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11 Great Books That Will Give You Major Fall Vibes
If you’re looking to get into the fall spirit, there’s nothing better than curling up with a good book that perfectly captures the season’s cozy, mysterious vibes. From spooky mysteries to dark academia, here are 11 great books with cozy fall vibes that will make you want to grab a blanket on a cozy autumn night and start reading ASAP.
Must-Read Books With Fall Vibes
Here’s a list of the best fall books for adults with major autumnal vibes, perfect for those looking for books with cozy fall vibes. Most of the books on this list are thrillers because, on a rainy, chilly evening, there’s nothing better than a gripping read that gives you those warm, cozy fall feelings and keeps you hooked for hours. I’ve read and loved all these books. While not all of them are five-star reads, each one has its own charm and is perfect for capturing the vibes of fall. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Quick Summary: A glamorous wedding on a remote Irish island turns deadly as old grudges, jealousy, and hidden secrets come to light. Amid the celebrations, a body is discovered, leaving everyone wondering who the murderer is and what their motive might be.
My Review: This one gave me major Agatha Christie vibes. The isolated setting, complex characters with dark pasts, and constant tension were gripping. The suspense is intense, and the secrets keep you hooked until the end. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this deliciously wicked and atmospheric thriller reminiscent of Agatha Christie from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hunting Party.
The bride – The plus one – The best man – The wedding planner – The bridesmaid – The body
On an island off the coast of Ireland, guests gather to celebrate two people joining their lives together as one. The groom: handsome and charming, a rising television star. The bride: smart and ambitious, a magazine publisher. It’s a wedding for a magazine, or for a celebrity: the designer dress, the remote location, the luxe party favors, the boutique whiskey. The cell phone service may be spotty and the waves may be rough, but every detail has been expertly planned and will be expertly executed.
But perfection is for plans, and people are all too human. As the champagne is popped and the festivities begin, resentments and petty jealousies begin to mingle with the reminiscences and well wishes. The groomsmen begin the drinking game from their school days. The bridesmaid not-so-accidentally ruins her dress. The bride’s oldest (male) friend gives an uncomfortably caring toast.
And then someone turns up dead. Who didn’t wish the happy couple well? And perhaps more important, why?
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The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
Summary: Mariana Andros, a therapist, becomes obsessed with a mysterious and charismatic professor at Cambridge, whom she believes is behind the murder of a student. As she goes deeper into the secretive world of The Maidens, a society of female students, more dark secrets come to light, and Mariana’s life spirals out of control.
My Review : I loved the atmospheric, dark academia vibes. The mix of Greek mythology and a troubled protagonist was great too. I wasn’t really surprised by the ending—honestly, I expected much more. But overall, it was a great read, and I think it would definitely give you major fall vibes.. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Edward Fosca is a murderer. Of this Mariana is certain. But Fosca is untouchable. A handsome and charismatic Greek Tragedy professor at Cambridge University, Fosca is adored by staff and students alike—particularly by the members of a secret society of female students known as The Maidens.
Mariana Andros is a brilliant but troubled group therapist who becomes fixated on The Maidens when one member, a friend of Mariana’s niece Zoe, is found murdered in Cambridge.
Mariana, who was once herself a student at the university, quickly suspects that behind the idyllic beauty of the spires and turrets, and beneath the ancient traditions, lies something sinister. And she becomes convinced that, despite his alibi, Edward Fosca is guilty of the murder. But why would the professor target one of his students? And why does he keep returning to the rites of Persephone, the maiden, and her journey to the underworld?
When another body is found, Mariana’s obsession with proving Fosca’s guilt spirals out of control, threatening to destroy her credibility as well as her closest relationships. But Mariana is determined to stop this killer, even if it costs her everything—including her own life
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Keep It In the Family by John Marrs
Summary: Mia and Finn’s dream home turns into a nightmare when they discover a sinister message and dark secrets hidden in the attic. As Mia becomes obsessed with uncovering the house’s past, her relationship with Finn deteriorates, and the danger becomes all too real.
