Hi all! I finished a great thriller this week- THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf. This releases Nov 4 and was one of my most anticipated fall reads I mentioned on the episode with Katie. It's about a wealthy people who go all out and over the top for a gender reveal party which goes very wrong and someone ends up dead. The story is set entirely in Wyoming and the family involved live in the mountains on a large ranch which is a setting that gave me all the fall vibes. I flew through this and loved it. I'd like to also add that finally we get a thriller that feels fresh, the gender reveal party was the perfect set up for this murder mystery.
A few more fall vibes books that I've read and loved are: AN HONEST MAN and NEVER FAR AWAY by Michael Koryta, TWO STEP DEVIL b Jamie Quatro, BABEL by R.F. Kuang, THE CARETAKER by Ron Rash and BEASTS OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE by Ruth Emma Lang
I have enjoyed Gudenkauf’s books in the past Renee! Thanks for letting us know there is a new one. Also I picked The Caretaker up two years ago in Vermont and have yet to read it. The bookseller there highly recommended it! Moving to the top of the list!!
I am not much of a seasonal reader, but I’m certain at some point I’ve read books with strong fall vibes. But for the life of me, I can’t come up with one at the moment! I had one real stand out read this week in the midst of others that are just “fine”. WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH was one of the most heartbreaking but well written and beautiful books I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s very hard to make me emotional reading a book because I don’t enjoy books that I feel like are emotionally manipulative but this one just felt so honest about end of life. I highly, highly recommend this, especially if you have older or declining parents or if you have already experienced the loss of a parent. It was very impactful for me.
I was wondering what you thought of that one, i definitely want to read it, it sounds emotional and I do love those types of stories. I have a feeling I’ll be thinking of my grandma while reading it
I think enough time has passed that you’ll get a lot out of it. It helped me reframe so much looking back on the loss of my parents. But it’s definitely tough.
These are a few good atmospheric books: REBECCA by Daphne DuMaurier - she’s the queen of building suspense and tension. WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE by Shirley Jackson - it has a quirky, spooky vibe, but is not horror, and SWEET GIRL by Travis Mulhauser has a snowy, bitter cold setting which added so much to the book.
I finished reading THE MEMORY OF ANIMALS by Claire Fuller, and I am now a completist of her books. A 3.5 star book for me and not my favorite book by Claire Fuller, but I am glad that I read it.
I'm going to check out Sweet Girl for my winter seasonal reading, thanks for that rec. I've read and loved two Claire Fuller books- OUR ENDLESS NUMBERED DAYS AND SWIMMING LESSONS- I plan to read more, what are you favs since you're now a completist?:)
I read "Her Fearful Symmetry" years ago and loved it! Another atmospheric book I found on my shelf was GARDEN SPELL by Sarah Addison Allen. I may need to reread both of these!
My brain is lagging on atmospheric fall reads that I have read in the past (side effect of navigating senior year with my son)! I decided to list some that I am hoping to get to this fall that have been on my list if my brain allows it.
THE SECRET HISTORY (I know I know how have I not read this)! 😂
IF WE WERE VILLIANS
THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE
I am currently reading NIGHT WATCHER by Daphne Woolsoncroft and enjoying it. Just the right amount of creepy. My book plans this week are AMONF FRIENDS and THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE for upcoming book clubs.
I took a trip to NYC last weekend and the definite book highlights I wanted to share were staying at The Library Hotel, watching The Outsiders on Broadway (it was amazing) and going to Liz’s Book Bar in Brooklyn. If there is anything better than having a glass of wine while shopping for books I can’t think of it. Have an amazing and restful Sunday. I hope it is full of just the right combination of creepy and cozy! 💀🍷😉📚
We're here for whatever fall reads you want to share:) The Secret History is very fall. I haven't read If We Were Villains yet either. Your weekend trip sounds like bookish perfection! The Library Hotel is on my must get to destination list and a book bar, yes please. I'll be curious to hear what you think of Among Friends
I'm a big seasonal/mood reader and the absolute best combo I could ever think of would be reading THE SECRET HISTORY in the fall. WUTHERING HEIGHTS is also the epitome of a fall read to me.
I just read HEART THE LOVER and it gets alllll the stars. So so good. And I think it's enhanced if you've read WRITERS & LOVERS (but you can also read it as a standalone).
One of my favorite immersive reads (perfect for Fall) is Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale! I’ve recently read The Guest in Room 120 (Sara Ackerman 9/23) - taking a “trip” to Hawaii while covering midnight feedings 💕
Hello! I'm still looking for my perfect fall read and I hope to pick up THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due, looks like it should fit the bill. I agree with other comments that fall reading makes me want to pick up longer books.
This week I've been reading FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi, it's quite dense and taking me a bit to get into but the writing is excellent. I also flew through STRANGE PICTURES by Uketsu - it's a Japanese mystery/horror told in 4 short stories. They each feature pictures/drawings that are clues and you solve alongside the characters. It was a lot fun, and really exciting when you start to figure out the connections between all the stories. Just the right amount of creep factor and loved the unique format!
Thanks for the Strange Pictures rec, I haven't heard of it and think I'll add it to my Oct tbr. I've tried Flashlight once but I could feel I didn't have the patience for it and I really want to read it so I'll return to it at some point. I'd be curious to know if there's a part you get to where the story starts to feel less dense. Hope The Reformatory is a fall winner for you!
I recently finished THE HALLMARK MAN BY ROBERT GALBRAITH which is a book in the Strike series. The books are released in the fall when she publishes another book for the series. The past 4 books have been around 30 audio hours long. For me that’s a sign it’s a fall book. Books like this and THE COVENANT OF WATER which is also a 30 hour book are true indicators of fall for me. Renee, i finally finish THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS BY OCEAN VUONG yesterday. It took me a month to get through the book. I usually read a book in about 2 1/2 days. Need I say more? I just could not get into that book at all. I was going to DNF the book but I had only five hours left out of 14 and I felt guilty for doing so. My current read right now is THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE BY ELIAS WIESS FRIEDMEN. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB which is IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE BY RICHARD OSSMAN. It is being released on September 30. Meanwhile, I’m going to stick to some shorter lighter books.
Long books feel like fall for me too. I read THE GOLDFINCH last September and that was my favorite read of the year. I hear you on THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS, I've never regretted dnfing that one. I have the audio of THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE, I love that title
I’m reading RF Kuang’s Katabasis. Read this if you know or want to take a deep dive into Dante’s Inferno. Love stories set in Cambridge or Oxford. Enjoy a tense journey through Hell with a brilliant friend to find your professor. Atmospheric setting and characters who reside in Hell and their stories.
I’m just at the beginning but it’s very similar to what I’m reading in Katabasis. Both based at Cambridge. Both having to do with magic. It’s a fantastical world to be in right now. My great escape from covid. Lol
I'm not a huge seasonal reader but I enjoy a good academia setting in my reading. I recently loved BLOOD OVER BRIGHT HAVEN by M.L. Wang - dark academia/fantasy that handles oppression and women in STEM messaging. I'd consider this a good fantasy read for those who don't read a lot of fantasy.
I'm currently reading SPEAK TO ME OF HOME by Jeanine Cummins. I was nervous about this one because of the controversy around AMERICAN DIRT, but I'm really enjoying the writing and the generations of Puerto Rican/Irish women. Tackles themes of identity, belonging, heritage, and marriage.
I'm listening to THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY by Garrett M. Graff, and it's been quite an experience. The first half really emphasizes the MAKING of the Atomic bomb and was pretty slow and technical. The last 40% has been on the bombing and it's a complete 180 in the experience. Hard but a good listen. The full-cast audiobook production has been excellent.
I just finished BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG and have it a solid 4 stars. I did enjoy but was more gory than I expected. Big books feel like fall to me too and I have THE ELEMENTS by John Boyne and THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt on my immediate TBR.
What atmospheric fall reads have you loved?
What have you been reading this week?
Hi all! I finished a great thriller this week- THE PERFECT HOSTS by Heather Gudenkauf. This releases Nov 4 and was one of my most anticipated fall reads I mentioned on the episode with Katie. It's about a wealthy people who go all out and over the top for a gender reveal party which goes very wrong and someone ends up dead. The story is set entirely in Wyoming and the family involved live in the mountains on a large ranch which is a setting that gave me all the fall vibes. I flew through this and loved it. I'd like to also add that finally we get a thriller that feels fresh, the gender reveal party was the perfect set up for this murder mystery.
A few more fall vibes books that I've read and loved are: AN HONEST MAN and NEVER FAR AWAY by Michael Koryta, TWO STEP DEVIL b Jamie Quatro, BABEL by R.F. Kuang, THE CARETAKER by Ron Rash and BEASTS OF EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCE by Ruth Emma Lang
I've been meaning to pick up Two Step Devil since I heard you talk about it! I guess now is the perfect time :)
I'd love to hear what you think
I second the recommendation! It was very good.
Loved THE CARETAKER…it is such a great book!
