This week, we’re talking about fall book recommendations. When you think about autumn, what comes to mind? For me, it’s Halloween, pretty forests, hockey season, crippling back-to-school anxiety, long nights, cold days, first snow, and high-calorie foods. Also, books (of course. I’m always thinking about books.) Fall is a perfect time to read something beautiful, atmospheric, and a little sinister. Here are 10 books that I’d recommend picking up this season.
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*This post contains affiliate links. I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Fall Book Recommendations
1. History Of Wolves by Emily Fridlund
Adult literary fiction
Fourteen-year-old
Madeline lives with her parents in the beautiful, austere woods of northern
Minnesota, where their nearly abandoned commune stands as a last vestige of a
lost counter-culture world. Isolated at home and an outlander at school,
Madeline is drawn to the enigmatic, attractive Lily and new history teacher Mr.
Grierson. When Mr. Grierson is charged with possessing child pornography, the
implications of his arrest deeply affect Madeline as she wrestles with her own
fledgling desires and craving to belong.
And then the young Gardner family moves in across the lake and Madeline finds herself welcomed into their home as a babysitter for their little boy, Paul. It seems that her life finally has purpose but with this new sense of belonging she is also drawn into secrets she doesn’t understand. Over the course of a few days, Madeline makes a set of choices that reverberate throughout her life. As she struggles to find a way out of the sequestered world into which she was born, Madeline confronts the life-and-death consequences of the things people do—and fail to do—for the people they love.
Why I recommend it: It's a back-to-school story. The main character develops an obsession with her classmate and her new teacher. The writing is stunning. It perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Minnesota forest. I was pulled in from the first chapter.
And then the young Gardner family moves in across the lake and Madeline finds herself welcomed into their home as a babysitter for their little boy, Paul. It seems that her life finally has purpose but with this new sense of belonging she is also drawn into secrets she doesn’t understand. Over the course of a few days, Madeline makes a set of choices that reverberate throughout her life. As she struggles to find a way out of the sequestered world into which she was born, Madeline confronts the life-and-death consequences of the things people do—and fail to do—for the people they love.
Why I recommend it: It's a back-to-school story. The main character develops an obsession with her classmate and her new teacher. The writing is stunning. It perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Minnesota forest. I was pulled in from the first chapter.
2. Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
Young adult fantasy / horror graphic novel
Journey
through the woods in this sinister, compellingly spooky collection that
features four brand-new stories and one phenomenally popular tale in print for
the first time. These are fairy tales gone seriously wrong, where you can
travel to “Our Neighbor’s House”—though coming back might be a problem. Or find
yourself a young bride in a house that holds a terrible secret in “A Lady’s
Hands Are Cold.” You might try to figure out what is haunting “My Friend
Janna,” or discover that your brother’s fiancĂ©e may not be what she seems in
“The Nesting Place.” And of course you must revisit the horror of “His Face All
Red,” the breakout webcomic hit that has been gorgeously translated to the
printed page.
Why I recommend it: This is my favorite graphic novel ever. I'm completely in love with the art style. It's bold and unique. The stories in the book remind me of campfire tales. They're odd, entertaining, and a little creepy. Perfect for Halloween.
Why I recommend it: This is my favorite graphic novel ever. I'm completely in love with the art style. It's bold and unique. The stories in the book remind me of campfire tales. They're odd, entertaining, and a little creepy. Perfect for Halloween.
3. When The Sky Fell On Splendor by Emily Henry
Young adult science fiction
Almost
everyone in the small town of Splendor, Ohio, was affected when the local steel
mill exploded. If you weren’t a casualty of the accident yourself, chances are
a loved one was. That’s the case for seventeen-year-old Franny, who, five years
after the explosion, still has to stand by and do nothing as her brother lies
in a coma.
In the wake of the tragedy, Franny found solace in a group of friends whose experiences mirrored her own. The group calls themselves The Ordinary, and they spend their free time investigating local ghost stories and legends, filming their exploits for their small following of YouTube fans. It’s silly, it’s fun, and it keeps them from dwelling on the sadness that surrounds them.