My Review : Keep It in the Family is a perfect Halloween read with spooky vibes. If you’re into spine-chilling books for autumn, grab this one. It’s seriously creepy. The thought of finding something horrific in your own home is terrifying. Marrs keeps you in suspense the whole time. It wasn’t a five-star read because I somehow expected the twist. But I wouldn’t mind reading it again because it was really unsettling ⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: In this chilling novel from bestselling author John Marrs, a young couple’s house hides terrible secrets—and not all of them are confined to the past.
Mia and Finn are busy turning a derelict house into their dream home when Mia unexpectedly falls pregnant. But just when they think the house is ready, Mia discovers a chilling message scored into a skirting board: I WILL SAVE THEM FROM THE ATTIC. Following the clue up into the eaves, the couple make a gruesome discovery: their dream home was once a house of horrors.
In the wake of their traumatic discovery, the baby arrives and Mia can’t shake her fixation with the monstrous crimes that happened right above them. Haunted by the terrible things she saw and desperate to find answers, her obsession pulls her ever further from her husband.
Secrecy shrouds the mystery of the attic, but when shards of a dark truth start to emerge, Mia realises the danger is terrifyingly present. She is prepared to do anything to protect her family—but is it already too late?
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None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
Summary: Alix Summers, a true crime podcaster, meets Josie Fair, who seems like an intriguing subject for her next podcast. But as Alix gets to know Josie, she realizes that Josie is not who she appears to be, leading to a dangerous and twisted game that puts Alix and her family in jeopardy.
My Review : I’m a huge Lisa Jewell fan, so this was one of my most anticipated book releases of 2024 , and I really loved it. The unreliable narrators kept me in suspense, and the twist was really unexpected. If you’re looking for a thriller with fall vibes, you should definitely read this. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Lisa Jewell returns with a scintillating new psychological thriller about a woman who finds herself the subject of her own popular true crime podcast.
Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins.
A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix’s children’s school. Josie has been listening to Alix’s podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.
Josie’s life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can’t quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.
But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family’s lives under mortal threat.
Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?
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Billy Summers by Stephen King
Summary: Billy Summers is a hitman with a moral code—he only kills bad guys. But as he prepares for his final job, everything starts to unravel, putting him in a dangerous situation where his survival is far from guaranteed.
My Review: This was one of my first King novels, and as someone who isn’t a fan of horror, I was glad to dive into this mystery-suspense. I really enjoyed the narration, especially the audiobook. The narration was excellent. I loved how King added a bit of the supernatural too. Billy is a complex character, and while the story takes its time to build, the tension is worth it. Perfect for fall aesthetics ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Billy Summers is a man in a room with a gun. He’s a killer for hire and the best in the business. But he’ll do the job only if the target is a truly bad guy. And now Billy wants out. But first there is one last hit. Billy is among the best snipers in the world, a decorated Iraq war vet, a Houdini when it comes to vanishing after the job is done. So what could possibly go wrong? How about everything…
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The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden
Summary: Erika Cass’s perfect life is shattered when her son, Liam, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a local girl. As Erika grapples with the possibility that her son might be guilty, she faces a dilemma: how far will she go to protect him?
My Review : This is a fast-paced thriller that didn’t bore me for a second I loved the plot, writing, and characters—the whole novel was unputdownable. If you’re in the mood for a twisty psychological thriller this fall, grab this one. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: “Mrs. Cass, we were hoping your son could answer a few questions about the girl who disappeared last night…”
Erika Cass has a perfect family and a perfect life. Until the evening when two detectives show up at her front door.
A high school girl has vanished from Erika’s quiet suburban neighborhood. The police suspect the worst–murder. And Erika’s teenage son, Liam, was the last person to see the girl alive.
Erika has always sensed something dark and disturbed in her seemingly perfect older child. She wants to believe he’s innocent, but as the evidence mounts, she can’t deny the truth–Liam may have done the unthinkable.
