A Year of Incredible Reads + Reviews

As the final chapters of 2024 come to a close (seriously, how?!), I’m taking a hot minute to look back on a year of some incredible reads, thrilling characters, exciting new authors (I’m looking at you, Freida McFadden!) – and some pretty hectic plot twists. From can’t-get-enough stories that have kept me up until way past bedtime, to gorgeous tales that have tugged on my heartstrings – each of these books has left its mark in some way, big or small.

A Community of Bookworms – From Perth + Beyond!

The freedom to indulge in reading binges and lose myself in worlds of worlds are luxuries I never take for granted. My 2024 Shelf Care Instagram highlight continued to flourish this year, as much as the last (you can find my 2023 Shelf Care highlight here, in case you missed it!) – bringing with it some wholesome conversations and flourishing friendships with other likeminded readers who, like me, can’t help but share a new favourite thriller or debate over a plot twist that Just. Won’t. Let. Us. Go. This space continues to be a little haven for connecting with other bookworms around the world – and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store.

My Top 15 Reads of 2024

So, without further ado, here are my Top 15 Reads of 2024 (because, ten just wasn’t enough!) – these are the books that captured my attention and didn’t let go…

Psst… if you’re chasing more in-depth reviews, you find them all on my Shelf Care 2024 blog.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A book that feels like a warm hug, with a profound, life-affirming narrative about choices, regrets and possibilities. Haig’s lyrical prose and inspiring themes see the beauty in every ‘what if.’ Unforgettable.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
The book that kick-started my obsession with Freida! Thrilling and twisty, it keeps you hooked from start to finish with immersive storytelling that delivers a satisfying, edge-of-your-seat experience.

The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A heartbreaking tale of love, loss and resilience – seamlessly blending past and present timelines. The emotional twists and WWII romance make for an unforgettable, emotionally-charged read.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A gorgeous lyrical exploration of love, loss and identity, intertwining narratives from both the past and present. Profound and evocative, this poignant story lingers long after the final page. Absolutely beautiful.

RODHAM by Curtis Sittenfeld ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
What could have been… A bold alternative history imagining Hillary Clinton’s life without Bill. Sittenfeld skilfully blends fact and fiction in this thought-provoking exploration of ambition and independence.

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A compelling psychological thriller filled with twists, suspense and complex characters. Her unique storytelling keeps you questioning everything… until the very end! Jewell at her absolute best.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A beautifully nuanced and emotionally charged exploration of flawed characters, love and self-discovery. Mellors delves into mental health and addiction with brutal honesty and lyrical prose.

The Inmate by Freida McFadden ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A dark, gripping and deliciously suspenseful thriller with unexpected twists and flawed characters. The shocking epilogue will haunt you long after you finish reading… It’s a goodie.

Anatomy: A Love Storyby Dana Schwartz ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A gothic tale set in 1817 Edinburgh, blending romance, academia and historical detail. Hazel’s journey to become a surgeon defies societal norms in a gripping, gory and authentically researched narrative.

The Other Bridget by Rachael Johns ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A heartwarming rom-com brimming with humour, loss and relatable charm. Packed with Perth references and literary nods, this book is an indulgent treat for readers craving feel-good storytelling.

Good Material by Dolly Alderton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ 
Quintessentially British with a raw, relatable and cringeworthy exploration of modern relationships and personal growth. Alderton’s humour, wit and insight are on point and the dual perspective adds refreshing layers to the story.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A haunting, complex narrative delving into the manipulation and abuse between a teacher and his student. Beautifully written yet incredibly challenging and disturbing – it’s a powerful exploration of vulnerability and resilience.

The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A wickedly witty and fast-paced thriller that hooks you with its clever twists and dark, British humour. A perfect balance of suspense, empathy and sharp writing – an addictive, entertaining read.

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
A feel-good, laugh-out-loud escape with relatable humour and heartfelt moments. Kinsella reminds readers to embrace self-care and find the joy in everyday life, when it all gets a little… too much.

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 
Heartfelt and honest, Hoover doesn’t shy away from tough topics, dealing with personal strength and the complexities of love with sensitivity and candour. A poignant read – and now a blockbuster movie!

~~~

These books weren’t just stories – they were experiences I carried with me for weeks, sometimes months after. From thrillers, to romance, to alternative history (say, what?!) – they sucked me in, challenged my comfort zone and sometimes gave me a much-needed giggle.

My new 2025 Shelf Care Instagram highlight is set up and ready to launch 1 January 2025 for another year of adventure, laughter, and maybe even a few surprise gems along the way. If there’s a book you loved this year, let me know! I’m always looking for recommendations to add to my ever-growing TBR list.

Here’s to another year filled with page-turners, plot twists and memorable characters. Happy reading! 🐛