Until one evening, when the strange and dangerous thing they film isn’t fiction–it’s a bright light, something massive hurdling toward them from the sky. And when it crashes and the teens go to investigate . . . everything changes.
Why I recommend it: You'll get lost in this book on a dark autumn night because you won't want to put it down. The plot gets moving early and never lets up. The story is full of twists, and monsters, and quirky-yet-flawed teenagers who are trying to save themselves.
4. The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Adult classic mystery
The complete
collection of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes tales, both long and
short, compiled together for the first time.
Why I recommend it: Fall is the perfect time to catch up on a classic. You need something to do on those rainy or snowy days, right? The Sherlock Holmes books are extremely readable classics. The plots are fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll be shocked by Sherlock's creativity and powers of deduction.
Why I recommend it: Fall is the perfect time to catch up on a classic. You need something to do on those rainy or snowy days, right? The Sherlock Holmes books are extremely readable classics. The plots are fast paced and will keep you on the edge of your seat. You'll be shocked by Sherlock's creativity and powers of deduction.
5. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Adult mystery classic
The novel
begins in Monte Carlo, where our heroine is swept off her feet by the dashing
widower Maxim de Winter and his sudden proposal of marriage. Orphaned and working
as a lady's maid, she can barely believe her luck. It is only when they arrive
at his massive country estate that she realizes how large a shadow his late wife
will cast over their lives—presenting her with a lingering evil that threatens
to destroy their marriage from beyond the grave.
Why I recommend it: Autumn is the best time for spooky mansion stories. This is a must-read for introverts. You will laugh out loud at the main character's behavior. She pretends to have fun at parties and sneaks around her huge, intimidating house so she doesn't have to talk to the staff. While she's avoiding others, she's attempting to uncover what happened to her husband's previous wife. It's a compelling mystery in an atmospheric setting.
Why I recommend it: Autumn is the best time for spooky mansion stories. This is a must-read for introverts. You will laugh out loud at the main character's behavior. She pretends to have fun at parties and sneaks around her huge, intimidating house so she doesn't have to talk to the staff. While she's avoiding others, she's attempting to uncover what happened to her husband's previous wife. It's a compelling mystery in an atmospheric setting.
6. My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier
Adult mystery classic
Orphaned at an
early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent older cousin, Ambrose.
Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in Philip as his heir, a man who will love
his grand home as much as he does himself. But the cozy world the two construct
is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in
love and marries—and there he dies suddenly. Jealous of his marriage, racked by
suspicion at the hints in Ambrose's letters, and grief-stricken by his death,
Philip prepares to meet his cousin's widow with hatred in his heart. Despite
himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious Rachel
like a moth to the flame. And yet . . . might she have had a hand in Ambrose's
death?
Why I recommend it: This is my favorite Daphne du Maurier novel. The tension builds slowly, and the reader is kept guessing about Rachel's true motives until the very end. You can't trust any of the characters in this mystery.
Why I recommend it: This is my favorite Daphne du Maurier novel. The tension builds slowly, and the reader is kept guessing about Rachel's true motives until the very end. You can't trust any of the characters in this mystery.
7. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Adult literary mystery
Under the
influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric
misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living
that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But
when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality, they slip gradually from
obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last—inexorably—into evil.
Why I recommend it: It takes place in a college, so it's perfect for fall. Also, it's very different from most people's real lives. The plot is outlandish but not unbelievable. The characters are psychopaths who can use their money and connections to get away with anything. The writing is brilliant. The author brings the characters' privileged world to life and gets the reader to feel (a tiny bit) sorry for some of them.
Why I recommend it: It takes place in a college, so it's perfect for fall. Also, it's very different from most people's real lives. The plot is outlandish but not unbelievable. The characters are psychopaths who can use their money and connections to get away with anything. The writing is brilliant. The author brings the characters' privileged world to life and gets the reader to feel (a tiny bit) sorry for some of them.
8. A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Middlegrade Fantasy
Conor has the
same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she
started the treatments that don't quite seem to be working. But tonight is
different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's
ancient, elemental, a force of nature. And it wants the most dangerous thing of
all from Conor. It wants the truth.
