August can be a bittersweet time of the year because it means summer is coming to an end, but with the end of summer comes the beginning of fall—as I’m sure you’ve noticed in your local grocery/department stores. This also means we are officially entering spooky season. Readers, the time has come to grab your pumpkin spice latte, curl up with a cozy blanket, and begin curating a list of all of the thriller/mystery/witchy books on your radar. I have compiled a list of five books I think you should add to your spooky TBR because a bookworm can never have TOO many books to read—you’re welcome!
1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient is the perfect book to pick up if you are new to thrillers. With a fast-paced story and mind-blowing twists, this book places you in the mind of a psychotherapist who is obsessed with solving a mysterious case—a seemingly normal woman shot her husband multiple times and has since spent her life in complete silence. A great addition to any spooky TBR.
2. The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
The Ex Hex is for readers looking for a light-hearted witchy rom-com to add to their TBR’s this year. With all of the cozy fall vibes, quirky characters, and a spell-gone-wrong, this second-chance romance will have you rooting for the characters and begging for more of their romantic endeavours. This is a fun and magical read that will have you giggling and kicking your feet—definitely keep this one on your radar.
3. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds and the found family trope, this series is for you. Brilliant teenagers with natural abilities are hired by the FBI to solve a series of cold cases—ultimately putting a target on their back when a new killer strikes. This is a four-book series and it is one of my favourites to recommend.
4. Five Survive by Holly Jackson
This fast-paced thriller about six friends who are trapped in an RV by a sniper willing to kill for a dark secret will leave you speechless by the end. Holly Jackson is a mastermind at serving the most shocking, delectable, and thrilling novels—this one is absolutely a must-read!
5. Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
If you are a romantasy reader through and through, this is the perfect book to add to your spooky TBR! With a beautiful gothic atmosphere, a mysterious string of dead guardians, betrayal, and Death himself, this one is sure to have you completely immersed in the story. Bonus—the third and final book in the series will be released this month!