What do you think of when you think of Fall? Here’s a list of things I think of when I think of Fall and an accompanying book for each item.

👻Haunted Houses & Ghosts

The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies – a wonderful, not too spooky middle grade mystery/ghost story–perfect for your fall reading.

Ten-year-old Alice is moving for the eleventh time. But when Alice arrives at her new home, she can’t take her eyes off the house next door, the stately dark house now dilapidated and condemned. Alice sneaks in and realizes she’s not alone. Three ghosts have been watching, and they need Alice’s help to solve their unfinished business, before it is too late.

I read this in one sitting, it flew by. What I love about middle grade fiction is that the pesky adults are out of the way and Alice can explore and investigate all on her own, with no harm coming to her, of course. This is a perfect read for kids (and adults) who want that ghostly-spooky vibe, but also want to sleep at night. I just loved it. 5 ghostly stars.

🍂Leaves Changing Colors

Truly, Madly, Sheeply (Pumpkin Falls #4) by Heather Vogel Frederick – book 4 in the Pumpkin Falls mystery series by Heather Vogel Frederick is the perfect fall read for middle grade readers of all ages. First of all…just look at the cover! It gives me all the fall vibes–I want to hang it on my wall and stare at it.

🎃Pumpkins

Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant (Beacon Bakeshop #4) by Darci Hannah – I do love the Beacon Bakeshop series by Darci Hannah and am so happy I can find them all as audiobooks on Hoopla. Book four, Murder at the Pumpkin Pageant, is the latest entry into the series and perfect for the Halloween season. I thought I had the whole thing figured out and I did not! My jaw was on the ground at the reveal. And no spoilers, but there’s a change at the end that I was not expecting and while I understand it, I felt a little sad.

🍬Halloween

All Aboard for Murder by Ellen Byron – Oh I love Ellen’s writing and this series! This latest entry was a great addition that had me turning the pages and enjoying some laughs along the way. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the hot summer temperatures, All Aboard for Murder is set during the Halloween season and will transport you to fall. Or save this for the first book of your fall TBR – either way, you won’t be disappointed.

As always the mystery is solid, the pacing perfect and the characters just as lively as previous entries. I think it is the dialogue between characters, as well as Dee’s inner thoughts that I love so much. It’s a perfect mix of mysterious tension and humor that makes me so eager to read anything that Ellen writes. This one also has a strong sense of place, captured by vivid descriptions that make me feel like I’m right there with Dee. Lots of fun!

🪾Acorns, pinecones, and gourds

The Legend of Acorn Hollow (Rita Calabrese #6) by Maureen Klovers – Here’s another title for those of us who love the autumn, slightly spooky feel, but don’t want to be so scared we have to sleep with the lights on. While this is book six in the series, this title holds up a standalone for new readers. This was such a fun cozy mystery with twists and turns around every corner. I would think I had it figured out, only to turn the page and see that I was wrong! Rita is a wonderful, strong character and I love her relationship with her husband and her twin sister. There’s great humor here. Do not, though, read this while hungry, because Rita is an amazing cook and the details of her cooking were delicious.

🪄Witches

When the Crow’s Away (Evenfall Witches B&B #2) by Auralee Wallace – Wow. I gobbled up When the Crow’s Away, book 2 in Auralee Wallace’s Evenfall Witches B&B mystery series. This is SO well done and perfect for the season (start with book one) if you’re looking for witchy fun with a solid mystery that isn’t too scary. The characters are so well developed and the mystery is suspenseful. I did not see the end coming at all. It does end on a bit of a cliffhanger and it looks like book 3 isn’t a sure thing yet (be sure to check out the author’s IG posts on this). I saw one comment asking if readers could crowd fund for book 3–even a digital copy–and I’m 100% in. This is just outstanding. 5 stars.