There’s nothing quite like curling up under a cozy blanket on a rainy fall day with a warm drink in one hand and a good book in the other.
It’s also the best time of year to break out suspenseful, gothic, or spooky reads. And historical fiction is actually a great genre for atmospheric and autumnal readings.
To get you started, here is a list of 5 Historical Fiction Books to Get You in the Halloween Spirit.
1. A Secret History of Witches
This is a must-read if you like historical sagas or books about witches.
The first in a series, A Secret History of Witches, is a fascinating tale spanning five generations of the witchy Orchiere family. It’s fast-paced and keeps readers hooked from beginning to end; the overall atmosphere is endearing.
Strong and powerful women are front and center in this book. These witches face persecution and must protect themselves, their loved ones, their craft, and their way of life at all costs.
The first part of the book clearly portrays the struggles of Romani people in the 19th century. The last chapters take place during WW2, and this is where the book takes an interesting turn, as the final Orchiere woman we read about joins Queen Elizabeth’s coven.
Even if the ending feels a little far-fetched, A Secret History of Witches works well as a standalone spooky season read.
2. Magic Lessons
Part of the Practical Magic series, Magic Lessons is historical fiction at its finest. Author Alice Hoffman weaves a tale of witchcraft, persecution, love, heartbreak, and much more.
We follow Maria Owens on a journey throughout her life, which takes her from windswept England to the Caribbean, Massachusetts, and finally to the still-developing city of Manhattan, New York.
Maria is a witch whose powers are highlighted beautifully in the author’s trademark magical realism writing style. From real fear of being hanged as a witch to a beautiful and magical mother-daughter relationship, it doesn’t get much better than Magic Lessons this time of year.
This book is punctuated by witchy recipes and life lessons. It will put you under its spell with its charm and emotional depth and also makes for a great standalone or companion to the entire series.
3. Mrs. Poe
Taking place in New York City in 1845, Mrs. Poe is actually narrated by Mrs. Frances Osgood, a poet and children’s author who is currently estranged from her husband, though she’s trying to keep it a secret.
A member of the New York literary society, it’s not long before Frances crosses paths with Edgar Allan Poe. It’s evident the pair have an immediate attraction, though he is also married. In order to get closer to Poe and ignore her true intentions while doing so, Frances befriends his sickly young wife, Virginia.
What follows is a slow-burn romance full of gothic themes and imagery. It’s also a delightful insight into Poe; he really comes alive, allowing the reader to learn more about him than they ever did in high school English class. Frances is a deeply three-dimensional character as well, and the author presents her guilt and love in such a way that the reader feels it deeply, too.
No magic or witchcraft here, but Poe’s dark, moody, and gothic writings serve as inspiration for the book, and examples of Frances’ poems and love letters to Poe are also heavily featured.
4. The Heretic’s Daughter
Sometimes, the scariest books are about the true horrors of human nature.
In 1691, ten-year-old Sarah Carrier and her family relocated to Andover, Massachusetts. Unknowingly, they bring with them smallpox, the first in a series of events damning Sarah’s mother, Martha, to be imprisoned as a witch as the hysteria of Salem boils over into nearby Andover.
Not long after, Sarah and her siblings are also accused of witchcraft and thrown into prison, all while their mother stubbornly maintains her innocence, even knowing it will lead to her downfall. Martha Carrier is a wonderfully crafted character.
Sarah and Martha have a tender relationship, and this book explores their bond, like a love letter to mothers and daughters everywhere, which makes the final blow all the more startling. Beautifully written throughout, Sarah reflects back on her experiences, making the book feel all the more real–and therefore terrifying.
The Heretic’s Daughter is heart-pounding and heart-shattering at the same time. It is a piece of history everyone should read, and knowing the author is a direct descendant of Martha Carrier makes it all the more potent.
5. The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel
This retelling of Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow features Katrina Van Tassel at the forefront. This is a tragic romance of forbidden love before Katrina’s beloved Ichabod Crane mysteriously disappears.
Will Katrina be able to use otherworldly powers to find Ichabod before it’s too late? She recruits the help of a fellow witchy woman and her best friend Charlotte to track down Ichabod while trying to fend off Brom Bones’ unwelcome advances.
Author Alyssa Palombo spares no description or detail, yet it enhances each scene instead of feeling weighed down. The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel will make you feel immersed in autumn in 17th-century New England.
Featuring a twist ending you will not see coming, and with the Headless Horseman also making an appearance, this is truly a haunting tale. Read for the spooky vibes, and stay for the romance and powerful story of female strength and resilience.
The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel is perfect for fans of Tim Burton’s Sleepy Hollow, who have always wanted a story more focused on Katrina.
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What books get you in the mood for Halloween/fall? Let us know in the comments below!
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Amanda Larch Hinchman
Amanda Larch works as a writer and editor when she’s not in the middle of a good book. Learn more about her work and view her portfolio at www.amandalarchwriter.com/ and keep up with her on Goodreads @_groovyginger_.
