A good gothic read can set the mood for the fall season if one sees it as a time of spooky activity and books that perfectly blend horror and fantasy. The gothic genre is generally defined by visions of gothic architecture although when the set dressings don't strictly adhere to this style, it's still all about old buildings and dark academia. Yet "gothic" may be just the tone of the story, with enigmatic characterizations, a dark palette, and explorations of evil, knowledge, and power.

Readers eagerly await the biggest fantasy books coming out in October 2024, but atmospheric novels new and old will enable everyone to get into the seasonal spirit. A handful of classic novels inform nearly all modern gothic writing, defining the subgenre with dramatic monsters and period set pieces. Therefore, there is also some overlap between the best gothic books and the best historical fantasy books, often engaging with devastating historical events.