Whether you’re a fan of moody mysteries, heartwarming romances, or epic fantasy adventures, there’s something about the changing seasons that calls for the perfect autumn read.
Grab a coffee or hot mug of tea and get ready to curl up with some great autumn books that you’ll need to add to your TBR this season.
Autumn Reading Guide
What makes a cosy autumn book perfect? Whether you’d rather be on a beach with a cocktail in hand, or soaking up the warmth by a fire with a hot chocolate, these autumn reads are the perfect solution to transporting you away this season.
As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisper, there’s a certain magic in the atmosphere that calls for the perfect autumn reading (or Fall reading if you are visiting from afar). For some, autumn is a time of embracing the changing seasons, while for others, it’s a longing for warmer climates and sunnier skies.
Whatever your preference, here’s a curated selection of autumn books to suit every mood:
1. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
This mystery set in the fictional town of Pirriwee is the perfect moody read for autumn. Filled with intrigue, drama, and lies that can turn lethal, it’s a page turner until the very end. As a group of women navigate the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and betrayal, readers will find themselves drawn into a world of secrets and lies that will keep them turning the pages late into the night, making it an addictive choice for autumn reading.
2. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood
The first in the Phryne Fisher Mysteries, ‘Cocaine Blues’ is an excellent autumn book to read, sipping a White Lady cocktail while jazz plays in the background. In the glamorous world of 1920s Melbourne, we follow the intrepid Phryne Fisher as she embarks on her first adventure. What follows is a whirlwind of intrigue, as Phryne finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, lies, and murder. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction, cosy mysteries, or simply enjoy a well-crafted story, this book has something for everyone.
3. The Agatha Christie Book Club by C.A. Larmer
Cosy mysteries are a staple of autumn reading, and ‘The Agatha Christie Book Club’ by C.A. Larmer is no exception. Set in the charming coastal town of Stony Point, this delightful novel offers a perfect escape into a world of quaint bookshops, picturesque landscapes, and intriguing mysteries. With its engaging characters and clever homage to the queen of crime fiction, Agatha Christie, this book is sure to captivate readers on crisp autumn evenings. Pour yourself a cup of Darjeeling and start reading!
4. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
Set against the windswept coast of post-World War I Australia, this mysterious book entitled ‘The Light Between Oceans’ is a poignant tale of love, loss, and redemption. Tom Sherbourne, a lighthouse keeper on a remote island, and his wife Isabel make a shocking discovery. A boat washed ashore carrying a dead man and a crying baby. Their decision to raise the child as their own sets off a chain of events that will change their lives forever. Stedman’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape make it a perfect choice for autumn reading. Dim the lights, wrap yourself in a cosy blanket, and let yourself be swept away by this unforgettable story of love, loss, and redemption in this heartbreaking story.
5. The Dry by Jane Harper
Set in a drought-stricken town in rural Australia, this atmospheric thriller is the perfect companion for chilly evenings, offering a captivating blend of suspense, drama, and intrigue that will keep you guessing until the very end. At the heart of the story is Federal Agent Aaron Falk, a compelling and complex protagonist with a troubled past. Haunted by the events of his youth, Falk must navigate the treacherous waters of his hometown while confronting the ghosts of his childhood. Jane Harper’s first novel is the perfect autumn read to add to your list if you love small town mystery and suspense.
6. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
For those seeking a lighter read, ‘The Rosie Project’ offers a delightful escape into the world of love and laughter. Join socially awkward genetics professor Don Tillman as he embarks on a quest to find the perfect wife, only to find himself drawn to the unconventional Rosie. With its quirky characters and heartwarming romance, this charming novel is sure to lift your spirits on even the chilliest of autumn days.
7. The Lake House by Kate Morton
Set against the backdrop of the English countryside, this captivating mystery weaves together past and present, secrets and lies, to create a spellbinding tale. We follow the story of Sadie Sparrow, a London detective who stumbles upon a mysterious abandoned house during a visit to her grandfather’s countryside village. Intrigued by its history, back in modern life, Sadie begins to unravel the secrets of the Edevane family, who once lived there. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a decades-old mystery involving a missing child and a family torn apart by tragedy. Whether you’re drawn to its evocative setting, its engaging characters, or its cleverly plotted mystery, this novel offers something for every reader to enjoy.
8. Secrets Between Friends by Fiona Palmer
If the moody and cosy mysteries aren’t your cup of tea, embrace romance and hidden secrets and take a trip to Western Australia. In this beautifully written autumn read, we meet three childhood friends (Abby, Jess, and Ricki) who reunite for a girls’ weekend at the beach. As they reconnect and reminisce, old wounds resurface and long-buried secrets come to light, threatening to unravel the bonds of their friendship.
9. The Midnight Dress by Karen Foxlee
Meet Rose Lovell, a young seamstress with a talent for creating exquisite dresses that seem to possess a life of their own. When she meets the enigmatic Edie Baker, a troubled girl with a tragic past, their lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. With a touch of magic interwoven in its pages, this makes it a great edition to the autumn TBR.
10. Nevernight by Jay Kristoff
Nothing warms you up on a cold autumn night quite like revenge. Follow the epic story of Mia Corvere, a young woman seeking vengeance against those who destroyed her family and left her for dead. Trained as an assassin by the secretive Red Church, Mia must navigate the treacherous politics of the Empire while honing her skills in the deadly arts of killing. Her journey from orphaned child to deadly assassin is both compelling and empowering, making her a heroine worth rooting for until the very end.
Find Your Next Favourite Author and Must-Read Book
Now that you’ve got enough books on your list to see you through the season (or the week), it’s time to dive deeper into the world of Australian literature.
Discover more Australian authors by searching for your favourite genre, whether it’s mystery, romance, fantasy, or something in between. From the modern classic books, fantasy books, science fiction, World War II history, or psychological suspense, Australian authors offer a diverse range of voices and stories that are sure to captivate readers of all tastes.
Explore what your favourite author has in their catalogue, discovering hidden gems and new releases that you may have missed. Prep your autumn reading list for this season!
Happy reading!