Pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters, apple picking, and … books? That’s right! Since fall has officially started, and Halloween is getting closer, it’s the perfect time for reading some spooky stories. From witchy romances to gothic thrillers, here’s some recommendations that will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat. 

In the mood for an enemies-to-lovers book?

Serpent and Dove by Shelby Mahurin heavily features this trope and executes it perfectly. The novel follows Louise “Lou” le Blanc, a powerful witch who is on the run from the Church. Along the way, she bumps into Reid Diggory, a handsome witch hunter and starts to develop feelings for him. Expect lots of fighting, sarcastic remarks, and some delicious sticky buns.

Are sweet romances your thing?

The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin has such a loving protagonist and adorable side characters. The protagonist, Clara, is not your ordinary teenage girl. She’s an Everwitch, meaning that she has the ability to control all four seasons. Controlling her magic continues to be a struggle … until she meets Sang, a witch from the other side of the world who tries to bring out the best in her. Together, Clara and Sang must work together to fight climate change and preserve their magic as the seasons go by. 

Looking for a murder mystery?

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco is filled with twists and turns on every page. Right away, young witch Emilia di Carlo knows that trouble is in the air when she finds her twin sister dead. In order to avenge her sister’s murder, she reluctantly teams up with Wrath, one of the seven mysterious Princes of Hell, who has been investigating a series of mysterious murders in the mortal realm.

Want to be scared?

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig might do the trick. It’s a haunting retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses. Annaleigh used to have eleven sisters, but so-called “accidents” at the manor have claimed the lives of the eldest four. When she starts to receive horrific visions while attending numerous balls, Annaleigh realizes that one of her sisters might become the next victim.

Did you enjoy these picks? Remember, reading is an amazing activity no matter what time of year it is!