I mean, it was a pretty good year for *my* books
Everything But The Truth was released in March of this year and became a bloody bestseller. I will remember that day for the rest of my life. That evening, we went out and ate fried chicken and my boyfriend said: ‘did you ever think this would happen to you?’ with the sweetest, most quizzical look on his face, as I suppose I momentarily transformed in front of him from ‘girlfriend’ to ‘bestseller’ (and back again). ‘No,’ I said. ‘I had no idea,’ which is true.
Anything You Do Say followed in October on ebook (the paperback is coming in January). It reached number 4 on iBooks, much to my surprise one bleary Monday morning.
But, anyway, on to my best reads of 2017.
Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips
A lone terrorist attack in a zoo. A mother trying to protect and conceal her (sometimes noisy) four year-old. I was so tense while reading it that my cat wouldn’t sit on me.
Together by Julie Cohen
A high concept love story told backwards. It has a twist that knocked my absolute socks off.
I spent an extremely happy summer reading Tana French’s back catalogue. This is a stunning example of stylish thriller-writing. The relationship between the lead detective and his colleague was so real, I can hardly believe the characters don’t actually exist.
You Don’t Know Me by Imran Mahmood
My book of the year, probably my book of the century. An original, voicey, totally genius take on the courtroom drama, a sympathetic look at London’s gang culture, and much, much more.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
Believe the hype about this book. I have hardly ever connected so well with a narrator and felt so keenly for them. It also has an absolute belter of a twist.
Persons Unknown by Susie Steiner
I loved Missing, Presumed very hard. I read it last Christmas, voraciously, while ignoring everybody. Never has a novel taught me quite so much – the characterisation, dialogue and free-indirect speech are just to die for.
The Marsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne
A fresh and extremely interesting take on the captive-woman thriller. Imprisoned by her father and unable to access the modern world, this is a tale of what happens after you escape – and what happens when your villainous father escapes prison, too.
Love Will Tear Us Apart by Holly Seddon
Hot take – this is out in July 2018 and is a fantastically compassionate look at a vow a couple make. To say any more would be to spoil the absolute joy this novel will bring you.
Out in March 2018, Clare Mackintosh’s third novel delivers two of her huge trademark twists, neither of which I saw coming. It’s also an extremely satisfying take on grief, love, and moving on.
The Liar’s Girl – Catherine Ryan Howard
Another March release. This is The Fall in book form, but even more compelling. Howard can really, really write.
Well I’ve read two of your list and they’ll be on my fav list as well 😊 Several others I still want to read, the new novel by Clare Mackintosh is highest on my wishlist 😄
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