Autumn in 2020 means more than just less daylight and an extra hour on a Sunday when the clocks go back.
It also means that we’re heading into flu season during a fatal pandemic. Therefore, restrictions look set to become tighter and individuals who want to take care of themselves and society’s most vulnerable will be spending a lot more time at home.
As such, now more than ever we all need some new reading material to get our teeth into. Thankfully, we just had a bumper September, with hundreds of new releases, so there are plenty of awesome titles to choose from, so readers will have something to keep themselves occupied.
Reading’s an ideal pastime for autumn, as you can do it indoors and it gives you the chance to snuggle up in a blanket and sit still. You don’t need to exert yourself, and with so many new titles out, you’ve got plenty of options. Crime fiction and thrillers are the perfect genre, as you can feel exhilarated and get some intellectual stimulation. Thrillers and action novels are also the perfect escapism for anyone who’s been cooped up in the house for weeks.
There’s a new release to suit everyone, so no matter what your tastes, you can treat yourself to a new book. If you’re a fan of cosy crime fiction, then TV quiz show host Richard Osman’s new novel The Thursday Murder Club could be the ideal choice for you. Alternatively, there’s also Sophie Hannah’s latest Poirot novel The Killings At Kingfisher Hill, which is a great read for anyone who wishes that Agatha Christie were still around to create new books.
Another cosy crime novel that’s out now is How to Raise an Elephant from Alexander McCall Smith. The novel is the latest in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The weather’s heating up in McCall’s Smith’s African setting, so you’ll be able to escape the cold and bleak weather if you read this evocative and imaginative book.
Cosy crime fiction isn’t for everyone, but there are a lot of new books out there to choose from. If you’re looking for something a little darker, then try the aptly named A Song For The Dark Times. The novel is the latest instalment in the longstanding Inspector Rebus series, and offers readers the chance to read a dark and gritty thriller this autumn. Lee and Andrew Child also have a new Jack Reacher novel coming out soon, so if you can wait then you can get your hands on The Sentinel.
Fans Scandinavian crime fiction will love Jo Nesbo’s new standalone thriller The Kingdom. It features the return of the prodigal child to a small, desolate town in Norway. He brings along his new wife to show off to his brother, who is a peaceful, quiet man. However, all is not as it seems, and the fabled returning brother isn’t as perfect as he might seem. The novel is gripping and mesmerising, so you’ll be entranced throughout the darker autumn and winter evenings.
For anyone who’s seeking a bit of escapism, then John Le Carré’s spy thriller Agent Running In The Field is out in paperback. The book is a spy novel for our times; a novel that explores the current political quagmire. An agent runner is caught in the crossfire between his Russian office and a left-wing activist who’s involved in his personal life.
There are so many other novels out there, so no matter what you’re after, you can find the perfect new read. If you want to re-read an old favourite or check out a classic novel that you’ve never had the time for, then you’ll be able to use your time wisely. Consider a treating yourself to a beautiful illustrated edition, such as those offered by the Folio Society. If you choose a stunning copy, then you’ll incentivise yourself to read more and make yourself feel special during these challenging times when the weather is colder and the world feels like an unsafe place.
All in all, if you’re looking for an exciting new read to keep yourself occupied as the nights draw in, then there’s a lot out there to choose from. So, if you ever feel bored during the coming weeks, then you’ve got no excuse not to pick up a book and hunker down with some tasty snacks and warm clothes.
The Dorset Book Detective 