My GOD, what a year for reading!! And not only reading, also for bookish events! 2024 has probably been my absolute favourite. This was the year I finally stepped out of my comfort zone. I told myself I wanted to attend one book event… and I ended up going to five! I’ve made so many new friends and met so many lovely authors, and I am just generally so so grateful for every opportunity. And the BOOKS! So many wonderful books! Picking about my top 10 this year was very stressful, but I’ve done it. Somehow… If you haven’t read any of these, get them on your 2025 TBR!

Right, on we go!

10. What We Did In The Storm by Tina Baker

What We Did In The Storm is such a meticulously written thriller laced with beautiful descriptions, a large cast of complex characters, and a dark, chilling atmosphere from start to finish. It’s a big character driven book with a plot that will constantly keep you guessing. I loved Tina’s take on the island of Tresco and the community of people who have so much to hide, the secrets revealed towards the end were on my mind for aaaaages! It’s dark, it’s disturbing in some places and completely horrific in others, but it’s addictive, unforgettable and so so clever. Another perfect read from Tina B! Read my full review here.

9. Ink Ribbon Red by Alex Pavesi

Ink Ribbon Red is a mind-bending puzzle of a book, an original, complex and utterly engrossing mystery which follows six friends, a seemingly innocent parlour game and a lot of murder. At times, we aren’t sure what is real or what is fictional as these friends write their own stories, their own scenarios of murder. And I had a blast trying to identify a real murder when it appeared. The characters weren’t the most likeable, but they really were the best type of character for a book like this; easy to visualise, believable motives and so many secrets buried deep. Fragmented chapters were beautifully baffling and really made this book special. A brilliant concept, a book that will stay with you long after finishing that last page. Read my full review here.

8. The Retreat by Sarah Pearse

The Retreat is the perfect suspenseful thriller filled with atmosphere and tension. The latest mindboggling case for Detective Elin Warner sees her putting the pieces together in a string of new murders which somehow connect to a group of murders and a serial killer on the island years ago. I loved the feel of Reaper’s Rock, its ‘curse’, the stories that spook its visitors. How the island seems to fight back. The plot had me holding on for dear life and questioning everyone we meet. The twists felt super satisfying, with secrets and history to keep you thinking even when you finish that last page. An absolute triumph, I can’t wait to read more from Sarah! Read my full review here.

7. First Wife’s Shadow by Adele Parks

First Wife’s Shadow was one of the most addictive thrillers I read this year! Not only that, but it’s so flawlessly written, so engrossing and will have you wanting to instantly reread. Adele’s characters are quickly brought to life with such contrasting personalities and quirks, with each of their roles so important in the bigger picture. There is so much to take in, so much to consider, so much to work out, and Emma’s life quickly became the only thing occupying my mind. This book will honestly consume you and have you theorising in every waking moment! Such an intense and compelling read about love, jealousy and obsession, with an unexpected but hugely satisfying ending. You really don’t want to sleep on this one! Read my full review here.

6. The Intruders by Louise Jensen

The Intruders is probably one of the most bingeable psychological thrillers I’ve ever read! It’s layered with twist upon twist, has the darkest, unnerving plot and has a cast of brilliant, memorable characters. You will not see the twists coming, I guarantee! Although a thriller at its heart, there are perfectly placed supernatural elements, and even elements of horror that worked so incredibly well. I was well and truly hooked from the start. It’s the definition of a page-turner! Captivating, tension-filled and completely thrilling right to the very end. Such a clever read! Read my full review here.

5. Silent Waters by L.V. Matthews

Silent Waters is a dark, unnerving and completely addictive thriller which will constantly give you that one-more-chapter feeling. It is superbly written – characters are connected so deeply and with so much history, a complex case of a missing woman which snowballs into something so much bigger than any of them could ever have imagined. Unthinkable secrets, so many satisfying twists and red herrings, as well as such an original plot has made this one of my books of the year. I feel so so lucky to have experienced it. I think this is one of those books you wish you could read for the first time again! Just brilliant from beginning to end. A must read! Read my full review here.

