Autumn has always held a special place in my heart. As a kid, I looked forward to back-to-school shopping (especially picking out a brand-new school bag!) and the excitement that came with a new season. As I got older, I started appreciating the little things that make fall feel magical—cozy sweaters, crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and, of course, all things pumpkin spice.

But through every season of life, one thing has remained constant: my love of reading. There’s something especially comforting about settling in with a good book during the fall months. The cooler temperatures, earlier sunsets, and slower pace of the season create the perfect backdrop for escaping into a story. Whether it’s a cozy mystery, a heartwarming romance, or a favorite reread, fall makes every reading moment feel a little more special.

This year leading my fall reading list is Bubble, Bubble, Tea and Trouble by Vicki Delaney. I had the chance to read it early thanks to an advance reader copy from Kensington Books, and I’m excited to share it with you because I absolutely loved it! It has easily earned a spot as one of my favorite reads of the year.

This cozy mystery has everything I love: a charming Cape Cod setting, a cozy tearoom, a Victorian inn, a séance gone wrong, and a murder that kept me guessing. When Lily Roberts discovers a group of women attempting to contact the dead, she has no idea she’s about to be pulled into a mystery involving a missing medium, a haunted house, and a body at the bottom of the cliffs.

The atmosphere is wonderfully cozy, the mystery is engaging, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries with a touch of the paranormal, memorable characters, and plenty of twists, be sure to add this one to your TBR. I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

Now, doesn’t that sound like the perfect fall read? A charming small town, a touch of the supernatural, plenty of secrets, and a mystery waiting to be solved—it has all the ingredients for an atmospheric autumn escape. Pair it with a cozy blanket, a warm mug of tea or cider, and a crisp afternoon, and you have the perfect recipe for a fall reading session.

Here are a few more ways to make the most of your reading time this autumn.

Take your book outside.

One of my favorite things about fall is that the weather invites us outdoors again. Whether it’s your porch, patio, deck, or a favorite park bench, spending even twenty minutes reading in the fresh autumn air feels like a mini retreat. The rustling leaves, cooler temperatures, and golden sunshine make every chapter a little more magical.

Create the coziest reading nook.

As the evenings grow cooler, I naturally gravitate indoors. A comfortable chair, a soft blanket, fluffy pillows, and your favorite reading lamp can transform an ordinary corner into a cozy escape. And if you’re like me, don’t be surprised if you find yourself reading in bed a little more often once the temperatures start to drop.

Dress for cozy reading.

Fall is officially sweater season! There’s something wonderfully comforting about slipping into a favorite oversized sweater or cozy cardigan before settling in with a mystery. Add a pair of fuzzy socks, and you’re all set.

Pair your book with a seasonal treat.

Reading always feels a little more indulgent with a warm drink nearby. Brew a cup of tea, coffee, or hot cider, and if you’ve been baking, even better. Homemade cookies, pumpkin bread, apple muffins, or a slice of pie somehow make every reading session feel like a special occasion.

Add a little ambiance.

Autumn is all about creating a cozy atmosphere. Light a fall-scented candle, switch on a strand of twinkle lights, or put on a playlist of soft instrumental music or gentle rain sounds. Those little touches help turn reading into an experience instead of simply another item on the day’s to-do list.

Build a seasonal TBR stack.

One of my favorite fall traditions is gathering books that capture the feeling of the season. Cozy mysteries set around Halloween, harvest festivals, Thanksgiving celebrations, or in picturesque small towns always find their way onto my stack. Choosing your reads ahead of time gives you something to look forward to all season long.

Give yourself permission to read slowly.

Fall has a way of reminding us to slow down. Not every reading session has to be hours long. Even fifteen or twenty quiet minutes with a good book can be enough to recharge. Instead of focusing on how many books you finish, enjoy the experience of getting lost in each story.

Make reading part of your fall routine.

One of the easiest ways to read more is to pair it with something you already do. Read for a few minutes with your morning coffee, before dinner is ready, or as part of your bedtime routine. Those small moments add up, and before you know it, you’ve finished another wonderful mystery.

I hope these ideas inspire you to slow down and savor the cozy side of autumn. Whether your favorite reading spot is a porch swing, a window seat, a comfy chair, or tucked under the covers at the end of the day, I hope you find plenty of time to escape into a wonderful story this season.

I’d love to hear from you: What’s one little thing that makes your fall reading experience feel extra cozy? Is it a favorite drink, a comfy blanket, a scented candle, or something else entirely?