While I haven’t been able to read as much as I would have liked to this month, due to my current Anatomy and Physiology II class, I did have a chance to read four books that I think deserve a spot on your must-read list for fall. First up, we have The Listener’s by Maggie Stiefvater, set during the early days of World War II. It was only after reading the book that I learned that several hotels, including The Greenbrier, The Homestead, and The Grove Park Inn, were used to station Axis diplomats before they were sent back to their native countries in exchange for American prisoners.

The second book on the list, How to Talk to Your Dog About Murder, was different than I was expecting. With the title and the cover, I expected it to be more lighthearted, after all we have a pet therapist who finds herself investigating and murder, but it was more genius than comedic. A definite must-read for those who enjoy a good murder mystery.

The third book on the list is an early holiday season release. It’s a Jewish rom-com, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah. Instead of the 3 ghosts featured in the traditional A Christmas Carol, this story includes eight ghosts, some of whom weren’t even human at one point (spoiler alert: there is a talking chicken). For those who enjoy stories about a couple reconnecting after divorce, you’ll enjoy this new take on the classic story.

Last of all, we have a book that I read over a weekend, The Break-In by Katherine Faulkner. This twisted thriller set in London is just the sort of book you’ll want to read late into the night. (Who says you can’t stay up reading till 1 am just to finish a book!) It is just that good.