Why I recommend it: Make sure you get the illustrated version because the art is stunning and adds another layer to the story. The writing is just as beautiful as the pictures. It's written as a modern-day fairytale, but it has depth! The characters' emotions are raw and honest. It doesn't lie to young readers about the scary things in life. I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. I needed it.
Why I recommend it: Make sure you get the illustrated version because the art is stunning and adds another layer to the story. The writing is just as beautiful as the pictures. It's written as a modern-day fairytale, but it has depth! The characters' emotions are raw and honest. It doesn't lie to young readers about the scary things in life. I wish this book had been around when I was a kid. I needed it.
9. City Of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab
Middlegrade fantasy / horror
Cassidy
Blake's parents are The Inspecters, a (somewhat inept) ghost-hunting team. But
Cass herself can REALLY see ghosts. In fact, her best friend, Jacob, just
happens to be one.
When The Inspecters head to ultra-haunted Edinburgh, Scotland, for their new TV show, Cass—and Jacob—come along. In Scotland, Cass is surrounded by ghosts, not all of them friendly. Then she meets Lara, a girl who can also see the dead. But Lara tells Cassidy that as an In-betweener, their job is to send ghosts permanently beyond the Veil. Cass isn't sure about her new mission, but she does know the sinister Red Raven haunting the city doesn't belong in her world. Cassidy's powers will draw her into an epic fight that stretches through the worlds of the living and the dead, in order to save herself.
Why I recommend it: A perfect Halloween tale for readers of all ages. This is the kind of novel I loved to read as a kid. It's a bit creepy with a strong focus on friendship. It will suck you in and not let go. It has vivid descriptions of real Edinburgh plus a sinister "alternate" Edinburgh that's populated by ghosts. I'm very excited to see where this series goes.
10. Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
Young adult fantasy
A mysterious
island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious
photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel
that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our
story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying
to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling
ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its
abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more
than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been
quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though
it seems—they may still be alive. A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with
haunting vintage photography, Miss
Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and
anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.
Why I recommend it: Another novel with brilliant, creepy artwork. If you're searching for a young adult book that's a little unusual, you need to read this one. It's a mixed-media story with memorable monsters. It took a lot of imagination to write this one.
Why I recommend it: Another novel with brilliant, creepy artwork. If you're searching for a young adult book that's a little unusual, you need to read this one. It's a mixed-media story with memorable monsters. It took a lot of imagination to write this one.
What are your favorite fall
books?
Rebecca made my list and I ALMOST put on Miss Peregrin's but didn't. The only one here I've read is Through the Woods and it was lovely. Wonderful list.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I totally agree with Rebecca, My Cousin Rachel and Through the Woods, and one of these days I need to read The Secret History.
ReplyDeleteWow, Through the Woods sounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteMy TTT.
I can never decide if I like Rebecca or not? It's a good read but kind of painful. I need to read some more Sherlock Holmes!
ReplyDeleteAh your recommendations are FANTASTIC! I feel like Through the Woods would be a perfect spooky read for the season. I'm also very curious about When The Sky Fell on Splendor, it sounds so so good! :)
ReplyDeleteI am really wanting to read Rebecca. It's at the top of my classics TBR list. Hopefully soon!
ReplyDeleteRebecca is the perfect fall read, so happy to see it on your list! It's dark and a little spooky and very autumn-y feeling!
ReplyDeleteSo good.
ReplyDeleteOoh these look great!! My favorite ones are The Night Circus and Anna Dressed In Blood!
ReplyDeleteDaphne du Maurier's Gothic stories are perfect for fall!
ReplyDeleteHistory of Wolves and When the Sky Fell On Splendor look perfect for fall. And The Secret History has me REALLY curious!
ReplyDeleteRebecca is perfect for a fall read! Miss Peregrine has been sitting on my shelf for ages; I definitely need to get to it one of these days!
ReplyDeleteThey sure look like books to read in Fall or Winter time AJ!
ReplyDeleteRebecca is one of my favorites!
ReplyDeleteGreat choices, Aj. I think Sherlock Holmes and Daphne du Novels are perfect for autumn. Here's my TTT post for this week: https://thebookwormchronicles.wordpress.com/2019/11/05/top-ten-tuesday-5th-november-2019/ :-)
ReplyDeleteI think my favorite fall books will always be Harry Potter haha, but I do love me some Sherlock Holmes <3
ReplyDeleteGreat list. I've been meaning to read Rebecca for years now and still haven't done it. Maybe I'll have time to squeeze it in this fall. :)
ReplyDeleteI'll have to read City of Ghosts one of these days. I finally started This Savage Song at least. The Secret History sounds good too. Great list!
ReplyDeleteThrough the Woods is such a good book. Lovely picks!
ReplyDeleteOkay I REALLY need to read When the Sky Fell on Splendor! That has been on my list forever.
ReplyDeleteI don't have specific seasonal reads and don't pay much attention to reading specific books at specific times. I just choose the next book and go to read it, regardless of setting!
ReplyDeleteCity of Ghosts, Miss Peregrine, and Rebecca - perfect picks!
ReplyDeleteLauren @ Always Me
I still need to pick up City of Ghosts. It's been on my TBR for way too long.
ReplyDeleteA Monster Calls is a great fall read. It feels like fall.
ReplyDeleteThis was such a well thought out list. Have you read any of the sequels to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children yet?
ReplyDeleteHere is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thanks for stopping by earlier.
This looks like a fun list! Very atmospheric.
ReplyDeleteSo many good recommendations! I loved A Monster Calls and Rebecca. I quite liked The Secret History and Miss Peregrine's too. I need to read Through the Woods and My Cousin Rachel soon! All of these definitely give off the autumn vibes. And I am currently reading a Sherlock Holmes story at the moment ^.^ The Hounds of the Baskervilles.
ReplyDeleteI know I really need to read A Monster Calls. It's calling to me from my bookshelf! I loved City of Ghosts.
ReplyDeleteNicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction
All of these titles are so freaking perfect for autumn. I was just thinking about rereading The Secret History the other day--I feel like it's one of my essential autumn reads. I think my biggest traditions are a reread of that and Harry Potter in the autumn and winter. Swoon. Great picks, in general!
ReplyDeleteThrough the Woods is such a good one. More people really need to read it!!
ReplyDeleteI go all UF in autumn but this year is weird in that I've been binging UF pretty much constantly.
ReplyDeleteSome of these covers are pretty spooky!
Ooh! When the Sky Fell on Splendor and City of Ghosts are fantastic fall choices! Awesome list! :)
ReplyDeleteSo many great books. City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab is one, I have on my wishlist. And the others look like I should go and have a look at them too. Thank you for sharing them all.
ReplyDeleteHistory of Wolves sounds fantastic. I still haven't read Rebecca. I have the audiobook, too. I was all set to do that read-along last year, but ARCs got in the way (what's new). Thanks for sharing your list. đź‘Ť✨
ReplyDeleteA Monster Calls is an amazing book. I am going to have to listen to it again soon. I really want to read the Emily Henry book as well. Great list!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I think of autumnal books, Rebecca always comes to mind. I agree with that recommendation, and a good handful of others too. Nice list!
ReplyDeleteRebecca is one of my all time favourites, yet I've never read any other Daphne Du Maurier books. I think I'm concerned that they wouldn't measure up!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your choices! A Monster Calls is such a good one! I started reading City of Ghosts at one of the schools I was in til some jerky kid checked it out so now I need to get it to finish hah. I REALLY need to read When the Sky Falls on Splendor like, immediately.
ReplyDeleteThis is an ideal list.
ReplyDeleteA Monster Calls sounds so amazing! I am adding it to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteGreat list. Love Daphne DM. Need to read the Ness book.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading a lot of history this fall (just did a post on three books) and now am enjoying reading "Once Upon a River" which is set in Michigan near where I used to live. You might enjoy the book as it has a strong female young adult as the main character.
ReplyDeletewww.thepulpitandthepen.com