My Favorite Books in 2024
Welcome back to the blog! I'm so happy you are here today. I will be sharing my absolute favorite books that I've read in 2024! All the books listed I have given 4-5 star reviews on. Let me know if you have read any that are the list and share your thoughts with me. Feel free to leave book recommendations in the comment section as well. Thanks!
Title
Glitter Bomb
Author
Laura Childs
Synopsis
Scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand is excited for Mardi Gras in New Orleans to officially commence with the marching band of the Pluvius Parade. What could be better than a week full of beignets, beads, and hopefully some quality time with her boyfriend Detective Edgar Babcock? Not even spotting her ex- husband Shamus, and his krewe heading up the parade on their gigantic King Neptune float can burst Carmela's bubble.
But the revelry suddenly turns to disaster when Shamus's float crashes and explodes, shocking spectators and marchers alike. When the smoke clears, the CEO of a local hedge fund, Hughes Wilder, is found dead, and the wreck seems less like an accident and more like a murder. Shamus begs Carmela to investigate after his bad investment in Wilder's fund comes out, marking him as a key suspect.
With Shamus's name on the line and the remaining French Quarter festivities threatened, Carmela needs to track down a killer with an explosive temper before the case blows up in her face….
Title
Skeleton Letters
Author
Laura Childs
Synopsis
The last thing Carmela Bertrand and her friend Ava expected to bear witness to in St. Tristan's Church was a crime. But now a beloved member of their scrapbooking circle is lying lifeless next to a smashed statue of St. Sebastian and a mysterious hooded figure has absconded with an antique silver and gold crucifix. With the church open to the public and a popular tourist attraction , it looks like the police don't have a prayer of finding the killer.
But if anyone can get to the bottom of the crime, it's Carmela's main squeeze, Detective Edgar Babcock - with a little assistance from some scrappy sleuths. As Carmela and Ava are drawn deeper into the New Orleans French Quarter in search of the missing crucifix, they may need the help of more than a few patron saints. Because this is one killer they don't want to cross.
Title
Gossamer Ghost
Author
Laura Childs
Synopsis
An evening's work deciding on the class schedule for her scrapbooking shop has put Carmela in the mood to kick up her heels, But after some strange noises draw her into Oddities, the neighboring antiques shop, Carmela's night is abruptly put on hold when a bloody body falls out of a curio cabinet and into her arms.
While shop owner Marcus Joubert was known for being an eccentric with a penchant for eclectic merchandise, Carmela never thought he was the kind of man who could inspire the passion required to kill. But when Marcus's assistant and fiancee- Mavis reveals that a priceless death mask was also stolen, it becomes clear that murder wasn't the culprit's sole intention.
Carmela can't resist the urge to investigate the growing mystery, but as the list of suspects increases, she realizes it'll take every trick in the book to unmask the killer thief before there's another night of murdierous mischief.
Title
Murder in Highbury
Author
Vanessa Kelly
Genre
Historical fiction
Synopsis
Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma ( based on the Jane Austen character) has grown unusually content with her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father's health…
But the cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps and the ornate necklace she often wore was stripped from her neck.
As a chilling murder mystery unfolds and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn't simply who committed the crime, but who wasn't secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman's demise. When suspicion suddenly falls on a harmless local, Emma decides to discreetly investigate. Armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections, she will protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.
Read full review Here
Title
In the Lonely Hours
Author
Shannon Morgan
Genre
Horror, Paranormal, Fiction
Synopsis
On a small island in a remote corner of northwest Scotland lies Maundrell Castle, owned by its wealthy namesake family for centuries ~ until now. Edwina Nunn is shocked to learn a relative she never heard of has bequeathed the castle and its land to her. What awaits Edie and her teenage daughter, Neve, is even more startling, for the castle is home to a multitude of ghosts.
Yet there's a strange beauty in the austere architecture and the eerie, bloody waters of Loch na Scathanna, the Lake of Shadows. Beguiled by a frightened ghost who gazes longingly out of the castle's windows, Edie and Neve are drawn to the legends shrouding the island and the mystery of the Maundrell Red- a priceless diamond that disappeared decades before.
Is the gem really cursed, and the cause of the family tragedies that have all occurred on Samhain - Scottish Halloween? As Samhain approaches once more, Edie and Neve race to peel back the dark secrets entwining the living and the dead - a twisted story of bitter cruelty and hidden love - or they will become another Maundrell tragedy trapped in the lonely hours
Read full review Here
Title
I Need You To Read This
Author
Jessa Maxwell
Genre
Mystery, Fiction
Synopsis
Like thousands before her, Alex Marks escaped to New York City for a fresh start. Now she spends her mornings at the bluebird diner reading the paper over coffee with the regulars, and her days working as a copywriter. Mostly, she keeps to herself, not venturing far outside of her small bubble. But when her childhood hero- Francis Keen, the country's premiere advice columnist - is murdered, Alex's meticulously guarded world cracks. Francis authored the famous advice column Dear Constance, and her words guided Alex through some of her darkest times. When the New York Herald posts an advertisement searching for Francis's replacement, Alex impulsively applies, never expecting to actually get the job. Alex quickly proves herself skilled solving other people's problems, but as soon as she settles in, she begins receiving strange letters. As Alex is drawn into the details surrounding her predecessor's murder,her own dark secrets surface and push her into a deadly game that takes her far from the power centers of Manhattan to Francis Keen's summer house, where her body was found and where the killer may just be waiting.
