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Books I Read in 2024
44
items I'm an avid reader, and I love to keep track of the books that I read so I can remember what I liked about each one (and to avoid re-buying or re-checking out from the library). I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction, really just looking for a ...
Sections
4
Fiction
Nonfiction
Reader Resources
Just For Fun
Fiction
Mystery books are my go-to reading choice. There's nothing like sinking into a good whodunnit. But I also like the occasional sci-fi or psychological thriller.
This super fun novella starring the amateur sleuth Jaine Austen was a quick, enjoyable, great holiday read.
The Dangers of Candy Canes
Not my favorite Agatha Christie (it was originally a play that she wrote that was adapted to novel form), but if you're a major Christie fan like me, it's still worth a read.
The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie
A great, twisty mystery in a unique and haunting setting.
The Fury a book by Alex Michaelides
Hallett is one of my favorite authors and no one writes an unseen plot twist like her. This mystery had multiple layers to unpack. A great read.
The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels a book by Janice Hallett
This was one of the most unique books I read this year. It was a murder mystery, but it dove deep into ethics all within a dystopian sci-fi plot.
The Last Murder at the End of the World a book by Stuart Turton
With great characters and humor, this closed door mystery is fun and twisty.
The Author's Guide to Murder a book by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, and Karen White
The tight, tense prose in this Nordic noir had me hooked from page one.
Death at the Sanatorium: A Mystery a book by Ragnar Jónasson
An older Crichton novel that I hadn't read before, this speculative sci-fi had me feeling claustrophobic (in a good way) and on the edge of my seat the whole time I was reading it.
Sphere a book by Michael Crichton
I can't wait to watch the film adaptation of this tense mystery set in the cloistered gathering of Cardinals as they elect a new Pope. I learned a lot, and there were so many twists I didn't see coming.
Conclave a book by Robert Harris
Tense and atmospheric, I love a good moody Lucy Foley thriller set in a lush estate. This was a good one.
The Midnight Feast a book by Lucy Foley
This was a re-read of the new Poirot series, written by Sophie Hannah and endorsed by the Agatha Christie estate. If you like unreliable narrators, this is a good choice.
The Killings at Kingfisher Hill: The New Hercule Poirot Mystery a book by Sophie Hannah
I always love to re-read a few Agatha Christie books each year. This is one of my favorites and one of the most atmospheric settings she wrote.
Five Little Pigs: A Hercule Poirot Mystery: The Official Authorized Edition a book by Agatha Christie
Another re-read for me, Marple is a short story anthology of authors reimagining Miss Marple's mysteries.
Marple: Twelve New Mysteries | Paperback
My current read. I loved The Andromeda Strain, and this sequel, written 50 years after the first, has the same tense technothriller vibe.
The Andromeda Evolution a book by Michael Crichton and Daniel H. Wilson
Nonfiction
While I predominantly read fiction, I also love a good historical true crime or gripping memoir. I also love reading about history and connecting it to our current world. And the occasional self-help.
Great book about using strategic thinking to fix current problems and solve future ones before they even develop.
Upstream: The Quest to Solve Problems Before They Happen a book by Dan Heath
A fascinating look at the poisons used in Agatha Christie novels.
A is for Arsenic: Agatha Christie's Poisons
Another great nonfiction deep-dive into the real-world forensics behind Agatha Christie murder mysteries.
The Science of Murder: The Forensics of Agatha Christie a book by Carla Valentine
This delightful little book about the Swedish art of being mindful and deeply savoring the moment was a quick and easy read but has stuck with me.
Njuta: Enjoy, Delight In: The Swedish Art of Savoring the Moment a book by Niki Brantmark
If you like historical true crime, this was a fascinating read.
The Wicked Boy: An Infamous Murder in Victorian London a book by Kate Summerscale
I can't recommend this memoir highly enough. It had me thinking deeply, crying, and wanting to scream. But ultimately, cheering for the author. Levings is a wonderful writer and really draws you into her story.
A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy a book by Tia Levings
Definitely one of the heavier books I read this year, this biography of the man who broke out of Auschwitz to warn the world of the Holocaust is ultimately hope-filled. And its message still rings true today.
The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World a book by Jonathan Freedland
Demcracy or Else is a short, conversational book with lots of concrete ideas about why (and the importance) of getting involved in protecting and preserving our democracy here in the U.S.
Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps a book by Josh Halloway, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, et al.
I didn't know much about this story going in, but it was a fascinating glimpse into the way old Hollywood worked and the impact that the studio system had on its stars and their lives.
