In my last post, I talked about how when fall rolls around, a lot of readers (myself included) immediately think of spooky reads—ghost stories, thrillers, and eerie gothic classics. Basically, all the books to get you in the mood for Halloween. And while I love a good haunted house or witchy tale, I realize that autumn reading doesn’t have to have those Halloween vibes to feel like autumn.
Fall is also about ease and comfort. It’s about slowing down as the days get shorter, pulling on a sweater, making a hot drink, and curling up with a story that feels like home. These are the kinds of books that feel like golden leaves crunching underfoot, a cozy blanket, or the warm light of a lamp glowing in the evening.
Here are some books that capture that autumn vibe, across a mix of genres:
🍁 Historical Fiction
Historical fiction naturally lends itself to autumn — it has that layered, atmospheric quality that feels perfect for curling up with on a crisp day. These stories often invite you to step back in time and linger in the details of another era.
- Hester by Laurie Lico Albanese — A reimagining of the inspiration for The Scarlet Letter, set in 1800s Salem. It’s richly detailed and reflective in all the right ways.
- The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano — based on the true story of the first woman to be accused of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts.
- The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner — Twists together historical intrigue with a touch of mystery, perfect for fall nights.
☕ Comforting Romances
There’s something about autumn that pairs perfectly with cozy love stories — small towns, second chances, bookshops, and warm drinks. These books feel like the literary equivalent of a soft sweater.
- The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter — Small-town charm at its best, full of warmth and community.
- The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O’Clover — A contemporary romance about loss, love, and rediscovering yourself.
- It’s Different This Time by Joss Richard- a second-chance romance set in NYC during the fall, say no more
🔎 Cozy Mysteries
What’s more autumnal than solving mysteries like Scooby Doo and the gang? Cozy mysteries scratch that itch for intrigue without leaning into the dark and terrifying. These are the books you should grab when you want to read next to a fire, a cup of hot tea in hand.
- The Cleopatra Fox Mysteries by C.J. Archer — a fun historical mystery series featuring a young female sleuth at the turn of the century.
- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman — witty and heartwarming, featuring retirees solving crimes.
- The Miss Marple Series by Agatha Christie- the OG of cozy mysteries, written by the queen herself.
✨ Fall doesn’t have to be spooky to be magical. Sometimes it’s about the ease and comfort of a good story that makes you feel safe, seen, and inspired. These are the kinds of books that pair perfectly with falling leaves, crisp air, and a little extra time to savor the moment.
The Book Nook 