Hey cozy readers!
Is anyone else obsessed with the concept of "Summerween"? You know, that perfect sweet spot where you're craving spooky vibes but it's still too hot for full-on horror? I've been curating the most perfect collection of books that give me those delicious gothic, mysterious, and slightly eerie feelings without keeping me up all night (because we all know I need my beauty sleep for more reading tomorrow!).
These five books have been absolutely perfect for my summer reading with just the right amount of spine-tingling atmosphere. Grab your iced coffee, light a vanilla candle, and let's dive into my current Summerween obsessions!
Oh my goodness, where do I even start with this one?
This book had me completely hooked from page one! Set in a crumbling seaside mansion, it follows a home health aide caring for an elderly woman who may or may not have committed a triple murder decades ago. The gothic atmosphere is absolutely chef's kiss - think mysterious locked rooms, family secrets, and that perfect creaky mansion setting that makes you want to curl up with the coziest blanket.
The seaside setting keeps it from feeling too dark, but the mystery and gothic elements give you all those delicious chills. Plus, the historical elements make it feel like you're reading a classic mystery!
A soft throw blanket, some chamomile tea, and maybe a sandalwood candle to match that old mansion vibe.
Get "The Only One Left" on Amazon →Yes, I'm having a Riley Sager moment and I'm not sorry about it!
This supernatural thriller is set at a beautiful lake house (hello, perfect summer vibes!) but with the most intriguing mysterious elements. When Casey watches her glamorous neighbors across the lake, she notices some very strange things happening. The way Sager blends domestic suspense with supernatural elements is absolutely brilliant.
The lake setting screams summer, but the supernatural mystery gives you those perfect goosebumps. It's like if "The Great Gatsby" had a spooky cousin - glamorous, mysterious, and just a little bit otherworldly.
Iced coffee, a comfy outdoor reading chair, and maybe some eucalyptus candles to match that lakeside atmosphere.
Get "The House Across the Lake" on Amazon →This book is pure cozy magic and I'm here for it!
If you want your spooky vibes with a heavy dose of whimsy, this is your book! It follows a woman who inherits a spell shop in a magical town where everyone has special abilities. It's got that perfect witchy aesthetic without being dark or scary - think "Practical Magic" meets cozy small-town charm.
The magical elements give you that otherworldly feeling, but it's so cozy and heartwarming. It's like being wrapped in a warm hug while still getting your dose of supernatural fun.
Herbal tea in your favorite mug, a soft knit cardigan, and definitely some lavender or sage candles to match the witchy vibes.
Get "The Spell Shop" on Amazon →This one gave me the most beautiful gothic fairy tale vibes!
Three sisters disappear as children and return a month later with no memory of what happened - but they're changed. They have black eyes, flowers grow in their footsteps, and they're impossibly beautiful. Years later, when one sister goes missing again, the mystery unravels in the most hauntingly beautiful way.
The dark fairy tale atmosphere is absolutely enchanting, and while it has gothic elements, it's more mysterious and beautiful than truly scary. The writing is so atmospheric you'll feel like you're in a dream.
A cozy reading nook with fairy lights, some floral tea, and maybe a rose or jasmine candle to match the flower imagery.
Get "House of Hollow" on Amazon →For my true crime lovers who want their fix in fiction form!
Written by the host of the Morbid podcast, this forensic thriller follows a forensic pathologist and an FBI agent hunting a serial killer in New Orleans. The forensic details are fascinating (but not too graphic), and the New Orleans setting adds such rich atmosphere.
The New Orleans setting gives it that perfect mysterious, slightly supernatural vibe, but it's more procedural mystery than true horror. Plus, if you love true crime podcasts, this scratches that same itch!
Iced coffee with a splash of vanilla, a cooling gel eye mask for those intense reading sessions, and maybe some vanilla or coffee-scented candles.
Get "The Butcher and the Wren" on Amazon →Want to create the perfect atmosphere for these reads? Here are some of my favorite cozy essentials: