It’s sad when the long, lazy days of summer start drawing to a close, but the cool crisp days of autumn have lots to offer the booklover. Even if we lose the fun of barbecues and afternoons at the beach, in their place we gain the very best thing of all: the perfect excuse to spend time curled up on the sofa (or in bed when it’s really cold), with a steaming mug of tea and a pile of books.

And as the nights start drawing in, we think there’s no better way to fend off the blues than with a selection of rib-tickling adventures from Farrago (of course!).

Here are our Top Five Autumn Reads, guaranteed to make you chuckle even if the sun hasn’t got his hat on…

1. Picture Miss Seeton

When Miss Seeton witnesses a real-life stabbing, all she can recall is a shadowy figure. But how could she have guessed that her latest artistic endeavour is a picture-perfect portrait of the killer?

Armed with only her sketch pad and umbrella, she is every inch an eccentric English spinster and the most lovable and unlikely master of detection.

 

 

 

2. Three Cheers for Me

With his disturbingly horse-like face and a pious distaste for strong drink and bad language, young Bartholomew Bandy doesn’t seem cut out for life in the armed services, as we meet him at the start of the First World War.

Yet he not only survives the dangers and squalor of the infantry trenches, he positively thrives in the Royal Flying Corps, revealing a surprising aptitude for splitarsing Sopwith Camels and shooting down the Hun. He even manages to get the girl.

 

 

3. Florida Roadkill

Local trivia buff Serge Storms loves eliminating jerks and pests. His drug-addled partner Coleman loves cartoons. Hot stripper Sharon Rhodes loves cocaine, especially when purchased with rich dead men’s money.

On the other hand, Sean and David, who love fishing and are kind to animals, are about to cross paths with a suitcase filled with stolen insurance money. Serge wants the suitcase. Sharon wants the suitcase. Coleman wants more drugs… and the suitcase. In the meantime, there’s murder by gun, Space Shuttle, Barbie doll, and Levi’s 501s.

 

4. Yellowthread Street

Yellowthread Street is the sort of place that breeds more crime than any cops can handle.

Among the gangsters and the goldsmiths of Hong Bay, Chief Inspector Feiffer and his police department have their hands full, with tourist troubles, a US sailor turned stick-up artist, and the jealous Chinese who solved his marital difficulties with an axe.

Then the Mongolian with a kukri brings an extra touch of terror to the district…

 

5. A Night in the Lonesome October

All is not what it seems.

In the murky London gloom, a knife-wielding gentleman named Jack prowls the midnight streets with his faithful watchdog Snuff – gathering together the grisly ingredients they will need for an upcoming ancient and unearthly rite. For soon after the death of the moon, black magic will summon the Elder Gods back into the world. And all manner of Players, both human and undead, are preparing to participate.

Some have come to open the gates. Some have come to slam them shut. And now the dread night approaches – so let the Game begin.

Have you read any of these titles already? Let us know which one is your favourite, on Twitter at @farragobooks or on Facebook at Farrago Books. Happy reading!