A Murder in Hollywood: The Untold Story of Tinseltown's Most Shocking Crime a book by Casey Sherman
Reader Resources
All you really need to read is time and a book, but there are several things that have made my reading time more enjoyable.
I love to support my local library! And I love listening to audiobooks and downloading e-books through the Libby app. Yes, I have to be patient on the waiting list, but it's a great way to read a lot of books on a budget if you're a bibliophile like ...
Download the Libby App: ebooks & audiobooks FREE from your library
Buying books through bookshop.org is a great way to support local independent bookstores!
Bookshop: Buy books online. Support local bookstores.
You can find some great audiobook deals on Chirp, and if you don't feel like committing to a subscription, it's a good option for audiobooks.
Chirp | The Best Audiobook Deals Without A Subscription Fee
If you love listening to audiobooks, Audible is a great option. They have a ton of titles that you have access to on an unlimited basis, and then you can also choose a new book each month to keep. You can get a month's free trial to decide if you lik...
Audible - Access to a Huge Catalog of Audiobooks
I've had my Kindle Paperwhite for years now, after being one of those people who said that you could pry paper books out of my cold dead hands. Well, consider me a humbled convert. I love the way that I can carry my TBR pile around with me. I love th...
Kindle Paperwhite (8 GB) – 6.8" Display - Black
I'm an avid reader, so I joined Barnes & Noble's premium membership plan. You save 10% on books, free shipping, as well as exclusive discounts and goodies.
Barnes & Noble | NOOK eReaders
Good e-book and audiobook option!
Rakuten Kobo
If you like to read on your iPhone, Apple Books offers the best app for reading.
Apple Books
Another good e-book option
Books on Google Play
Books-A-Million is a great alternative for print books, ebooks, and more.
BAM! Books, Toys & More | Books-A-Million Online Book Store
A good reading light can make the pages you love easier on your eyes. I love this folding accordion sconce. Beautiful and functional.
Accordion Sconce
It doesn't get much more comfy and cozy than this squishy reading chair.
Ebern Designs Redenius 42" Upholstered Corduroy Armchair with Ottoman & Reviews | Wayfair
Just For Fun
Some fun reader items I found. 💞📚
A cute way to stay hydrated while you get sucked into a good read.
Just One More Chapter Book Lover Frosted Glass Tumbler, Reader Gift Iced Coffee Glass, Bookish Gifts Iced Coffee Cup, Romance Reader Gifts
Everybody wins when they play this TBR reading card game!
From Your Shelf TBR Cards | To Be Read | What To Read Next | Card Deck | TBR Game | Book Gift | Bookish Gifts | Reader Present | TBR Jar
Nothing says, “return my dang book!” in a nicer, prettier way than a personalized book embosser.
TOP SELLER - From the Library of Book Embosser Custom Personalized From the Library of Book Belongs to Ex Libris Book Lover Gift 1 5/8"
If you've ever stayed up waaaay too late past your bedtime reading, this “Bookmarks Are For Quitters” shirts is for you.
Book Lover Shirt for Women - Bookmarks Are For Quitters Funny T Shirt Gift for Bookworm - Retro Librarian Tshirt Gift for Birthday, Book tee, Cute Book Lovers Gift
If you're looking for librarian gifts (or really any book lover gift), I don't know if you'll find a more perfect one than this card catalog book checkout card scarf. I'm of a certain age, but I can just *smell* the books and feel the excitement of t...
Library card scarf with day due stamps. Book Scarf. Library scarf. Literary Scarf. Bookish Gift
For all those book lovers out there like me who have a never-ending to-be-read pile. Tame that TBR with this beautiful book holder stand with built-in book page holder.
Personalized Book Holder, Mothers Day Gift From Daughter, Mothers Day Gift For Grandma, Mothers Day Gift From Kids, Mothers Day Gift Ideas
Kickin' in old school with this vintage library card tote bag. There was nothing like the “ka-chunk” sound of checking out a book at the library.
Library Card Tote Bag
I could probably keep this candle lit 24/7, and it wouldn't be wrong. Makes a great gift for any book lover friends in your life.
Book Candle, Reader Gift, Smells Like She's Reading Again, Pronoun Options, Book Club Gift, Bookworm Gift, Bookish Gifts, Book Lover Gift
This may be the cutest, most creative way I've found to commemorate the books you've read in a year. Would make a great Christmas gift for the bibliophiles in your life.
Custom Mini Book Ornament Handmade Book Club Ornament Gift for Book Lover Christmas Book Lovers Ornament Year in Books Round Ornament