Pumpkin spice lattes. Halloween. Colorful leaves. Sweater weather. These are just some of the best parts of fall, yet nothing beats picking up a crisp, new book and reading it underneath a chill breeze, a blanket with hot chocolate in hand. It can be overwhelming amidst the variety of options, so here are top five books to get you in the perfect cozy, fall mood.
#5: The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
A mix of magic and romance can be the perfect spell for a whimsical fall evening, and “The Seven Year Slip” by Ashley Poston is just the tale to accompany you. Clementine, a grieving and ambitious book publicist, moves into her late aunt’s apartment to honor her memory. But unbeknownst to her, this home is full of memories and enchantment. Irrevocably, her life changes when she comes home one night to find a passionate and attractive chef, Iwan, wandering about in her kitchen. The catch is, he’s not from the present, but the past—seven years in the past, to be exact. As the story goes on, magic connects the two at random points in their lives, and the line between time and fate begins to blur in an irreversible game of love.
“The Seven Year Slip” is a heartfelt novel, which explores themes of grief, love, healing and what true identity really means. Filled with authentic recipes, wistful charm, a dreamy romance and bittersweet lessons, you won’t want to skip this cozy book for fall.
#4: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
Effy Sayre is a college student cracking under the pressure of her first term. An aspiring literature student forced to study architecture because she is a woman, her whole life is spiraling. The only thing providing solace is her favorite book Angaharad by Emrys Myrddin. When Effy and another literature student, Preston Héloury, travel to the late author’s estate, Hireth Manor, she is determined to find her purpose. Effy is quickly suspicious of Preston’s motives, which involve exposing her favorite author as a fraud, but soon realizes she has no choice but to work with him when weird things begin to happen. While Effy is set on proving Preston’s crazy ideas wrong, it seems that Preston and Effy must work against time as the Manor gets dangerously close to falling into the dark sea, taking them with it.
“A Study in Drowning” by Ava Reid is the perfect fall read whether you like romance, fantasy, mystery or a feminist novel. With its high stakes missions, the thrilling story is perfect for a stormy fall night as you fall in love with the world and the characters.
#3: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
“Divine Rivals” by Rebecca Ross follows journalist Iris Winnow, whose brother is lost at the frontlines of a war between gods. When Iris’s letters to her missing brother are magically sent to her rival, Roman Kitt, they quickly form an unknowing correspondence. After they are thrown in the middle of a divine war that will change their lives, their bond is put to the test. Will it survive the hardship of not only war, but love?
“Divine Rivals” is the perfect fantasy novel to get anyone in the autumn mood. With its magical mystery aspect and easy to love characters, it’s impossible to put down and is just the thing for a rainy fall day.
#2: Five Survive by Holly Jackson
Six friends. An RV roadtrip. Games, snacks and trees for miles. What could possibly go wrong?
“Five Survive” by Holly Jackson tells the gripping tale of a complex friend group ready to embark on a spring break adventure, but all notions of fun are immediately halted when they encounter their first divot in the road. When the RV breaks down, tensions arise and chaos breaks loose, forcing every character’s true colors to shine through. As the night goes on, they quickly realize they are not alone. If they want to make it out alive, each group member must pay the price with a deadly secret.
This suspenseful thriller was incredibly well paced and I couldn’t put it down as I read it on a roadtrip of my own. Each page leaves you needing to know what happens next—whether it’s a shocking lie being uncovered, a hasty decision being made or a life dangerously threatened by the unknown. Perfect for rainy, haunting fall nights, “Five Survive” will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering how far you would go to reveal the truth, even if it hurts you and the ones you love.
#1: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Manicalco
“Stalking Jack The Ripper” by Kerri Manicalco follows Audrey Rose Wadsworth, the rebel daughter of a Victorian Lord as she works to uncover the mysterious identity of the infamous killer, Jack the Ripper. Taking place in 1888 London, she secretly studies forensic science, which was illegal for women at the time, with her uncle. When Audrey catches wind of a serial killer that her uncle was hired to investigate, she wants in. Although her uncle protests at first, Audrey Rose and her uncle’s partner investigate together and work to reveal the killer.
Based on the Jack the Ripper murders, this book is a perfect book for a spooky fall. “Stalking Jack The Ripper” is a great read for fans of mystery, horror, historical fiction and a feminist protagonist who defies society’s rules.
