fall reading list: spooky thrills and magical moments

I have a confession: I can’t stand horror movies. They turn my stomach, give me nightmares, and make me regret ever sitting down to watch them. But for some reason, I’ve taken a strange liking to creepy, unsettling, even downright scary books lately. I think it’s because, on the page, I get to control the pace. I can put the book down, step away, and make a cup of tea if it gets to be too much. 

Fall is the perfect time to lean into the spooky or magical vibes for your reading list. Here’s a mix of books I’ve read recently and loved, plus a few on my to-be-read list that I think will be perfect for cozy autumn nights.

what I’ve read and loved

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

This one requires a little suspension of disbelief, but it was so fun and so fast — I read it in just two days, which almost never happens for me. It reminded me a bit of The Haunting of Hill House TV series, with family drama layered over a ghost story. You can decide for yourself how much of it is real and how much is just metaphor.

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay

Absolutely gripping — I could not put it down. But be warned: it is very violent and some of the gore felt a bit unnecessary. Still, I had to see how it ended. It left me unsettled and I still think about that ending sometimes.

The Seven 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

One of the most unique plots I’ve ever read. It’s a mix of murder mystery, time loop, and puzzle-box storytelling. I’ll admit, I got lost in the time jumps more than once, but it was still a fascinating, worthwhile read.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

I accidentally read this one before realizing it was a prequel to the Practical Magic series, but I loved it. The magic in this book feels so grounded and woven into the story of sisters and family legacy. Out of all the books in the series, this was my favorite. If you read it, follow it up with a cozy rewatch of Practical Magic the movie.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Creepy, atmospheric, and beautifully written — I can't overstate how much I loved this book. The setting in 1950s Mexico was so vivid I felt like I was there. The plot goes to some wild places, and I loved every unsettling minute of it.

what’s next on my list

God of the Woods by Liz Moore
A missing-person mystery set at a summer camp. I’ve heard it’s both atmospheric and gripping — the perfect fall page-turner.

The Witch’s Daughter by Paula Brackston
A historical fantasy about a woman who survived the witch trials and has been living for centuries, blending magic and historical fiction.

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
A haunted house story with a dual timeline — a woman returns to her childhood home to uncover whether the ghosts from her father’s bestselling memoir were real or not.

A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher
I’ve heard this one is a perfect mix of eerie and funny, with a creepy Southern Gothic vibe and a big beating heart under all the strangeness.

Slewfoot by Gerald Brom
An ancient witch awakens in a dark wood in Colonial New England in 1666.

final thoughts

For me, fall reading is about balancing the eerie with the cozy. I love lighting a candle, putting on a pot of tea, and curling up with a blanket while the wind howls outside. There’s something extra delicious about reading something spooky when you’re safe and warm at home. Whether you like a ghost story, a bit of magical realism, or a good old-fashioned mystery, I think these books make the perfect companions for slow autumn evenings.