2014 was a year where I primarily focused on reading crime and psychological thrillers, although I did fit in a few other books. My best book of 2014 is one of the ‘other books’, sneaking in at the end of December.
1. The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
This book was enthralling from start to finish. I’m not a lover of historical fiction set in Europe but this story was so engaging that I really couldn’t put it down. It reminded me a lot of Hannah Kent’s Burial Rights and Eowyn Ivy’s Snow Child in the way the story was told. I would highly recommend this book.
2. I am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
This novel blew me away from start to finish. It’s a long story but I read it feverishly in days. There’s so much tension and so many twists that it rushes along, taking the reader from one location to another and presenting a scenario that is horrific to most of us. A recommended crime read.
3. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
I know, I know, this was published in 2013 but i read it in January 2014 and still haven’t forgotten it. In particular, the location for this book are spellbinding in the way they are written and the characterization is outstanding.
4. Broken Dolls by James Carol
I read this crime book in almost one sitting. The concept is unique and the background story just enough to keep you wondering whilst the action goes on in the foreground. Very frightening and a must read for crime fans.
5. Us by David Nicholls
I really liked this book, in particular Douglas as he struggles with mid-life and all it entails. I like everything David Nichols has written and this was no disappointment. The only reason it didn’t make my top three was that I’m exhausted by the ‘trip across xxx’ in contemporary fiction after Harold Fry and was slightly put off by this in Us.
There were many more book that I could have included, but these books stood out to me and remained in my mind long after reading the last page.
I’m currently working my way through the 2014 Booker shortlist, so here’s to 2015 and another round of fantastic books to read.
Happy New Reading Year!