4. The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas

The Wrong Sister is as addictive and as compelling as you’d expect from a shiny new Claire Douglas book! She really is an absolute queen when it comes to twisty plots, complex and intriguing characters and, of course, those red herrings I love so much. The secrets swirl around and eventually get out of hand for certain characters, and the suspense always kept me on my toes. The author creates such an unnerving atmosphere with so much to question, and I admired Tasha’s character so much. The determination to get to the bottom of something so horrific while also protecting her family had me thinking about everything for days. Completely and utterly perfect in every way – please pick it up! Read my full review here.

3. Her Last Summer by Emily Freud

Her Last Summer is one of the most intense, suspenseful and addictive thrillers you’ll read. I am completely obsessed with it! Freud leaves no stone unturned as we join Cassidy, determined to find out the truth and uncover what really happened to a young backpacking couple twenty years earlier. It’s such an absorbing story with the most unexpected twists, and one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever read. The author’s descriptions of character’s feeling and emotion are so intense that you can’t help but feel them too, and descriptions of Thailand itself will transport you straight there. The tension building and unpredictability of Emily Freud’s novels will forever keep me coming back for more. One of my biggest recommendations of the year – please read it! Read my full review here.

2. After The Storm by G.D. Wright

After The Storm is one of those books you’ll never, ever forget. I adored every single word of it. It will break your heart and have you thinking about it in every waking moment. It has the biggest and best crime drama vibes including a thrilling mystery, impeccable pacing and brilliantly solid characters to suspect and to question. But it is also intertwined with an emotional family drama. It changed me. It had me thinking about my priorities and makes you look at life in a whole new light. It makes you think hard about the impacts of grief and how it can wreak havoc on a person, destroying who they were. All this on top of being such an addictive, compelling story as a whole. G.D. Wright will be an unstoppable force after this, I just know it! An emotional, gripping and all-consuming read. One of the best books I’ve ever read. I hope you love it too! Read my full review here.

1. The Betrayal Of Thomas True by A.J. West 👑

The Betrayal of Thomas True is not only an intense and mesmerising thriller, it’s also a beautiful and heartbreaking romance between two perfectly imperfect souls. It’s a thorough exploration of London’s gay scene in the 1700s, the trials and tribulations of being accepted. It’s a mind-bending mystery, following the clues to uncover a traitor. The Betrayal of Thomas True is everything.

A beautifully written novel with such an original plot. This book blew my mind, made me cry and really opened my eyes to both the horrors and of course, the colourfulness, of living as a molly in old London. The extensive research, the love and the passion A.J. has for this story is so incredibly clear, and it’s been an absolute pleasure getting to know Thomas and Gabriel. I love them both with my whole heart. Historical fiction fans, thriller fans, mystery fans, romance fans; this is a MUST read! This just HAS to be my top read of the year. Read my full review here.

Other noteworthy authors!

As always, I couldn’t end the year without mentioning some other incredible authors whose books I’ve read this year!

• Oskar Jensen
• Chloe Seager
• Tom Ellen
• Kate Foster
• Catherine Michaels
• David Foenkinos
• Lisa Jewell
• Janice Hallett
• Mason Coile
• Zoe Rosi
• Rachel Greenlaw
• Annie Taylor
• Jenny Bayliss
• Laura Linn Knight
• Sarah Morgan
• Sue Moorcroft

Here’s to 2025!

Thank you SO much to every author and publisher who gifted me copies of their books. It’s always such an incredible honour to be able to do what I do, and this year has felt even more wonderful. I can’t wait to read more brilliant books next year and to discover some amazing new authors. I’ve pre-ordered SO many books coming out in 2025 and I am just beyond excited to meet more authors and attend more events!

I hope everyone has an amazing new year – stay safe! ❤️