Welcome back, book lovers! After a little break, I couldn’t think of a better way to rejoin the bookish community than with a fresh fall reading list. Nothing says “hello autumn” quite like curling up with a cozy blanket, a hot latte, and a stack of new releases.
This year’s lineup of new fall books 2025 is especially rich—spanning atmospheric thrillers, small-town romances, dark academia gems, and book club picks you’ll want to talk about for weeks. Whether you’re craving a spooky thriller for chilly nights or a cozy romance for pumpkin spice season, this guide has something for every kind of reader.
👉 Bookmark this post—I’ll be updating it with full book reviews, discussion guides, and themed book club menus as each title goes live. Don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter and grab my free Fall Reading Tracker to keep your TBR in check!
Best New Releases for Fall 2025
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman – Cozy Mystery
The latest in the beloved Thursday Murder Club series delivers Osman’s signature wit, clever twists, and a cast of quirky retirees solving mysteries. Perfect for readers who love a warm, humorous take on crime fiction.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite – Magical Realism / Dark Comedy
From the author of My Sister, the Serial Killer, this inventive novel explores family curses, sibling rivalry, and female power with sharp humor and a dash of the supernatural. Ideal for readers craving something bold and atmospheric this fall.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang – Fantasy / Dark Academia
Kuang dives into a chilling fantasy where graduate students descend into an underworld of knowledge and danger. Intense, layered, and thought-provoking, this is a must-read for fans of dark academia and epic storytelling.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Spooky Thrillers for Chilly Nights
The Housemaid’s Secret by Freida McFadden – Domestic Thriller
Fast-paced and full of shocking twists, this is the perfect binge-read for a crisp autumn evening. Fans of The Housemaid will love the dark secrets and addictive suspense.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Verity by Colleen Hoover – Romantic Thriller
A gothic-tinged psychological thriller with an unforgettable love triangle and haunting manuscript. Atmospheric, shocking, and the perfect spooky season read.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager – Haunted House Thriller
This spine-chilling novel blends gothic horror with psychological suspense, following a woman who returns to her childhood home—rumored to be haunted. A must for fans of eerie autumn vibes.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Cozy Fall Romances
Pumpkin Everything by Beth Labonte – Small-Town Romance
Set against the backdrop of a New England fall festival, this heartwarming story combines small-town charm, pumpkin spice coziness, and second-chance romance. A feel-good read for lovers of Gilmore Girls vibes.
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez – Feel-Good Contemporary Romance
A witty, heartfelt love story about a big-city doctor and a small-town carpenter who cross paths in the most unexpected way. With its autumnal setting, laugh-out-loud banter, and swoon-worthy romance, this one feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore – Small-Town Cozy Romance
If you’re looking for the ultimate pumpkin spice season read, The Pumpkin Spice Café delivers. With its charming small-town setting, warm fall atmosphere, and sweet romance, it’s like stepping right into a Hallmark autumn movie. The perfect book to pair with a latte and fuzzy socks.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Dark Academia & Atmospheric Reads
The Secret History by Donna Tartt – Dark Academia Classic
A dark, intellectual murder mystery set on a college campus. Tartt’s novel pairs beautifully with falling leaves, oversized sweaters, and late-night reading sessions.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia – Gothic Horror
A lushly written, spine-tingling gothic tale with an eerie mansion, a chilling mystery, and an unforgettable heroine. Ideal for readers craving rich prose and creeping dread.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Bunny by Mona Awad – Surreal Dark Academia
Equal parts unsettling and hilarious, this cult-favorite blends campus satire with psychological horror. Perfect for readers looking for something truly strange and atmospheric this fall.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Book Club Pick for Fall 2025
James by Percival Everett – Literary Retelling
A bold reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim’s perspective. Sharp, thought-provoking, and layered with themes of race, identity, and freedom—ideal for sparking rich book club discussions.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
In the Shadow of the Greenbrier by Emily Matchar – Gothic Mystery
A southern-set literary mystery with gothic undertones and themes of family, history, and haunting legacies. Perfect for clubs who enjoy atmospheric fiction that blends past and present.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride – Historical Fiction
Lively, warm, and brimming with memorable characters, McBride’s novel explores community, resilience, and belonging. A great choice for groups who like humor and heart alongside serious themes.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Wellness by Nathan Hill – Contemporary Literary Fiction
A sweeping, witty exploration of marriage, modern culture, and the pursuit of happiness. Thought-provoking, layered, and perfect for lively debates.
- Get your copy on Amazon here
- Shop local here
Conclusion
No matter what kind of reader you are, fall is the season for immersive, atmospheric stories. From edge-of-your-seat thrillers to cozy romances to book club gems, this fall 2025 reading list is full of books that pair perfectly with crisp nights, golden leaves, and pumpkin spice lattes.
Stay tuned—I’ll be posting full reviews, book club discussion guides, themed menus, and cozy recommendations for many of these titles all month long. Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter so you don’t miss any updates!
Happy Reading!
Peach
