In light of my post on Autumn Reading Prep, I’ve being
giving a lot of thought to which books I want to read over the coming months. I’m
not one for set TBR’s as I’m most definitely much more of a mood reader, but
lately I’ve found myself gravitating towards certain books. Historical fiction,
crime thrillers – anything spooky and suspenseful. With that in mind (and
instead of having an autumn TBR) I thought I’d discuss some authors I want to
read over the next few months.
First up:
SHIRLEY JACKSON
For cosy autumnal reading, Shirley Jackson may come as no
surprise to those of you familiar with her work. Her stories scream gothic
horror and mystery and if that doesn’t make for an ideal read by the fire on a
chilly September evening I don’t know what does. I’m going off how I’ve heard
others describe her work because I’ve never read any of Jackson’s novels.
Whoops. I feel like I should have gotten around to her by now, but with an ever
growing TBR and an endless list of books vying for my attention, she’s slipped under
my radar. However, over the past weeks she’s been brought to my attention and I’d
love to finally get around to reading some of her work. I think The Haunting of Hill House will be the
first novel I pick up, but first I'll try The Missing Girl to sample a bit of her writing style.
SARAH WATERS
Last year I wrote a post titled Authors I Want to Read More Of, and Sarah Waters was one of them. Shamefully, I haven’t managed it yet
but this autumn I plan to get stuck in to one of her big chunky novels and give
her writing another shot. I read her novel Affinity
whilst I was at university and I didn’t think much of it, but Sarah Waters writes
the kind of books I should love and I’m determined not to write her off because
of one mediocre experience six years ago. I have a copy of Fingersmith and The Little
Stranger is high on my list (I confess, watching the trailer for the film
got me all giddy) so I will be getting my hands on a copy ASAP.
DAPHNE DU MAURIER
To me, Daphne du Maurier is the QUEEN of autumnal reading.
Gorgeous prose, historical settings, a sinister undertone – her books are exactly
the kind of reads I want to snuggle up with and autumn is all about being cosy,
am I right? I’ve a few of her books already on my physical TBR but my heart is
drawing me back to Jamaica Inn so I
might have to give that a re-read. Nothing like re-familiarising yourself with
an old favourite. In regards the books I haven’t
read by Daphne yet; The King’s General is high on my list.
DONNA TARTT
I feel like kicking myself over the fact that I haven’t read
ANY Donna Tartt when she’s been on my radar for the longest time. The Secret History was on my summer TBR
for this year and I didn’t manage to pick it up but I’m determined to read it
before the year is out. I think because it’s been on my mind I’ve been seeing
it everywhere (and by everywhere, I mean all over Bookstagram) and my curious
little heart wants to see what all the fuss is about. Donna Tartt, your time
has come.
Which authors are on your autumn reading list? Do you see
any of your favourites here?