The Best Books of 2024
Looking for the best books of 2024. We’ve got our favorite 5-star books of the year….and let me tell you how hard it was to come up with this list.
Here’s why. From January 1 on, Jackie and I compile our 5-star books for our best books of 2024 list. But the list is constantly evolving! For this reason, this year, for the first time, you can check out a list of our favorites of the year by genre. For example, you can find the Best New Historical Fiction Books of 2024 here!
For this list of the best books of 2024, we like to distill each genre category down to the best 2 books, but since we read a combined total of more than 300 books a year, the competition gets tougher as the year goes on. Sometimes we find this task impossible and will include up to 4 books in any genre
We are so curious to know if our picks for the best books of 2024 match up with yours! Let us know in the comments.
*Best Books of 2024 post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you.
Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024: 5-Star Books
The Goddess of Warsaw
Author: Lisa Barr
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The story opens in 2005 with legendary actress Lena Browning, telling her dark, daring past to an actress who wants to star in and direct a biopic about Lena. It then flashes forward to Lena’s time in the Warsaw Ghetto.
There, Bina Blonski as she was known at the time, narrates a story of persistence and sacrifice within the Ghetto walls. Torn between two brothers and with a survival instinct, Bina uses her Arayan looks and skills as an actress to work for the resistance.
Eventually, the story returns to 2005 and post-war Hollywood where we learn how Bina became Lena and how Lena has always continued the fight against those who seek her annihilation.
Trigger Warnings
War, death
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the best story I’ve ever read about the Holocaust because it depicts Jewish people, particularly women, as fierce fighters determined to prove their right to exist. I was inspired and awed by both the writing and the characters.
I laughed, cried, screamed in frustration, and was on the edge of my seat throughout. The tension was so high at times I found myself fidgeting, walking around, and wringing my hands. I’ll be recommending this book for years to come. It’s an absolute must-read. #Gifted
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this story takes place in multiple time periods. Lena is a great character and I loved reading her story. I called Kirsten yelling and needing to know the ending- which she would not spoil for me. At the end of the book, I was yelling with joy.
Find this book in: Books about the Holocaust / World War II Books / Best Historical Fiction Books of 2024 /Ultimate List of Best Historical Fiction Books/ Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Old Hollywood Books / Hollywood Novels
The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Year: 2024
Genre: Historical Fiction
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller, #1 bestseller on USA Today, Washington Post, and Los Angeles Times
Narrated by Audie Award Winner Julia Whelan
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:18+
Plot
In this emotional historical fiction, Hannah has transported readers to the frontlines of the Vietnam War. After Frankie makes a rash decision to enlist as a war nurse to make her family proud, she finds herself completely unprepared for what awaits her in Vietnam.
Hannah gives us a searing tale of life as a nurse during and after the war, as Frankie learns how to nurse, bonds with her fellow medical staff, and even falls in love during wartime.
The book’s second half explores what it was like to return home to a country divided over whether the war should even be fought. It was shocking to see how people treated returning vets, and how they refused to acknowledge that women were in ‘nam.
Hannah’s portrayal of PTSD had me gasping and feeling deeply for the characters within the story – particularly Frankie. This fast-paced story had my heart thumping throughout. It did get quite heavy at times and I had to have a lighter book on hand for breaks. Once again, Hannah has delivered a five-star book. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Trigger Warnings
War, PTSD, Alcohol Abuse, grief
Why Jackie loves it
The ending had me in tears of happiness, though tears of frustration, anger, and sadness also flowed at various times while I read this book. Even though the book deals with complex family issues and alcoholism, Hannah wrote these into the story seamlessly. It did not feel contrived to add drama to the plotlines.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love historical fiction and Kirstin Hannah never fails to deliver that. This book felt like her most powerful novel yet. I had an emotional investment in the characters and called Jackie numerous times while I was reading begging her to tell me the ending.
Find this book in: Books That Make You Cry / The Women Book Club Questions / Best Historical Fiction 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024
Best Romance Books of 2024
Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Year: 2024
Genre: Romance
More info: April 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The premise of this story is rather straightforward and sweet – Justin and Emma discover they both have a “curse” where people immediately find their soul mate AFTER dating them. To find their own happily ever afters, they decide to date each other and then break up.
