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What I Read in December 2025
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items December was a surprisingly stellar reading month. A blend of reflective literary fiction, clever and comforting mysteries, a short seasonal interlude, and a practical wellness read, these books offered depth without heaviness and escape without empt...
Sections
4
Literary Fiction with Depth & Reflection
Cozy Mysteries & Clever Detectives
Short Reads & Seasonal Stories
Wellness, Learning & Life Optimization
Literary Fiction with Depth & Reflection
Thoughtful novels that linger quietly, asking questions about memory, identity, love, and the lives we build often without realizing it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A compelling dual-timeline story filled with intrigue, history, and strong female characters. I loved the pacing and the premise, though everything wrapped up a bit too neatly in the end. Still, an immersive and enjoyable read that kept me t...
The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A beautifully restrained and reflective novel. At times slow, but intentionally so. This is a meditation on duty, missed opportunities, and emotional restraint that rewards patience and contemplation.
The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A stunning and deeply moving novel. I loved this book, but the ending devastated me. I was so stunned that I reread it twice, hoping I had misunderstood, because I didn’t want it to end that way. Beautiful, heartbreaking, and unforgettable...
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Cozy Mysteries & Clever Detectives
Smart, character-driven mysteries that balance intrigue with charm, wit, and a strong sense of place.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Another delightful entry in the Thursday Murder Club series. Clever, funny, and comforting without being predictable. This series continues to be a joy.
The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An enjoyable mystery with rich food and wine references that almost become characters themselves. I continue to love the atmosphere of this series and the slower, more immersive storytelling.
The Devil's Cave: A Mystery of the French Countryside by Martin Walker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A complex and layered mystery with a lot happening perhaps a bit too much at times. While I always enjoy returning to Inspector Gamache, this installment felt lighter on the familiar warmth of Three Pines and its beloved characters. Or maybe...
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
Short Reads & Seasonal Stories
Brief, festive reads perfect for December when you want something cozy without a major commitment.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A short holiday story featuring my new favorite detective, Bruno. Light, charming, and seasonal, though not as satisfying as the full-length novels. A pleasant December interlude.
Bruno and the Carol Singers: A Christmas Mystery of the French Countryside by Martin Walker
Wellness, Learning & Life Optimization
Informative reads that offer practical insights while remaining accessible and engaging.
The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It by W. Chris Winter