I recently set up a new chair in my reading corner in the bedroom (thanks for the birthday gift, Gran Nan!), and I am READY for the cozy, creepy, gotta-curl-up-under-the-blanket for the sweetness and scares types of reads! As an FYI — if you’re unfamiliar with my book lists — I only share books I’ve read and rated at 4+ stars. I’ll list some books that I haven’t yet read at the bottom that are part of my own TBR, but my seasonal book recs are dedicated to books I’ve actually read (not books I know other people have read and loved). While most books are new-ish (with a current year release), I do include some that have been previously released if they were a new read for me over the past year. I am so excited to head into the new season with a brand new list of favorite fall books for 2024!
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What Genres of Fall Books Are On My List?
As a general rule, nothing is off limits and you’ll find a little bit of everything there. Typically though, the bulk of my reading can be found somewhere in the contemporary romance, suspense, and thriller genres with a healthy dose of spiritual and memoir nonfiction. But, like I said, I still read (and am surprised by) books that aren’t in my typical high ranking genres, so you’ll still find fantasy/romantasy, historical fiction, general fiction and more in my lists.
You can see last year’s fall book recommendation post HERE.
If you missed it, here are a few other reading lists you can find with book recs…
- Fall 2023 Book Recs
- Summer 2024 Thriller & Suspense Book Recs (also great for fall!)
- Top 2024 Summery Beach Reads
- Favorite Books of 2023
- 2023 Holiday Books
For all the books I’m reading and loving, and giving 4+ stars, check out my list here…
For all the books I’m reading in real time, along with ratings and reviews, check out my GoodReads account here…
Top 2024 Summer & Suspense Reads
As a caveat, if you are sensitive to content, be sure to check warnings, age recommendations, and degree of graphic description. I’m also noting how I read the book as I strongly believe that some audios can make or break a book. Sometimes, I am SO happy I listened to the audio and other times, I think I would have enjoyed a book (or enjoyed it more) if I had physically read it. So, I wanted to disclose my specific experience for each…
NO. 1
Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
Suspense/Mystery Thriller/Horror
*Personal Reading Method: e-book
This was the ultimate, binge-able trapped-in-a-secluded-cabin-in-the-woods-with-a-mystery-killer book! I devoured it and am loving thriller and horror Darcy Coates books. I love how the entire story came together and while I did theorize correctly, the journey wasn’t spoiled. It all played out like a vivid movie in my head and I couldn’t look away. *Warning for descriptions of graphic violence.
NO. 2
Business Casual by B.K. Borison
Contemporary Romance
*Personal Reading Method: e-book
The fourth and final book of the Lovelight Farms series was probably my favorite. I’ve been raving about the characters in the small town of Inglewild since Book 1 and with the small town charm and descriptive coziness of the Christmas Tree farm central setting, any of the books make a perfect autumn read. But, in this fake dating, opposites-attract irresistible trope with my favorite leading male character of the series, the final book wraps in the fall and it’s absolute perfection. Think dry tattoo artist/local shop owner (her) meets lovable big city finance guy himbo (him). *Caveat for descriptive open door scenes.
NO. 3
Hemlock by Kiersten Modglin
Psychological Thriller/Romantic Suspense
*Personal Reading Method: physical book
Woman returns to her former town and reconnects with two men from her past. Secrets and truths from the past are revealed as her home, and what’s going on inside it, gets creepier and creepier… I’m a K Mod. fan but this is one of my favorites from her!
NO. 4
The Graves Glen Series by Erin Sterling
Book 1: The Ex Hex
Book 2: The Kiss Curse
Book 3: The Wedding Witch
Magic Fantasy Contemporary Romance
*Personal Reading Method: e-books
I am having SO much fun in the witchy town of Graves Glen! There is a level of paranormal magic with Practical Magic and Mystic Falls vibes, but they’re overall light, enjoyable reads. Think modern day ancestral witch rival families falling in love through some of my favorite tropes. I also love that while the north Georgia town is technically fictitious, I can picture it being set in our own north Georgia town of Dahlonega — just up the road. The Wedding Witch is actually on my TBR for this fall, when it releases on October 8. Catch the first two now! *Caveat for descriptive open door scenes.
NO. 5
The Housemaid is Watching by Freida McFadden
Suspense/Psychological Mystery Thriller
*Personal Reading Method: e-book
If you enjoyed the first two Housemaid books, I think you’ll like the third book! Now in the suburbs and set years in the future with a family life, I flew through this story of creepy neighbors, suspicious pasts, and house secrets. Freida will keep you guessing all the way through… *Caveat for potential violence trigger warnings.
NO. 6
House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanaen
Suspense/Psychological Mystery Thriller
*Personal Reading Method: ARC e-book (thank you NetGalley & St. Martin’s Press for an opportunity to review an early copy).
If strange families with creepy kids and mysterious tragedies do it for you, this one was such a fun journey with a satisfying ending! Following the sudden death of the family’s nanny (was it an accident or intentional?), the FMC is brought in to observe a soon-to-be divorced couple’s daughter to provide her expert opinion on the healthiest custody arrangements for the child. She finds herself in the middle of family secrets and potential danger as she embarks on a quest to discover the truth.
NO. 7
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Historical Fiction
*Personal Reading Method: audiobook
I wouldn’t typically (easily) go for this type of book (based solely on the description and not being a self-professed lover of historical fiction, in general), but Kristin Hannah historical fiction always boasts such thoughtful and complex characters with rich storytelling. No surprise — I fell in love with this book — it is easily in my top two KH books, if not the number one. Set in remote Alaska, the landscape and rugged elements aren’t the only danger and harsh part of life for a family when they relocate to the area, following the father’s service in the Vietnam War. It’s a book of survival, found family and community, and the complexities of volatile relationships. *Caveat for domestic violence.
