The 20 Best Books of 2018
I can’t believe how quickly this year went by and with so many fantastic reads it was hard to narrow our choices down to just 20.
Jackie and I read over 240 books this year and had a great time reminiscing about our favorites of the year. We read across genres and years but wanted to specifically call attention to new releases.
With so many new books coming out every year, it is often hard to find really great books that will resonate for years after. We have done all the hard work so you don’t have to. We read our way through many new releases to bring you only the best of the best.
So, enjoy our list of the 20 best books of 2018, and let us know if any of them made your to-read list!
*The best books of 2018 post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
The Best Books of 2018: Mysteries & Thrillers
The Wife Between Us
Author:Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Everything that you think you know in this book is just an assumption. You can assume that you are wrong. I cannot say much about this book because I do not want to spoil anything but, it is such a perfect domestic thriller.
Warning: do not start it if you don’t have time to finish it. Nellie is so excited about her upcoming wedding that is just days away. She cannot shake the feeling that someone is following her. At first glance, this is a thriller about a jealous ex-wife and the woman who is replacing her.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a psychological thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat and question what you think you know! I love that the plot seemed clear and yet I could not shake the feeling I was missing something the entire time. I was definitely on the wrong track.
Why Jackie loves it
The plot seems pretty straightforward when you start reading the book but then there are hints that things are not exactly what they seem to be. I did not understand the full story until the end of this thrilling book and loved every minute.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Psychological Thriller Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018
The Favorite Sister
Author: Jessica Knoll
Year: 2018
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
You start off knowing there is a murder and then traveling back to find out what happened and why she was killed. But here is the kicker – the victim is a REALITY TV STAR. So the whole thing is like watching a behind-the-scenes look at Desperate Housewives.
It was seriously amazing guys. It’s truly the perfect beach read and a great one for our list of reality TV books.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a thriller, chick-lit, and feminist literature all in one!
Find this book in: Books About Sisters and Sisterhood / The 20 Best Books of 2018 / Faux Celebrity Fiction and Influencer Books
Plot
Anna’s parents apparently committed suicide, though she thinks it was murder. Pregnant, Anna is on the hunt for answers. Now, a year later, Anna is still looking for answers but they might put her in greater danger than she could have anticipated.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a parent
Why Jackie loves it
If you love a good twist, an excellent plot, and great writing, this is the book to read! Clare Mackintosh is a must-read author.
Find this book in: The 20 Best Books of 2018
The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle
Author: Stuart Turton
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Age Range: 15+
Plot
Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered every day at 11:00 PM. In order to escape Blackheath, Aiden Bishop must solve her murder. He will wake up every day for 8 days inhabiting a different host body. He will experience the same day until he solves the murder.Â
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best books that I have read in a really long time. It is so smart and so well written- the complexity of the plot line is mind-boggling and kept me entranced until the very last page.   Â
Find this book in: Locked Room Mystery / Books About Puzzles / Best Time Loop Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018
Best Books of 2018: YA
Love, Hate, and Other Filters
Author: Samira Ahmed
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This accurate depiction of high school crushes also focuses on Maya, an Indian-American Muslim, who faces Islamophobia in her suburban Chicago school. In the story, Maya’s budding relationship with a non-muslim classmate helps her break out of her shell and determine what kind of life she really wants, even if it goes against her strict parent’s wishes.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
The love story feels genuine and realistic for high school and the end left me with warm and fuzzies.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2018 / High School Romance Books / Best YA Romance Books /
The Beauty That Remains
Author: Ashely Woodfolk
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fiction
More info:
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Logan, Shay, and Autumn are all dealing with loss differently and Woodfolk does a wonderful job of telling their stories. The stories seem so genuine- not neglecting the role of friends, parents, and siblings when dealing with loss.
Despite being about a difficult topic, this book is so readable and relatable. Teens, young adults, and adults alike will be able to read this book and relate.
Trigger Warnings
Loss of a loved one
Why Jackie loves it
What a fantastic debut novel! Ashley Woodfolk is an author to look for in the future. Each teen in this story is learning how to cope with life in the aftermath of intolerable loss. Woodfolk tells each of their stories with such emotion and understanding and integrates them seamlessly.
Find this book in: Novels About Music, Bands, and Musicians / The 20 Best Books of 2018
Best Books of 2018: Contemporary Fiction
My Sister, the Serial Killer
Author: Oyinkan Braithwaite
Year: 2018
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Despite the title, this book is more literary fiction than anything else. Korede has to hide the secret that her gorgeous sister, Ayoola, is a serial dater who murders her many boyfriends.
When Ayoola sets her sights on the only man Korede fancies, Korede has to decide where her loyalties lie. More about the emotional bonds of sisters, the murder is just an undercurrent of the story forcing emotions to the surface of this book.
