quick listen. This will leave you with a desire to walk in the woods or move into a cabin in the forest.

For Fans of A Psalm for the Wild Built  by Becky Chambers

13. The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Allyson Charles

Good Reads Rating: 3.42

I’m not ashamed to admit that this was a complete cover buy. I saw Darling Desi mention this book. And I instantly had to buy it as it screams Fall!

Set in a bakeshop at Halloween, we follow three residents looking for love. And they find out how magical romance can suddenly be.

This isn’t going to be one of the most groundbreaking fall books. But it’s an adorable fall read filled with autumnal imagery. Perfect for fans of Hallmark movies. It will make you seriously hungry because the food imagery is incredible.

For Fans of The Pumpkin Spice Cafe  by Laurie Gilmore or The City Baker’s Guide To Country Living  by Louise Miller

14. Thursday Murder Club by Richard Oseman

Good Reads Rating: 3.42

Thursday Murder Club follows four unlikely friends living in a luxury retirement village. Every Thursday, they meet to discuss unsolved crimes. They call themselves the Thursday Murder Club.

But when a murder takes place on their doorstep, they suddenly find themselves in the middle of a live case.

The quirky cast of lovable characters made me laugh out loud on several occasions. And the dialogue was also hilarious.

The residents in the retirement home were constantly underestimated. And it led to some funny moments in the plot.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but once I did I thoroughly enjoyed it. Easy to read with an intriguing mystery and funny banter. This series of mysteries are the perfect fall books for fans of an easy-to-read mystery.

For Fans of The Marlow Murder Club  by Richard Thorogood

15. The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller

Good Reads Rating: 3.81

Books with food and baking are so cosy. Books with bakers instantly remind me of Autumn. This is the perfect lighthearted romance for Autumn. 

It follows Olivia Rawlings -a pastry chef for an exclusive Boston dinner club.  But when she accidentally sets the entire building alight she escapes to the idyllic town of Guthrie, Vermont. Home of her best friend Hannah.But the getaway turns into something more lasting when Margaret Hurley, the cantankerous, sweater-set-wearing owner of the Sugar Maple Inn, offers Livvy a job.

Broke and knowing that her days at the club are numbered, Livvy accepts. Livvy moves into a sugarhouse on the inn’s property. And begins creating her mouth watering desserts for the residents of Guthrie. She soon uncovers the real reason she has been hired—to help Margaret reclaim the inn’s blue ribbon status at the annual county fair apple pie contest.

For Fans of The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice by Allyson Charles or The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert

16. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

Good Reads Rating: 3.88

Wuthering Heights is a classic romance. And the imagery of the Yorkshire moors makes it the perfect Autumnal Read. 

Wuthering Heights is a wild, passionate story of the intense love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

Heathcliff is adopted by Catherine’s father. After Mr Earnshaw’s death, Heathcliff is bullied and humiliated by Catherine’s brother Hindley. 

Wrongly believing that his love for Catherine is not reciprocated,  Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights, only to return years later as a wealthy and polished man.

 He proceeds to exact a terrible revenge for his former miseries.  This isn’t for everyone. The worldbuilding is dense. But fans of classics will love Wuthering Heights.

For Fans of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

17. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

Good Reads Rating: 4.02

October fans will love this book. It features witches, vampires and a mystery. All with some dark academia vibes. 

It follows Diana Bishop, a young scholar. In the stacks of Oxford’s Bodleian Library she calls up a ewitched alchemical manuscript

Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery.  After a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. 

But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library.

Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

For Fans of The Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna or Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

18. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling

Good Reads Rating: 3.52

One of the cosiest fall books. The Ex Hex was hyped up so much on its release. And I’m not surprised. This adorable romance is the perfect autumnal read. 

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend.

Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way.  But she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.That is until Rhys Penhallow, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless.

For Fans of The Secret Society of Irregular Witches bySangu Mandanna or Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper

19. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

Good Reads Rating: 4.17

Another book for October lovers. This cute fantasy book features the found family trope and witches. 

It follows Mika Moon. As one of few witches in Britain, she has to hide her magic. 

 And as an orphan who lost her parents at a young age and was raised by strangers, she’s used to being alone. And she follows the rules…with one exception: an online account. 

Here, she posts videos pretending to be a witch. She thinks no one will take it seriously.But someone does. An unexpected message arrives, begging her to travel to the remote and mysterious Nowhere House to teach three young witches how to control their magic. It breaks all of the rules, but Mika goes anyway, and is immediately tangled up in their lives.

For Fans of The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling or Payback’s A Witch by Lana Harper

20. If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

Good Reads Rating: 4.17

If you’re looking for a dark academia read, a secret society of a smart group of friends then you should check out If We Were Villains. 

It follows Oliver Marks. He’s just served ten years in jail – for a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he’s released, he’s greeted by the man who put him in prison. 

 Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what happened a decade ago.

As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off. But the casting changes and the secondary characters usurp the stars. 

The play spills dangerously over into life and one of them is found dead.

Fan of Dark Academia books? Check out my article on Dark Academia books here.

For Fans of The Atlas Six  by Olivie Blake

21. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Good Reads Rating: 3.98

A feel good paranormal romance. The Dead Romantics is perfect for Halloween. 

It follows Florence Day. Florence is a ghostwriter for a prolific romance author. The problem is, after a terrible breakup, she no longer believes in love. It’s as good as dead.When her new editor, a too-handsome mountain of a man, won’t give her an extension on her book deadline, Florence prepares to kiss her career goodbye. But then she gets a phone call she never wanted to receive, and she must return home for the first time in a decade to help her family bury her beloved father.For ten years, she’s run from the town that never understood her, and she can’t bring herself to stay. Until she finds a ghost standing at the funeral parlor’s front door.

For Fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

22. The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkein

Good Reads Rating: 4.28

The Hobbit is classic fantasy book. If you’re looking to read more adult fantasy books this is a great starting point. I recommend this over the Lord of the Rings. This fantasy standalone novel has a simple but engaging storyline. And a well paced plot. 

The Hobbit follows Bilbo Baggins. He is A Hobbit who lives in The Shire. One day he meets Gandalf and goes on an adventure.

The Hobbit the most charming adventure story. Also, the imagery in the hobbit – particularly around food is lovely. I want to be able to eat seven meals a day much like a hobbit.

The Hobbit is such a comforting book. It’s not as long and drawn out as Lord of the Rings. But imagery and world-building is perfect for Autumn. Full of food imagery. And Hobbit Holes sound like the coziest places.

For Fans of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkein

23. The Shining by Stephen King

Good Reads Rating: 4.26

Stephen King was constantly recommended when  I was searching for fall books to read. It, Sleeping Beauties and The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon. But the Shining stood out. 

This classic horror story is perfect for fans of a haunted house.

Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing.

 But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote…and more sinister.

For Fans of Misery by Stephen King

24. The House Witch by Delemhach

Good Reads Rating: 4.41

Searching for cozy fall books? Or maybe you’re after a low-stakes fantasy? Then you need to read the House Witch. It balances cozy fall imagery with low stakes, lighthearted fantasy perfectly.

The House Witch is set in a medieval world where witches can command a different form of elemental magic – fire, air, water or earth.  We follow Finlay who is a mutant – he’s a House Witch. And he becomes Royal Cook in a castle. And his magic means he can cook the most incredible meals. 

This is the most perfect cosy read.

With beautiful food imagery, courtly intrigue and magical hijinks. Likewise,  it features an adorable kitten companion.

This is also quite light on the romance and fantasy elements. But the beautiful, cosy food imagery more than made up for it. And reading a fantasy book with a male protagonist is refreshing.

For Fans of Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldtree

25. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldtree

Good Reads Rating: 4.23

Do you like to visit coffee shops? Enjoy reading in a cute café. You’ll love Legends & Lattes. Legends & Lattes is a cozy, low stakes, slice of life fantasy book set in a coffee shop. And it also features an adorable wlw romance.

​Legends & Lattes follows Viv – an orc barbarian.  She leaves her life as a warrior and opens the first coffee shop in Thune. 

Cosy imagery, a wlw romance and the found family trope. Everything I love in a book. And as if that’s not enough, Legends and Latte’s has a compelling mystery to solve. 

