Hi all! 

Today I am sharing my five favourite reads of 2024! Not all of these books were published in the last twelve months, but I did read them for the first time last year. I ended up exceeding my Goodreads target of 25 novels read, with a final total of 33! Without further ado, let’s get into it. 

1.) The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

The Reformatory was absolutely my favourite read of 2024. Uncontested. It took me on a journey that felt so real (for obvious reasons), leaving me breathless after each chapter. The tension was so high, I was terrified for what might come next. I needed Robbie and Gloria to succeed in their individual missions. By the end, I was sobbing. This book is not ‘paranormal’ scary. The terror comes from the horrors of reality. It is profoundly disturbing, knowing how truly evil mankind can be. It’s a very difficult story to read. Not comprehensively, but in how confronting it can be. Don’t be fooled into thinking this type of mistreatment doesn’t occur anymore. Whilst the racism is extreme in this novel, it doesn’t change the fact that the world is still rife with it. I recommend every single person read it. 

2.) The Only One Left by Riley Sager

At this stage, I cannot imagine anything topping Riley Sager’s The Only One Left. It had it all! The moody setting, the cast of characters, the mystery – all of it had me captivated from start to finish. What really got me though, were the shocking twists. They were one after the other, hitting me right between the eyes every single time. This was a perfectly told story, with several layers to it. It’s one that deserves a re-read because once you know the truth, your entire perspective changes. I highly recommend it! 

3.) Happy Place by Emily Henry

This book ruined my entire life! In the best way. I don’t think any number of words can truly express how this story made me feel. I had such an emotional reading experience. It took me completely by surprise. Without spoiling anything, this isn’t your typical rom-com. It tackles the power of female friendships, disconnected family relationships and anxious-avoidant patterns when it comes to love. I saw so much of myself in the lead character of Harriet. It forced me to confront some difficult truths about my own behaviour and who I want to be moving forward in life. I cannot imagine any Emily Henry’s novels topping this one. It was an instant favourite for the year.

4.) We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

It has been such a long time since a book filled me with so much anxiety. I was screaming at the pages, hoping the lead character would hear and make different choices. Talk about a captivating read that hooked me from the very first page! It was terrifying beyond belief. The ending was so bleak and hopeless. I will be reading everything Marcus puts out moving forward. For a debut novel, it’s a masterpiece. 

5.) Whalefall by Daniel Kraus

Last, but certainly not least, we have Whalefall by Daniel Kraus. This one surprised me because it’s not normally a story I would gravitate towards. It was so deep (metaphorically and literally), well-researched and written. I felt every moment of tension, as though I too, was trapped inside the whale. This is a story of grief, trauma and the desire to feel whole again. I could relate to the protagonist’s toxic relationship with his late father. It is so much more than just a claustrophobic horror tale. You will learn a lot and feel inspired by the end. 

Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know your favourite reads of 2024! 

Peace & Love xoxo