I love a good spooky and atmospheric fall book to read during October. Each September I search the Internet to find my next October read, and sadly, I run into two problems. First, I see the same books recommended over and over and I've already read them. Second, the recommended books just don't interest me because I'm not a fan of the author or the subject matter. I decided to take matters into my own hands and write my own fall book list in the hopes that someone out there will find a great autumn book from this tiny little book blog of mine. All of these books are 5 stars for me but be sure to read to the end to find my absolute favorite fall book.
Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian
I found this little-known gem at bookstore specializing in scary books in Mystic, Connecticut while on a family vacation. Other than the fact that the store ambiance scared my then seven year old so badly he had nightmares for a week, I'm so glad I stopped by and asked for a book recommendation. Red Rabbit by Alex Grecian is a fun, scary book unlike any other. It's a supernatural horror wrapped up in a wild west setting. I loved this book and was thrilled when I heard it has a sequel, Rose of Jericho.
Read Red Rabbit if you're into westerns or want something unique and entirely different for your October book.
The September House by Carissa Orlando
Yes, I know. The title says September and this is an October book list. Hear me out. The September House by Carissa Orlando is a great haunted house story. It is unlike most horror books I've read because I recall it literally making me snort with laughter at times. (I may have a slightly inappropriate sense of humor.) This book is all the things you want in a book about a haunted house.
Read The September House if you want a creepy book and just can't wait until it's officially October.
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix is just pure fun. It's about a couple of high school friends growing up in the 80s and is like a ridiculous horror movie in all the best ways. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Read My Best Friend's Exorcism if you love Stranger Things, the 80's, or reliving your high school friendships.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Okay, yes, I know The Secret History by Donna Tartt is on every fall book list that ever existed. But it actually deserves to be there. It's a classic. Donna Tartt is one of my favorite authors, and it blows my mind that this was her first novel. Only problem is she's not very prolific. I am eagerly awaiting news of a fourth novel; she's overdue.
Read The Secret History if you're in the mood for a big, well-written novel with a New England college setting.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer was everywhere (and nowhere—took me forever to get a copy) not too long ago. It's about a couple who bought a house and are visited by a family that used to live there. Once inside, the family just.won't.leave. It's a super creepy book, and it's filled with little secrets that you might not notice unless you're specifically looking for them. Don't do the audio version or you'll likely miss these little tidbits.
Read We Used to Live Here if you have a hard time saying no, like to feel uncomfortable, or are looking for a little mystery to go along with your horror.
The Descent by Jeff Long
The Descent by Jeff Long opens with the scariest scene I've ever read in a book. It's been many years since I've read this one but it's stuck with me. (I still think about hadals and even named one of my mom's earring types after them. She sticks to calling them paddle earrings though lol.) The book is a little bit of everything rolled into one great horror novel. It's part of a series, but I felt like it was a great stand-alone and never felt the need to read the others.
Read The Descent if you want to dive into hell or if you like your horror novels with a little bit of everything.
The Caretaker by Ron Rash
Something about The Caretaker by Ron Rash just makes me think of cozy fall reading. Probably because it largely takes place in a cemetery in North Carolina during the 1950s. It is a quick read filled with the complexities of all varieties relationships and has some breathtaking deceit thrown in for good measure.
Read The Caretaker if you don't have a ton of time to sink into a book but still want something cozy to read while wrapped in a blanket sipping tea on a chilly October morning.
The Shining by Stephen King
Is it a scary book list without Stephen King? I don't think so. The Shining is my favorite Stephen King novel. And Stephen King movie. This is a great one to read towards the end of fall to help ease you into the winter months.
Read The Shining if you want a classically scary book or if you're new to Steven King.
The Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
The Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann is a nonfiction murder mystery more people should know about. This book screams October to me because it is such a chilling piece of US history. This book is well-written and interesting and infuriating.
Read The Killers of the Flower Moon if you want a true-crime thriller during the month of October.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
If you want a grown-up Harry Potter series that isn't Harry Potter, try the Scholomance trilogy. A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik is the first (and best) book in the series. It has magic and thrills and I loved it the whole way through. A book that takes me through a full school year will always be a fall book for me and fit right in with my October reads.
Read A Deadly Education if you want to start a fantasy series this fall. Just beware: this book ends with a BIG cliffhanger, so have The Last Graduate on hand so you don't go mad.
The Cider House Rules by John Irving
The Cider House Rules by John Irving is my favorite fall read of all time. It's not a spooky book, but it is certainly atmospheric and immersive and thought-provoking and filled with emotion and unforgettable characters. I crave reading it in the fall months. It is one of the few books I've read more than once. When John Irving is at his best, as he is in this novel, he cannot be beat. And if you don't have time to read the book, the movie is pretty great, too. Although it can't hold a candle to the novel.
Read The Cider House Rules if you want a long book you can deeply enjoy this October, one that will remain with you long after you finish it.
Help a Girl Out!
Like I said at the beginning of this blog post, I spend my September looking for great October reads. Unfortunately, it's September 30th and I still haven't found one that's caught my eye for this October. Please help by recommending a book in the comments!
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