​Legends and Lattes is bookish equivalent of a steaming hot mug of coffee. One of those fall books you can curl up on the sofa and read under a blanket. Ideally with a hot drink and pastry.

For Fans of A Psalm  for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers or The House Witch by Delemhach

26. The Appeal by Janice Hallet

Good Reads Rating: 3.88

The Appeal is unlike any other mystery thriller I have read. And the unique format will appeal to crime fiction fans. This is one of the few fall books my fiancé ( who is not a big reader) enjoyed. The format of this book is ideal if you don’t read very often.

It gives you the chance to turn investigator. There is a tragic death in an amateur dramatics group. A member of the drama group is in prison for the crime. But they suspect they are innocent.

Roderick Tanner QC, of Tanner and Dewey LLP, gives law students a bundle of emails, documents and messages to read through. The real killer can be found in the bundle of papers. And the reader has the chance to identify the killer too.

The narrative is made up of email conversations and papers. The epistolary format lends itself perfectly to the mystery-thriller genre. And there are many unexpected twists and turns.

For Fans of Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter

27. The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Good Reads Rating: 3.83

The Guest List is a fast paced, twisty thriller. Full of suspense and slow building tension, mystery fans will love this thriller. 

The Guest List is set on an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one.

But then someone turns up dead.

Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?

Lucy Foley’s writing style is excellent. I normally dislike too many POVS, but it works in The Guest List. This will be a book you’ll want to binge read.

For Fans of The House Across The Lake by Riley Sager

28. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

Good Reads Rating: 3.71

A Halloween classic. There are countless movie versions of this classic novel but I highly recommend reading the original. 

Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher, came to Tarry Town in the glen of Sleepy Hollow to ply his trade in educating young minds.

 He was a gullible and excitable fellow, often so terrified by locals’ stories of ghosts that he would hurry through the woods on his way home.

 Until late one night, he finds that maybe they’re not just stories. What is that dark, menacing figure riding behind him on a horse? And what does it have in its hands? 

For Fans of The Tell Tale Heart by Edgar Allen Poe or Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

YA Fall Books

29. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Good Reads Rating: 4.02

If you’re looking for a fantasy with magic in a city setting then this is a great option for you. This book is slower-paced with beautiful worldbuilding. But the vibes are immaculate. The perfect book to lose yourself in another world.

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there when yesterday it was not. But it’s only open at night.

And behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway between two rival magicians -Celia and Marco. 

They have trained since childhood purely for this purpose. But unknown to them, only one will be left standing. The circus is set for an incredible battle of imagination.

The problem is, despite themselves Celia and Marco fall in love. But, true love or not, the game must play out.

For Fans of Caraval by Stephanie Garber

30. Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

Good Reads Rating: 3.67

Sawkill island has never been safe for young girls. There is a local legend about a paranormal beast who hunts young girls.

We are introduced to three girls: Zoey, Val and Marion. They have the power to save the island. If they are willing to come together and try.

Sawkill Girls is a dark fantasy book. And it’s definitely not for everyone. The world-building is dark, moody and atmospheric. But I love the idea of sapphic girls coming together and using magical powers to conquer evil.

For Fans of Wilder Girls by Rory Power 

31. Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Good Reads Rating: 4.11

Coraline is one of the most classic fall books. And it delivers on creepiness. Neil Gaiman writes the most atmospheric books. And they always have autumnal vibes.

Coraline is fed up with the lack of attention from her parents. She discovers a family from a parallel universe. And they give her everything she wants.

But is everything as it seems?

The sassy cat is the best. Especially when Coraline tries to befriend the cat. And it responds with “We COULD be rare specimens of an exotic breed of dancing African elephants, but we’re not. At least, I’M not.

In a reading slump? Coraline is perfect. This short book is a quick read with an easy writing style you breeze through. Plus it has one of the BEST adaptations.

For Fans of A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket or Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

32. These Witches Don’t Burn by Isabel Sterling

Good Reads Rating: 3.73

It’s a YA Fantasy book about witches featuring a f/f romance. Plus it’s set in Salem.  What could be more perfect for fall!

These Witches Don’t Burn follows Hannah. She is a witch living in Salem.

