27 Fall Books to Read for a Cozy Autumn Books Aesthetic

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

There’s usually nothing better than a thriller during those autumn months, but a gothic horror? That may take the cake for me. Mexican Gothic is a jaw-dropping mid-century gothic book, in my opinion. After interviewing the author, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I was blown away by how much research went into this book.

It is absolutely perfect for those autumn vibes! I also love how the author described the genre. “Gothic novels are weird books because they straddle genres,” she said. “They have an element of psychological suspense and even horror, while they can also dangle romance.” Excuse me?! Is there a better fit for fall? I’ll wait.

By the way, Random House put out this awesome Mexican Gothic playlist if you like to listen to music while you read!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Mexican Gothic was published on June 30, 2020, from Del Rey.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

I wasn’t about to write a list on fall books to read in 2024 and not mention Neil Gaiman, y’all. The Graveyard Book is a mesmerizing ghost story and perfect for October. The narration is excellent if you like to listen to audiobooks.

The Graveyard Book is fun, lighthearted, and magical. It feels like you’re waking up from a dream, and I highly recommend it for your fall reading list.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Graveyard Book was published on September 30, 2008, from HarperCollins.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Well, well, well, here we are again. Another Gaiman! Coraline is probably one of my favorite books (and movies) for the fall! I find the premise to be so incredibly creepy and strange, but it’s also whimsical and playful. Like every book Neil Gaiman creates, Coraline taps into the imaginations of a child so perfectly.

It’s a nightmarish thrill ride, and the movie doesn’t disappoint either. If you’re looking for quick reads to add to your fall reading list, The Graveyard Book and Coraline would be perfect additions. They make great rereads, too.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Coraline was published on July 2, 2002, from HarperCollins.

The Whisper Man by Alex North

Definitely check out the content warnings on this thriller/horror, because it’s dark. The Whisper Man is such a propulsive, truly chilling thriller mystery. I loved the characters, plot, and suspense. If you’re looking for a gripping backlist thriller to add to your autumn reading list, this one’s for you.

I plan to read The Angel Maker, his latest book, this fall, and I can’t wait to see how it holds up against The Whisper Man! Just know there’s a splash of paranormal in The Whisper Man, so you really get all the spooky vibes.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Whisper Man was published on June 13, 2019, from Celadon Books.

A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray

I haven’t read Libba Bray in a long, long time, but this series is one of my absolute favorites. This is a young adult gothic novel that has to do with mysterious visions, family secrets, and life at an all-girl’s boarding school in England. Does that not scream perfect for autumn reading?

A Great and Terrible Beauty has some of the best female friendships and slow-burn romance. The worldbuilding and suspense/tension is awesome, and it’s a part of a trilogy, so if you love it, you can add the other two backlist books to your fall reading list straight away!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

A Great and Terrible Beauty was published on December 9, 2003, from Simon and Schuster.

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

If pressed, I’d have to say The Shadow of the Wind is my favorite book of all time. This beautifully told gothic historical fiction/mystery takes place in Barcelona in the 1940s, and it’s full of love, mystery, murder, nostalgia, dark secrets, and a cemetery of forgotten books.

That’s right, we follow an antiquarian book dealer’s son who’s mother passed away, and, oh . . . I could go on and on. Just read this one. Trust me. In the fall. Do it! I actually know someone who rereads this book every fall, so don’t just take my word for it. It is perfection!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

This edition of The Shadow of the Wind was published on April 12, 2004, from The Penguin Press.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Well, we had to have some cozy classic books to read in autumn, didn’t we? Anne of Green Gables is immersive and bittersweet and all different shades of lovely.

L. M. Montgomery paints us the most perfect picture of every season through the eyes of Anne Shirley, and you will surely (see what I did there?) walk away with a deeper appreciation for autumn. You won’t find a better choice for books set in October, in my opinion.

If you’re looking for heartwarming reads you can sink your teeth into and books set in the fall season, Anne of Green Gables must make your list for books to read in the fall 2024.

It was a September evening and all the gaps and clearings in the woods were brimmed up with ruby sunset light.

Here and there the lane was splashed with it, but for the most part it was already quite shadowy beneath the maples, and the spaces under the firs were filled with a clear violet dusk like airy wine.

—L . M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

This edition of Anne of Green Gables was published on May 6, 2003, from Signet.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

It goes without saying that Jane Eyre is a true transformation story . . . perfect for the changing leaves and new rhythms of fall. I plan to put Wuthering Heights on my list this fall, but Jane Eyre is always a win.

Another classic book to read in autumn! Jane Eyre is perfect for fall reading. There’s something about Charlotte Brontë that just capture the autumn vibes we’re all looking for.

Again, it’s those moody, romantic gothic historical fiction books for me.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

This edition of Jane Eyre was published on February 4, 2003, by Penguin.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

I first read Persuasion not long ago (gasp!) in the fall, and I think that’s why I loved it so much. So many people love reading classic books in the fall, and Jane Austen is a popular choice.