Why Kirsten loves it
Easily one of the most unique books I’ve ever read. This debut was fabulous. It’s not a mystery/thriller so much as a look at the mind of a serial killer.
Find this book in: African Novels / Books About Sisters / Fiction Serial Killer Books / The 20 Best Books of 2018
Us Against You
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: Beartown Book 2 of 3
#1 New York Times bestselling author
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Backman does it again with this book. He writes about characters that are so real in a story that is so compelling that you cannot help but keep turning the page. This story picks up exactly where Beartown left off so reading Beartown first is a must.
I thought that Beartown ended well and it wasn’t until I started reading this book that I realized the story wasn’t nearly finished. Maya, Ana, Amat, Bobo, Peter, and Benji are all back with their stories.
Trigger Warnings
Homophobia, bullying, car accident
Why Jackie loves it
Backman’s writing is unmatched. This beautifully written book is highly emotional. I love the characters and was not ready to let them go.
Why Kirsten loves it
This book ripped my heart out like only Backman can do. I loved this book and recommend it to anyone who loves a sports book.
Find this book in: Books About Sports / The 20 Best Books of 2018
The Best Books of 2018: Historical Fiction
Plot
Ernt Allbright has come home from the Vietnam War traumatized and as his mental state deteriorates, his wife, Cora, and daughter, Leni, must learn to navigate the Alaskan wilderness on their own. It has elements of survivalists, anarchy, and mistrust for the world, but is tempered with young love, community, and hope.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic abuse, Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This isolation book is so haunting. I could not get it out of my head. Kristin Hannah is an amazing writer with wonderful characters. Her stories feel realistic almost to a fault. They are heartbreaking and heartwarming and utterly unforgettable. I did not think that I would like a book about Alaska but, I could not put it down.
Why Jackie loves it
Another Kristin Hannah story, another NYT best seller – and for good reason! I liked this coming-of-age story set in the Alaskan wilderness. The setting is truly its own character, bringing an element of desperation to that story that wouldn’t exist in another locale.
Find this book in: Books set in the 1970s / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Isolation Books / Winter Books / Family Drama / Best Books of 2018 / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Books Set in the 80s
The Lost Vintage
Author: Anne Mah
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Kate is working to become a certified wine expert and the only thing standing in her way are the Burgundy wines at her family’s estate (and her first love who lives nearby).
While dealing out the basement filled with generations of belongings, Kate starts to learn about her family during the WWII occupation. Of all the WWII books, this is the one we recommend the most and we have never had anyone not love it.
Why Kirsten loves it
This mystery book feels like a warm hug. A little bit of historical fiction, a little bit of mystery, and a little bit of romance. It was so lovely to read at sunset with a glass of wine.
Why Jackie loves it
This book has a little bit of everything and kept me turning the pages non-stop. I completely agree with Kirsten when she says this book feels like a warm hug. I loved every bit of it and was sad when it ended.
Find this book in: Fiction Books About Wine / Feel-Good Books
Where the Crawdads Sing Deluxe Edition
Author: Dehlia Owens
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: September 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins when a body is found in a North Carolina marsh and is identified as Chase Andrews. The story moves between the past and the present to tell the story of Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, who is a suspect in the murder.
Kya Clark, The Marsh Girl, is abandoned first by her mother, then by her siblings, and eventually by her father at a very young age. She is forced to fend for herself in the marshes, away from society.
With the help of two beloved friends, she learns to care for herself but not without experiencing cruelty and violence. Then, she finds herself faced with murder charges and is forced to confront her secrets and past that have shaped her into the woman that she has become.
Trigger Warnings
Abandonment, Domestic and child abuse, assault
Why Jackie loves it
I admit that when I saw the description of this coming-of-age book, I was not sold. A trusted individual, who has never steered me wrong in the past, gave me an advanced copy so, I took the leap. And wow, am I glad I did. I read this book and then recommended it to everyone I knew. It is a story about love, nature, and perseverance.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a novel that is so much more than the sum of its parts. It is part mystery and part historical fiction that shows the importance of human connections.
Find this book in: Books About Poverty and Its Impact / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Books Like Where the Crawdads Sing / Book Club for Where the Crawdads Sing/ Books with Food in the Title / Books That Will Emotionally Wreck You
Next Year in Havana
Author: Chanel Cleeton
Year: 2018
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: July 2018 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
The Cuba Saga #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I picked up Next Year in Havana after Reese Witherspoon recommended it in July – I wasn’t disappointed! This historical fiction tale is about a young Cuban American woman, Marisol, who visits Cuba for the first time.
She’s arrived to spread her grandmother’s ashes but what Marisol thought would be a simple quest turns her world upside down as she uncovers secrets from her grandmother’s past.
Why Kirsten loves it
Cuba becomes a character in this novel and it’s truly spectacular. I was so sad when my time with Perez Family ended, but I’m delighted that Chanel Cleeton decided to return to the family.