A dark blood ritual interrupts her end of school bonfire. And so, she investigates with her ex-girlfriend Veronica.

She also meets Morgan. But trying to date in the middle of a supernatural crisis is not easy. And it will test Hannah’s limits.

This is one of my favourite duologies! This is a great book for beginners to fantasy. While it has fantasy elements, the tone is similar to a contemporary novel. Similar to TJ Klune.The magical, fantastical elements are developed well. And pacing of the plot will keep you hooked.

For Fans of Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune and This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

33. Cemetary Boys by Aiden Thomas

Good Reads Rating: 4.30

 A magical YA Contemporary with LGBTQ+ Main characters. 

Cemetery Boys follows Yadriel whose traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his true gender.

To prove himself, he performs a ritual. And sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin.

How perfect is that plot for Halloween? The cover, the plot and the intrigue all scream autumnal Halloween vibes.

For Fans of So This is Ever After by F.T. Lukens

34. Sadie by Courtney Summers

Good Reads Rating: 4.06

Audiobooks amplify the atmospheric allure of fall books, especially on a rainy day.

The Sadie audiobook is one of my favourites. This incredible audiobook features a full cast of narrators and sound effects. So it feels like you’re listening to a true crime podcast. And it brings the story to life.

There is something very atmospheric about audiobooks. In particular, the Sadie audiobook is incredible. It features a fall cast of narrators and sound effects. It truly sounds like you’re listening to a true-crime podcast. And it brings the story to life.

Sadie tells the story of a missing girl on a mission for revenge. It also features a podcast that tracks down the clues she’s left behind.

Wow! This will take you on a roller coaster journey of emotions. If you love thrillers or revenge plots then you have to read this one.

For Fans of Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

35. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

Good Reads Rating: 4.05

The Raven Cycle is unique compared to other fantasy books. This paranormal fantasy features an unusual plot but it works superbly. The characters, magic and setup are well developed. And the academia make this perfect for autumn.

Each year in the churchyard, Blue watches her psychic mother see those who are going to die that year. Blue never actually sees them herself. Until this year. When she speaks directly to a boy.

He is called Gansey and is a student at Aglionby school. The students there are known locally as Raven Boys.

I had so many recommendations to read this and for good reason. The characters make this one of the best fall books. Blue starts disliking the Aglionby students. And they work to become friends. And this makes the relationships much more captivating.

For Fans of Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

36. An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson

Good Reads Rating: 3.65

An Enchantment of Ravens is a recent discovery of mine. And it would also be a great pick for fans of fae, morally grey characters or romantasy.

We follow painter Isabel. And she creates stunning portraits for the dangerous fair folk. She paints a portrait of the Autumn Prince. But she paints humanity in his eyes. And that’s a deadly mistake.

The stunning imagery brings the world to life. And the mix of whimsy and crafts is magical. The crafts at the start feels cozy and cottagecore.

But this is also perfect for Fall. We follow the Autumn king. And the book has tons of beautiful autumnal forest imagery. My only concern is that at times the relationship is toxic. At times the pace was also quite slow. But fans of the romance in the Cruel Prince will love this romantasy.

For Fans of A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer or Silver in the Wood by Emily Tesh

37. Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Good Reads Rating: 4.03

Serpent and Dove is an excellent pick for fall books with witches. Or a compelling romantasy. It features a slow burn enemies to lovers romance between a witch and a witch hunter.

Serpent and Dove follows Louise – a witch.  She lives in Cesarine where witches are hunted and burned. Reid is a witch hunter who has always lived by the same principle – thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

But Lou pulls a stunt and it forces them into an impossible scenario – holy matrimony.

This has so many tropes that I enjoy – enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience and  morally grey characters. And it’s topped off with an well developed magic system and easy to read writing.

This is the perfect books to read in fall. The witchy imagery and gritty city setting are excellent.

For Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses  by Sarah J Maas

38. A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee

Good Reads Rating: 4.03

A Lesson in Vengeance in a LGBTQ+ Dark Academia Fantasy and Thriller. This is billed as fantasy, but honestly you could debate whether this is a fantasy or a thriller. But regardless, A Lesson in Vengeance is ideal for fall.

With academia worldbuilding, a mystery and witches, it has all the elements of the perfect autumnal read.

