Leaves crunch underfoot, littering the pavement in rich reds, fiery oranges, and deep browns. They rustle in the crisp wind, carrying with them the scents of spices and the earthy aromas of autumn. Through the open window, the scent of cinnamon and vanilla wafts from someone’s baked goods. The slight breeze rustles the pages aimlessly. Beneath the comforting embrace of the blanket and the enthralling world captured between the pages.
A paragraph that entices feelings of comfort. That’s what autumn and reading are: comfort. So why not combine the two? Get ready to snuggle under a blanket with a good book as you watch the leaves turn and begin their descent. Whether you enjoy horror, dark academia, mystery/thriller, or fantasy, here are some of the best books to read during the fall:
King of Horror:
If you have any knowledge of literature, you should have one person come to mind when hearing the term ‘King of Horror”. Stephen King is a world-renowned writer who has written around 65 novels and novellas, including seven under his pseudonym. He is primarily known for his works in horror, supernatural fiction, and suspense, making any of his books a great option to read during autumn. It might seem intimidating, as he has plenty of long books, but he also has many short stories to choose from, which could help ease you into his distinctive writing. The first book I read by him was It; his writing captivated me instantly. King resembles an artist; he weaves sentences together, sculpting thoughts into images and painting a vivid picture. I’m certain most people know what It is about, but if not, it’s a horror story focused on a clown that haunts children before eating them. This story isn’t just creepy, but it has aspects of growing up and the importance of friendship. If It doesn’t interest you, there’s plenty of other books to choose from, like The Shining. If you’re looking for a more paranormal or psychological horror book, this would be a better option. However, it does take place during the winter, so if you’re an atmospheric reader, maybe save this book for late autumn. Witness Jack descending into madness from the influence of a haunted hotel. Regardless, King is a phenomenal writer and storyteller; any book by him is a great option for autumn.
Mystery:
One of my favorite mystery authors is Holly Jackson. So far, she has published seven books, all of which are mysteries containing lots of plot twists. I’ve read all of her books, except for her newest release, which I have but haven’t had a chance to read yet. The A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is one of my favorite series. The first book follows Pip, who attempts to solve a murder case that has already been solved in her town. The police claim the woman was murdered by her boyfriend, who committed suicide, which was seen as an admission of guilt. But Pip doesn’t believe that’s the case. For her senior project, Pip is determined to figure out who is actually to blame for the murder. Additionally, Five Survive and The Reappearance of Rachel Price are stand-alone, shocking mysteries. Both were fast-paced books that I couldn’t put down. Lastly, her newest release, Not Quite Dead Yet, begins on Halloween night. So I’m planning to read it closer to Halloween. Nevertheless, any book by Jackson is a good book to read during autumn.
Fantasy:
If you’re not interested in mystery or horror, you might be interested in fantasy. People consider fantasy a fall-like genre because of the cozy and mysterious atmosphere; some fantasies contain “spooky elements”. So even though it might not feel as scary or mysterious as other genres, the vivid imagery of fantasy complements autumn. One of my favorite fantasy series that’s great for autumn is the Six of Crows duology. The gothic and darker, cozier atmosphere, along with the setting being chilly and foggy, make it the perfect series for autumn. I already have an article detailing my opinion of this duology, so if you need more persuasion, you should read my other article. Yet, I love the found-family aspect the characters have with each other, the dangerous heist they must endure, and lots of action with continuous plot twists.
Honorable Mention:
While many people might not consider this series to be autumn or winter-focused, the coziness Harry Potter evokes makes it feel like the perfect autumn/winter read. The themes of friendship, magic, and adventure contribute to the coziness as well. Harry Potter also features Halloween and Christmas with magical elements. Live bats flying through the corridors, floating jack-o-lanterns, and a feast featuring an abundance of sweets. Snow blankets the castle, large Christmas trees hang with baubles, ghosts sing throughout the castle, and explosions from wizard crackers. Hence, the atmosphere at Hogwarts makes it a perfect read during the cooler months.
