Quick answer: The best fall books to read in 2025 include The Rose Field by Philip Pullman, Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon, The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman, We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad, and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins. These titles carry the atmosphere, suspense, and seasonal resonance perfect for autumn nights.

As the leaves turn and the air cools, readers begin searching for novels that echo the mood of the season—mysterious, reflective, and atmospheric. The best fall books to read in 2025 offer a spectrum of experiences, from Philip Pullman’s sweeping fantasy conclusion to Suzanne Collins’ dark dystopian prequel. Whether you prefer cozy mysteries, dark academia, or sprawling sagas, these best fall books deliver the perfect match for crisp evenings and candlelit hours.

10 Best Fall Books to Read in 2025

**1. The Rose Field by Philip Pullman**

The long-awaited conclusion to The Book of Dust saga, The Rose Field is steeped in Pullman’s signature mythic atmosphere. Its windswept landscapes and fantastical tone make it a natural fit for autumn, offering both nostalgia for His Dark Materials fans and fresh myth-making for new readers. As one of the most anticipated fantasy releases of 2025, it stands out among the best fall books to read in 2025.

Epic conclusion with magical storytelling.
Mythic, melancholic atmosphere ideal for fall.
Perfect for both longtime and new readers.

The Rose Field by Philip Pullman — Image Credit: Goodreads

**2. Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon**

Shadow Ticket is Pynchon’s first book in over a decade, and it dives into noir detective mystery set in the 1930s, layered with surreal paranoia and moody landscapes. The dark cityscape, shadowy characters, and intricate plot fit seamlessly with autumn’s shifting moods. As one of the most talked-about fall books of 2025, this is a marquee release in the fall calendar.

Noir mystery wrapped in surreal layers.
Autumnal setting enhances mood.
A landmark return from a legendary writer.

**3. The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman**

Richard Osman continues his mastery of cozy, clever mysteries with The Impossible Fortune. The novel is both light and suspenseful, striking a balance between comforting ensemble characters and twisty plots. Its tea-sipping, fireside mystery aesthetic cements its place on any list of the best fall books.

Cleverly plotted, cozy suspense.
Balances warmth with intrigue.
Ideal autumn read for mystery lovers.

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman — Image Credit: Goodreads

**4. We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad**

Awad’s novel, We Love You, Bunny, dives deep into dark academia, cult-like communities, and horror-tinged storytelling. Its uncanny tone and unsettling campus setting are tailor-made for October reading. Awad’s reputation for sharp, eerie fiction makes this one of the most essential best fall books to read in 2025 for readers seeking spookier vibes.

Dark academia + gothic cult vibes.
Creepy and beautiful prose.
Horror undercurrents fit October nights.

**5. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins**

Collins returns to Panem with a prequel exploring political control, rebellion, and survival in Sunrise on the Reaping. The themes of oppression, danger, and power make it an ideal dystopian read for longer autumn nights. Its intensity and cultural resonance ensure its spot among the most talked-about best fall books this year.

High-stakes dystopia.
Revisits beloved Hunger Games universe.
Dark and moody for fall.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins — Image Credit: Goodreads

**6. The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong**

Vuong’s lyrical new novel, The Emperor of Gladness, explores memory, love, and transformation with poetic intensity. Its reflective themes align perfectly with autumn’s introspective moods, creating a contemplative experience. As one of the most anticipated literary releases, it is firmly in the mix for best fall books to read in 2025.

Lyrical prose, deeply emotional.
Autumnal themes of memory and loss.
Ideal for readers seeking meditative works.

**7. Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart**

Shteyngart’s new novel, Vera, or Faith offers a satirical yet heartfelt exploration of a young girl navigating dystopian America. The mix of humor and poignancy fits perfectly with fall’s duality—playful yet shadowed. This balance cements it as one of the best fall books for 2025.

Dark comedy with social commentary.
Young protagonist’s lens on dystopia.
Engaging and timely.

Vera, or Faith by Gary Shteyngart — Image Credit: Goodreads

**8. All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby**

All the Sinners Bleed by Cosby’s is a thriller that combines small-town dread with gripping moral complexity. The story’s tension, fast pace, and haunting atmosphere make it perfect for October nights. It’s one of the top suspense picks among the best fall books to read in 2025.

Thriller with gothic undertones.
Moral weight and character-driven.
Haunting, atmospheric setting.

**9. The Only One Left by Riley Sager**

Sager’s gothic mystery, The Only One Left, centers on isolation and dark secrets in a chilling, autumn-ready atmosphere. The suspense builds gradually, pulling readers into a world of dread and mystery. With its gothic tone, it is a must-read among the best fall books.

Gothic thriller with eerie setting.
Suspenseful, slow-burn mystery.
Perfectly suited for fall.

The Only One Left by Riley Sager — Image Credit: Goodreads

**10. The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown**

Brown’s latest, The Secret of Secrets, blends science, history, and pulse-pounding suspense. Its mix of intrigue, intellectual puzzles, and moody pacing makes it ideal for darker, shorter days. As a blockbuster release, it will surely feature on many lists of the best fall books to read in 2025.

Thrilling page-turner.
Combines historical intrigue and mystery.
Works well for fall readers seeking fast-paced excitement.

FAQ

What are the best fall books to read in 2025?‍

Some of the standout best fall books to read in 2025 include The Rose Field by Philip Pullman, Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon, We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad, The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman, and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.

Which fall 2025 books are best for fantasy lovers?‍

If you enjoy fantasy and epic storytelling, The Rose Field by Philip Pullman is a must-read. It’s the concluding volume of The Book of Dust trilogy, combining myth, magic, and sweeping world-building that perfectly suits the season.

What’s the best fall book in 2025 for dark academia fans?

We Love You, Bunny by Mona Awad tops the list for dark academia and gothic fiction enthusiasts. With its eerie academic setting and cult-like undertones, it captures the atmosphere of fall nights and is one of the best fall books this year.

Which thriller should I pick up this fall?‍

If you’re looking for suspense, The Only One Left by Riley Sager and All the Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby are the best fall thrillers of 2025. Both combine moody settings with edge-of-your-seat tension, making them perfect for spooky October evenings.

Are there any big-name authors releasing books this fall?‍

Yes, 2025 is packed with releases from major authors. Thomas Pynchon’s Shadow Ticket and Suzanne Collins’ Sunrise on the Reaping are two of the most anticipated, while Gary Shteyngart, Richard Osman, and Ocean Vuong are also launching new works that rank among the best fall books to read in 2025.

Reads to Keep Cozy This Fall

The best fall books to read in 2025 blend coziness, suspense, darkness, and reflection, echoing the season’s energy. Pullman and Pynchon deliver long-awaited literary events, while Awad and Sager deepen fall’s gothic atmosphere. From dystopian epics like Sunrise on the Reaping to cozy mysteries like The Impossible Fortune, this fall’s bookshelf balances comfort and intensity. Whether you prefer dark academia, literary fiction, or page-turning thrillers, the best fall books of 2025 offer something to match the shifting light, the cooling nights, and the desire for stories that linger like autumn leaves.