Hello everyone,
We find ourselves at the end of another year which seems to have passed in the blink of an eye. I truly do not know where the time has gone, but it has all happened and here I am, with the best books I have read during those elusive 12 months.
I have read fewer books in 2023 than I set out to do, mainly because I have less time than I used to and as life goes on, I become more easily side-tracked. Luckily, a lot of those books have been very good ones and many were originally on my to read list to begin with, so I have made progress in that sense.
My top 10 covers a vast range of different genres, and I love how it demonstrates the diversity of my reading, with a plethora of narrative voices and modes of storytelling.
Here we are then, the defining list post of every year on this blog: My top 10 books of 2023, in no particular order.
The Whistling by Rebecca Netley
This contains everything you would want in a spooky Gothic novel. With a compelling mystery and two main characters who you can instantly build a connection with, as well as an eerily haunted setting, I found absolutely nothing to dislike about this one. The writing was beautiful too, so it was an easy five stars!
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This book represents a stunning example of character growth and development, while telling a powerful, embracing story. Fast paced and with an incredible attention to detail, it is absorbing to read and in the end, a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Definitely one of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s best.
The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar
I loved this book. It was just so sweet yet also really powerful. The writing was fun and engaging and I found the romance adorable, but even more wonderful was the sibling relationship between Nishat and her sister Priti. The whole thing just brought lots of smiles to my face.
Hope To Die by Cara Hunter
This was the sixth book in the thrilling DI Adam Fawley series, and quite possibly the best one so far. It was full of twists, and a plot which not only keeps you guessing but has you on the edge of your seat. The use of multimedia is as good as ever and it introduces one of the most complex characters I have read in a long time. It was gripping!
Blackberry & Wild Rose by Sonia Velton
This book exceeded my expectations in the best possible way. The split narratives in each chapter immediately set it apart and I was quickly immersed by the story, with its two main characters who shared such a fascinating dynamic. It was a joy to read, and the subject matter of silk embroidery was very interesting too.
King Of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
For me, this is my No. 1 book of the year. It had been a while since I last visited the Grishaverse, but my goodness, I loved every page of this and was utterly consumed by every thread of a thrilling plot. All of the characters were such fun to follow and I experienced the story every step of the way with them, with stunning world building alongside it.
And of course, the twists! Some moments had me gasping, but nothing prepares you for an ending that was quite simply jaw-dropping.
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
This one may have received mixed reviews, but I was completely bewitched by it. The pace may be relatively slow, but the plot and the characters are quietly compelling and this only intensifies the further you go, with some delightfully sinister twists and sharply intelligent writing. It was one of those rare books that had me holding my breath more with each turn of the page.
The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman
Without a doubt the best Thursday Murder Club book to date. The mystery is great and it is full of the usual light-hearted moments that make the series so special, but here it is made extra special – and emotional – by the direction the story takes for the characters, and this is beautifully realised. Very close to perfect.
Foul Lady Fortune by Chloe Gong
We cannot have a top 10 books of the year post without one from Chloe Gong and her Secret Shanghai. I was intrigued at the possibilities this spin-off presented, and it had everything from a thrilling if leisurely paced plot, intensity, brilliant ideas and concepts, and a setting that is brought so vividly to life. I loved Rosalind as a protagonist, too.
Heart Of The Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
I may not have loved this one quite as much as Daughter Of The Moon Goddess, but it was still magnificent. You can hardly ask for more beautiful writing than that of Sue Lynn Tan’s, and every moment spent in this world is just one to cherish. After an emotional and intense journey with main character Xingyin which included a love triangle, the ending felt extremely fitting and was perfectly told.
Honourable Mentions
Let’s Chat
Have you read any of the books in my top 10? If so, what did you think? Let me know in the comments!
Happy reading 🙂
Stephen Reads Books 