As we dive further into the fall season, my favorite way to celebrate is cuddling up with some apple cider, and a well-loved book. Here are my top five reads to kick off the fall season!
- The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
A classic short story collection published in 1951, these 18 stories are unified by the story of the Illustrated Man himself. Tattooed by a time-traveling woman, the Illustrated Man’s tattoos move to tell stories. Each short story correlates to a story the narrator witnesses being told by one of the tattoos. In the final story, the only blank spot on the Illustrated Man’s skin, tells the narrator the story of his own death, which seems to be much sooner than he expected. Full of magic, science fiction, and biting social commentary, The Illustrated Man is an incredible pick for any kind of reader.
- The Cheerleaders by Cara Thomas
Five years after five members of the Sunnybrook High cheer squad died, violent but ultimately unconnected deaths, the town of Sunnybrook, is finally ready to remember them. Monica, the younger sister of the last cheerleader to die, discovers that there is more to these deaths than she could have ever imagined. The Cheerleaders is the perfect read for someone looking for their introduction to crime thrillers, or a quick but gripping teen mystery.
- None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney
Written by renowned thriller author Ellie Marney, this crime thriller grips you to the very end. Set in 1982, teenage serial killer survivor Emma Lewis, and future US Marshal Travis Bell, are called together by the FBI to conduct interviews on juvenile serial killers. After being called in to stop an active killer, Emma and Travis must work with notorious teenage killer, and master manipulator Simon Gutmunsson, to crack the case. But, will they be able to outsmart Simon before his manipulation costs them this case, and their lives? Nearly a year later, I vividly remember being glued to this book until I finished it. It’s a perfectly creepy read for fans of true crime rather than classic Halloween horror.
- We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
Published in 1962, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, is a gothic classic about the mysterious Blackwood family. Narrated by the unreliable Merricat Blackwood, the novel follows the story of Merricat, her agoraphobic sister Constance, and their ailing Uncle Julian, who all live in the empty, decrepit family mansion. Fueled by witchcraft, mystery, and the appearance of a distant, and suspicious relative, We Have Always Lived in the Castle unravels the story of the Blackwood family, and their connection to the town that hates them so deeply. If you aren’t interested in picking up a copy of the novel, a fantastic movie adaptation was released in 2018, starring Taissa Farmigia as Merricat Blackwood, Alexandria Daddario as Constance Blackwood, and Crispin Glover as Julian Blackwood.
- The Monster of Elendhaven by Jennifer Giesbrecht
Set in a decrepit town, still feeling the effects of a devastating plague, the only surviving member of a family of wealthy aristocrats, and the unkillable monster under his control, plan their revenge against the town that they believe failed them. This story embraces villainy, and the darkness that runs within the rotting city of Elendhaven. Full of magic, mad science, and comprehensive world building, there is truly no better book to prepare yourself for Halloween than The Monster of Elendhaven.
If you’re looking for a fun way to kick off the changing seasons, or even just a new book to keep busy, consider checking out one of these titles!
