10+ Books to Read in Autumn

Autumn is the perfect time to get lost in a good book – and I love taking myself out for a cosy reading afternoon at my local café.

If you’re looking for a few Autumn reading recommendations, look no further! I’ve put together 10+ books to read in Autumn, including classics and contemporary fiction.

So, let’s dive in…

1. ‘Keedie’ by Elle McNicoll

‘Keedie’ is Elle McNicoll’s second book, all about a young autistic teenager as she fights against bullies and educates her small Scottish village on neurodivergence.

The book is a prequel to McNicoll’s first book, ‘A Kind of Spark’, which follows Keedie’s sister, Addie. She is also learning to navigate the world as a young autistic child – and both books are funny and heartwarming.

2. ‘Saltwater’ by Jessica Andrews

‘Saltwater’ is a beautifully written novel about a young girl, Lucy, who feels lost. She doesn’t know who she is or where she wants to be – and the book is a fascinating insight into the narrator’s thoughts and feelings.

This is the ideal novel to curl up with on the sofa in Autumn. It’s full of lovely prose poems that will really immerse you in Lucy’s world.

3. ‘Idol’ by Louise O’Neill

‘Idol’ is a fast-paced thriller that follows Samantha Miller, a famous influencer who is suddenly accused of a crime in her past.

Her life changes in an instant – and the novel is a fascinating look at the subjectivity of memory. You’ll constantly ask yourself who you can trust…

4. ‘My Policeman’ by Bethan Roberts

‘My Policeman’ is a beautiful story about three young people living with a secret. Set in the 1950s, Tom, Patrick and Marianne are all close friends, but Marianne thinks there’s something more developing between Tom and Patrick.

It’s a story of love, loss, heartbreak and disastrous choices – and it’s a great Autumn read for the new season.

5. ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ by Joan Lindsay

I received a lovely copy of ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ for my birthday – and it’s such a fascinating story. First published in 1967, the book follows a group of privileged schoolgirls on a Valentine’s Day picnic.

During the trip, four of the girls go to explore hanging rock, but only one of them returns. The novel is full of dark comedy and eerie twists – and I guarantee it will stay with you for months after you’ve read it.

6. ‘Rebecca’ by Daphne Du Maurier

I know, I know – this isn’t the first time I’ve suggested reading Daphne Du Maurier’s 1938 masterpiece! However, ‘Rebecca’ really is the perfect Autumn read.

It’s a gothic tale set on the Cornish coast, with plenty of dark, atmospheric twists and turns.

If you’re looking for a cosy Autumn activity, I recommend watching Alfred Hitchcock’s 1940 black-and-white version of ‘Rebecca’ on a cold afternoon. Don’t forget plenty of blankets and snacks!

7. ‘Bonjour Tristesse’ by Françoise Sagan

‘Bonjour Tristesse’ is a short modern classic, all about a teenage girl’s selfish plan to split up her father and stepmother.

Set during a hot South of France Summer, you can transport yourself back to warmer days with this fun, immersive read.

I adored this book! The novel is told in such an honest and straightforward way – and I really recommend it for a quick Autumn read.

8. ‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell

‘Hamnet’ by Maggie O’Farrell is a fictional account of Shakespeare’s son, Hamnet.

Set in the late 16th century, the book looks at Shakespeare’s wife, Agnes, fictionalising her marriage to Shakespeare, and examining how the couple deals with the loss of their son.

The book has won a multitude of awards since it came out in 2020 – and it’s a great book to escape into on a cold Autumn day.

9. ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus

‘Lessons in Chemistry’ by Bonnie Garmus tells the story of Elizabeth Zott, a cooking show host in the 1960s.

She previously worked as a chemist – and she uses her show to teach women about chemistry, as well as cooking.

I can’t wait to read this book. Recently adapted into a TV series, it’s a fascinating look at one woman’s attempts to challenge the status quo.

10. ‘Queenie’ by Candice Carty-Williams

‘Queenie’ follows the story of a young British-Jamaican woman living in London. It looks at heartbreak, race and mental health in a novel that’s refreshing and real.

I’ve had ‘Queenie’ on my reading list for a long time now, so I can’t wait to finally read it! There’s also a recent TV adaptation on Channel 4 if you’re looking for a new series to binge in Autumn.

11. ‘The Debutantes’ by Olivia Worley

Coming out in October 2024, ‘The Debutantes’ by Olivia Worley is a brand-new young adult thriller all about the elite world of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

When a debutante is found dead, a strange series of events take place – and there’s something dark beneath all the glitz and glamour.

‘The Debutantes’ sounds like the perfect, fast-paced read to keep you company on a dark Autumn night! Maybe don’t read it just before bed, though…

What are you reading in Autumn? Do you like to read new Autumn releases? What’s your favourite cosy Autumn read?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x