Reading is a hobby that ebbs and flows with the seasons. Each season brings along a mood that shifts what I want to pick up and read. In the fall, I want whimsy, magic, crime dramas and dare I say…historical fiction? Not sure why those genres stick out the most for me this time of year, but they do!
Let’s set the scene. Imagine being tucked under a warm, soft blanket on your couch. A mug filled with tea, coffee or hot chocolate. The fireplace is on (or a fireplace ambience on your TV) and you most definitely need a pair of thick fuzzy socks.
Look, I am from the desert in Southern California. I romanticize the cold weather and the second it drops below 65, I rejoice and celebrate the best way I know how! Picking up a book and getting cozy like the snow is on its way, even though, it never is.
Here is an autumn reading list for you to snuggle up with this fall.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Synopsis:
Two sisters in Nazi occupied France do their best to survive. Vianne’s husband leaves to join the front. But when the Nazis invade, she has her home taken by a nazi captain and must learn to live quietly or risk losing everything and putting the life of her and her daughter in danger. Her fight may feel smaller than the battles her husband must face but, Vianne must face a quiet internal battle, filled with difficult choices and movement in shadow.
Her younger sister Isabelle is far more rebellious and wants to join the Resistance and fight for France. She meets a young man and falls in love. But when she is betrayed, she joins the Resistance and puts her life on the line to fight against fascism and the people of France.
Reasons to read in Autumn:
I feel like this sweeping story feels right for Autumn because it is the season where the darkness starts to grow every day as the nights grow longer. It mirrors the growing presence of fascism in France and the sweeping darkness that takes hold.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafa
Synopsis:
A man on death row is heading toward his final moments. The story of his crimes and life unfolds through the eyes of the women who knew him. This is not the way Ansel wants to go down. How could that happen to someone like him? Someone who holds themselves in such high regard certainly deserves a different outcome.
We explore his story through his mother, Lavender, aged 17 and finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation.
Hazel, Ansel’s wife’s twin sister, who watches as Ansel changes their life and relationship when he enters their family.
Saffy, the homicide detective on the case to track down Ansel and charge him for his crimes.
Ansel leaves ripples of tragedy in his wake and the story unfolds in those moments through these women in a tale that is gripping and suspenseful.
Reasons to read in Autumn:
I love a good crime novel around Halloween. It feels properly eerie. This story feels grounded, nearly like a true crime novel. I think it is great for those that want something on the darker side without going full tilt horror.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
Synopsis:
Charlie and Eve are house flippers and have recently got an incredible deal on an old house. One day, a man and his family appear at their front door. The man says he used to live there and was hoping he could show his family around the house. Eve’s people-pleasing tendencies lead her to letting them into their home. Once they are inside, strange things begin to happen. The man’s youngest daughter disappears for hours until she reemerges from the basement. Then they overstay their welcome by staying the night. Eve begins to worry that there is something wrong with the family or the house. Her grips on reality are shaken through a series of events. Is this a fever dream? Is Eve descending into madness? Or is there something more sinister at play?
This book is thrilling and haunting. It is a swirl of madness that will have you come up with numerous theories. I have never run to the internet after reading a book to hear what others had to say about this spine chilling and wild ride of a novel. This novel remains fresh in my mind, and I think about it often. I highly recommend this for those who have book clubs. There will be so much to talk about!
Reasons to read in Autumn:
It is spooky as hell and so much fun!
Practical Magic Series by Alice Hoffman
Synopsis of series:
These books center around the Owens family. Witchcraft started with their ancestor Maria Owens and the series is told through multiple generations. No Owens woman can fall in love because once they do, their family curse will be sure to kill their love. But how did that start? Each book uncovers the reasons why the family is cursed and how the witchcraft evolves over time and changes the lives of the Owens family. For fans of the movie, know that these are different but still have the same essence.
Reasons to read in Autumn:
Witches, magic, whimsy, family history and drama. These books are the perfect cozy read for autumn for those wanting a story with depth, heart and magic.
Order for reading the Practical Magic Series:
While the time periods change through the series, your best bet is to follow the order of publication.
- Practical Magic
- Magic Lessons (origin story of Maria Owens)
- The Rules of Magic (prequel about aunts Jet and Franny)
- The Book of Magic (Sequel to Practical Magic)
The Maid by Nita Prose
Synopsis:
Molly Gray has always had her Gran to help her understand social cues and the intricacies of the world.
But her Gran has recently passed, and Molly is now alone to navigate her life. She loves her job as a hotel maid. Molly works with pride and enthusiasm. Work and life are flipped on their heads when she enters the suite and finds its occupant dead in bed and the room in disarray.
Molly doesn’t quite understand the demeanor she needs to have the police investigating the case and finds herself on the short list of suspects. But Molly has a keen eye for observing and has been a long-standing wall flower which has her realizing she has seen things that may help the case and clear her name. Alongside her trusted friends, she works hard to unravel the tangled web of lies and deceit.
Reasons to Read in Autumn:
This mystery is very heartwarming and sweet. Think that this is more of a hallmark style mystery than a gritty crime or mystery novel. It is perfect for those that want mystery without violence. Molly is endearing and a very fun protagonist.
I hope you enjoy this autumn reading list! If you have read any of these, I’d love to hear from you down below in the comments! If you want to check out last fall’s reading list to add more to your TBR, you can click here. Happy reading!
Leave a Reply