Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018.

April weather in Wisconsin is a bit… sporadic. One minute it’s 70°F and the next it’s 30°F and snowing. And in between it’s pretty much always raining. So here are some books I think would be perfect for those dark, stormy days!

All of the books on this list are really atmospheric. For some reason, that’s the type of book I associate with dark, rainy days. These are also mostly mysteries, romance, or slightly fantastical.

1. Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is one of the most atmospheric books I’ve ever read. It’s a classic, mystery thriller about an unnamed woman who marries a widower. When they move into his manor, the memory of his dead wife hovers over everything. If you’re looking to explore classics, this would be a great place to start!

2. The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was one of my most anticipated early releases of 2019 and it did not disappoint. This is about a small college town that is suddenly overcome with a sleeping epidemic. People start falling asleep, their brain functions increased, but are unable to be woken. If you love speculative fiction, you will love this book!

3. The Broken Girls by Simone St. James ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This made my favorites of 2018 list. This is a historical, mystery thriller told in dual timelines – Vermont 2014 and 1950. In 1950, a haunted boarding school housed 4 young woman who became close friends. When one of them goes missing, the girls are determined to figure out what happened. Today, Fiona’s sister was murdered on that boarding schools grounds. Now the school is being restored and Fiona thinks it has a connection to her sister’s death.

4. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is such an unique and fascinating story. It’s classified as horror and while it definitely has creepy, fantastical elements, it’s not at all scary. I listened to this on audio and Neil Gaiman actually narrates the story – and he was amazing! I highly recommend the audiobook for this. This story is about a man that goes back to his childhood home, sits by a pond, and starts to remember a part of his childhood.

5. The Light We Lost by Jill Santoplolo ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is another book that made my favorites list of 2018. This is a heartbreaking romantic, contemporary about a couple’s 13 year journey. Story is definitely not for everyone but I thought it was beautiful look at love, timing, and following your heart.

6. The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This is an atmospheric mystery, thriller that takes place in the UK. The main character, Hal, receives a letter that a grandmother she didn’t know she had, has died and left her an inheritance. She is certain there is has been a mistake, but she is broke and desperate. So she tries to deceive the family and receive the inheritance anyways. The setting of this story is so real and creepy. And the rainy England country side is the perfect setting for this time of year.

7. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another favorite from last year! This book broke me in a way I didn’t know a book could. If you’re looking for an intense but beautiful romance, this is your book. This is about a couple who’s marriage is in shambles. They have grown apart they are at a crossroads in their relationship. If you’re looking for a good cry, check this one out. But tread lightly, this covers some really heavy topics.

8. The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a YA, urban fantasy with one of my favorite settings of all time. I wish I could move to Henrietta, VA tomorrow. This story follows Blue, her family of psychics, and the Raven boys – Gansey, Ronan, Adam, and Noah. The boys are on a quest, Blue is trying to save one of the boys. This book is completely captivating and the setting is perfect for rainy spring days.

9. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

This book is crazy popular on Booktube/Bookstagram. But it is also an amazing book. Like the other books in this list, the writing is beautiful, and the setting it truly amazing. This follows two rivalry magicians who compete in a traveling circus.

10. A Curious Beginning by Deanna Raybourn ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This historical, mystery takes place in 1887 London. It follows Veronica Speedwell who travels the world observing butterflies. But when there is a break in, in her childhood home, she goes on the run. She finds sanctuary with an accomplice, Stoker, and the two of them ban together to solve the break-in and the murder of a mutual friend. This a really fun, classic-feeling mystery a la Agatha Christie. And London is the perfect rainy day setting.

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What types of books do you love to read on dark, rainy days??

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