Fall is here, bringing the promise of crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy evenings by the fireplace. There’s no better time to dive into a new book and let your imagination wander. Whether you’re looking for a spine-chilling mystery or a heartwarming tale, we’ve curated 20 must-read books to add to your home library this fall.
1. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
A mysterious circus, “Le Cirque des Rêves,” opens at nightfall and closes at dawn. It becomes the backdrop for a competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who’ve been bound to a magical duel by their mentors since childhood.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Night Circus is a mesmerizing tale of a magical competition between two young illusionists. This novel is as enchanting as the first whiff of pumpkin spice. Its atmospheric setting makes it a perfect fall read.
2. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
At an elite New England college, a close-knit group of classics students commit an unspeakable act under the influence of their charismatic professor—the novel delves into the consequences and their descent into darkness.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Set in a New England college during autumn, The Secret History delves deep into a world of classics, friendship, and mystery, capturing the very essence of fall academia.
3. “Rebecca” by Daphne du Maurier
Following her marriage to the wealthy Maxim de Winter, the unnamed protagonist moves to his large country estate called Manderley. There, she’s haunted by the memory of Maxim’s first wife, Rebecca.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Rebecca is a haunting gothic romance that will have you gripping your blanket tighter. Its eerie descriptions and suspenseful narrative make it a fall favorite.
4. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
This novel follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German soldier whose paths collide in occupied France during World War II.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel All the Light We Cannot See, set against the backdrop of WWII, is a profound exploration of love, loss, and fate. The intricate prose and poignant tale make it perfect for reflective fall evenings.
5. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
After surviving an explosion at a museum that takes his mother’s life, young Theo Decker steals a priceless painting. This act leads him into the art underworld as he grows up.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Goldfinch is a sprawling, Pulitzer-winning novel that blends art, loss, and destiny. Its detailed character study and immersive narrative make it a fall classic.
6. “The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson
Four seekers come to the notoriously haunted Hill House to confront its menacing supernatural entities. What they experience tests the very boundaries of reality.
Why this book made the fall reading list: No fall reading list is complete without a ghost story. The Haunting of Hill House is a chilling tale that will keep you awake on those long nights.
7. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
Follows the lives of the four March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy – as they navigate the challenges and joys of adolescence and adulthood during the Civil War era.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Dive into the world of the March sisters and their journey of love, loss, and hope in Little Women. The warmth and family themes resonate beautifully in the fall.
8. “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty
Three women, Celeste, Madeline, and Jane, live seemingly perfect lives, but they hold deep secrets underneath. A death at a school fundraiser reveals the tension beneath the surface.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Big Little Lies is a contemporary mystery that weaves together the lives of three women and the secrets they keep. Its intriguing twists make it a page-turner for fall.
9. “The Thirteenth Tale” by Diane Setterfield
Famed author Vida Winter hires a biographer to pen her life story, unveiling a series of dark family secrets.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Thirteenth Tale is a love letter to storytelling. This gothic novel of family secrets is as enchanting as the rustle of fallen leaves.
10. “Norwegian Wood” by Haruki Murakami
Toru Watanabe recalls his love relationships during the 1960s, including with the complicated and fragile Naoko.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Norwegian Wood is a coming-of-age novel set in 1960s Tokyo and is a touching exploration of love and loneliness. Murakami’s poetic prose is perfect for the season.
11. “The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss
Kvothe, an infamous magician, tells the story of his youth, from growing up with a troupe of traveling players to his years at a magical academy.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Dive into a world of magic, music, and myth in this epic fantasy. The Name of the Wind is a richly detailed world that is an escape for those chilly nights.
12. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel
Set in a post-apocalyptic world, this novel follows various characters, including a traveling Shakespearean troupe, navigating a world devastated by a flu pandemic.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Station Eleven is a post-apocalyptic tale that is as much about human connection as it is about survival. Its introspective narrative suits the reflective mood of fall.
13. “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman
After helping a young woman named Door, Richard Mayhew finds himself thrust into the hidden, magical world beneath London, “London Below.”
Why this book made the fall reading list: Neverwhere is an urban fantasy that transports you to the magical underworld of London. Its dark and enchanting tale is perfect for the season.
14. “The Shadow of the Wind” by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
In post-war Barcelona, a young boy named Daniel finds a book by an obscure author. As he seeks other works by the writer, he plunges into a mystery that involves love, revenge, and murder.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Shadow of the Wind is set in post-war Barcelona. This mystery about a book that changes lives is as atmospheric as a foggy fall morning.
15. “The Remains of the Day” by Kazuo Ishiguro
Stevens, an English butler, reflects on his life and service during a trip through the English countryside. He contemplates loyalty, dignity, and unexpressed love.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Remains of the Day reflects life, duty, and unexpressed love. Its subdued tone matches the mellow feel of fall.
16. “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson
Journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired to investigate the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger. He’s aided by the enigmatic hacker Lisbeth Salander.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Dive into this gripping modern mystery. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’s intricate plot will have you on the edge of your seat.
17. “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman
A man returns to his childhood home and recalls a series of supernatural events from his youth involving a mysterious girl named Lettie Hempstock.
Why this book made the fall reading list: The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a beautifully written tale of memory, magic, and sacrifice. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, perfect for fall.
18. “Educated” by Tara Westover
A memoir of Westover’s upbringing in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho. She grows up without formal education but eventually travels to Harvard and Cambridge.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Educated is a memoir about growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho. It is both harrowing and inspiring. Its themes of self-discovery resonate deeply during the introspective fall months.
19. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl,” grows up isolated and abandoned in the marshes of North Carolina. She becomes a prime suspect when a popular local man is found dead.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Where the Crawdads Sing is a coming-of-age mystery set in the marshes of North Carolina. Its evocative setting and lyrical prose make it a must-read.
20. “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
A young and handsome man, Dorian Gray, has a portrait painted of him. He wishes to remain forever young, and his wish is granted – but at a terrible cost.
Why this book made the fall reading list: Wilde’s tale of vanity, art, and the human soul is both enchanting and cautionary. The Picture of Dorian Gray has gothic undertones that are perfect for the season.
Whether you’re looking to lose yourself in a fantasy world or confront the very essence of humanity, this fall reading list has something for every reader. So grab a blanket, light a candle, and lose yourself in one of these exceptional stories this fall.