We follow Felicity Morrrow and is set at Dalloway School. Dalloway School was her home until the tragic death of her girlfriend. 

Witchcraft is woven into Dalloway’s history. The school doesn’t talk about it, but the students do. And before her girlfriend died, Felicity was drawn to the dark. She’s determined to leave that behind her now; all Felicity wants is to focus on her senior thesis and graduate. But it’s hard when Dalloway’s occult history is everywhere. And when the new girl won’t let her forget.

Ellis Haley was an intriguing and well-developed character. And the plot takes you on many twists and turns. Plus, this is fairly short and quick to read.

For Fans of The Society of Souless Girls by Laura Steven

39. Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Good Reads Rating: 4.22

Ace of Spades is a thrilling YA Mystery. It’s fast-paced and filled with plot twists. This dark academia book deals with institutionalized racism. Plus it has a badass female lead.

Once I got into this book, I could not put it down. The mystery compells you to keep reading. And it has many unexpected twists and turns.

Ace of Spades is set at  Niveus Private Academy. Here money paves the hallways. And students are never less than perfect.

Until now.

An anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students’ dark secrets to light.Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals.  But he can’t escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn’t afraid to get what she wants. But soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power.Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they’re planning much more than a high-school game…

For Fans of LegendBorn by Tracy Deonn

40. Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker

Good Reads Rating: 3.83

Mooncakes is a cozy YA fantasy romance about a witch and a non-binary werewolf. The paranormal elements and witch make this perfect for fall. And the illustrations are wholesome and adorable.

We follow teen witch Nova. She works at her Nana’s magical bookshop. And she helps them loan out spell books. But she also investigates supernatural occurrences in her local town.

One day, she is tasked to investigate reports of a white wolf in a nearby forest. She then discovers her childhood best friend,  Tam, fighting a demon werewolf.  

This is such a comfort read. The artwork is insanely beautiful. I loved the illustrations of the magic and magical creatures living in the forest. The romance is also adorable. This is ideal if you’re in a reading slump. Graphic novels are easy to read. And mooncakes has such a warm and cozy vibe.

I love a cozy fantasy book in Autumn. If you’re after queer cozy fantasy books, I have tons of recommendations. Check out my article on queer cozy fantasy books here

For Fans of The Tea Dragon Society by Kay O’Neill

41. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Good Reads Rating: 3.83

This has a magical story concept and whimsical worldbuilding. And it has such a cozy fantasy vibe. Perfect if you like friendly witches or fall forest imagery.

Every year the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest. They hope to keep her from terrorizing the town.

But the witch Xan is kind. She rescues the abandoned children. And delivers them to welcoming families on the other side of the forest.

Fyrian the dragon is adorable. He’s small and cute. The humour made me smile and laugh many times. The audiobook brought Fyrian to life and the voice made me chuckle multiple times.

For Fans of The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman  or Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldtree

42. Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters

Good Reads Rating: 3.67

Ghostwood Song is a spooky tale with Southern Forest imagery. This intriguing mystery features a bisexual main character.

Ghostwood song follows Shady Groves. She’s inherited her father’s ability to call ghosts from the grave with his fiddle. And she knows the tunes bring nothing but trouble. But her brother is accused of murder. And to clear his name she’s going to have to make the ghosts sing.

I listened to the audiobook version of this which I highly recommend. The narrator has the most charming Southern USA accent. This book is super atmospheric and full of creepy forest scenes.

It strikes a balance of home comforts and creepy scenes while also exploring the impact of loss on a family.

For Fans of Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand

43. A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Good Reads Rating: 4.05

Searching for a retelling? Or maybe you’re after a badass main character. You should read A Curse So Dark and Lonely. This beauty and the Beast retelling features a badass, disabled main character.

A Curse So Dark And Lonely is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. Prince Rhen is the Heir of Emberfall.

Emberfall is under a curse and the kingdom is enchanted into an everlasting winter. Prince Rhen needs to make a girl fall in love with him to break the curse.

Harper has cerebral palsy. And she struggles to look after her dying mother. She tries to save a stranger and is pulled into the world of Emberfall.

