Bryanna’s Winter Time Recommendations
As we burrow down into the depths of winter, nothing gets us through this season like a comfy blanket, a warm drink and of course: a really good book. At Pile of Books, we’ve got two of those three things. You can come in, grab a cup of coffee or tea and browse for your next read to hunker down with.
So get cozy, get warm and happy reading!
Classics: Some old timey recommendations that have cozy winter vibes:
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens- Nothing says winter more to me than Dickens, and this one is perfect. While the story does not play out entirely in winter, Dickens' foggy and often dreary atmosphere will make you feel even better as you read from the comfort of your couch. Available in hardcover and paperback.
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins- This is a great Victorian Gothic novel, full of eerie, moonlit nights, mystery and the most bizarre and terrible cast of people you could ever meet. It is a mix of Gothic horror and psychological realism, perfect for a snowy winter’s night. Available in paperback.
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë- One of my personal favourites, this is a book about one woman’s escape from a toxic relationship and society. While it does deal with despair and some dark themes, it is ultimately a story of hope and new beginnings. Available in paperback.
Gothic: For those of you who need a little scare during these long, dark nights:
The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk- Set in a mountain sanitarium somewhere in the Swiss alps, this tells the unsettling story of what is really going on there. Great writing and just a general sense of unease. Available in paperback.
What Moves the Dead by T.Kingfisher- One of my favorite writers in the modern Gothic genre, Kingfisher is the queen of “cozy” horror. It’s fun, it’s creepy, but it’s low stakes. And the protagonist always has a great sense of humor- perfect for a dark winter’s night. And it’s a series! Available only in hardcover (but affordable!)
The Shining by Stephen King- No, it’s not the same as the movie. Perfect read when you need a little bit of claustrophobia and hysteria. And I mean, who doesn’t? Bonus! We’re reading it in our Horror Book Club in February. Available in paperback.
Thrillers: For those nights where you just want a book you literally can’t put down:
Pretty much anything by C.J Cooke- We have a few titles from her in the shop. She’s all about gothic vibes, creepy forests, witches, and extreme weather. I really recommend her in general. I have one of hers, The Book of Witching waiting for me by my bedside. It’s gothic mixed with a mystery, just for a little something extra. Available in paperback.
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell- This woman is amazing. Perfect for fans of British domestic thrillers. She can’t be beat. This is her newest one, and she never disappoints. Available in paperback.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley- What more could you ask for than a winter get together amongst old friends in the Scottish highlands that goes horribly, horribly wrong? Perfect for fans of Agathie Christie, and fast paced, one-more-chapter novels. Available in paperback.
General Fiction: If you’re not a fan of the above genres, no worries. I’ve still got you covered.
Overdue by Stephanie Perkins- A cozy romance centered around the love of books. Small town vibes, long lost loves and a lot of books. It’s all about new beginnings, something we all need at the end of the year. Available in paperback.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah- I recommend this book a lot, to most people. I can’t help it. It is not the happiest book, but Hannah is such a good story teller. Set in Alaska, just in case you can’t get enough of the cold here. Available in paperback.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver- One of my favorite reads of 2025. Again, not the happiest but it will make you feel grateful during the coldest of days. I also can’t stop recommending this book. Available in paperback.
Honorable mentions:
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens- Need I say more? Not to mention, it’s really short! Available in paperback.
“White Nights” by Fyodor Dostoevsky-A short story at 80 pages, but just packed with every human emotion. This one will stay with you. Available in paperback.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie- No winter season would be complete without the Queen of mystery novels herself. This closed room murder mystery is perfect for a night all to yourself, curled up on the couch as it snows outside. Available in paperback.