Now she must ask herself:
How far will she go to protect her son?
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The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Summary: The grand opening of The Manor quickly turns disastrous as secrets from the past resurface, leading to murder. Old friends and enemies mix, and by the end of the weekend, the police are called in to investigate.
My Review : Foley does it again with a setting that’s both luxurious and ominous. It’s the kind of book where everyone has something to hide. However, it was a bit underwhelming as the pace was slow. I think it could have been better if it were shorter. Still, I wanted to include it in this list of books with cozy fall vibes because it really had those spooky, Halloween vibes. ⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.
But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. Something’s not right with the guests. There’s been a fire. A body’s been discovered.
It all began with a secret, fifteen years ago. Now the past has crashed the party. And it’ll end in murder at… The Midnight Feast.
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Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister
Summary: Jen witnesses her son commit a murder and then finds herself waking up each day further back in time, desperate to figure out what led to this moment and how she can stop it.
My Review : This book plays with time in a unique way. Watching Jen try to piece together the events leading up to the murder was heartbreaking. This was my first time reading a thriller with a magical realism combo, and I really enjoyed it.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Can you stop a murder after it’s already happened?
It is midnight on the morning of Halloween, and Jen anxiously waits up for her 18-year-old son, Todd, to return home. But worries about his broken curfew transform into something much more dangerous when Todd finally emerges from the darkness. As Jen watches through the window, she sees her funny, seemingly happy teenage son stab a total stranger.
She doesn’t know who the victim is, or why Todd has committed such a devastating act of violence. All she knows is that her life, and Todd’s, have been shattered.
After her son is taken into custody, Jen falls asleep in despair. But when she wakes up… it is yesterday. The murder has not happened yet—and there may be a chance to stop it. Each morning, when Jen wakes, she is further back in the past, first weeks, then years, before the murder. And Jen realizes that somewhere in the past lies the trigger for Todd’s terrible crime…and it is her mission to find it, and prevent it from taking place.
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The Maid by Nita Prose
Summary: Molly, a socially awkward maid, finds herself accused of murder when she discovers a wealthy guest dead in his hotel room. As she tries to clear her name, she discovers allies in unexpected places and uncovers the truth.
My Review: Molly is such a compelling character, and you can’t help but root for her. The locked-room mystery vibe is strong, and the way the story unfolds through Molly’s perspective is both heartwarming and suspenseful. It’s a clever, charming, and ultimately uplifting read—perfect for those looking for books with cozy fall vibes. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.
But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
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The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Summary: A group of elite students at a New England college, influenced by their charismatic professor, delve into dangerous philosophical ideas, leading to a murder that changes everything.
My Review: This book is a classic for a reason. The writing is incredible, and watching the characters descend into moral ambiguity is both fascinating and disturbing. It’s dark, intellectual, and totally absorbing—I couldn’t put it down. Plus, if you’re looking for one of the best books with cozy fall vibes, this one definitely fits the bill. It’s also one of the best dark academia books you’ll ever read.. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor, a group of clever, eccentric misfits at an elite New England college discover a way of thinking and living that is a world away from the humdrum existence of their contemporaries. But when they go beyond the boundaries of normal morality they slip gradually from obsession to corruption and betrayal, and at last—inexorably—into evil.
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First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Summary: Evie Porter is living a lie—literally. As she takes on a new identity for a job, she finds herself falling for her mark and getting dangerously close to exposure, especially when her real identity shows up in town.
My Review: This one’s a wild ride. Evie trying to keep her cover while juggling her feelings for Ryan is intense. The plot twists are solid, and the stakes feel real. It’s a smart, fast-paced thriller that’s great for a cozy autumn night. But honestly, it wasn’t a five-star for me—I was hoping for more shocking twists. ⭐⭐⭐
Blurb: Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.
The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.
Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time.
Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn’t be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge…
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Stephy George
