So, I may not have made my goal of reading 130 books this year, but reading 70 isn’t that bad either. Here are my top ten reads of 2020!

1 – Nine Elms by Robert Bryndza

I still remember how excited I was to find out that Bryndza had released a new book series. This book gave me chills and was honestly so intriguing and twisting in ways I wasn’t expecting. (I just got the second book in the series for Christmas, so I’m excited to read that now). If you want a book that toes the line between detective crime and thriller crime, this is it.

2 – Find Her Alive by Lisa Regan

I cannot gush about Lisa Regan enough. Her Josie Quinn series has become a staple in my bookcase. I used to enjoy the Julia Quinn Regency books because they included a wide range of characters with each getting their chance for the limelight. Lisa Regan does this as well but on SUCH AN ELITE LEVEL. I also read book 9 this year which was equally as good. I’m looking forward to reading book 10 in 2021.

3 – Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter

Of all the books I’ve read this year, this was the one I told my Mum to avoid like the plague. You really have to have a strong stomach and mind to be able to read this book and not be negatively effected by it. However, it is an excellent book with a razor sharp plot and well worth a read if you’re into dark thrillers.

4 – The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

This book was a standout. I read it and loved it. Both my parents read it and loved it. Everyone I know who has read it has enjoyed it. It is a book that makes you think, not only about Nora, the main character but about your own life and your own decisions.

5 – The Strings of Murder by Oscar de Muriel

I have, over the course of the year, read all 5 books in the series. I haven’t read the 6th one because I’m waiting for it to come out in paperback. This was a stellar book though, I enjoyed the mix of murder and supernatural, all set against the backdrop of Scotland. If you’re looking for an interesting out of the box crime detective series, this one’s for you!

6 – The Defence by Steve Cavanagh

This series by Steve Canvanagh was one of the series I definitely wanted to read in 2020 (I only managed to read 2/6) but I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I really enjoyed this book because it was so different from anything else I’d read and truly kept me gripped to the edge of my seat.

7 – Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow by E. K. Johnston

Believe it or not, before this book, I didn’t realise there was a universe of Star Wars books out there! A friend recommended this to me and WOW. I didn’t realise I would enjoy it so much (it has a sequel which came out this year, but I haven’t read it yet). It tells the tale of Padme during her journey from Queen to Politics and it is really worth a read.

8 – Six Wicked Reasons by Jo Spain

I love Jo Spain. (Actually, a lot of the books on this list are from some of my favourite authors). This book was very interesting because the characters were so individual and painted such a vivid picture of what they thought had happened versus what had happened. It was all wrapped up in secrets and lies and the reveal was done well (even if I guessed it).

9 – Dear Child by Romy Hausmann

This was an impulse buy from amazon. It popped up in my recommendations and I just went for it. This book is incredible and it’s so chilling and creepy. It is definitely firmly in the ‘thriller’ category but it’s such an amazing book and well worth a read.

10 – Wonderscape by Jennifer Bell

The only children’s book on my list this year but for good reason. This book, I mean, I don’t know how Bell managed to blend so many aspects into one plot line. It was exciting to read because the concept is something I think many people, old and young, would like to believe was a reality. It was wonderfully written and has some beautiful characters. I’m tightly crossing my fingers that there will be a sequel to this!

Do you agree with this list? Have you read any of them or want to read any of them? Let me know, I’d love to discuss.