Seven gripping female fiction reads to add to your bookshelf this autumn

As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, there’s nothing better than finding the perfect book to immerse yourself in. Whether you’re a fan of historical intrigue, psychological thrillers, or high-stakes mysteries, these gripping female fiction novels offer a thrilling escape from reality. With unforgettable characters and plenty of twists, each one is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Burial Plot by Elizabeth Macneal

Known for her rich historical storytelling, the bestselling author of The Doll Factory returns with another gothic thriller set in nineteenth-century London. Macneal’s latest novel takes you on a gripping journey as it follows the author’s heroine, Bonnie, who has been surviving on a life of nefarious schemes until one day her luck runs out, and she finds herself at the centre of a dangerous man’s manipulation, testing her loyalty and her safety. For those who want to be pulled into a world of atmospheric suspense, this is well worth a read.

Someone in the Attic by Andrea Mara

This book is sure to get pulses racing as it details one of your worst nightmares coming true – a home invasion. In Mara’s latest psychological thriller, we meet Julia who is happy to be back living in Ireland until she finds out that her former friend, Anya, has been murdered by a mysterious masked figure. Julia soon sees the same masked figure climbing out of an attic in an online video, only to realise that the reason the backdrop looks so familiar is because it has been filmed inside her own house. The twists and turns keep coming in this creepy new novel from Mara. 

Look in the Mirror by Catherine Steadman

Actress turned author Catherine Steadman returns with her sixth novel, Look in the Mirror, which follows Cambridge professor Nina as she comes to terms with the death of her father, and the unexpected news that she has inherited his luxurious holiday home in the British Virgin Islands. Intertwined with Nina’s story is that of another woman’s, a high-class nanny for the uber-wealthy, Maria. If you’re searching for a riveting page turner, this has all you need. 

Then Things Went Dark by Bea Fitzgerald

In her first adult fiction debut, Fitzgerald transports the reader to an exotic desert island which serves as the backdrop for six contestants to prove themselves victorious in a cut-throat reality TV show. Except, after three weeks of fighting it out on screen, not all of them make it back alive – worse still, there are millions watching when one of the contestants is murdered. Fitzgerald expertly builds tensions and unravels secrets layer by layer, creating a gripping read that will keep you guessing right to the very end.

The Household by Stacey Halls

Halls is no stranger to historical mysteries, and as the title suggests, her latest novel delves into the world of Urania Cottage, a home set up for “fallen” women by Charles Dickens and other philanthropists at the time. Combining fact and fiction seamlessly, the story showcases a fascinating ensemble of characters, delivering a powerful read full of courage and emotion. 

What A Way To Go by Bella Mackie

In Mackie’s second fiction novel, we find Anthony Wistern dead at his birthday party. It soon becomes clear that every member of his family, as well as the other guests at the party, have a motive for murder. The police believe his death is nothing more than a tragic accident, but it isn’t long before a true crime blogger sets out to discover the truth, and make a name for herself in the process.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

Known for her locked-room mysteries, Foley’s latest novel takes us to the opening of a beautiful countryside retreat in Devon. Everything seems picture perfect until the Manor is set on fire and a body is discovered the next morning. As old friends and enemies reunite, we see the story told from various points of view as Foley seamlessly builds a sense of tension to keep you hooked in this well-plotted thriller.

Alexandra Davis