Twelve thrilling books perfect for your October reading list

Because every mood reader needs a spooky TBR

October weather is perfect for cosy days snuggled with a book

(Photo by Kira auf der Heide on Unsplash)

The leaves are falling, everyone’s favourite pumpkin-flavoured coffee has returned, and the jumpers have come back out from the back of the wardrobe. Coffee chains, scented candle makers and cottage core influencers all love autumn, but no one welcomes it with quite as much gusto as booklovers.

There’s something extra cosy about snuggling up with a paperback and a cuppa while the rain is tipping down outside. And, if you’re a mood reader like me, the experience is only further improved by having just the right book.

October, for instance, is widely regarded by us nerds as “spooky month” for its culmination with Halloween. So if you’ve also got your pumpkins, skeletons and spiderweb decorations out already, here are some themed reads to complete the vibe:

Witchy & Supernatural books

Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

(French-inspired setting)

One of my most recent reads, this book is an absolute rollercoaster full of sass, enemies-to-lovers angst and a whole bunch of vicious witches who don’t mess about. It has a dual point of view narration, so you get to experience the story through the eyes of both the witch and the witch hunter, which only adds to the spice. And no spoilers, but the whole final act is an absolute wild ride, so you better free up some reading time to devour it in one sitting.

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

(Italian setting)

Murder mystery meets witches and all sorts of other supernatural forces in this wickedly entertaining read. As she investigates the brutal murder of her twin sister, young witch Emilia gets tangled up with a Prince of Hell who goes by Wrath, and the two form a shaky alliance to solve the mystery. Needless to say, sparks fly, but so does Emilia’s temper, so we’re left waiting for proper romancing until the next book (which conveniently hits the shelves this month!).

Disclaimer: make sure you’ve stocked up on snacks when you sit down to read this, because it will make you hungry

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake

(Anglican-inspired setting)

An oldie but goodie, I found this series to be so unique in its lore, I still occasionally think about it years after finishing the last book. Going up in number of witches from the previous recommendations, this story features triplets born with unique magical powers (an elemental, a druid and a poisoner), who must compete for the crown when they turn sixteen, until only one of them is left alive. The story is as dark and brutal as it sounds, but also extremely gripping; and though you might think you know who you’re rooting for, I can almost guarantee your allegiance will shift between the sisters.

The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith

(French setting)

This book offers a different version of witchcraft, leaning into the “natural remedy” vein of the practice (think The Green Witch). Our main character, who until recently has lived as a cursed frog, reclaims her human body and finds herself forced to work alongside the sceptical new owner of the vineyard she was charged with protecting, in order to restore it to its former glory. A slightly more lighthearted pick compared to the previous suggestions, this story has plenty of romance, wine (duh) and enough twists to keep you flipping the pages until after midnight.

These Witches Don't Burn by Isabel Sterling

(Modern day American setting)

Sapphic witches. Enough said. Jokes aside, this YA novel might feature high schoolers, but don’t turn your nose up at them. The cast is beautifully diverse, and the author is not afraid to call out toxic attitudes towards the queer community. Plus, the magical system is simple enough that you don’t have to scratch your head at what’s what for half the story, without coming across as half-baked. If you enjoy Carry On by Rainbow Rowell, I rate this as its girl power American cousin.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I’m including this one under the supernatural category without further clarification, because I went into the series not knowing what kind of monsters it's about, and I greatly enjoyed the surprise. But let me tell you, if you haven’t got around to this series yet, based on the first book alone it’s completely worth the hype, and I have it on good authority that it only gets better.

Thrillers

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Do you find stories about pensioners extra heart-warming? Do you like your murder mystery served with a side of quirky humour? Then this thriller is the perfect pick for you. Our band of merry octogenarians take it upon themselves to solve a local murder before the police, manufacturing all sorts of fibs and initiating shenanigans galore along the way. The whole affair is weirdly wholesome, considering it revolves around finding a cold-blooded killer, and we even get some sprinklings of very PG romance.

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

Cluedo meets Groundhog Day in this chilling locked-room murder mystery, where the main character is trapped trying to prevent the brutal death of, you guessed it, Evelyn Hardcastle by reliving the same day through the eyes of various house guests.

Telling you this book was genuinely terrifying doesn’t say much about the scare factor because I am a veritable wuss, but consider yourselves warned. That said, I also fancy myself decent at following complex narratives and guessing the plot twists, but let me tell you, this book absolutely blew my mind.

It’s definitely worth the read if you’re in the mood for something truly challenging, and thrilling; though I advise against reading it before bed.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

If you prefer your thrillers on the less scary side, this YA mystery is just the thing for you! Reminiscent of Knives Out by way of dysfunctioning family creeping out the poor main character who has randomly inherited all their patriarch’s wealth, the story veers off to become somewhat of a treasure hunt which unearths dark secrets from everyone's past. There’s even the slightest hint of LGBTQI representation through the side characters, which I’m hoping becomes more of a thing in the sequel.

Do check the trigger warnings on this one, as there are several themes that aren’t flagged in the synopsis.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

Another throwback from my reading archives, this YA series really delivers on the twists and spooky scenes. The main character is a bit of a Sherlock Holmes personality (an insufferable know-it-all), but once you get over that, the crime-solving is good fun. In the interest of full disclosure, I would say I did not like the ending of this series, but the first two books are fantastic, so definitely worth seeing for yourself how you get on.

Dark Academia

The Binding & The Betrayals by Bridget Collins

When it comes to Dark Academia, Bridget Collins really understands the assignment. Her debut novel The Binding is dark, moody, and all about books. The Betrayals (another standalone, so you can read them independently), meanwhile, focuses on the life of students in an elite academy, who are training in the art of a dark and mysterious game.

You might be thinking, great descriptions, very informative, but honestly, I cannot say much more without giving away all the delicious curveballs the books throw at you. I will add, however, that both stories deliver on the LGBTQI representation front, albeit against the homophobic backdrop of their respective worlds.

This is just a selection from the books I’ve already devoured; check out my own October TBR for extra inspiration!