It’s simply irresistible to pull out the blankets, grab a hot cup of coffee, and curl up with a good book as the weather turns chilly and a new season begins. There are numerous books to choose from, whether it is a substantial thriller or a heartwarming piece, a worthy classic or a new young adult novel. Here are some noteworthy fall picks that will undoubtedly get you in the mood for the autumn season:

V.E. Schwab’s “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”
Schwab’s novel is a page-turner about a young woman named Addie LaRue who is fated to live an immortal life with no one to remember her. The story begins in 1714 in France and continues 300 years later in the present. The story is a fascinating love story with devilish, messy conflicts that will keep you reading. “Blink, and the years fall away like leaves,” is a good example of how it ties into being an excellent autumn novel.

Erin Morgenstern’s “The Night Circus.”
Behind the scenes of a nighttime circus, two young magicians raised in the circus must compete until only one survives. However, due to their deeply evolved, long-standing relationship, the battle is more difficult than expected. “The circus arrives without warning,” the book begins eerily. There are no announcements preceding it. It’s simply there where it wasn’t yesterday.” As a young adult fantasy read, it easily draws you in and leaves you wanting more. Despite its slow pace, it is engrossingly magical and haunting, and is only appropriate for the spookiest time of year.

“Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier

This classic Russian novel is incredibly eerie, start to finish. It tells the story of the second wife of a wealthy widower, desperately trying to fit into this new wealthy lifestyle while her husband’s deceased wife still manages to haunt their home of Manderley. Consisting of moody atmospheric imagery and language, one can endure chills while reading its several instances of plot twists and suspenseful moments. Taylor Swift’s song “tolerate it” was inspired by the historic novel, sounding just as chilling and resonating, perfect to listen to whilst enjoying the novel. 

“We Have Always Lived in the Castle”

one of the greatest gothic novels of all time, by famed novelist Shirley Jackson, is a timeless haunting read. It’s essentially a disturbing read about an extremely dysfunctional family attempting to poison one another. Overall, it’s a quick read with enough psychological suspense and horror to get you excited for the upcoming Halloween season.

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle

Nothing screams colder weather like Sherlock’s famous trench coat and deerstalker cap. These incredible short stories involving the most famous detective are enthralling and witty, never a dull moment throughout each individual case. Spine-chilling mysteries are meant for the fall season, whether it be the chapter “The Man with the Twister Lip” or the opening chapter, “A Scandal in Bohemia.”

Wallace Stegner’s “Crossing to Safety”
This beloved American novel, first published in 1987, follows the perplexing lives of two Wisconsin couples. The narrative is what made the book so popular, and it depicts their friendship and emotions in a beautiful descriptive way. The language of the story creates a perfect fall image in the reader’s mind, and several book covers of the novel have all enquired images of the autumn season, portraying it as a must-read for the fall season.

Ocean Vuong’s “On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous”
“On Earth, We’re Briefly Gorgeous,” told in the form of a letter, is a touching story about a son writing a letter to his mother, who cannot read. The main character recounts their struggles with race and sexuality in a reflective poetic style, with lots of consistent autumn scenery sprinkled in and out. It’s a quick but effective read that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings.