Fall Book Suggestions
As the leaves change color and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book that matches the cozy, mysterious vibes of fall. Here are five fantastic reads to immerse yourself in the season:
1. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
Description: In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to better the family's social position.
What begins as simple amusement for the bored nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.
Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the line between magic, science, and fraud is never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santangel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall: The atmospheric setting and intricate storytelling are ideal for those fall nights. Bardugo's rich prose transports readers into a world where magic and reality blur, exploring themes of identity and connection. The book’s exploration of the unknown mirrors the season’s transition, inviting you to delve into its depths alongside its vivid characters.
2. A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson (or any of her books)
Description: Pretty and popular high school senior Andie Bell was murdered by her boyfriend, Sal Singh, who then killed himself. It was all anyone could talk about. And five years later, Pip sees how the tragedy still haunts her town.
But she can't shake the feeling that there was more to what happened that day. She knew Sal when she was a child, and he was always so kind to her. How could he possibly have been a killer?
Now a senior herself, Pip decides to reexamine the closed case for her final project, at first just to cast doubt on the original investigation. But soon she discovers a trail of dark secrets that might actually prove Sal innocent . . . and the line between past and present begins to blur. Someone in Fairview doesn't want Pip digging around for answers, and now her own life might be in danger.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall: With its suspenseful twists and chilling moments, this book captures the eerie essence of autumn. The fall season's darker evenings are the perfect backdrop for this thrilling mystery, making it an ideal companion for your reading nook.
3. Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
Description: Viola Marek is a struggling real estate agent, and a vampire. But her biggest problem currently is that the house she needs to sell is haunted. The ghost haunting the house has been murdered, and until he can solve the mystery of how he died, he refuses to move on.
Fox D’Mora is a medium, and though is also most-definitely a shameless fraud, he isn’t entirely without his uses—seeing as he’s actually the godson of Death.
When Viola seeks out Fox to help her with her ghost-infested mansion, he becomes inextricably involved in a quest that neither he nor Vi expects (or wants). But with the help of an unruly poltergeist, a demonic personal trainer, a sharp-voiced angel, a love-stricken reaper, and a few high-functioning creatures, Vi and Fox soon discover the difference between a mysterious lost love and an annoying dead body isn’t nearly as distinct as they thought.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall: We follow a group of characters who grapple with themes of death, power, afterlife and the supernatural. Blake's world-building is both enchanting and unsettling, creating a unique atmosphere that pulls you in from the start. Its moody tone and gripping narrative make it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bit of darkness in their reading.
4. Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
Description: Legend goes that long ago a Flores woman offended the old gods, and their family was cursed as a result. Now, every woman born to the family has a touch of magic.
Sage Flores has been running from her family—and their “gifts”—ever since her younger sister Sky died. Eight years later, Sage reluctantly returns to her hometown. Like slipping into an old, comforting sweater, Sage takes back her job at Cranberry Rose Company and uses her ability to communicate with plants to discover unusual heritage specimens in the surrounding lands.
What should be a simple task is complicated by her partner in botany sleuthing: Tennessee Reyes. He broke her heart in high school, and she never fully recovered. Working together is reminding her of all their past tender, genuine moments—and new feelings for this mature sexy man are starting to take root in her heart.
With rare plants to find, a dead sister who keeps bringing her coffee, and another sister whose anger fills the sky with lightning, Sage doesn’t have time for romance. But being with Tenn is like standing in the middle of a field on the cusp of a summer thunderstorm—supercharged and inevitable.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall: The magical elements and the exploration of nature are perfect for the fall season, it’s a feel-good romantasy that begs to be read with a warm drink in hand at a local cafe. The lyrical writing and rich imagery draw you into a vibrant world of magic and self-discovery. The themes of empowerment and self-acceptance resonate beautifully as you cozy up with a warm drink and watch the leaves fall.
5. Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan
Description: Sparks fly when an occult expert and a disgraced archeologist become enemies-with-benefits in this steamy romance.
Riley Rhodes finally has the chance to turn her family’s knack for the supernatural into a legitimate business when she’s hired to break the curse on an infamous Scottish castle. Used to working alone in her alienating occupation, she's pleasantly surprised to meet a handsome stranger upon arrival—until he tries to get her fired.
Fresh off a professional scandal, Clark Edgeware can’t allow a self-proclaimed “curse breaker” to threaten his last chance for redemption. After he fails to get Riley kicked off his survey site, he vows to avoid her. Unfortunately for him, she vows to get even.
Riley expects the curse to do her dirty work by driving Clark away, but instead, they keep finding themselves in close proximity. Too close. Turns out, the only thing they do better than fight is fool around. If they’re not careful, by the end of all this, more than the castle will end up in ruins.
Why It’s Perfect for Fall: Dive into a haunting Scottish castle as the crisp autumn air sets the perfect backdrop for a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance. With supernatural twists and a tantalizing mix of tension and chemistry, Riley and Clark's battle against a centuries-old curse mirrors the transformative spirit of the season. As the leaves turn, cozy up with this atmospheric tale of love, rivalry, and redemption—ideal for those seeking thrills and warmth on chilly evenings!
These five books not only capture the spirit of fall but also provide a mix of magic, suspense, and heartwarming stories. Grab your favorite cozy blanket and a warm beverage, and let these tales whisk you away into the enchanting world of autumn reading!