Fall Reading Recommendations
- Victoria
- Oct 1, 2023
- 6 min read
October is now in full swing and I am so ready for all of the dark and spooky reads that this season brings! This is the time of year where I dive full force into mysteries, thrillers, and fantasy books. Normally I would do my September reading wrap up today, but I was just too excited to share this post, so my wrap-up will come tomorrow!

I should preface this by saying that I am not one for gory or psychological thrillers, so I guess my reads aren't usually thaaaat dark and spooky. None the less, I am so ready for the cozy & fall reading vibes.
Here is a list of a couple of books I have read and recommend for fall, as well as some I have my eye on for the next few months!
*Please note: I did not include trigger warnings in this post. I try my best to include them in my Instagram posts when they are graphic or very prominent. Please look up the triggering content that may be included, or you can ALWAYS direct message me on Instagram where I will gladly provide the TWs I have come across.
I wasn't sure how long this post would end up being so I did not included synopsis' either. You can click on the book covers to read the synopsis, but note that it is an amazon affiliate link.
Spooky or Sweet Box
Something super fun to do on Halloween night is bingeing a Halloween themed read. Check out these boxes from Once Upon A Book Club for a super fun sweet or spooky box full of Halloween goodies, and use my code VICTORIA10 for a discount!
General Mystery/Thriller Books
I read a lot of mystery/thriller books, so if I tried to list all of my favorites here, then we would be here forever! I have narrowed it down to a few that are fall themed or a bit spooky.
Books I've read & recommend:
1. Locust Lane by Stephen Amidon
This one had a super intense prologue that instantly hooked me. It is told from multiple points of view - the kids through everything unfolding & their parents who are trying to figure out what their kids know. They are all connected in so many ways, and this one is full of drama.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl3omaDPpwW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
2. None of This is True by Lisa Jewell
This book has got to be one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I have always enjoyed Lisa Jewell's books, but this one I think is my favorite. The plot was unique and I was on the edge of my seat the whole time.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuZu4TfJ5So/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
3. When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole
This is one of those books that I simply could not put down. It tackles some important topics, mainly gentrification, but is full of mystery, the history of Brooklyn, and even some fantasy style parts.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CVfgr5nLPAM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
4. Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
If you have read my review of this, you are probably wondering why I included this one since I rated it so low. I think I have changed my mind on it since I read it 2 years ago because it has stuck with me ever since. Whenever I think of good mystery/thrillers, I think of this. Fall reading, I think of this. I want to try and re-read it this year and see if my feelings on it have truly changed...
So, take it with a grain of salt, but read my previous review of this one here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CU2g22aLe2B/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
5. Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney
In my opinion... Alice Feeney is the QUEEN of twists! The first book I read by this author was Rock Paper Scissors. I thought it was a little boring at the start, until the last 25% completely changed the story entirely. I love when a plot twists shakes the story so much that you still remember it years later. This book is no different with crazy plot twists and it was interesting to me the entire way through. This book is a new release that you are not going to want to miss.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CxYRryCNmSl/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
6. We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz
I have heard some mixed opinions on this one. I personally really enjoyed this one! I initially listened to it on audio, but it was so enjoyable that I had to go out and get the physical copy as well. It was certainly not easy to put down and I hope I can do a re-read again soon.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CTUiNg5rjeN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Books I have my eye on:
1. A Flicker In The Dark by Stacy Willingham
Stacy Willingham's last book, 'All The Dangerous Things' was one I really enjoyed, so naturally I had to add more of her books to my TBR.
2. Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen
This one is a new release that looks like its going to be really good!
3. Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
This book has been getting a lot of hype on social media lately because it is a bit different than your average book. Instead of having a written story to follow, it is full of case facts and evidence where you'll be essentially reading through it and solving the case yourself. I am so excited to check this one out!
4. The Spare Room by Andrea Bartz
I loved We Were Never Here by Andrea Bartz (see above), so I am super excited to check this one out as well.
5. Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister
I read 'Wrong Place Wrong Time' also by this author and it was pretty good! I'm excited to check this new release out.
Fantasy Reads
I need to say that I am only just getting into fantasy this last 2 years, so I don't have the most amazing recommendations for fantasy lovers. If you are like me and need somewhere to start or are looking for some lighter fantasy reads, these are for you!
Books I've read & recommend:
1. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalo
This fantasy series was recommended me by some friends and it did not disappoint! The first book starts out as a YA fantasy, but definitely switches to more adult content in the later books. The series was phenomenal, but it has a lot of triggering content in it so be sure to check that out first for each book.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkLRfGIvQo-/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
2. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
This book just released this year and absolutely took off on social media. From the time it was released to even now, I see it pop up on my for you pages. I absolutely loved this one. It was a unique concept with the dragons and I felt like it was just done so well.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cs6dcdNvHuc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
3. A Court of Thornes and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
...or really anything by this author, but I suggest starting here.
You've probably already heard of this one as it seems to be a series anyone recommends when you ask about fantasy books. I really did enjoy it though and I feel like its a great place to start if you want to get into this genre. This series also starts as YA but also becomes more adult in the later books.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLvFIxfAZUn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
4. Anatomy: A Love Story by Dana Schwartz
This one is more mystery/historical fiction, but there were some parts I would consider to be mythical/fantasy-like. I picked this one up this year as I was graciously sent the second book in this duology, so I didn't want to read the second without the first. I am so so so glad I did because I really enjoyed this one.
Read my full review here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CoXMIyPLT1G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Books I have my eye on:
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Or course since I loved Fourth Wing so much, I will be diving head first into book 2 as soon as its available!
2. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
This one has been on my TBR forever and just sounds so good! Hoping to finally get to it this fall.
3. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
not a new series, but one I have been wanting to read for a while!
This one is not a new series, but one I have been wanting to read for a while! It has been recommended to me many times so I think its about time I give it a try...
I hope this helps with compiling your TBRs for spooky season! Keep an eye on my Instagram and the blog for reviews of what I am reading this season.
Let me know in the comments if you have read any of these! Do you have any to recommend or any you're looking forward to?
If you liked this post and found my recommendations helpful and want to support, I would love it if you would consider buying me a coffee! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bookcasebelle

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