So glad you enjoyed Perfect Hosts. I need an original thriller asap!
I think you'll like it
I have enjoyed Gudenkauf’s books in the past Renee! Thanks for letting us know there is a new one. Also I picked The Caretaker up two years ago in Vermont and have yet to read it. The bookseller there highly recommended it! Moving to the top of the list!!
I am not much of a seasonal reader, but I’m certain at some point I’ve read books with strong fall vibes. But for the life of me, I can’t come up with one at the moment! I had one real stand out read this week in the midst of others that are just “fine”. WHEN THE CRANES FLY SOUTH was one of the most heartbreaking but well written and beautiful books I’ve read in a long, long time. It’s very hard to make me emotional reading a book because I don’t enjoy books that I feel like are emotionally manipulative but this one just felt so honest about end of life. I highly, highly recommend this, especially if you have older or declining parents or if you have already experienced the loss of a parent. It was very impactful for me.
I was wondering what you thought of that one, i definitely want to read it, it sounds emotional and I do love those types of stories. I have a feeling I’ll be thinking of my grandma while reading it
I think you would LOVE it.
I just purchased this one yesterday. My mom died 3 years ago so hope I can read it. Thanks Leanne!
I think enough time has passed that you’ll get a lot out of it. It helped me reframe so much looking back on the loss of my parents. But it’s definitely tough.
These are a few good atmospheric books: REBECCA by Daphne DuMaurier - she’s the queen of building suspense and tension. WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE by Shirley Jackson - it has a quirky, spooky vibe, but is not horror, and SWEET GIRL by Travis Mulhauser has a snowy, bitter cold setting which added so much to the book.
I finished reading THE MEMORY OF ANIMALS by Claire Fuller, and I am now a completist of her books. A 3.5 star book for me and not my favorite book by Claire Fuller, but I am glad that I read it.
I'm going to check out Sweet Girl for my winter seasonal reading, thanks for that rec. I've read and loved two Claire Fuller books- OUR ENDLESS NUMBERED DAYS AND SWIMMING LESSONS- I plan to read more, what are you favs since you're now a completist?:)
UNSETTLED GROUND is my favorite. The writing is strong and the storyline is good too.
I’ll make that my next read of hers:)
What is your favorite of hers? I’ve never read her and really want to!
I feel like you’d like Swimming Lessons by her
That’s the one I actually have on my TBR!
I read "Her Fearful Symmetry" years ago and loved it! Another atmospheric book I found on my shelf was GARDEN SPELL by Sarah Addison Allen. I may need to reread both of these!
I loved Garden Spell as well as many of her others. Just a hint of magical realism goes a long way with me to creating those fall feels.
Happy Sunday!!
My brain is lagging on atmospheric fall reads that I have read in the past (side effect of navigating senior year with my son)! I decided to list some that I am hoping to get to this fall that have been on my list if my brain allows it.
THE SECRET HISTORY (I know I know how have I not read this)! 😂
IF WE WERE VILLIANS
THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE
I am currently reading NIGHT WATCHER by Daphne Woolsoncroft and enjoying it. Just the right amount of creepy. My book plans this week are AMONF FRIENDS and THE LIFE IMPOSSIBLE for upcoming book clubs.
I took a trip to NYC last weekend and the definite book highlights I wanted to share were staying at The Library Hotel, watching The Outsiders on Broadway (it was amazing) and going to Liz’s Book Bar in Brooklyn. If there is anything better than having a glass of wine while shopping for books I can’t think of it. Have an amazing and restful Sunday. I hope it is full of just the right combination of creepy and cozy! 💀🍷😉📚
We're here for whatever fall reads you want to share:) The Secret History is very fall. I haven't read If We Were Villains yet either. Your weekend trip sounds like bookish perfection! The Library Hotel is on my must get to destination list and a book bar, yes please. I'll be curious to hear what you think of Among Friends
I was going to suggest IF WE WERE VILLIANS for a fall read. I really liked that one, and I just bought her new one yesterday.
Let us know how it is Kristin! I think both of those are going to be on my October list!
I'm a big seasonal/mood reader and the absolute best combo I could ever think of would be reading THE SECRET HISTORY in the fall. WUTHERING HEIGHTS is also the epitome of a fall read to me.
I just read HEART THE LOVER and it gets alllll the stars. So so good. And I think it's enhanced if you've read WRITERS & LOVERS (but you can also read it as a standalone).
