Whether you are looking for books to read by a cozy fire, books to read before bed, books to read for fun or if you’re just looking for a new read for your book club, I’ve got you covered with 9 of the best books to read this fall!
Seasonal reading is a favorite of mine! Since I’m a big mystery/thriller girl, those reads just seem to go hand and hand with autumn. There’s just a little element of spooky when it comes to fall. Don’t you agree? On the other hand, I enjoy a cozy sentimental read or a good classic, too. Not all the books need to be brand new to be worthy to read.
I’m hoping you find the best of both worlds in my fall book list!
When You Can’t Afford New Books
It’s true that books can be a pricey habit. Fortunately, there are plenty of places to acquire books for free. Here’s my up-to-date options if you can’t afford to purchase new or used.
- Public Libraries: Public libraries are excellent resources for borrowing books for free. Most libraries also offer digital lending services where you can borrow e-books and audiobooks without leaving your home. It’s easy to check with your local library and find out what they offer.
- Book Swaps: This is one of my favorite resources!! Organize or participate in a book swap with friends, family, or local community groups. This allows you to exchange books you’ve already read for ones that are on your list.
- Little Free Libraries: These small, community-based book-sharing stations can often be found in neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. You can take a book to read and leave one for others.
- Online Sources:
- Project Gutenberg: Project Gutenberg offers over 60,000 free e-books, including many classic literary works.
- Open Library: Open Library provides access to millions of e-books that you can borrow for free.
- Google Books: Google Books offers a vast collection of free e-books, including many older and out-of-copyright titles.
- Free E-book Websites: Many websites offer free e-books, often from independent authors. While some of these may not be well-known titles, you can discover hidden gems in various genres. Websites like Smashwords, ManyBooks, and Feedbooks are good places to start.
“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” —C. S. Lewis
9 of The Best Books
1.) Hidden Pictures | Jason Rekulak
Friends, I could not put this book down! I read Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak in just a few days. In between working full-time and blogging, reading a book that fast, has to be good!
The main character is Mallory Quinn. She is fresh out of rehab and takes a job babysitting for The Maxwells, looking after their young son, Teddy.
Mallory loves her new job and it seems like the perfect fit. It is the stability that she has needed. Mallory instantly bonds with Teddy who is never without his sketchbook. His drawings are stick figures of the basics; trees, rabbits, balloons. But one day, he draws something dark. It’s a man in a forest, dragging a woman’s lifeless body.
You’ll have to pick up the book to find out how it ends!
2.) The Shadow of the Wind | Carlos Ruiz Zafon
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon is one of four books, however they can each be stand alone books.
The story begins with a young boy named Daniel Sempere. He is introduced to the Cemetery of Forgotten Books by his father. This secret library holds forgotten and rare books, and each person who enters is allowed to choose one book to protect and cherish. Daniel chooses a book titled “The Shadow of the Wind” by an obscure author named Julián Carax.
As Daniel grows up, he becomes increasingly curious about the author, only to discover that someone has been destroying Carax’s works. This sets Daniel on a journey to uncover the truth about Carax’s life and the mysterious figure known as Lain Coubert, who seems determined to remove all traces of Carax’s literary legacy.
3.) The Guest List | Lucy Foley
I recently featured The Guest List by Lucy Foley, in my weekly Mitten Moments. This book is a Reese Witherspoon book club pick which are usually always good. I thought it was a good and a fast read.
The book is set on a remote island off the coast of Ireland. It weaves together the stories of a group of friends who have gathered for a glamorous wedding weekend, which ultimately leads to murder and dark secrets.
Murder and dark secrets! Sounds like a good fall book to me!
4.) Where the Crawdads Sing | Delia Owens
Yes, I figured everyone had read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, or at least seen the movie. However, over the last few weeks, I’ve run into several people who said they never read it. Taking turns, I’m loaning my book to each of them. This is honestly one of my all time favorite books.
Set in the 1950’s marsh of North Carolina, it follows the story of Kya Clark, also known as the “Marsh Girl.” When she is just a child her family falls apart and leaves one by one, until she left to fend for herself alone in the Marsh. As Kya matures, she becomes a keen observer of the marsh’s wildlife and develops a deep bond with the environment. She’s seen as an outsider by the townspeople, and rumors and prejudice surround her. A murder takes place and she is suspected.
It’s a beautiful story full of life, love, lessions and murder. A must read!
5.) Hallowe’en Party (A Haunting in Venice) | Agatha Cristie
Hallowe’en Party by Agatha Christie is a classic Hercule Poirot novel. It has recently been made into the movie A Haunting in Venice with Kenneth Barnagh playing Poirot. I thought why not pick it up and read it before I see the movie.
The perfect book for fall, this story follows a hostile 13 year old, at a Halloween party, who claims she has witnessed a murder. She gets angry when no one believes what she has said and storms off. Later in the evening, she is found dead in an apple-bobbing tub.
In comes Poirot to solve the crime!
6.) The River We Remember | William Kent Krueger
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger was just release this month. This is one I haven’t read but is definitely on my list. I may even use it for my book club.
The story takes place in 1958. Memorial Day (formerly known as Decoration Day) takes on new meaning for the residents of Jewel, Minnesota, when its most prodominant, not well liked residence is murdered and a war veteran is suspected of the crime.
7.) A Cup of Autumn | Melissa McClone
If you are a Hallmark fan, A Cup of Autumn by Melissa McClone is right up your alley!
It’s set in the classic small town of Silver Falls, where boy orders a Pumpkin Spice latte from a beautiful barrista. Boy meets girl and things progress…or do they?
8.) Autumn by the Sea | Melissa Tagg
Autumn by the Sea by Melissa Tagg is book one in a three book series. The story is set in seaside Maine and centers around Sydney Rose who was abandoned as a toddler. She meets a private investigator and Sydney finds herself heading to the tiny seaside town in Maine to meet a woman named Maggie, who’s searching for the granddaughter she lost years ago.
If you like romance combined with mystery, you’ll love this!
9.) Pumpkin Spice for Your Soul: 25 Devotions for Autumn| Anna E. Rendell
I love a good devotional and believe it’s a great way to start your day! Pumpkin Spice for Your Soul:25 Devotions for Autumn is full of fall goodness. Each of the 25 days includes a Scripture verse, devotion, reflection question, recipes, inspiring quotes, and fun autumn ideas.
Espresso for the soul!
9 of The Best Books to Read This Fall
There’s my 9 of the best books for this fall. I don’t expect you’ll make it through all of them, however, if you’re an avid reader you might! If you read any of them, let me know what you think! It’s always fun to get your feedback on my choices.
If you are looking to start a book club, you can read my post 7 Ways to Host a Book Club. It’s a great way to get together with friends or family and share the hobby you love!
Happy fall reading, my friends!
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I love a good book. I am not a thriller reader but I do love seasonal books. I cannot wait to check out your selections.
Thanks Elizabeth! Nothing like a good book!
Kim, you always have some good book selections. I enjoyed reading Where A Crawdad Sings. A great book! My neighbor has my book now. You have my interest peeked now with Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak. Fall and winter are my big reading months.
Thanks, Tammy!! It is honestly the best book I’ve read since reading Where the Crawdads Sing. A very good read and perfect for fall!
Kim I love this list! I just finished Hidden Pictures in 2 days! It was good!
Me too! Crazy fast and it was so good! I couldn’t put it down!