Sounds fun and light, right? But it’s so much more! Each of them is going through some very serious family drama which adds intimacy and drama immediately to their relationship. Their relationships with the secondary characters also made my heart soar. The representations of friendship, family bonds, and found family really tugged at my heart.
Trigger Warnings
Depression
Why Kirsten loves it
The romance!! Omg the butterflies this story gave me. Justin and Emma’s relationship may be my favorite romance ever. The way they supported each other, cared for one another, and loved each other was perfection.
Find this book in: Beach Reads 2024 / Lake Books / New Romance Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024
The Love of My Afterlife
Author: Kirsty Greenwood
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
More info: July 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Delphie has just died and is in her pj’s in the afterlife when she meets the man of her dreams. Her hilarious afterlife therapist, Merit, is obsessed with all things romance so she gives her the chance to return to her life with the caveat that she has ten days to find this mysterious man and get him to kiss her.
That would be easy except for the fact that she does not know his last name and cannot seem to find him anywhere. Even worse, her therapist seems to be hindering her progress rather than helping. Delphie reluctantly asks her grumpy downstairs neighbor to help her. Soon, Delphie is making friends, loving life, and regretting shutting everyone out her whole life.
Why Jackie loves it
Delphie reminds me of a more loveable Eleanor Oliphant. Thanks to the love-obsessed afterlife therapist, this book is one part love triangle mixed with a little bit of forced proximity, and a whole lot of laugh-out-loud rom-com!
Find this book in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant / Romantic Comedy Books / Best Romance Books of 2024 / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
A Novel Love Story
Author: Ashley Poston
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Eileen Merriweather loves a great HEA storyline and her life can use some romances with a guaranteed Happily Ever After. Her fiance broke up with her a week before the wedding and left her to pick up all the pieces. She still has not recovered completely. To make matters worse, all her friends from her romance book club cannot make it to their annual retreat this year.
Eileen decides to go on her own, but her car breaks down and she finds herself inside her favorite fictional town of Eloraton. She has no idea how it happened, but she is inside a fictional town that is in limbo. They are stuck between the author’s previous book and the unfinished last story. When she meets the grumpy bookstore owner, she thinks that he must be part of the last story and she unknowingly starts changing things in the town.
Why Jackie loves it
Ashely Poston’s books are so original and this one was no exception. I love the idea of a romance story within a story. The book is magical without seeming impossible. It was delightful and difficult to put down #gifted
Find this book in: Grumpy Sunshine Romance / Best Beach Reads / Best Romance Books of 2024 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books of 2024
Best Contemporary Fiction Books of 2024
Plot
In Mercury, PA the Joseph brothers and their roofing business are known to all. When a body is found in the attic of the local church when the roof needs repair, a mystery is unleashed, and a family saga unfolds.
A decade prior, Marley West came into town with her mother and fell in love with the Joseph brothers. She dated one, married one, and helped raise another. She becomes a defactor mother figure to the whole family.
As the mystery of who is in the attic unravels, the story bounces back and forth in time while revealing the secrets and hidden motivations of Marley and the Joseph family.
Trigger Warnings
Miscarriage
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a character analysis more than a mystery, a slow-burn of a story more than a high-stakes thriller. I was utterly enthralled. I think it’s the first contender of the year for the best books of 2024 list.
Find this book in: Family Sagas / Best Fiction of 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / The Best Books of 2024
Plot
This family saga is told in multiple timelines about multiple mothers. It opens with Lila’s funeral in the present and her daughter, Grace’s reaction to it. But from there it flashes back to Lila’s childhood focusing on how her own mother was committed to an asylum in 196o by her father.
Against all odds, Lila rose to the top of her field prioritizing her job over her children, ignoring that Grace desperately missed her while she was off at White House correspondent dinners. She resented her so much, that she wrote a bestselling book based on Lila. Now Grace’s guilt over her actions in the years and the strain of her relationship has her looking back and pondering if you can ever know yourself without knowing the women who shaped you.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
From the nonlinear narrative to the deep dive into the intergenerational cycle of abuse and abandonment, this story had a lot of elements that just clicked for me. I was swept into the hunt for Zelda, weaving my fantasies about what had become of her.
