As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, there’s nothing better than curling up with a book that matches the cozy, introspective mood of autumn. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt romance, a whimsical story set in a pumpkin patch, or something a little moody and mysterious to suit the season, this list has you covered. These 20 autumn-themed books capture the essence of fall in all its forms—warmth, change, nostalgia, and a little bit of magic. So grab a blanket, pour yourself something warm, and get ready to dive into stories that feel like autumn in book form.
1. Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
Set on Prince Edward Island, this classic follows Anne Shirley, a spirited orphan with a vivid imagination. While the story spans multiple seasons, autumn plays a particularly enchanting role as Anne experiences the beauty of nature, new beginnings at school, and the joys of kindred spirits. The cozy rural setting makes it an ideal fall read.
2. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This dark academia classic follows a group of elite students at a New England college who become entangled in a murder. With its crisp autumn setting, intellectual discussions, and haunting tone, it’s the perfect moody novel for readers who enjoy stories that slowly unravel like falling leaves.
3. Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
A delightful graphic novel that takes place entirely during a single evening at a pumpkin patch. It’s a sweet, funny, and cozy autumn romance between two friends who are about to graduate high school. The illustrations are rich in fall vibes—hayrides, kettle corn, and everything pumpkin-flavored.
4. The October Country by Ray Bradbury
This eerie collection of short stories is filled with Bradbury’s signature poetic style and a touch of the macabre. While not horror, the stories explore the uncanny and strange, making it a perfect read as the days get shorter and the wind starts howling through the trees.
5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Though it spans many seasons, the sense of home, change, and emotional warmth makes Little Women an ideal companion during autumn. From cozy indoor scenes to outdoor walks under falling leaves, this story of sisterhood and growth pairs perfectly with a blanket and warm drink.
6. The Simplicity of Cider by Amy E. Reichert
Set on a family-owned apple orchard in Wisconsin, this gentle romance is brimming with fall charm. The story follows a cider-maker trying to keep her family business afloat, and the unexpected visitor who changes everything. It’s full of warmth, healing, and second chances.
7. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman
Blending magic, romance, and family, this novel follows the Owens sisters as they deal with a family curse. With a story that moves between the whimsical and the deeply emotional, and a setting rich with fall imagery, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves magical realism in an autumnal package.
8. Autumn by Ali Smith
The first in Smith’s seasonal quartet, Autumn is a literary, experimental novel that captures the mood of post-Brexit Britain while also meditating on art, memory, and time. With its title and themes rooted in seasonal change, it’s an introspective and thought-provoking autumn read.
9. The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
This paranormal romance features a ghostwriter who can actually see ghosts, and a dead editor she can’t stop thinking about. Set partly in a sleepy Southern town during fall, this book mixes quirky humor with genuine emotion and a touch of the supernatural—perfect for October nights.
10. When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain
A haunting, atmospheric mystery set in a Northern California town in the 1990s. With foggy forests, chilly air, and themes of loss and redemption, it’s a gripping psychological novel that feels very much like an early fall morning—beautiful, mysterious, and a little bit heavy.
11. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
The first book in the Harry Potter series begins with the start of the school year and follows Harry as he enters the magical world. Hogwarts in autumn, with floating candles, feasts, and Quidditch games, is one of the most iconic seasonal settings in children’s literature.
12. The City Baker’s Guide to Country Living by Louise Miller
After an unfortunate event involving a flambéed dessert, a pastry chef flees to a small Vermont town and starts over at a charming inn. With fall festivals, apple pies, and small-town quirks, this book is a cozy hug in written form—especially for baking enthusiasts.
13. Dracula by Bram Stoker
For a spookier side of fall reading, Dracula is a gothic classic filled with dark castles, foggy nights, and eerie suspense. The epistolary format and brooding atmosphere make it ideal for October evenings, especially when paired with candlelight and a stormy sky.
14. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser
A middle-grade novel full of heart, perfect for family reading during autumn. It follows five siblings trying to save their home from eviction in Harlem. The cozy urban setting, strong sense of community, and sibling dynamics create a story that feels as warm as a knitted scarf.
15. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
This romantic fantasy is set in Oxford during the fall semester, where a witch and a vampire unravel centuries-old secrets. With ancient libraries, magical lore, and crisp autumn weather, the atmosphere is rich and immersive, making it a favorite for fans of academia and the supernatural.
16. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
An atmospheric gothic novel set in a grand but mysterious estate, Rebecca is filled with foggy cliffs, secrets, and psychological tension. While it’s not explicitly autumnal, the eerie mood and moody weather make it a perfect match for gray, drizzly fall days.
17. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
This heartwarming fantasy follows a lonely witch who finds unexpected family and purpose when she’s invited to teach magic to three peculiar children. Cozy cottagecore vibes, gentle magic, and themes of belonging make it a perfect fall read.
18. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Though not strictly autumnal, the imagery of magical tents, nighttime enchantments, and vintage charm gives The Night Circus a seasonal feel. The story unfolds like a dream and is perfect for readers who want to be swept into a whimsical world with a touch of romance.
19. The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
While not season-specific, this STEM-themed romance with academia at its core feels right at home in the fall. Set in a university, filled with banter, science, and fake dating, it’s a light yet satisfying read to enjoy while the leaves change color.
20. The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
A historical fiction novel inspired by true events, following a young woman who helps forge documents to save Jewish children during WWII. Though serious in tone, the quiet heroism and the bookish elements give it a grounded, thoughtful vibe that’s fitting for reflective autumn reading.