It seems like the hazy, lazy days of summer are for fast-paced, easy-to-digest romantic comedies while fall brings a new palate for something heavier, richer.

We feel bolder in autumn, don’t we? We feel more prepared to take on something that might take a little more work. But oh, the payoff is so worth it.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

This edition of Persuasion was published on January 1, 2004, from Oxford University Press.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club by J. Ryan Stradal

Ok, this book isn’t overtly an autumn read, but it definitely has all of the autumn vibes you’re looking for. Family drama, love and tragedy in the heart of rustic Minnesota . . . I didn’t want Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club to end, and that’s exactly what we all want for our fall books in 2024.

I will say, this one is a tearjerker, and there’s definitely some content warnings to explore if you’re a sensitive reader.

That said, these flawed but lovable characters and the setting make this the ideal book to cuddle up with on a chilly fall evening. In fact, I plan to read some of J. Ryan Stradal’s backlist titles this fall.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club was published on April 18, 2023, from Pamela Dorman Books.

The Dutch House by Ann Patchett

If walking outside, crunching leaves and breathing in the cool, crisp air while listening to Tom Hanks tell you a story doesn’t appeal to you, I don’t know what will.

Seriously, Tom Hanks’s narration is what make The Dutch House one of my favorite audiobooks of all time. I also think Ann Patchett’s words are stunning, in general. If literary historical fiction calls to you in the fall, The Dutch House is for you.

This is a book about family, specifically a brother and sister, and the themes of obsession and forgiveness, nostalgia and childhood, and the ache and freedom of letting go.

This book originally came out in September, and I think the publishers got it right on that release date. If you’re looking for books set in the fall season, The Dutch House takes place on Thanksgiving.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Dutch House was published on September 24, 2019, from Harper.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

If whimsical magical realism or strange fantasy speaks to you during those autumn reading months, then The Night Circus should be on your list. This is another book set in the fall season, and it’s so beautifully written.

Omniscient POV, dreamlike traveling circus, magician competitions, compelling prose . . . this one is so atmospheric and perfect for those fall reading vibes.

I loved The Night Circus so much that I threw a midnight dinner party (which are in the book) with my book club. It was a themed night of delicious food, wine, wonder and beauty, and lots of laughter.

10/10 would recommend reading The Night Circus this fall with your book club and then hosting your own midnight dinner party!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Night Circus was published on September 13, 2011, from Doubleday.

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

I’ve mentioned it before, but I love Sweetbitter for autumn reading. Stephanie Danler captures fall in New York City so beautifully, so make sure this one’s on your list if you’re looking for books set in the fall season or romance books set in autumn.

I wouldn’t say Sweetbitter is a romance book—it’s more of a coming-of-age story about a girl who finds herself amid the chaos of NYC restaurant foodie culture—but there’s romance in it.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Sweetbitter was published on May 24, 2016, from Knopf.

This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger

This Tender Land is a stunning literary historical fiction book with a strong coming-of-age story. This is a sweeping, intimate story about friendship, loss, and a physical and spiritual journey that is both surprising and devastatingly beautiful.

It’s a bit of a Huckleberry Finn sort of tale, and the descriptions of Minnesota are especially beautiful. Another transformation story perfect for the changing seasons!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

This Tender Land was published on September 3, 2019, from Atria Books.

Pony by R. J. Palacio

Pony is such a heartwarming middle grade book, and it’s also an incredible adventure fiction ghost story! You can check out my in-depth Pony book review here, but basically, I loved it.

This is another transformation story perfect for autumn, but it’s also a ghost story, which really makes it perfect.

It’s mysterious, atmospheric, unexpectedly tender . . . definitely dive in to the content warnings if you’re a sensitive reader, but this is a no-brainer for fall.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Pony was published on September 28, 2021, from Knopf Books for Young Readers.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

It’s no secret I enjoyed this mystery thriller, and even though it’s set at Easter and I have it on my best spring books list, I do think any addictive murder mystery is also great for fall! 

I have a full review you can check out (including book club questions and favorite quotes from The Fury!), but you don’t need to know a lot before diving in. 

I will say, acknowledging the Greek Tragedy structure really helped me appreciate the book more. I loved the main character’s POV.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Fury was published January 16, 2024, from Celadon Books.

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

If you loved The Villa by Rachel Hawkins, you’ll most likely love The Heiress! This gothic suspense mystery is full of dark family secrets and so atmospheric. 

Set in a family’s estate in the Blue Ridge mountains, we follow an interesting family—some through an epistolary format—and the tension and intrigue kept me turning pages through the very end!

We had Rachel Hawkins join our book club discussion when we read her book in January, and it was so fantastic to have her with us and pick her brain!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Heiress was published on January 9, 2024, from St. Martin’s Press.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

This intense cat-and-mouse story is perfect for fall! We follow Evie Porter, a Southern woman who finds herself in a . . . precarious situation. 