I agree with you about Hearts and Lovers and Writers, I kind of wished I would've refreshed my memory of Writers and Lovers beforehand
One of my favorite immersive reads (perfect for Fall) is Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale! I’ve recently read The Guest in Room 120 (Sara Ackerman 9/23) - taking a “trip” to Hawaii while covering midnight feedings 💕
I may need to reread The Thirteenth Tale, I read it when it came out but I don't remember it.
I second The Thirteenth Tale!! Great fall vibes.
Hello! I'm still looking for my perfect fall read and I hope to pick up THE REFORMATORY by Tananarive Due, looks like it should fit the bill. I agree with other comments that fall reading makes me want to pick up longer books.
This week I've been reading FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi, it's quite dense and taking me a bit to get into but the writing is excellent. I also flew through STRANGE PICTURES by Uketsu - it's a Japanese mystery/horror told in 4 short stories. They each feature pictures/drawings that are clues and you solve alongside the characters. It was a lot fun, and really exciting when you start to figure out the connections between all the stories. Just the right amount of creep factor and loved the unique format!
Thanks for the Strange Pictures rec, I haven't heard of it and think I'll add it to my Oct tbr. I've tried Flashlight once but I could feel I didn't have the patience for it and I really want to read it so I'll return to it at some point. I'd be curious to know if there's a part you get to where the story starts to feel less dense. Hope The Reformatory is a fall winner for you!
I recently finished THE HALLMARK MAN BY ROBERT GALBRAITH which is a book in the Strike series. The books are released in the fall when she publishes another book for the series. The past 4 books have been around 30 audio hours long. For me that’s a sign it’s a fall book. Books like this and THE COVENANT OF WATER which is also a 30 hour book are true indicators of fall for me. Renee, i finally finish THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS BY OCEAN VUONG yesterday. It took me a month to get through the book. I usually read a book in about 2 1/2 days. Need I say more? I just could not get into that book at all. I was going to DNF the book but I had only five hours left out of 14 and I felt guilty for doing so. My current read right now is THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE BY ELIAS WIESS FRIEDMEN. I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next book in THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB which is IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE BY RICHARD OSSMAN. It is being released on September 30. Meanwhile, I’m going to stick to some shorter lighter books.
Long books feel like fall for me too. I read THE GOLDFINCH last September and that was my favorite read of the year. I hear you on THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS, I've never regretted dnfing that one. I have the audio of THIS DOG WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE, I love that title
I’m glad to hear that about THE EMPEROR OF GLADNESS! I can delete it from my TBR and replace it with 10 others lol. The struggle is real !
Haha I always feel so satisfied to take a book off my tbr and then I also promptly add at least 5 more immediately.
Here to check out all the answers!
I’m reading RF Kuang’s Katabasis. Read this if you know or want to take a deep dive into Dante’s Inferno. Love stories set in Cambridge or Oxford. Enjoy a tense journey through Hell with a brilliant friend to find your professor. Atmospheric setting and characters who reside in Hell and their stories.
Also reading Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.
I feel like both of those a super atmospheric fall reads- are you liking Ninth House?
I’m just at the beginning but it’s very similar to what I’m reading in Katabasis. Both based at Cambridge. Both having to do with magic. It’s a fantastical world to be in right now. My great escape from covid. Lol
Sorry Ninth House was Yale.
I'm not a huge seasonal reader but I enjoy a good academia setting in my reading. I recently loved BLOOD OVER BRIGHT HAVEN by M.L. Wang - dark academia/fantasy that handles oppression and women in STEM messaging. I'd consider this a good fantasy read for those who don't read a lot of fantasy.
I'm currently reading SPEAK TO ME OF HOME by Jeanine Cummins. I was nervous about this one because of the controversy around AMERICAN DIRT, but I'm really enjoying the writing and the generations of Puerto Rican/Irish women. Tackles themes of identity, belonging, heritage, and marriage.
I'm listening to THE DEVIL REACHED TOWARD THE SKY by Garrett M. Graff, and it's been quite an experience. The first half really emphasizes the MAKING of the Atomic bomb and was pretty slow and technical. The last 40% has been on the bombing and it's a complete 180 in the experience. Hard but a good listen. The full-cast audiobook production has been excellent.
I'm so glad you shared your thoughts on all these! I've seen a few rave reviews for Speak to Me Of Home so I'm glad you're enjoying it
I just finished BAT EATER AND OTHER NAMES FOR CORA ZENG and have it a solid 4 stars. I did enjoy but was more gory than I expected. Big books feel like fall to me too and I have THE ELEMENTS by John Boyne and THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt on my immediate TBR.
I'm so jealous you get to read The Goldfinch for the first time, that was THE highlight of my fall reading/listening last year