I know, it’s 2024 and I already have a bunch of new favourite books to rave about but I didn’t want to miss the chance to talk about my best books of 2022.
I’m a big reader. As in 100+ books a year. And I credit this to a couple of things:
1) Having a Kindle which means I have a book with me at all times. I do not leave the house without taking my Kindle. Yes, I will be tiddly on the night bus at 2am reading a book.
2) Living in a country with public transport. Every commute is an opportunity to read! I definitely definitely read more living in London compared to when we lived in Cape Town and needed to drive everywhere. Even my 20 minute commute to work means a few more chapters of a good book.
3) Setting a reading challenge target on Good Reads. It’s my type A personality and I absolutely cannot help it.
I read across most genres – but with a strong fiction preference. I am going to roughly bucket these recommendations in the hope that it helps you work out your preferences but some could fall into multiple categories.
1. Great books that are a little more serious
The Rose Code by Kate Quinn
This is one of my favourite books and I recommend it often. The book follows the story of three women who were involved in Bletchley Park, the home of the Allied code breaking effort during WW2. It’s brilliant and interesting and heart breaking.
The Husbands by Chandler Baker
I don’t know how to explain this book without giving away a key plot twist but it is probably one of the best explanations of the mental load and commentary on modern day parenting. It’s poignant and whilst entertaining the more important part of the book is the challenges it tries to unpack. This possibly isn’t tempting you to read this book but I honestly think it should be required reading for all about to be parents / parents of young children.
Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
This was a book club pick based on a true story that none of us had ever heard of before – the 1945 sinking of a German cruise liner in the Baltic Sea by a Soviet submarine – the single greatest tragedy in maritime history (as in worse than the Titanic). The story follows four characters and it sucks you in quickly – both hoping for a happy ending and furiously angry at the villains.
2. Sweet stories / romance
Swear on this Life by Renee Carlino
An aspiring writer starts reading a new debut bestselling book only to find out that the story is based on her childhood. I loved it – beautiful and complicated.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I raced through this book which is told in a series of interviews with all the main characters. It’s exciting and entertaining and I loved every minute of it. The story is inspired by Fleetwood Mac and it’s absolutely magical. When I finished the book I immediately started googling the story, the music and whether it was all real. At the time I read it, the music was only real on the pages of the book but now there is a TV series which has brought all the music and story to life. Both are fantastic but I would recommend reading the book first.
3. Who done it / mystery / thriller
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
I absolutely love this whole series and everyone who I talk to who has read these books loves them too. Jono’s a big fan too. Four octogenarians start a club to solve cold cases until suddenly a real murder lands on their doorstep and they decide they’re the ones to solve it! It’s hilarious and fantastic and is the ultimate comfort read. You cannot help but fall in love with all the characters.
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
Six friends reunite ten years later at their college reunion and their stories begin to unravel of the unresolved murder of their friend from ten years ago. Dark and twisted and scandalous.
The Club by Ellery Lloyd
The launch of the latest exclusive club (loosely based on Soho House) starts with a murder. We then go back in time to unravel the blackmail and drama to find out who murdered whom.
Behind Closed Doors by B A Paris
This book is sick and twisted and CREEPY. Oh my goodness. This is the story of the perfect couple until you look behind the closed door. My goodness! Read it for a serious psychological thriller.
4. Absolute fluff
Mr Wrong Number by Lynn Painter.
Proper romance. Fun and silly and light. It would make a fantastic movie too. And yeah, it’s plenty spicy.
The Dreamland Billionaires series by Lauren Asher
I read books one and two in 2022 – The Fine Print and Terms and Conditions. They were both top tier fluff and greatly entertaining. I read book three in 2023 and it wasn’t nearly as good sadly.
Monsters and Muses series by Sav R Miller
This is dark and twisted and spicy. You’re WELCOME. But please read the trigger warnings to make sure it’s the series for you.
5. Fantasy
My lord 2022 was clearly a huge year for fantasy. I didn’t realise I had read so many fantasy series I enjoyed last year. I was so surprised I reworked through my 2023 list and it seems I read plenty of fantasy in 2023 too but most of them were alright but not worth recommending.
The Divine Between series by Jess Wisecup
Man, I have loved these books so far. I read both book one and two in 2022 and I am patiently waiting for book three. Most fantasy series follow two young hot protagonists but this story follows Emmeline, a mother of a kidnapped teenage daughter, and her journey to get her back. Absolutely loved it.
These Twisted Bonds by Lexi Ryan
This is book two in the These Hollow Vows series. If you’re looking for a next read after The Court of Thorns and Roses this series will help fill the gap.
Glow by Raven Kennedy
2022 brought me book four in the The Plated Prisoner series. I flipping love this series. This is a reimagining of the King Midas stories and is addictive. AND my favourite book boyfriend to date.
Kingdom of the Wicked series by Kerri Maniscalco
I read books two and three of this series in 2022. Witchcraft and demons and princes of hell. Yip. Here. For. It.
Deliciously Dark Fairytales by KF Breene
I read all four of these books in quick succession on a sun lounger in Mexico. This series is complete and is a fantastic binge holiday read. It’s a dark retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I am possibly due a reread very soon.
Serpent and Dove series, books 1-3 by Shelby Mahurin
A witch in hiding, a witch hunter, a forced marriage and a war between witches and the church. Fast paced and highly entertaining.
The Remnant Chronicles, books 1-3 by Mary E Pearson
Another highly entertaining complete fantasy trilogy of an escaped princess, a jilted prince and an assassin. And yes, a love triangle, obviously.
Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas.
I read Sarah J Maas’s Court of Thorn and Roses series in 2021 and absolutely loved it. In 2022 I read all seven of the Throne of Glass books and absolutely loved them. These books are binge-worthy and an epic tale.
Six of Crows series books 1 and 2 by Leigh Bardugo
I don’t love all of Leigh Bardugos books but these two are great. The story follows six outcasts on an impossible heist.
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