I’ve claimed for years that I’m a chicken marshmallow. I don’t enjoy horror movies or books, but my hubby has been gradually exposing me to more scary things each year. He took me to Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios in Florida a while ago and I managed to go through several scare houses, but I found a way to avoid the jump scares as I followed close behind another group.☺

Anyway, I rather experience cozy October vibes with pumpkin spice lattes and other autumn treats than cobweb invested haunted houses. The changing leaves, and cooler temperatures makes the world seem calmer than summer with the muted light. The summer sun yells, “Time to sweat, scream, play or work outside!” The autumn sun sometimes hides behind clouds and softly says, “It’s cooler outside. Why don’t you stay inside and read while drink your favorite hot beverage.” My favorite season is winter, but fall is a close second.

So… if you’re into cozy and magical vibes or mysteries as opposed to gore, blood, and violence here are some of my clean and wholesome suggestions to read for this season. 

Middle Grade Books 

*Note: all links are affiliate links to help me pay for my writing projects ☺

Moonrise Manor: The main character, Raven Gallows is described as Sherlock Holmes + Wednesday Adams. She and some friends investigate a mysterious death at a supposed haunted hotel, but I promise there are no gruesome horror factors in this mystery.

https://amzn.to/46GkZPB

Over the Moon: A dangerous mystery and flying horses make this a great read for October.

https://amzn.to/46DH3KL

Book Scavenger: Though it doesn’t take place in the fall, I always think mysteries and puzzle solving are great for October indoor fun.

https://amzn.to/46IvstU

Elle’s Magical Shoes: The setting is during fall and winter and is filled with the seasons’ holidays and treats to provide a perfect atmosphere for October cozy reading. The trip between fairy land and Elle’s foster home only adds to the magical vibe of this book.

https://amzn.to/3IJOAjo

The Witching Wind – This isn’t about witches but it has a magical wind fall vibe and I love how this author spins words into a whimsical story. Natalie Lloyd is one of my favorite middle grade authors.

https://amzn.to/46JmDQK

Young Adult or Adult Books

The Magic Collector: Has a gothic romantasy vibe. There is a ghost-like character, but it isn’t what you think. Perfect for October not-so-spooky reading.

https://amzn.to/3KKOhoU

The After Life of Holly Chase: This is actually a Christmas Carol retelling with ghosts, but I think it can fit with the Halloween vibe. I like any excuse to think about Christmas.

https://amzn.to/3W9S9SX

Darkfell: I just finished this book and it definitely has some creepy characters. It has a Lord of the Rings vibe with the setting and monsters.

https://amzn.to/3IxU3d4

Murder at Mistlethwaite Manor: It’s described as, “Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None meets The Gilded Age in this delicious, suspenseful murder mystery.” A murder mystery is always perfect for October, but it isn’t too scary and has some great characters. It takes place a Christmas time so again, I like to think about my favorite holiday even now. It may be more adult than YA, but it is clean with no swearing or spicy scenes.

https://amzn.to/4h4wbux

The Forest Grimm: I set out to read as many fairy tale retellings as I can so this is part of my #2025YearofFairyTales reading that I’ve been promoting for my own twisted fairy tale retelling series. It is a darker type of fairy tale with a spookier vibe than your Disney type tale. 

https://amzn.to/3Kpy6O0

A Daughter of the Trolls (Numina Parables): This is a darker folktale with a similar vibe as the previous book. I think it is more like the Grimm Brothers tales than a Disney fluffy story.

https://amzn.to/42avHwE

The Web of Loki: This has some creepy monsters and blood, but it isn’t horror. I wrote it and remember, I’m a chicken marshmallow. It has a strong message in between the Norse mythology and teens being attracted to each other.

https://amzn.to/4ntwph4