Cosy Autumn Reads

[ChungkingDreamer]

So, I have money to splurge on books, and Autumn is fast approaching. I was wondering if my fellow MNers could recommend some cosy Autumnal reads?

I usually read horror fiction in the cooler months, but I'm thinking of trying something a bit different this year (although spooky suggestions are very much still welcome). Open to all suggestions, but preferably well-written.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

Ghost Stories by M R James

I’m reading an advance copy of the new Bridget Collins” The Naked Light” it’s excellent -slightly creepy set just after WW1 and beautifully written.i have found her writing gets better and better.Definitely a book to curl up with.Its out in September.

Yes, I second this. And watch the Mark Gatiss documentary on M. R. James YouTube. It's superb.

I try to theme my reading to the seasons although not always successful. I love September by rosamunde pilcher and the familiars by Stacey halls

How about some witchy stories? I recommend Practical Magic, Cackle, Weyward, The Once and Future Witches and We Have Always Lived in the Castle.

In the Autumn, I always get an urge to re-read C. S. Lewis and Tolkien. I think it's because I love the idea of them at Oxford (Tolkien was the professor of Anglo-Saxon and Lewis was the professor of Medieval literature). They used to go to the pub together and read one another extracts from their work. In my mind, it is always cold and dark when they're in that pub. It's always gloomy outside and there is always a fire crackling in the grate. I associate them with Autumn and Winter, and every year I re-read some of the Narnia stories and bits of Lord of the Rings.

Another writer I turn to is P. G. Wodehouse, especially after the clocks change. I'm really affected by the loss of light, and Wodehouse is by far the most joyful and uplifting writer who ever put pen to paper. His works are like a miracle. I even read him out loud when no one is around (I do a very good Jeeves).

I also find Patrick Leigh Fermor a great antidote to the darkness.

On 1 October, I'll start A Night In the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny and read a chapter a night. It's a strange fantasy narrated by Snuff, Jack the Ripper's dog.

Middlemarch will be my big autumn read.

Have you bought any yet @ChungkingDreamer? I quite fancy the Witches of Eastwick.

The Sarah Waters books have an autumnal vibe - I would recommend The Little Stranger and The Paying Guests.

Also - 84 Charing Cross Road and The Secret History.