NO. 8
A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson
Suspense/Mystery Thriller
*Personal Reading Method: audiobook
Book 3 of the series, this mystery thriller (set in New England) is made for the fall! A newlywed suspects her husband has secrets when she discovers some similarities in his work travels and a string of (seemingly unconnected) deaths across the county. *Caveat for potential violence trigger warnings.
NO. 9
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
Contemporary Romance
*Personal Reading Method: e-book
A Halloween party hook-up leads to way more than either of these strangers bargained for. Don’t let your initial instincts of this book’s tropes deter you — it’s so well done and heartwarming, and the characters are so so good. I love the representation of both characters having differently-abled physical attributes, but it doesn’t define who they are or become a main storyline. Such a great cozy book when you want well written relationships you can cheer (and swoon) for! *Caveat for descriptive open door scenes.
NO. 10
Where He Can’t Find You by Darcy Coates
Suspense/Mystery Thriller/Horror
*Personal Reading Method: physical book
This book was an un-put-down-able binge for me and it totally played out in my mind like a setting from the town in Stranger Things or It. With high schoolers as the main characters, this one is a horror with supernatural elements. The people in a town — full of disappearances — adhere to a set of established safety guidelines to avoid becoming the next victim of a long-believed resident evil (human or monster?) known as “The Stitcher”. *Caveat for descriptive crime scenes and violence.
NO. 11
Not In It to Win It: Why Choosing Sides Sidelines the Church by Andy Stanley
Religion/Politics
*Personal Reading Method: audiobook
TBH, I wish everyone would read this book as we approach November. If you have anxiety around election season — whether it be from fear, outcome, divide, or confusion around your role/vocality — this is such an incredible read that has done wonders for putting my own mind and heart at rest. For Christians, there are great reminders on prioritizing who we have been called to be, and what that looks like in an increasingly volatile political climate. If you aren’t a Christian, t long to maintain/strengthen relationshipsAndy Stanley’s book is rooted in such wisdom with universally sound advice, it would be beneficial for anyone to read, across the political spectrum.
NO. 12
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
Fantasy Contemporary Romance
*Personal Reading Method: physical book
A romance ghostwriter, a family funeral business, ghosts, and a totally charming (and quirky) cast of characters made this novel something totally unique and memorable. This checks so many “fall” boxes, while it’s a few years old now, if you haven’t yet added it to your TBR, take this as (another) sign!
On My Fall TBR…
Below are a few (NEW/soon-to-be-released) books I have on my fall TBR! I’ve noted the release date for each…
NO. 1
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While also in an Actual Cult!)
Memoir
RELEASE DATE: 10/22/24
I adore Bethany Joy Lenz — she was my favorite One Tree Hill character (my ultimate comfort show) and no one can touch her Hallmark Christmas movie talent, IMO. I am so excited to finally dive into her memoir once its released and I will absolutely be consuming the audio version!
NO. 2
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
Suspense/Mystery Thriller/Horror
RELEASE DATE: 10/8/24
I am so excited for another book by Jason Rekulak after thoroughly enjoying his uber creepy paranormal suspense novel, Hidden Pictures — last year!
NO. 3
The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
Memoir
RELEASE DATE: 9/17/24
Based on pure assumption of who Emily Gilmore may be in real life, I just have this unfounded expectation that Kelly Bishop could be Evelyn Hugo-esque in real life and I’m all in to find out!
NO. 4
The Guilty One by Kiersten Modglin
Mystery Psychological Thriller
AVAILABLE NOW
UPDATE: I actually ended up reading this one before the launch of the post(!) and REALLY enjoyed it! A quick read, this one can be binged in a weekend — there’s twists and dual timelines that keep you committed to the unfolding of the present day story until the very end… K Mod already has another book coming out soon on October 1 — The Hidden — that I’ll be waiting for next!
NO. 5
The Undercurrent by Sarah Sawyer
Mystery/Thriller
RELEASE DATE: 10/8/24
A new mom, living in Portland Maine, returns to her past in Austin, Texas, invested in solving the mysteries of the community she grew up in. I’m excited to dig into this author’s debut novel!
Have a favorite fall read? What’s at the top of your TBR for the months ahead? Share it with us in the comment section!
Favorite Book Accessories & Reading Essentials
Below are my personal favorites that I have, use, and swear by…
- Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition (waterproof and no glare, perfect for reading in the outdoor sun — unlike regular screens)
- Rechargeable Reading Light (multiple light settings & dimmable)
- Remote Control Page Turner for Kindle (or tablets/phones) (lasts on a single charge FOREVER and I love using it on the treadmill, while I’m eating, and when I want to stay under the covers)
- Book Seat (love this for both regular hard copy books and my kindle for hands-free holding)
- Book Cover Themed Bookmarks (from THIS shop)
- Pastel No-Bleed Highlighters (especially great for highlighting thin pages in the Bible)
- Custom Book Spine Mug (you send 16 book names and the shop owner creates a custom mug with illustrations of the book spines!)
- Foldable Stand (great for phones but I use it for my Kindle, especially next to the pool and on my desk. Folds flat for easy drawer storage.)
More Posts to Check Out
- Top 12 Summery Beach Reads (for 2024)
- Best Books of 2023
- Holiday Book Recs
- Fall Book Recs
- Best Books of 2022
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