Opinion

6 suggestions for your autumn reading

7-10-2025

Translation: machine translated

I want to read six books this autumn. Very optimistic by my standards. I have vampires, scary stories, witches, cozy fantasy and gilmore-girl vibes on offer.

Autumn is the best time to read, isn't it? I always curate my TBR list for the cooler season in August (because let's be honest, that's when autumn really begins). Among bookworms, TBR stands for «To Be Read» and refers to titles that have been on your radar for a while or, in my case, are already on your shelf and you'd like to read. I have chosen six thematically appropriate works that I will introduce to you in a quick (spoiler-free) run-through.

«My Roommate is a Vampire» by Jenna Levine

Status: read ✔️

Fiction

My Roommate is a Vampire

English, Jenna Levine, 2023

Cassie - young, creative and so broke - needs a new place to stay. Frederick - ancient, very uptight and filthy rich - wants to set up a flat share. Cassie doesn't need to be shown his room at a bargain price twice. Of course, she doesn't (yet) know that her new flatmate is a vampire. But the plot is already in the title. And that's all that really happens. Light entertainment, which in my opinion is a little weak in terms of storyline and vampire matters, but still works. Here you can find the German edition.

«The Pumpkin Spice Café» by Laurie Gilmore

Status: unread 📙

Fiction

The Pumpkin Spice Café

English, Laurie Gilmore, 2023

In Dream Harbour, Armor seems to shoot around with a bow and arrow particularly often. Romances are not only born here, but are also lived out in fairytale fashion until the end of time. Each of Laurie Gilmore's books follows a couple as they get to know each other. Guest appearances included - after all, they keep bumping into each other in the dreamy small town. Volume one «The Pumpkin Spice Café» tells the story of Jeanie, who takes over her aunt's café. A new start that brings her closer to the grumpy farmer Logan.

I've only read volume two so far and that was last year: «The Christmas Tree Farm». Conclusion? Not much depth, but perfect for cosying up and switching off. And if you like a bit of spice, you can look forward to it too.

The book has now also been published in German. Only with a less cool cover, if you ask me.

«Tusk Love» by Thea Guanzon

Status: Reading ⏳

Fiction

Tusk Love

English, Critical Role, Thea Guanzon, 2025

I saw the autumn leaf-studded cover and just had to pick up the book. Any regrets? Not a trace - until now. «Tusk Love» follows the adventurous story of the tough half-orc Oskar and the equally petite and naive Guinevere, the daughter of a merchant. Two contrasting characters whose bumpy paths not only cross, but lead step by step in the same direction. Guanzon focuses on fantasy, romance and eroticism. Written in a heart-warming way and adorned with humour. If you want to read the book in German, you'll have to be patient. The English edition offers (at least for me) the opportunity to diligently expand my vocabulary.

Cool extra: The cover of the bound edition can be reversed to reveal a completely different illustrated cover based on the inspiration behind the book: The «Critical Role» web series and the role-playing game «Dungeons & Dragons».

«Spell Shop» by Sarah Beth Durst

Status: unread 📙

Fiction

Spellshop

German, Sarah Beth Durst, 2024

Kiela is a librarian. It's just a shame that her library falls victim to a fire during a revolution. So she returns to the island where she spent her childhood with the talking houseplant Caz (her assistant!) and takes up residence in a cosy cottage. Her neighbour? A handsome seahorse breeder. I repeat: seahorse breeder. That's when the blurb had me hooked. In any case, Kiela quickly settles in, but wants to help her new community with a few forbidden spells. If that goes well ...

«The Story of Witches - Folklore, History and Superstition» by Willow Winsham

Status: just reading ⏳

Fiction

Abrams & Chronicle The Story of Witches

English, Willow Winsham, 2025

When witches are involved, I get curious. Anyone who shares my fascination for the omnipresent figure from myths, legends, fairy tales and superstitions from all over the world will get their money's worth in this book. Accompanied by wonderful illustrations, you can read your way through the history of witches, characterised by time and culture, in short chapters of two to four pages. You will touch on infamous figures such as Baba Yaga, questions à la «Why do witches wear pointed hats in depictions?» and the witch trials.

«Goosebumps Horror - Scary and Beautiful Ghost Stories» edited by Aleksia Sidney

Status: unread 📙

Fiction

Gänsehaut-Grusel

German, Aleksia Sidney, 2025

I count exactly thirteen scary stories in the directory. Is that a coincidence? I don't think so. All classics by different authors such as Susan Hill, Stephen King, Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft. The best thing about a collection like this? I don't have to read them in one go, but can pick out the story that appeals to me most at the time.

Do you have any recommendations? For example, from the crime, thriller or horror genre? Let me know!

Header image: Natalie Hemengül

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Natalie Hemengül

Senior Editor

Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.

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