If you’re anything like me, you’ll pick your next read based on what time of year it is. I seasonally fall in love with certain genres and the colder months of autumn and winter are definitely the time for fantasy and mystery/thriller books. So to celebrate the first day of autumn, I have some book recommendations for you!
I’ll paint the scene for you. The rain is falling against your window and you’re curled up in your favourite reading spot. You have your hot drink of choice in one hand and a book in the other. A blanket covers your legs and you don’t have any plans for the rest of the day, but to enjoy your book. But what is the book in your hand? Here’s some suggestions from me for the perfect autumn/fall fantasy and thriller reads.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Holly Jackson
This mystery thriller is set in autumn, and follows Pip as she tries to prove the innocence of Sal, who everyone believes murdered a young girl over give years ago. This book is a non-stop, action packed, thrill ride that I really enjoyed. It is the definition of a page turner and I never wanted to put it down. It’s perfect for late nights, but I can’t promise you won’t feel a little on edge and scared whilst reading it.
A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer
I’m not just picking books that are set in autumn, but this book is set in a land where it is always autumn. It’s a Beauty and the Beast retelling that you will love if you’re a fantasy fan. It has kick-ass leading ladies, romance and magic, what’s not to love?! This one is perfect for this time of year because it reminds you of the beauty of this season and makes you feel all cosy and magical whilst you’re reading it. Also if you read this now, you have the sequel, A Heart fo Fierce and Broken, to look forward to at the start of 2020.
The Priory of the Orange Tree, Samantha Shannon
It would be wrong if I didn’t include this book in my recommendations for autumn reads. I think fantasy books are made for the autumn and this one is about as fantasy as they come, filled with dragons and magic. I adore this book and it’s chunky size is perfect to accompany you on these darker evenings. You’ll fall in love with the characters and feel at home at once, it is very easy to become totally immersed in this experience. Plus the cover is rocking all sorts of autumnal colours.
Tilly and the Bookwanderers, Pages & Co, Anna James
This is a middle grade book that I’m saying is a fantasy for this blog post, it just doesn’t have dragons and epic battles. Instead it has a girl that can jump into the pages of a book, which is pretty awesome and very magical for sure! Tilly’s grandparents own a bookshop, which she spends most of her time and honestly this book just oozes cosiness and makes me want to explore Tilly’s shop. It’s a wholesome story with a very special kind of magic. It’s an easy read for your autumn/fall TBR.
Stalking Jack the Ripper, Kerri Maniscalco
I enjoyed the first book of this thriller/mystery series. And whilst I found it a little predictable, it doesn’t mean it wasn’t a well written mystery with fantastic characters. I enjoyed exploring this world and figuring out the twists and turns with the characters. The dark nature of these books definitely makes it fit within my autumn/fall recommendations and I can’t wait to carry on with the series.
Let me know what books you’ll be reading over the next few months and if you enjoyed this post, please share it on Pinterest or Twitter!
I totally agree with the rec for Stalking Jack the Ripper! I’ve read the subsequent books in October every year that they’ve come out, they’re just perfect for the season. I’m really hoping this last one, Capturing the Devil, ties everything up nicely (ok, in the-way-I-want-it-to-kind-of-nicely).
I love Stalking Jack the Ripper! I really need to read the rest of the series still!
I always find myself reading more fantasy novels this time of year. There’s just a magic in the air that makes fantasy such an immersive experience on those cosy nights.
I’m currently reading Priory and although it’s one chunkster of a book, once you get into the story, it’s really hard to put it down! I can definitely see how it’d be a great fall read 🙂 Good Girl’s Guide is one that I’ve been looking forward to read for a while now. Great suggestions!
This is such a great list!! A Curse so Dark and Lonely sounds right up my street. I’m so excited to write my autumnal reading list & take all the pictures for it :’)
I’ve heard of a few of these but some are new to me. I will have to add some of these to my TBR, they sound quite good!