Find this book in: Best Books of 2018 / Best Beach Reads Ever / Chanel Cleeton Books / Best Beach Reads
The Best Books of 2018: Fantasy
Circe
Author: Madeline Miller
Year: 2018
Genre: Mythology
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Circe, the nymph, is a footnote in mythology and gets overshadowed in The Odyssey. She does not possess power like the other goddesses but she does have witchcraft. Zeus has banished her to a deserted island where she meets many characters from mythology, and in particular, the book The Odyssey”. It was fascinating to see this goddess get her moment in the sun. I can’t believe I knew so little about her before this story.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
The Odyssey is one of my all-time favorite books and I think I read Du’Laires Book of Greek Myths more than any other book when I was in middle school. I ADORED Circe because it has all my favorite things about Greek mythology but for adults!
Why Jackie loves it
I am not a huge mythology buff like Kirsten is so I loved this book without ever reading the Odyssey. I will pause so you can gasp. It is true, I have never read the Odyssey and loved this book for Miller’s fantastic storytelling ability.
Find this book in: Greek Mythology / Books Set at the Beach / Classic Book Retellings / Best Books 2018 / Adult Fantasy Novels / Mythology Books
The Cruel Prince
Author: Holly Black
Year: 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
More info: The Folk of Air #1
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
When Jude was seven years old, her parents were murdered and she was taken to live in the high court of the Faeries with her two sisters. Now, ten years later, Jude is living as a human among faeries and trying to find her place in Court. She must survive life as a human in Faerie.
But as civil war threatens, Jude will need to risk her life to save herself, her sisters, and Faerie.
If you are looking for books like A Court of Thorns and Roses, this pick is tamer but addictive as well. This series should be on your radar for books that are more appropriate for the younger YA audience as well.
Why Jackie loves it
This book is filled with angst, treachery, and drama that makes it completely addicting. I ordered the sequel the minute that I was done with this book, which is the first in a trilogy.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Romance / Fae Books/ Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / YA Fantasy Series / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Enemies-to-lovers books
Spinning Silver
Author: Naomi Novik
Year: 2018
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Nebula and Hugo Award Finalist
Spice Rating:đź’‹
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Miryem’s family are moneylenders but her family is in poverty because her father does not collect his debts. In an effort to save her family, Miryem begins collecting the debts herself and soon a rumor begins that she can turn silver into gold. Soon, these rumors spread to the king of Staryk, and Miryem’s life changes forever when he comes to see if the rumors are true.
Why Jackie loves it
I adored this YA fantasy book by Novik. I loved the strong female characters, the story, and the writing. This book is a classic retelling of Rumplestiltskin that is complex and wonderful and the ending had me in tears.
Find this book in: YA Fantasy Books / The Best Winter Books / Fairy Tale Retellings / Books with Colors in the Title
Legendary by Stephanie Garber
I read this early and let me tell you- It is amazing. It was on our list of upcoming adult releases for the summer but, if you loved Caraval, you must read this book!
I am not sure how it is possible but, it is better than the last one. It started full steam ahead and did not stop. This story is told from Tella’s point of view and begins immediately after Caraval ends. I loved it and can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
The Best Books of 2018: Non-Fiction
Plot
This coming-of-age book had me thinking about it for DAYS. I mean truly, DAYS. This story shows the impact a lack of education can have on generations. Tara tells her life story about growing up with her survivalist family, having little contact with the outside world.
Tara’s journey was inspiring, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking all in one. This nonfiction book about cults had great insight into more extremist religions and survivalists.
Trigger Warnings
Child abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I don’t usually read memoirs but I heard great things about this book. I loved it so much- it made my list of favorites for the year. It is an amazing story that reads like a novel rather than nonfiction.
Find this book in: Books about Cults / Books about Poverty / Coming-of-age Books for Adults / Best Nonfiction Books / Best Books of 2018 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read
Expert Tip in Choosing a Book
There are so many books published every year that choosing your next book can be daunting. Here are a few tips to help you pick a book you will love:
- Check out my list of the Best Books of 2018. Jackie and I read all these books. You can read about the plot and why we loved it.
- Have a look at the books in this post by genre. You can go to your favorite genre and be assured that these are the best books of the year. Any book in this category is a best bet.
- Are you a “Jackie” or a “Kirsten”? Pick a book that is in a different genre than you normally read. Not sure about your reading preferences? Check out books that we both loved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book of 2018?
There were so many amazing books this year but, Jackie and I agree that the historical fiction novels were the big winners this year. The Great Alone, Where the Crawdads Sing, Next Year in Havanna, and The Lost Vintage were all published this year. These books withstand the test of time and 5 years later are all still “best of” books.
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Epilogue
How many of the best books of 2018 have you read?