I felt like Grace and Lila were deeply flawed in a wonderfully complex way that had me cringing and cheering them on in equal measure. I also adored Ruth, Clara, and Joe and the growth of each of the characters throughout this novel. I’ll be thinking about it for years to come. #gifted by PRH Audio
Find this book in: Family Saga Books / Summary of Like Mother, Like Mother / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Best Books for Book Club
Joe Nuthin’s Guide to Life
Author: Helen Fisher
Year: 2024
Genre: Feel Good Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Joe-Nathan is neurodivergent and lives his life being a good friend, following the rules, and following the advice his mother writes for him in notebooks. He goes to work and slowly learns how to make friends and accept friendship in return. He also learns that he can do the hardest things with the help of good friends.
Trigger Warnings
Physical abuse
Why Jackie loves it
I loved Joe Nathan and his view of life. His character grew so much and I loved taking the journey with him. My heart ached and burst simultaneously in this wonderful book. #gifted
Find this book in: Feel-Good Books / August 2024 Book Releases / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / The Best Books of 2024
Best Books of 2024 About Aging
Mrs. Quinn’s Rise to Fame
Author: Olivia Ford
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 14+
Plot
At 72, Jenny has decided to secretly enter a reality tv show, Britain Bakes (AKA The Great British Baking Show.) To her utter shock, she’s selected as a contestant! As she diligently works to prepare her bakes each week, she struggles to keep the secret of being on the show to her friends and neighbors. But that’s not all she’s struggling with.
Each chapter is named after a recipe and sprinkled throughout the modern-day narrative are flashbacks to her youth – including a secret she’s kept from her husband for more than 50 years.
Why Kirsten loves it
This story was delightfully charming. I loved the behind-scenes look at a baking show, I drooled over the many delectable bakes, and I was utterly obsessed with Jenny’s journey on the show and in her personal life. This story felt like a warm hug. It has heartwarming lessons wrapped up in funny and poignant moments.
Find this book in: Giftable Books / Best Fiction Books of 2024 / The Best Books of 2024
Sylvia’s Second Act
Author: Hillary Yablon
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are looking for an absolutely hysterical novel, this is for you! After walking into the Florida retirement home she hates and seeing her husband in a compromising position with their neighbor, Sylvia decides it’s time to start her life over in New York City.
Armed only with the money she has from pawning her watch, she gets herself a geriatric roommate and relaunches her career as a wedding planner. The scenarios she gets herself into are filled with heart, humor, and wisdom to create a novel unlike any other.
Trigger Warnings
Reference to drug-related death, Financial instability, Cheating
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve never met a character quite like Sylvia. She’s vivacious and fun in a way that most 66-year-olds are not depicted in literature. I was rooting for her success during the entire book. I’m hoping that scene in the epilogue means a sequel is in the works.
Why Jackie loves it
I could not stop laughing at the antics in this book. But, it was also a book with strong character development and was deeply emotional in some parts. All together, this book is the perfect mix of emotions and plot.
Find this book in: Best Fiction Books of 2024 / Books like A Man Called Ove / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
How to Age Disgracefully
Author: Clare Pooley
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info: Best Selling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Like Clare Pooley’s previous books, this one has a multi-generational cast of characters that make it utterly delightful and laugh-out-loud funny.
Lydia has a new job running the Senior Citizen’s Social Club and the members are unlike anything she expected. Art is an out-of-work actor, William is a former paparazzi, and Daphne is a 70-year-old who lives alone and talks to her plants. And that is only half of the lively crew. When the City council tries to sell the community center building, the Social Club members enlist the help of the daycare, a teenager, and a dog to save the building.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book in a day. I laughed, I cried, and I applauded. This book made me feel so good. The multi-generational cast of characters makes this book appealing to anyone who loves a great second-chance fiction book. It is about finding yourself and your inner strength (with a side of revenge). And one of our favorite characters from a previous book makes a brief appearance!
Find this book in: Feel Good Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2024 / Best New 2024 Fiction / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
Best Literary Fiction Books of 2024
Plot
Rocky and her family have gone to a rental in Cape Cod for 20 years. This year, the vacation feels different. Rocky’s kids are almost fully grown, but not quite, her parents are getting older faster than she would like and she is experiencing all the joys of menopause.
As they spend the week together, Rocky sees things differently than she has in the past. She has secrets that she no longer wants to keep.
