As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, nothing beats curling up with a good book in the autumn. Whether you’re craving the eerie atmosphere of Halloween or just want something that pairs perfectly with a pumpkin spice latte, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a mix of spine-tingling thrillers, atmospheric mysteries, and cosy autumnal reads that’ll make you want to settle in and never leave your reading nook.
1. The October Country by Ray Bradbury
I mean, it’s literally called “The October Country”—could there be a better autumn read? Ray Bradbury is a master of the eerie and fantastical, and this collection of short stories is just dripping with autumnal vibes. His tales feature strange happenings in small towns, haunted houses, and characters who feel like they’re part of a dream you can’t quite escape. Some stories are spooky, others are melancholy, but they all evoke that golden, mysterious feeling you get when the leaves start to fall. Perfect for readers who love a mix of the weird and the wonderful.
2. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Witches and Halloween go together like apple cider and cinnamon. If you want a magical but cosy story, Practical Magic is the perfect fit. It follows the Owens sisters, who grow up in a family cursed in love but blessed with a talent for magic. The novel is all about family, love, and the mystical—an enchanting mix for fall. Hoffman’s writing has this dreamy quality, making the book feel like you’re watching the leaves fall in slow motion. And the New England setting? Absolute autumnal perfection.
3. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
For those who want something with a bit more chill—both literal and figurative—this gothic novel will do the trick. Set in 1950s Mexico, Mexican Gothic tells the story of Noemí, a socialite who visits a crumbling mansion in the countryside to investigate her cousin’s strange behaviour. What she finds is much darker (and mouldier) than she ever expected. This book has all the classic gothic elements: a creepy house, family secrets, a moody atmosphere, and of course, a touch of the supernatural. It’s perfect for when you want to be both spooked and swept away by beautiful prose.
4. World War Z by Max Brooks
Okay, so I’ve mentioned this book a few times on the blog but World War Z brings a different kind of eeriness to your autumn reading. This novel, written as an oral history of the global zombie apocalypse, is filled with tension, fear, and eerie realism that will have you imagining what might happen if a worldwide pandemic brought the dead back to life. Each chapter reads like a documentary-style interview, making it feel incredibly authentic. The way Brooks delves into politics, culture, and survivalism adds a layer of complexity that sets it apart from typical horror. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking read that will have you checking over your shoulder—and let’s be honest, zombies and Halloween do go together pretty well!
5. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Looking for something with a mix of history, magic, romance, and that perfect dash of Halloween witchiness? A Discovery of Witches has it all and counts itself as one of my favourite books. The first in the All Souls trilogy, it follows Diana, a scholar who accidentally discovers a long-lost magical manuscript in the Bodleian Library at Oxford. Oh, and did I mention she’s also a witch (who refuses to use magic) and gets tangled up with an immortal vampire, Matthew? This book is perfect for fall because it blends mystery, academia, and supernatural intrigue with moody European settings that will make you feel like you’re walking under ancient, moonlit trees. The story has just the right level of witchy vibes to get you in the mood for Halloween, with a slow-burn romance that adds a little extra warmth to the spooky season.
6. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Okay, I know this one doesn’t scream “Halloween,” but hear me out. Sometimes after all the spookiness, you just need a heart-warming, feel-good story to balance things out. The House in the Cerulean Sea offers that cosy warmth, even though it’s not set in autumn or tied to Halloween. It’s about a caseworker named Linus who is sent to investigate a magical orphanage and soon finds himself questioning everything he thought he knew about love, family, and belonging. There’s something magical about this book that makes it the perfect cuddle-up-and-feel-good read as the colder nights roll in. Think of it as your literary warm blanket!
Whether you’re in the mood for something spooky, mysterious, or magical, these books will give you all the autumn and Halloween feels. From witchy magic to gothic mansions to thrilling tales of survival, these reads pair perfectly with the season—so grab a blanket, pour yourself some hot cider, and dive into one of these atmospheric tales. What’s on your fall reading list this year? Let me know if you have any spooky favourites!
Featured Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash
