Reading Time: 4 minutes

After three months of temperatures over 100F (that’s about 38C for all of you using Celsius) – I’m happy to report I just took my first morning walk that fell under 70 degrees. Which means it’s officially fall, even if the high for the day is over 90. Ignoring that.

So on that note, here are my book recommendations for all the different fall vibes you might be going for.

Magical Horror

Books to read with the lights on – featuring the paranormal with some magic or the occult, and which may be a little scary or grotesque.

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

When Beatriz marries Don Rodolfo Solórzano, she really only knows two things about him: his politics, and that his first wife is dead. She moves to his hacienda in the country only to find something disturbing lurking within its walls. And the only person who might be able to help is Padre Andrés, a man who is no ordinary priest. 

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Alex Stern, who has lived a hard life of drugs and petty crime, is offered a place in Yale’s secret dark magic societies because of her unique ability to see ghosts. One semester in, a woman turns up dead – and Alex thinks the societies are involved.

Gothic and Atmospheric

Atmospheric and creepy gothic tales to read on stormy October nights in a cozy armchair, featuring some dark romantic intrigue (but are not romances).

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

This is a retelling of Dracula that focuses less on the famed vampire and more on his partners. Told from the perspective of Constanta’s letters to Dracula, we follow her through the centuries of her second life as the ancient vampire’s first bride.

House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

In a world where blood is a valuable commodity, a young woman named Marion agrees to become an indentured bloodmaid for a noblewoman – but not everything in the mansion is as it seems.

Whimsical Halloween

Books that combine whimsy and creep for a magical but nostalgic experience, and which make for quick reads.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

A middle-aged man suddenly remembers the strange, magical happenings he experienced as a child when he returns to visit the house at the end of the lane from his childhood home.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

A young girl discovers a parallel world in her family’s new flat where everything seems wonderful – until she realizes that the souls of other children are trapped there. Now she’s their only hope of escape.

Cozy and Witchy

For when you’re looking for a little rom-com, or a “cozy” book where nothing too serious happens and happy endings are standard.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

In a world where witches can never congregate due to the dangers of having so much magic present in one place, one young witch is inexplicably asked to move in and teach three witches at a mysterious place called Nowhere House.

This book is the very definition of cozy. If that’s your thing, this needs to be on your list. This book is also for you if you enjoy found family, grumpy x sunshine romance, and are looking for a magical fall read that doesn’t lean on the spooky side.

From Bad to Cursed by Lana Harper

Two witches from rival families must work together to solve a mystery. This is technically book 2 in a rom-com series, which I didn’t know when I read it last year. But they’re standalones, so it’s okay. It was fun; it wasn’t anything to write home about, but it’s perfect for when you’re in a witchy rom-com mood.

Historical Fall

Tales that take place in another time, and which are served with just a little side of magic.

Weyward by Emilia Hart

This story follows three distantly related women across five centuries who must take their destinies into their own hands, and find freedom and comfort in Weyward Cottage.