Trigger Warnings
Abortion
Why Jackie loves it
This 236-page book is an absolute must-read. I related to Rocky’s mood swings and inner monologue so much I was screaming with laughter. The way she simultaneously loved her husband and felt the urge to slap him was all too familiar (sorry honey). I also loved the relationship that she had with her kids. This book is perfect for any woman who is in the sandwich generation and trying to find her place as a mother and daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
I savored this book and it ended too soon for me. Newman’s portrayal of being a mother, a wife, and a daughter were spot on. I laughed out loud and even cried a little too with this 5-star book.
Find this book in: Books with Food in the Title / Best Family Drama Books / New June 2024 Book Releases / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
Margo’s Got Money Troubles: A Novel
Author: Rufi Thorpe
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Margo Millet has always had to take care of herself and enrolled in community college as her way out. Her mother was a Hooter waitress who had an affair with her ex-pro wrestler father. Despite having a distant relationship with him, he was not there as an everyday figure in her life. When Margo has an affair with her married professor and becomes pregnant with his child, she decides to keep the baby even with everyone telling her that she is going to ruin her life.
Now, she has a baby, no job, and needs to pay her rent. When her father, Jinx, shows up on her doorstep and needs someone to help him stay sober, she agrees to let him stay in exchange for babysitting and rent. Margo also decides to start an OnlyFans and use her father’s expertise in show business to help
Trigger Warnings
Drug Use, Addiction
Why Jackie loves it
I have never read anything like this before. I laughed out loud at times while reading the book. Initially, I was not sure that I was going to like it. Thorpe has a way of taking upsetting and serious topics and themes and weaving them seamlessly into the story. I love how Margo grows from the beginning of the story to the end. I love her relationship development with her father and the fact that they both come to respect each other despite and because of their flaws.
Adaptation Information
Apple TV+ announced an upcoming TV series adaptation of this book starring Elle Fanning, Nicole Kidman, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
Find this book in: Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / Books Set in College / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Books Becoming TV Series / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
All the Colors of the Dark
Author: Chris Whitaker
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Fiction/ Mystery
More info: July 2024 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins in 1975 when Patch, a local boy, saves the daughter of a wealthy family from abduction. He is taken by the serial killer and presumed dead by everyone except his best friend, Saint. She spends almost a year following the clues to find him.
Patch spends the rest of his life searching for Grace, the girl who kept him company while he was a captive unsure if she is real or a figment of his imagination to keep him sane while alone in the dark. And Saint dedicated her life to finding people. Nobody’s life will ever be the same.
This book is much more than a mystery. It is the story of a life and all those that are connected to that life. What happens to those who survive and can we ever move on from tragedy?
Trigger Warnings
Abduction, Murder, Abuse
Why Jackie loves it
This book is a long one and there were some parts in the middle that I felt were a little too long. However, I absolutely loved this book. Whitaker weaves a story like nobody else. The characters are complex, flawed, and relatable on many levels. The writing is beautiful and the story comes together seamlessly.
Find this book in: Giftable Books / The July 2024 Celebrity Book Club Spoilers / Best New Fiction Books of 2024 / The Best Books of 2024
The God of the Woods
Author: Liz Moore
Year: 2024
Genre: Literary Historical Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller
New York Times Notable Book of 2024
People Magazine’s #1 Book of the Year
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Early one morning in August 1975, a camp counselor discovers that Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the camper owners, has gone missing. Fourteen years earlier, her brother also went missing, and he was never found.
As the story flashes between the investigation into Barbara’s disappearance and the events leading up to Bear’s, detectives, family members, campers, and staff members’ lives are unfolded in a way that makes the mystery one of many threads woven into a masterful tale.
Liz Moore captured my attention from the very beginning and kept me engaged throughout as each secret and discovery unfolded into further mysteries.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, Domestic Abuse
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve not read many literary mysteries, but I can say that I like this subgenre of literary fiction. The mystery of what happened to Barbara and Bear was a fascinating central point, but I was so invested in each character’s story that I sometimes forgot what crime was being solved. I can see this not being for everyone though — there are lots of characters and sub-plots buried within. It’s no cozy mystery but that’s exactly why I think it’s one of my favorites of the year.
Why Jackie loves it
I will admit that it took me a little longer than usual to get into this book. As Kirsten mentioned, there are a lot of characters and subplots so it took longer to get into the heart of the story. You need to persist with the slower beginning of the book. Once you are 75 pages in, you won’t be able to put it down. The plot development is so well done as the stories from the past and present come together.
