I read 60 books in 2024 and I’m excited to share my top ten favorites. I was really impressed with how many thought-provoking unique stories released last year. While thrillers are always my go-to genre, I was shocked how many historical fiction stories captivated me.
This list contains books that I was dying to talk to other people about because they brought up so many interesting viewpoints. Many of them are excellent choices for book clubs.
What was your favorite book of 2024? Do we have any in common?
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God of the Woods by Liz Moore
When thirteen-year-old Barbara Van Laar goes missing at her summer camp in 1975, a riveting saga unfolds connecting her disappearance with the vanishing of her older brother years before in the same woods.
I absolutely loved this slow-burn mystery! With multiple perspectives that go back in forth in time, this book is packed with fully developed and flawed characters that keep you guessing at every turn. With so many discussion points, this is a fantastic choice for book clubs.
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
I picked up this book on a whim before heading off on vacation, and it completely blew me away. After discovering her husband’s affair and enduring their painful divorce, Phoebe Stone retreats to a stunning hotel in Newport, Rhode Island. There, she forms an unexpected connection with a bride whose wedding is being hosted at the hotel. Arriving with the intention of ending her life, Phoebe instead finds herself drawn into the wedding party, leading to a beautiful and transformative new chapter. The unique storyline and compelling character development made this book an unforgettable read.
Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
During what seems like an ordinary flight, a woman starts walking the aisles, eerily predicting each passenger’s age and cause of death. No one thinks too much of the bizarre event until the woman’s predictions begin coming true. Liane Moriarty, one of my favorite authors, once again delivers a masterful tale. Her signature style of gradually unraveling unique storylines, offering tantalizing clues that piece together a larger, captivating narrative, never fails to impress.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
You can’t go wrong with an Emily Henry book, and I especially love her latest story filled with heart, humor, and witty dialogue.
Organized children’s librarian, Daphne, loves to plan ahead, but when her fiancé Peter breaks up with her for his childhood best friend Petra, she finds herself friendless, homeless, and thrown into a spontaneous new life. When she is forced to move in with Petra’s ex-boyfriend, the equally brokenhearted Miles, the two jilted lovers forge a surprising friendship. Daphne’s journey of self-discovery and new love is such a joy to read about.
I also highly recommend Emily Henry’s other books:
Book Lovers, Happy Place, Beach Read, and People We Meet on Vacation.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
When a body is pulled from the ice of a frozen river in Maine in 1789, midwife and healer, Martha Ballard is called to determine if the death was an accident or something more nefarious. The story skillfully unfolds as the victim is identified as one of the accused men in a rape trial of Martha’s friend. Martha and her diary become central to uncovering the truth and fighting for justice in a time where women have very little rights.
This compelling and empowering work of historical fiction was both fascinating and deeply moving. I was delighted to learn that it was inspired by the real-life midwife Martha Ballard and her remarkable story.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
Foster sisters Jessica, Norah, and Alicia have remained close ever since they were placed at Miss Fairchild’s house as young girls. Bonded by sisterhood and secrets, they’ve never revealed the horrors they faced growing up there. Decades later, however, they are summoned back to the town where they grew up to answer questions regarding a body that was found on the property. Sally Hepworth is such a captivating writer and I absolutely loved the way this story unfolded with its many twists and turns especially at the end.
I also recommend The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth.
This Summer Will be Different by Carley Fortune
While vacationing on Prince Edward Island, Lucy becomes smitten with local Felix until she realizes he is her best friend’s younger brother. Summer after summer Lucy tries her best to deny the attraction felt between her and Felix. This summer, however, something changes and Lucy isn’t so sure she can resist the temptation of a second chance with Felix. With the beautiful setting of Prince Edward Island, this spectacularly written romance is an excellent beach read.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah creates the most beautifully written, engrossing stories with interesting characters. Her latest book follows naïve Frankie who volunteers to be a nurse in the Vietnam War only to be faced by its many horrors and an unwelcome homecoming afterwards. I really appreciated this underrepresented female perspective of the heroic nurses and the strong friendships they formed during this controversial time.
I also highly recommend: The Nightingale and The Great Alone.
James by Percival Everett
This reimagined tale of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is told from Jim’s point of view and provides some very interesting perspective to the classic story. This book received so many accolades and hype for good reason. There is a lot to unpack and think about making it another excellent choice for book clubs.
All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
I must be honest; I initially had a hard time getting through this one. There were several moments where I was tempted to stop reading, but I’m glad I stuck with it because the story really does so skillfully come together to create one beautiful saga (I just wish it was edited a bit more).
The story spans decades beginning with a harrowing event in 1975. A young boy named Patch, who has one eye, prevents the kidnapping and likely murder of his crush, only to be abducted himself. Patch’s best friend Saint refuses to give up the hope of finding him. Despite her youth, she follows her instincts and ultimately saves Patch. However, the trauma leaves Patch consumed by an obsession to find the other girl who was imprisoned with him. The narrative follows Patch and Saint over the years as they navigate life, forever shaped by the tragedy of their childhood.
While this is marketed as a thriller, I would say it is more of a slow-burn tale with exceptional character development.
I also enjoyed several exciting thrillers this year. Below are my favorites.
