As fall rolls in with its crisp air and cozy vibes, there’s no better time to dive into a stack of spine-chilling, suspenseful reads. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers, eerie mysteries, or a touch of magic, these books will get you in the perfect mood for spooky season. Grab a blanket, light a candle, and get ready to turn pages late into the night!

Here are my top picks for fall reads:

1. The Sundown Motel by Simone St. James (My All-Time Favorite!)

This book has everything you could want for a spooky fall read—ghosts, unsolved mysteries, and a rundown, creepy motel with secrets in its walls. The dual timeline, set in the ’80s and present day, makes it even more gripping as it weaves the story of two women trying to uncover the truth behind a string of disappearances. If you love atmospheric, haunted settings that keep you hooked, The Sundown Motel is a must-read.

2. The Only One Left by Riley Sager

A gothic thriller with a crumbling mansion at its core? Yes, please! The Only One Left centers on an elderly woman who may—or may not—have been involved in a decades-old murder. The dark, eerie setting, along with the unraveling of secrets, makes this a perfect fall read. Sager’s signature twists will have you questioning everything until the very last page.

3. Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

If you prefer a touch of magic with your fall reading, Practical Magic is a timeless pick. The story of the Owens sisters, who inherit both magical powers and a family curse, is a mix of whimsical charm and dark undertones. It’s the kind of book that wraps you in its spell, making it an enchanting yet haunting read for this time of year. Perfect for those cool autumn nights when you want a bit of magic with your mystery.

4. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

This psychological thriller is an absolute page-turner. The Silent Patient follows Alicia Berenson, a woman who goes silent after being accused of murdering her husband, and Theo, the psychotherapist trying to get to the bottom of the mystery. The slow-burn suspense leads to one of the most jaw-dropping twists I’ve ever read. If you love a book that messes with your mind, this one is it.

5. Final Girls by Riley Sager

In Final Girls, Sager plays with the “final girl” trope of slasher movies, following three women who survive brutal killings. It’s a clever, tense thriller that constantly keeps you guessing as the characters are pulled into new dangers. If you’re into psychological thrillers with a bit of horror flavor, this one is perfect for spooky season. Bonus points for its strong female lead!

6. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager

Another Riley Sager thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish, Lock Every Door takes place in a prestigious yet mysterious Manhattan apartment building. When Jules becomes an apartment sitter, she quickly realizes that something is terribly wrong with her surroundings. The suspense builds as the mystery unravels, making this a fast-paced, creepy read that’ll leave you questioning what’s really going on behind closed doors.

7. Wrong Place Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

This one’s a little different, blending suspense with a mind-bending twist of time travel. Wrong Place Wrong Time follows a mother who witnesses her son commit a terrible crime, and as she wakes up each day in the past, she’s forced to uncover the chain of events that led to it. The unique plot, emotional depth, and tension-filled moments make this a standout thriller that’s perfect for spooky season. It’s a gripping, haunting exploration of fate and second chances.

Whether you love a good thriller, a ghostly mystery, or a magical tale, these books will keep you captivated all fall long. Cozy up with one (or all) of these reads, and get ready to embrace the spooky season!