Find this book in: Giftable Books / Books about Camp / The Best Books of 2024
Best Fantasy Books of 2024
A Song to Drown Rivers
Author: Ann Liang
Year: October 1, 2024
Genre: Mythology
More info: October 2024 GMA Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Xishi lives in the village of Yue with her parents still mourning the loss of her beloved younger sister at the hands of the Wu warriors. Fanli is a military advisor to the king who recognizes that Xishi’s beauty can be used as a weapon to help infiltrate the enemy palace of Wu. She agrees so she can help the kingdom and avenge her sister’s murder.
He trains her in everything from dancing and etiquette to the art of seduction and sends her to the king. Her goal is to infiltrate the court and make the king fall in love with her. Once inside the palace, the king is drawn to her, and she rises through the court. But one mistake can bring the whole kingdom crashing down. She must strategize and navigate enemy territory without drawing any suspicion, or her punishment will be torture and then death.
This book is Inspired by the legend of Xishi, one of the famous Four Beauties of Ancient China which is why it is included in the fantasy category. Those looking for magic and world-building will not find it in this book, but it remains a 5-star read and one of the best new fantasy books of the year.
Trigger Warnings
War, Death
Why Jackie loves it
I absolutely loved this book and could not put it down. The story is beautifully written. The plot pulled me in from the first page and was non-stop throughout the book. My heart felt the pain of Xishi’s loss and the anxiety of living a second life “undercover”. This story is heartwrenching and beautiful at the same time #gifted
Find this book in: Good Morning America Book Club List/ Most Anticipated October 2024 Book Releases / October 2024 Celebrity Book Club Spoilers / Mythology Books / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Best Books of 2024
When the Moon Hatched
Author: Sarah A. Parker
Year: 2024
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Moonfall Series, 1
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Raeve is an assassin for the rebellion. She shows no mercy and leaves no witnesses until one night when she lets a mysterious stranger live. When The Guild of Nobles’ prisons Raeve, she expects death but instead finds herself carried away by Kaan Vaegor’s dragon.
Kaan is a King mourning the loss of the love of his life when he finds Raeve in the prison cell. She cannot help but feel the connection between them but cannot understand why.
This is the first book in the Moonfall Series and I cannot wait to see what happens.
Trigger Warnings
Sexual Content, Graphic Violence
Why Jackie loves it
I was immediately sucked into this world of Fae and dragons. The storytelling is fantastic, and the characters are unique and surprising. I loved how strong Raeve is and yet, her character is also vulnerable. I cannot wait for the next book. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2024.
Find this book in: Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing/ Dragon Books for Adults / Best New Fantasy Books and Sci-Fi Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / Best Books of 2024
Best Thriller Books of 2024
The Last One at the Wedding
Author: Jason Rekulak
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Are you looking for an epic mystery-thriller that will keep you invested until the last page? Jason Rekulak’s newest novel DELIVERED.
Frank has not spoken to his daughter, Maggie, in three years and is shocked when she calls to invite him to her wedding. When he arrives at the private estate where the wedding will take place with his sister and her foster child, Frank discovers Maggie is marrying billionaire heir, Aiden Gardner.
The family is not friendly, Maggie has no time for him, and Frank gets suspicious when he realizes that Aiden is suspected of having something to do with a missing woman. When a fellow wedding guest winds up dead, Frank goes on the hunt to figure out what secrets are being kept from him in a bid to save his daughter.
Why Kirsten loves it
Frank is an everyman way over his head with the antics of the 1%. While he strives to help his daughter in a bid to repair their relationship, he is met with a myriad of scenarios he can’t wrap his head around as he is thwarted at every turn. His outsider looking in perspective was an exceptional narrative tool and as he uncovered each secret, I was every bit as shocked as he was. At the 70% mark my mind literally looked like this – 🤯. I DEVOURED it and you will too.
Find this book in: Wedding Novels / Best New Thrillers of 2024/ Best Psychological Thriller Books / Giftable Books / Best Books of 2024
Listen for the Lie
Author: Amy Tintera
Year: 2024
Genre: Thriller
More info: March 2024 Good Morning America Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
2024 is the year of the thriller and this one doesn’t disappoint! Lucy is returning to her hometown for the first time since she was accused, but never charged, with murdering her best friend Savvy 5 years ago.
