I got back into reading recently and these are the books I've genuinely loved — rated honestly so you know what you're getting. Mostly mystery and psychological thriller but a few that surprised me from genres I wouldn't normally go for. If I've incl...
Sections
4
Mystery & Psychological Thriller
Fantasy & Historical Fiction
Psychological Fiction
Contemporary & Literary Fiction
Mystery & Psychological Thriller
I came across this by accident in a bookstore and picked it up on a whim since it was a short read — so glad I did. The plot left me completely in shock. A dark and gripping Japanese thriller unlike anything I've read before.
Confessions - Kanae Minato
A brilliant YA mystery that pulls you in immediately — I loved trying to solve the mystery alongside Pippa. Got completely hooked and had to read the whole series straight after.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder - Holly Jackson
The second book in the Holly Jackson series and just as enjoyable as the first — a really satisfying mystery that keeps you guessing.
Good Girl, Bad Blood: Book Two - Holly Jackson
The final book in the series and honestly the most shocking of the three — I did not see that ending coming. A brilliant conclusion to a brilliant series.
As Good As Dead: Book Three - Holly Jackson
A standalone from Holly Jackson and a really gripping mystery thriller — completely different from the Pippa series but just as good. Great if you want something tense and fast paced.
Five Survive - Holly Jackson
A solid mystery thriller that kept me engaged throughout. A good pick if you want something plot driven and easy to get through.
Liar Liar - M.J. Arlidge
Absolutely gripping psychological fiction with a plot twist I genuinely did not see coming. One of the best reads I've had in a long time — if you love psychological thrillers this is a must.
The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides
Fantasy & Historical Fiction
One of my absolute favourites — the mix of fantasy and historical fiction is so unique and the writing is stunning. A rich, thought provoking read that I couldn't put down. Five stars without hesitation.
Babel - R F Kuang
I fell completely in love with every single character in this book — the world building is incredible and the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. Had to get the second book immediately after finishing.
Six of Crows: Book 1 - Leigh Bardugo
The sequel to Six of Crows and just as brilliant — the action and story progression in this one is incredible. A perfect follow up that delivers on every level.
Crooked Kingdom: Book Two - Leigh Bardugo
I didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I did — a beautifully written historical war story that genuinely pulls on your heartstrings. One of those books that stays with you long after you finish it.
The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller
Not my usual kind of read but the fantasy world and the dynamic between the main characters completely won me over. A fun and engaging read that surprised me.
Powerless - Lauren Roberts
Psychological Fiction
A little heavy going at times but absolutely worth it — a dark and atmospheric psychological fiction that gets under your skin. Not a light read but a rewarding one.
The Secret History - Dona Tartt
A genuinely unsettling psychological thriller that left me thinking about it long after I finished. The ending especially — I didn't know what to make of it in the best possible way.
Verity - Colleen Hoover
A really gripping psychological thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. The story unravels in a way that keeps you completely hooked — I couldn't put it down. A great read if you love mysteries with a dark psychological edge.
Then She Was Gone - Lisa Jewell
Contemporary & Literary Fiction
Another one I didn't expect to love as much as I did — I got completely sucked into the characters' lives and couldn't stop reading. A really unique and absorbing story.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow - Zevin
A very unusual romance novel and I think that's exactly why I liked it — I'm not normally a romance reader but this felt completely different. Saw people recommending it and gave it a go and I'm really glad I did.
Norwegian Wood - Haruki Murakami
Heard so many good things and finally tried it — a raw and honest story that goes well beyond just being a romance. Felt very real and had a lot more depth than I expected.