We read every day – here are our 7 favourite cosy books you should read this autumn

Autumn is almost here, and it won’t be too long before the nights start drawing in. While these dark and chilly evenings can be difficult to adjust to after summer, it’s the perfect time to embrace the cosiness – and what better way to do this than with a good book? 

Getting stuck into a story can make those autumn evenings a lot more joyful, with so many amazing books to choose from. We’re a team of big readers here at The Express, so we have shared our favourite autumnal reads if you’re in search of inspiration. From fresh starts to eerie happenings, they are the perfect way to embrace the change in seasons.

Starter for Ten by David Nicholls

Nicola Roy, Under 35 Spare Time Writer, said: “David Nicholls really knows how to write a good university tale. But before One Day, there was Starter for Ten – in fact, it was the first book he ever wrote.

“This funny yet heartbreaking novel follows the story of Brian, a student in his first year of uni who dreams of appearing on the hit TV quiz show University Challenge. Smart but socially awkward, the working-class Essex teen is soon swept into new experiences, navigating friendships, political debates and romance.

“We’re taken on Brian’s journey alongside his unlikely quiz team members as they hurtle through practise rounds, holidays and all of those painful experiences that will be hugely relatable for anyone who was ever a student. Very funny at times, it also deals with some hard-hitting themes of class and privilege, and the difficult but important journey into adulthood that everybody can resonate with.”

You can buy Starter for Ten on Amazon.

Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood

Under 35 Content Editor for Spare Time, Talya Honebeek, said: “Rewitched follows Belle, a burnt-out witch who must face a series of magical trials to prove her worth to her coven after neglecting her powers for so long. I was a little late to the party on this one and only actually read Rewitched for the first time a few weeks ago, but I already know re-reading it is going to become an annual tradition.

“With found family, memorable side characters and a sprinkling of romance, it’s got everything you could possibly want from a cosy autumnal read… even in the last days of summer!”

You can buy Rewitched from Waterstones or Amazon.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sophie Law, Deputy Editor for Spare Time, said: “When I think of cosy, comforting reads, I always think of The Secret Garden. I first read this book as a teenager and have since reread it numerous times whenever I’ve wanted something familiar and nostalgic.

“For those who haven’t read the book or seen the 1993 film, the story follows Mary Lennox, an ill-tempered child who goes to live with her reclusive uncle in a manor on the Yorkshire moors after the death of her parents. She discovers the door to a secret garden, neglected and hidden for years, and begins to restore it.

“The novel’s descriptions of misty mornings on the moors and the slow unfurling of the secret garden are magical — an ideal accompaniment for a rainy autumn day on the sofa with a hot cup of tea.”

You can buy The Secret Garden from Waterstones.

Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes 

Ketsuda Phoutinane, Spare Time Content Editor, said: “As a big romance reader, Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes is easily in my top three. It’s the  one I recommend to people new to the genre because it’s so beautifully written. 

“Evvie Drake is a young widow everyone assumes is in mourning. She rarely leaves her big empty home in Maine (see: cosy autumnal vibes), but it’s not because of grief. Her husband wasn’t actually a good person – and she was planning on leaving him the day he died. 

“Enter a friend of a friend, Dean Tenney. He’s got the yips – for some reason, the ex-Major League pitcher can’t throw a ball. Dean’s looking to get away from the media attention and ends up as Evvie’s lodger.

“Expect a lot of great dialogue and feel-good moments as these two loners gradually let down their barriers and become friends. Their understated, slow-burn love story is so rewarding when it happens.”

You can buy Evvie Drake starts over on Amazon. 

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Audience Writer for Spare Time, Katherine McPhillips, said: “The Secret History is one of my favourite murder mysteries, mainly because of its hauntingly beautiful autumn setting. The book is set at an elite college in 1980s Vermont, and follows Richard Papen, a college student who becomes drawn to a strange group of scholars who slowly become more corrupt and mad over time.

“Right on the first page you learn that this is a mystery story with a twist, as it is about a group of college students who have murdered their friend, and what would drive seemingly normal people to commit such a horrible crime.

“It is a very atmospheric book with fantastic descriptions so you will immediately know what running through the university halls on a chilly September day feels like. It is almost 600 pages so fantastic to curl up under a blanket as the cold weather begins, to read one of the most unique detective stories of all time.”

You can buy The Secret History on Amazon.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

Rebecca Koncienzcy, Spare Time Content Editor, said: “If you are looking for a cosy, quick read this autumn, then The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is perfect. While this book doesn’t break any conventions, what it offers is a safe, warm romance against a backdrop of crunchy autumn leaves, chunky knitted sweaters and a plaid-wearing farmer.

“We follow Jeanie’s transition from her high-flying big city office job to coffee shop owner in the small town of Dream Harbour, where everyone knows everyone else and everyone’s business. But don’t worry, there is a brooding, ruggedly handsome farmer with a sensitive side ready to help her adjust to small-town life, and she just might help him, too.”

You can buy The Pumpkin Spice Café on Amazon or at Waterstones.

The Cloisters by Katy Hays

Rebecca also recommended this novel, saying: “At the time it came out, The Cloisters was billed as a modern-day Secret History – it is not, but it is still a great read. And while this is set in the summer in New York, its dark academia and moody tones cast a long enough shadow over it to be perfect reading for the beginning of the new school year.

“Our main character, Ann, finds herself with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and its gloriously gothic surroundings, working under a mysterious, intelligent and sexy professor obsessed with the hidden meaning behind Tarot cards. This delicious plot unravels into an occult version of a Cruel Intentions-type story, perfect for a cosy fireside read.”

You can buy The Cloisters on Amazon or at Waterstones.