A Curse so Dark and Lonely is an excellent retelling. It puts a modern spin on the original fairytale. Despite Harper’s disability – she’s not a character in need of sympathy. She’s the perfect fantasy heroine – strong and with a good head on her shoulders. But also flawed enough to feel realistic.

For Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

44. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Good Reads Rating: 4.43

Legendborn is one of my all-time favourite books. And I will recommend this thrilling fantasy at any opportunity. But the academia setting is perfect for fall.

We follow Bree Mathews. After the death of her mother, she wants to avoid family memories. So, she joins a residential program for gifted high school students.

But then she witnesses a magical attack on her first night. A flying demon feeding on human energy. A Mage tries to wipe her memory. But he fails. And instead Bree unlocks new memories of her mother’s death.

Legendborn is a brilliant debut novel. It was a fast-paced story full of twists and turns. And it kept me hooked. In fact, I stayed up to about 2am finishing it.

Tracy Deonn also included commentary on racism and slavery. They were woven perfectly into the storyline.

For Fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

45. Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Good Reads Rating: 3.95

Searching for thrillers? Or maybe you’re after dark academia fall books? This is the thriller for you.

Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists.

It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped.

The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.”

It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case.

For Fans of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson or Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

46. With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

Good Reads Rating: 4.19

Books with food imagery are so cozy. And they automatically remind me of Autumn. You can taste the vibrant food imagery through the pages of this ya fall book.

It follows Emoni Santiago. Ever since she got pregnant freshman year, her  life has been about making the tough decisions.

The one place she can let all that go is in the kitchen. Where she adds a little something magical to everything she cooks, turning her food into straight-up goodness.Even though she dreams of working as a chef after she graduates, Emoni knows that it’s not worth her time to pursue the impossible.

For Fans of Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender or You Should See me in a crown by Leah Johnson

47. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Good Reads Rating: 4.34

A gripping and twisty YA mystery novel. This book was a bestseller, hyped up online. But for good reason.

The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn’t so sure.

When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth?

For Fans of One of Us is Lying by Karen M. McManus

48. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Good Reads Rating: 4.03

Six of Crows is a  fast-paced ya fantasy duology with a chaotic and diverse friendship group.

Six of Crows follows six teenagers living in Ketterdam. Kaz Brekker, a criminal prodigy, is one of the teens. He is offered a deadly heist for a huge payout.

But it’s an impossible heist. And Kaz will need all the help he can get to pull it off. So, he assembles five other teens to help him.

There is so much to love about Six of Crows – magic found family and super sassy banter.

For Fans of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros or Throne of Glass  by Sarah J Maas

49. The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl

Good Reads Rating: 3.68

The Grimrose Girls is a modern take on classic fairytales such as The Little Mermaid, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. But with a darkly magical twist.

The heroines of the stories are re-imagined as friends attending an elite boarding school. After their friend dies, the police rule the death as suicide. But they decide to investigate to find out what really happened.

Grimrose Girls is a unique concept and fantasy retelling. The mystery was gripping and well-paced. And the story kept mentioning tantalizing details that kept me engaged.

The school setting gives this retelling dark academia vibes. Perfect for Autumn. And using the darker versions of the fairytales added to the dark academia, mysterious tone of the book.

For Fans of A Lesson in Vengeance  by Victoria Lee

 50. Ruinsong by Julia Ember

Good Reads Rating: 3.49

This is a seriously underrated book. I don’t see this recommended nearly enough online. Ruinsong is an ya lesbian book set in a dystopian world. It has lush world-building, a twisty plot and feisty main characters.

In this world, singers have magic powers when they sing certain songs. And they are able to heal, cause pain and heat people.

Cadence is a strong mage, born in an orphanage. She rises to success. But she works for the evil Queen Elene. And Elene forces Cadence to use her power to torture others.

  But when she is reunited with her childhood friend she must make a choice. Does she take a stand or follow the queen.

This book is like a dystopian and queer phantom of the opera. Full of strong-willed women wearing beautiful ball gowns taking down evil.  The phantom of the opera world building gave this fall vibes. The dark tone and magic transport me to a fantastical Autumnal world.

For Fans of The Scapegracers by H.A. Clarke

This post was all about cozy fall books to read

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