She has no memories of the night Savvy died, but she needs answers for herself. So she decides to team up with true crime podcaster, Ben Owens, to discover the truth – even if she’s implicated in the process.
Ben is real-time podcasting the whole investigation and his interviews are interspersed between chapters, revealing new insights each time.
Trigger Warnings
Domestic Abuse, murder
Why Jackie loves it
This is one mystery/thriller that is even better in audiobook format! The background noises and interviews bring the podcast to life. #gifted by Macmillan Audio
Why Kirsten loves it
I felt like I was in the story investigating it myself. I can’t emphasis enough that this one is best consumed by listening. Like Jackie noted, the audiobook adds elements not available in print. I will say I couldn’t figure out the ending on this one and was completely surprised by who committed the murder!
Find this book in: Best Audiobooks / Best Beach Reads 2024 / New Mystery Books of 2024 /Epistolary Novels / Nonlinear Narrative Novels /Best Books of 2024
Best Mystery Books of 2024
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.
It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024 / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
We Solve Murders
Author: Richard Osman
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of Thursday Murder Club series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Steve Wheeler is retired and prefers spending time close to home where he finds comfort in his routines. His daughter-in-law, Amy, is working private security on a remote Island for a famous author, Rosie D’Antonio. When bodies start turning up, it is clear that Amy is being framed for murder. She doesn’t know who or why but she has to turn to the only person she trusts to help keep her safe and outwit a serial killer.
Now, Steve, Amy, and Rosie are on a worldwide hunt to catch a killer before the killer catches them.
Trigger Warnings
murder, drugs
Why Jackie loves it
Rosie D’Antonio is an outrageous, over-the-top author who had me laughing-out-loud. I loved seeing all of the characters thrown out of their comfort zone in this new book which is the first in a series. The plot is fast-moving and sharp. I had no idea who dun it, so to speak, and loved every minute #gifted.
Find this book in: Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
Plot
Jo Piazza has written the PERFECT summer novel, striking a delicious balance between being relaxing enough to enjoy on the beach but thought-provoking enough to discuss with your book club.
I was swept into the story of Sara and her quest to learn about her unexpected inheritance and the possible murder of her great-grandmother, Serafina. To solve the mystery and claim her inheritance, she must travel to the Italian countryside – giving her a break from her recently closed restaurant and her failed marriage.
The dual-timeline narrative focuses on Sara’s quest and Serafina’s life as a woman coming into her own in the 1900s. The stakes are high for both women as they balance staying true to their dreams in the face of society’s oppression of women, especially when it turns dangerous.
Why Kirsten loves it
I could go on and on about this one. The vivid imagery that Jo paints with her writing had me picturing the town, tasting the food, and smelling the Sicilian soil. I SWEAR, at one point I touched my chin to see if the oil from the meal she was writing about was dripping down my face.
It’s a multi-genre, multigenerational masterpiece of a beach read. #gifted by Dutton Books
Why Jackie loves it
I could not put this book down. The characters and the plot compelled me to keep reading, the descriptions of the people and the places made me feel like I was actually there. The fact that some of this is based in a true story is just a cherry on top of this sundae!
Find this book in: Beach Read 2024 / Books Set in Italy / Family Drama / Best Historical Fiction of 2024 / Best Mystery Books 2024 / Best Books for Book Clubs to Read / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024
Expert Tip
How do Jackie and I choose our best books of 2024? There are a number of criteria that we talk about when choosing the best books of the year. This includes
- The plot: is this something new or a great plot that we have seen before?
- The writing: is this a book in which the writing is powerful, smart, and clearly above par?
- The characters: are the characters rich, multifaceted, and original or are they fun and predictable?
- Genre: The genre determines what the criteria are for a best book. I do not expect the same unique plot development from a romance novel as a historical fiction novel, for example. That is not to say one is worse! There are different expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best books of 2024?
It was very hard to come up with just 5 favorite books of 2024 but we narrowed it down to the following in no particular order:
1. Scilician inheritance by Jo Piazza
2. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
3. Sandwich by Catherine Newman
4. God of the Woods by Liz Moore (This is the second time she has made our “best of” list)
5. Silvia’s Second Act by Hillary Yablon
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Epilogue:
How many of our picks for the best books to read in 2024 have you read?
