The first day of autumn is almost here, and so are those cozy nights spent at home with a warm blanket and a good book. With everything from romance to horror, hear from several Kent State students as they share their favorite fall reads.

“Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King

What fall reading rec list would be complete without a book by Stephen King? If you’ve never read one before, “Salem’s Lot” is a great place to start. It’s an atmospheric vampire horror novel set in a small town with a slow build, a host of compelling characters and an ominous mood. It’s a book with enough suspense and tension to make your skin crawl, and it’s a perfect book if you’re in the mood for something spooky. Plus, it’s being made into a film set to stream on Max this October. Click here to watch the trailer.

“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern

If you’re looking for something laden with vivid imagery that appeals to the senses and creative world-building, Annabelle Oney, a senior fashion merchandising major, recommends “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern. As a fantasy novel centered around a magical circus that arrives only at night, this book revolves around themes of romance, sacrifice and rivalry. “It’s a playful and mysterious read that is a perfect book for the Halloween season,” Oney said.

“The Haunting of Hill House” by Shirley Jackson

Audrey Pierson, a senior visual communication design major, recommends a book by Shirley Jackson, an author known in the horror genre for her elegant writing. Centered around a dark mansion that contains a malevolent presence, many regard “The Haunting of Hill House” as a classic ghost story. “I love how it’s written and I couldn’t put it down,” Audrey says. “It was so descriptive, it felt like I was watching a movie, and I can’t wait to watch the show.” 

“The Paris Apartment” & “The Guest List” by Lucy Foley

Lucy Foley is known for writing contemporary thrillers, and senior fashion merchandising major Katie Elliott recommends two of her books for the fall season. “The Paris Apartment” is a Parisian whodunnit as the protagonist explores the mystery of her missing brother, while “The Guest List” is about a wedding celebration turned deadly. “Both are easy and quick mystery reads,” Elliot says, and both are great if you’re looking for something modern with a gripping plot.

“The Inmate” by Freida McFadden

“The Inmate,” recommended by senior merchandising major Sarah Hayden, is perfect if you’re looking for something with a startling number of twists and turns. It’s about a nurse practitioner in a maximum security prison with a shocking connection to an inmate. It’s a psychological thriller that is as suspenseful as it is surprising. “It has an unexpected plot twist, and I was just completely thrown off,” Hayden says. She also recommends Freida McFadden’s other novels “The Housemaid” and “Do Not Disturb” for the fall season. 

Curl up with a warm drink and a cozy candle, and enjoy these fall reading recommendations. Don’t forget to add them to your Goodreads, or click here to see these recs and more!

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