Fall Reading List: 12 Cozy (& Slightly Spooky) Picks Perfect For Sweater Weather
Looks Like Books contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclaimer to learn more.
If your TBR shifts to sweaters and steam the minute the leaves think about turning, this fall reading list is for you. From dark academia corridors and witchy comfort reads to smart mysteries and gentle romances, these recent picks deliver crisp-air vibes without requiring a pumpkin-scented contract.
Key Takeaways: Fall Reading List
12 Picks For Your Fall Reading List
Built for sweater weather, this cross-genre stack leans into autumn’s mood – dark-academia corridors, witchy romcoms, smart mysteries, and comfort fantasy. Pair one cozy pick with one moodier title for an effortless September/October TBR.
Babel (2022) — R.F. Kuang
An alternate-history 1830s Oxford where translation magic powers the empire; big-ideas dark academia with bite.
If We Were Villains (2017) — M.L. Rio
Shakespeare, friendship, and a ruinous secret at an artsy college. Prime dark-academia leaf-crunch energy.
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (2022) — Sangu Mandanna
Warm, witchy found family with a slow-burn romance. Pure cozy for chilly nights.
Magpie Murders (2017) — Anthony Horowitz
A clever novel-within-a-novel: a classic whodunit manuscript and the modern editor investigating the author’s own mystery. Bookish, atmospheric, and very fall-friendly without gore.
The Thursday Murder Club (2020) — Richard Osman
Charming sleuths, clever clues, and just enough bite—perfect dusk reading. (Series Book #1)
The Maid (2022) — Nita Prose
A meticulous hotel maid discovers a VIP guest dead and gets pulled into a puzzle that’s more about people than gore. Clever, warm-hearted, and easy to recommend.
Ninth House (2019) — Leigh Bardugo
Secret societies, grim magic, fallen leaves in New Haven. Gritty, propulsive, atmospheric. (Series Book #1)
The Night Circus (2011) — Erin Morgenstern
Midnight tents, illusions, and slow-burn wonder. A perennial fall favorite.
Catherine House (2020) — Elisabeth Thomas
Experimental school, closed world, hazy menace—eerie academia for sweater season.
The Ex Hex (2021) — Erin Sterling
Pumpkins, curses, and a witchy second-chance romance. Light, fizzy, festive.
The Maidens (2021) — Alex Michaelides
Grief, obsession, and a secret society at Cambridge. Moony, moody, very autumn.
The Simplicity of Cider (2017) — Amy E. Reichert
Door-County orchards, family, and a gentle romance. Crisp, cozy, feel-good.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Fall Reading List
Are these scary?
Mostly cozy or atmospheric. For darker vibes, try Ninth House or Black River Orchard. For pure comfort, start with Irregular Witches or Legends & Lattes.
Are these books YA or adult?
Primarily adult; a couple of crossover titles work for mature teens. (Ninth House skews darker.)
Any audio standouts among these books?
The Night Circus is a classic on audio; The Thursday Murder Club is wonderfully narrated.
Conclusion
Pair one cozy pick with one moody campus read and you’ve got the perfect September start – mug optional, blanket recommended. If you love the autumn vibe, this list will put you right in the mood. And if you want to keep the fall going in a really cozy fashion, head over to Cozy Fall Books. Or, maybe not so cozy and more witchy?
Want more timely ideas? Browse my Seasonal & Gift Guides hub.
