Hi all!

Today I am sharing my 10 favourite reads of 2021. These were the best of the best. I’m so excited to discuss these books. I won’t dive too deeply into the plot. I’ll just outline how they made me feel. Without further ado, let’s get into it! 

1.) The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

This was the You’ll Read Too Bookclub’s pick for July 2021. Needless to say, I gave it a whopping 5/5 stars! It’s one of the best gothic horror novels I have ever read. It started off slow but by 100 pages, I was deeply invested. It was creepy, intriguing, fascinating and heartbreaking, all at the same time. I really enjoyed the way it was told in different timelines. The author did such an excellent job weaving the alternate storylines together. Not to mention that ending! I have nothing but good things to say about this book.

2.) The Haunting Of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates

If you haven’t already, check out my ranking of all Darcy Coates’ works. I placed The Haunting of Ashburn House third. I believe Darcy said in an interview it was her most popular novel. I can see why. It is your classic haunted house story, with a twist. You could not pay me enough money to stay in that mansion. I was so scared, I struggled to sleep. It’s excellent. Definitely some of her finest work. I recommend starting here, if you are interested in her stuff.

3.) Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I also ranked all of Taylor Jenkins Reid’s works. Her latest release, Malibu Rising, was perfection. It basically destroyed me. Trigger warning for those with deadbeat dads. I could really relate to the Riva children, seeing my own mother in theirs. It was so well-written. My favourite parts involved the flashbacks of young Mick and June meeting, falling in love and coming undone. There were so many beautiful and heartbreaking quotes. I almost highlighted the entire book! Malibu Rising proved that Taylor still has it. I don’t even care about surfing and yet, she made me excited about it. Magic!

4.) The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty 

This was our You’ll Read Too Bookclub pick for March 2021. I gave it 5/5 stars. I was surprised by how much I actually loved it. When I was 18, I watched the film for the first time and was completely traumatised. I was so scared, I didn’t absorb any of the story. Reading the novel forced me to focus on the actual plot, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also re-watched the film in 2021, with a much better experience. What I loved most was the investigative process into whether Regan was actually possessed or not. It was the perfect tale of hope, despair and a mother’s devotion to her child. If The Exorcist doesn’t frighten you, nothing will.

5.) The Southern Book Club’s Guide To Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

If I had to pick my absolute favourite read of 2021, it would be The Southern Book Club’s Guide To Slaying Vampires. I cannot believe it took me this long to pick up a Grady Hendrix novel. Vampire stories don’t tend to scare me, but this one got under my skin (pardon the pun). It wasn’t even that James Harris was a terrible creature. It was the way he completely took over Patricia’s life, gaslighting her for so long. Fantastic, phenomenal, amazing. If you only read one book on this list, let it be this one! 

6.) Parasite by Darcy Coates

In my ranking post, I placed Parasite fourth. This is Darcy’s take on sci-fi/horror and quite frankly, she nailed the assignment. I love how it was split into five parts, each covering a different space station, yet fighting the same evil. I would advise not getting too attached to anybody and to read it during the day. You have been warned. It’s a wild ride I could easily see being adapted to television.

7.) Hunted by Darcy Coates

In my ranking post, I placed Hunted fifth. It was so different to anything Darcy had ever written before. It’s a novel you’ll most likely devour in one sitting – so fast paced and intriguing, you won’t be able to put it down.

8.) Cursed Objects by J.W. Ocker

This is the only non-fiction novel on my list, but it was everything I wanted and more. J.W. Ocker discusses cursed objects all around the world, in the most interesting and engaging way. I learned so much. I highly recommend checking it out. It’s an easy, fun read.

9.) Heartstopper Vol. 4 by Alice Oseman

Would it be a favourites list if I didn’t include a Heartstopper novel? This one hit me hard, because it focused strongly on Charlie’s eating disorder. There is a scene where Nick breaks down, helpless to assist his boyfriend. His mother just holds him as he sobs. I bawled like a baby. It provided advice on how to support somebody struggling with anorexia or bulimia. I’m so obsessed with this series. It’s the most wholesome thing ever created. 

10.) The Box In The Woods by Maureen Johnson

Last, but certainly not least, is The Box In The Woods by Maureen Johnson. I am such a huge fan of the Truly Devious series. I loved revisiting these characters, becoming immersed in such a summery thriller. It was full of twists, turns and laugh-out-loud humour. I hope the author keeps creating stories from this world.

I hope you enjoyed my wrap-up for 2021! Let me know your favourite reads of last year. Thanks for reading! 

Peace & Love xoxo