This is a con artist thriller, and Evie’s jobs she’s handed from her mysterious boss quickly get out of hand.

If rich character development is for you, this may not be the thriller for you. But, boy, is it fun and twisty. Go into this one without knowing too much more than that, I promise!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

First Lie Wins was published on January 2, 2024, from Pamela Dorman Books.

The Cemetery of Untold Stories by Julia Alvarez

This magical realism book has the BEST premise, and omg, does this story stay with you. This is a slice of Dominican history and a writer story. Julia Alvarez is a master of storytelling.

The only thing more perfect than reading this book would be reading it during the fall with all those literary and cemetery autumn vibes! This would be an excellent 2024 book club book for fall, too.

If you’re a fan of magical realism, Julia Alvarez’s newest book is a must.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Cemetery of Untold Stories was published on April 2, 2024, from Algonquin Books.

The Magic All Around by Jennifer Moorman

This is a beautiful family drama that’s also magical realism. It gave me The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender vibes. 

It’s a sweet story about friendship, love, family, and fate. I love a book that follows a family of women with unique abilities. What could be better than that? 

If you’re looking for a feel-good family drama with some magical realism thrown in that feels enchanting, whimsical, and heartwarming, try this one out.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Magic All Around was published from January 16, 2024, from Harper Muse.

Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

Oh, Claire Lombardo. She really rips your heart out, doesn’t she? I loved this literary family drama. She is so specific in her prose, and her characters are so complex. 

If you’re looking to sink your teeth into a chunkier book this fall—why do we love to read chunkier books in fall? Is that just me?—this one is hard to beat. 

I still think The Most Fun We Ever Had is my favorite book by her, but I really enjoyed her second book, and I think it’s one of the best fall books to read this year. Here’s my full, in-depth review of Same As It Ever Was.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis. 

Same As It Ever Was was published on June 18, 2024, from Doubleday.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

This was one of my most anticipated thrillers of 2024, and even though I found it to be more of a suspense mystery, I still really enjoyed it. 

Lucy Foley is a master of multiple POVs, and I’ve always loved her twists and turns (The Guest List is my favorite by her). 

If you like influencer-gone-wrong stories with morally grey characters, big childhood secrets, and a little folklore thrown in, you should give The Midnight Feast a shot!

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

The Midnight Feast was published on June 18, 2024, from William Morrow.

Such a Bad Influence by Olivia Muenter

Another influencer thriller!! I love them so much, and this one definitely has a lot of interesting food for thought about social media, influencer culture, and what it means to live on the internet. 

The audio is definitely the way to go. I couldn’t believe how wonderful the production was! 

There’s podcast episodes, Reddit threads, and so many other forms of media that make their way into the book, and all of them are narrated by different people, which I found super immersive.

This one is a little less thriller-y, but I still found myself intrigued by the mystery the whole way through, and it’s perfect for your fall reading list.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis. 

Such a Bad Influence was published on June 4, 2024, from Quirk Books.

Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame by Olivia Ford

This book is perfect for cozy winter reads, but I also think it makes one of the best cozy fall books, too! If you like Great British Bake Off and baking in general, you should definitely look into this one. 

There are some heavier themes and a dark secret, but for the most part, this is a light and feel-good book. Our main protagonist, Mrs. Quinn, is in the second act of her life, and you will fall in love with her and her husband Bernard.

I have a soft spot for cozy stories like this, and Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame is just delightful.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame was published on January 30, 2024, from Pamela Dorman Books.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe

I was skeptical based on the synopsis, but this truly is a disarmingly funny, heartwarming story with a very unique premise. 

If you like an underdog story about a mom who you just root for the whole way through, check out Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles was published on June 11, 2024, from William Morrow.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

I can feel it in my bones that this is going to be a top favorite book of the year, and I know I’m not alone in that. People everywhere are raving about this book, so if it’s not on your radar yet, it should be!

A literary mystery is perfect for fall reading—even the cozy has the cozy autumn aesthetic for those fall vibes. 

I haven’t finished this one, but I’m told there’s a solid twist that’s quite emotional, and I would expect nothing less of Liz Moore. 

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis. 

The God of the Woods was published on July 2, 2024, from Riverhead Books.

The Sicilian Inheritance by Jo Piazza

Page-turning mystery about a disputed inheritance and family secrets? I didn’t have to know much more than that to pick this one up. And so far, it is not disappointing.

I’m loving the complicated friendships theme, the atmospheric descriptions (I want to eat all the food!!), and the dual timelines. All the adventure and romance is perfect for those of us who get a little nostalgic and romantic in the fall.

Here’s the publisher’s synopsis. 

The Sicilian Inheritance was published on April 2, 2024, from Dutton.