For many, the cozy and peaceful atmosphere provided by autumnal weather increases motivation to read—everything from nail-biting murder mysteries to “dark academia” novels. Here are four books that you should consider picking up this fall.
1. Anatomy by Dana Schwartz
Summary: A gothic tale set in a towering castle in the mysterious city of Edinburgh, Scotland, Anatomy is the perfect book to read on a rainy autumn day. Hazel Sinnett dreams of becoming a surgeon, but that’s not so easy when women are expected to become obedient housewives to their husbands, a societal normality Hazel struggles with throughout the book. However, nothing can get in the way of Hazel and her dream, even if it means that she has to dress as a boy to attend anatomy lectures at the Edinburgh Antamosit Society. As Hazel attends lectures and labs, she demonstrates her outstanding wisdom, outshining all of the other students—until the renowned professor Dr. Beechman discovers she is a girl and kicks her out. Hazel makes a deal with Dr. Beechman; if she can pass the exam without attending classes, she can become a surgeon and girls will be allowed to enroll in the Anatomist’s Society in the future. But, if she fails the exam, she can’t become a surgeon and no other girls will be allowed to in the future. With the help of Jack Currer, a graveyard digger, Hazel studies human bodies in preparation for her exam. All the while, there is something ominous happening in Edinburgh. Not only are people falling one after the other at the hands of the Black Death, but people are outright disappearing off the streets without a trace.
My review: I highly recommend Anatomy by Dana Schwartz because it is an incredibly captivating tale that transported me to the streets of Edinburgh due to the enchanting world-building. It also left me on the edge of my seat and guessing until the very last page.
5/5 Stars
2. Five Survive by Holly Jackson
Summary: From the author of A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder comes a frightening and eerie murder mystery set in an RV in only eight hours. For spring break, Red and her friends decided to go on a road trip to the beach, not knowing that only five would survive. First, their RV breaks down; then the wheels are shot out. The six teenagers quickly realize that their RV breaking down in the middle of the forest wasn’t a mechanical error. Someone—a sniper— is out to get them, and without phone service, they are all alone.
My review: I recommend Five Survive if you want to read a fast-paced, clever and frightening story this fall. Since the entire story spans eight hours, the plot thickens with each chapter and continuously builds with intensity. I enjoyed reading this book because the life-or-death situation causes the characters to act with more hostility, furiosity and anxiety, making the story more dramatic.
5/5 Stars
3. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Summary: The Secret History follows Richard, a man recounting his experiences from studying in a classics program at a prestigious liberal arts school in New England. Only a few students participate in the classics program, directed by the captivating and passionate professor, Julian Morrow. Professor Morrow selected each student based on their academics and wealth. Once selected for the program despite his lack of wealth or prestigious background, Richard observes that the students and professor act cult-like, especially since Professor Morrow urges his students to surpass the boundaries of morality. Over time, the students become insane and even evil. They are responsible for the murder of their friend and fellow student, Bunny. The Secret History was split by Richard’s experiences prior to and after the death of Bunny.
My review: Although it was slow at times and had a complicated plot, The Secret History kept me constantly engaged due to the rich, dark academic atmosphere and Donna Tartt’s enchanting writing style. The murder mystery and psychological thriller aspects of the novel also kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved this novel because it was beautiful and haunting.
4/5 Stars