Read full review Here
Title
Don't Let the Devil Ride
Author
Ace Atkins
Genre
Thriller
Synopsis
Addison McKellar isn't clueless - she knows she and her husband Dean don't have the perfect marriage - but she's still shocked when he completely vanishes from her life. At first Addison is annoyed, but as days stretch into a week and she's repeatedly stonewalled by Dean's friends and associates, her frustration turns into genuine alarm. When even the police seem dismissive of her concerns, Addison turns to an old friend of her father's, legendary Memphis PI Porter Hayes.
Porter and Addison begin to dig deeper into Dean's affairs and quickly discover that he was never the hardworking business owner and family man he pretended to be. As they piece together the connections between a hook- handed mercenary, one of Elvis's former leading ladies, and a man posing as an FBI agent, it becomes clear that Dean was deeply enmeshed in a high- stakes web of international intrigue, and Porter and Addison aren't the only ones looking for him. Dean angered some very dangerous people before he disappeared - people who have already killed to get what they want - and they won't hesitate to come after his family to even the score.
Read full review Here
Title
Murder Uncorked
Author
Maddie Day
Genre
Cozy Mystery
Synopsis
As the manager of Vino y Vida Wine Bar in Colinas, Cece Barton's first Alexander Valley harvest is a whirlwind of activity.
Her twin sister, Allie Halstead, who owns a nearby Victorian bed and breakfast, is accustomed to the hustle and bustle of peak tourist season. But Cece barely has a moment to enjoy her new home in between worrying about her estranged college - age daughter, juggling her responsibilities at the bar, and navigating the sticky politics of the local wine association
.
Just when it seems things can't grow any more intense, Colinas is rocked by a murder within the wine community.. and Cece is identified as a possible suspect! With her reputation and her livelihood on the line - and the Sonoma County deputy sheriff breathing down her neck - Cece has no choice but to open up her own murder investigation.
Tensions are already high in the valley, as a massive wildfire creeps toward Colinas, threatening homes, vineyards, and the vital tourist trade. And now, with a murderer on the loose, and Cece's sleuthing exposing the valley's bitterest old rivalries and secret new alliances, Colinas feels ready to pop! But with Allie's help, Cece is determined to catch the killer and clear her name before everything she's worked so hard for goes up in flames.
Read full review Here
Title
The Unraveling
Author
Vi Keeland
Genre
Mystery, Thriller
Synopsis
This isn't a love story.
It's a story about obsession.
You'll assume you know who the object of the obsession is.
The psychiatrist concealing the twisted connection she has to her patient.
But more than one person hides a secret.
To what lengths will desire and grief drive a person?
Stop guessing. Let the mystery unravel.
Read full review Here
Title
Dear Dotty
Author
Jaclyn Westlake
Synopsis
What's a twenty something gal to do when her parents announce a divorce after thirty years of marriage, she finds out her best friend has cozied up to her archnemesis, and she accidentally sleeps with the wrong guy? Turn to her great- aunt for advice,of course.
Rosie Benson has always struggled to fit in with her over-accomplished family, type A roommate/ best friend, and workaholic boss. When Rosie is abruptly fired from her job at a tech startup where her boss was way too enthusiastic about synergy, the illusion that she has life figured out is shattered. Knowing she needs a push, her great aunt Dotty- a globe trotting, Martini swilling occasional nudist, and the only person Rosie has ever felt truly herself around - tried to challenge her to pursue a long buried dream.
But then Dotty dies.
And Rosie spirals.
As new details of Dotty’s past emerge through revelatory emails from her many friends, Rosie realizes that maybe her aunt's life wasn't as charmed as she thought. With her career, friendships, and family unraveling, Rosie must drown out the noise of the world telling her what she should pursue - a boyfriend, babies, boss-babe role at a corporate job and finally focus on what she actually wants.
Read full review Here
Title
The Enemy
Author
Sarah Adams
Synopsis
It's been twelve years since June Broaden has seen her high school enemy ( and secret crush), Ryan Henderson. That's a long time to hold a grudge over some petty feud, but the sharp memory of him dangling a kiss at graduation and then pulling away at the last second, has fueled many angry fantasies since. Now's her chance to get even
Ryan along with most of her high school class, is back in town for her best friend's wedding, and June is eager to show the former bully exactly what he missed out on. A lot has changed since their high school days; June is the Southern Queen of gourmet donuts now, not to mention one of the most desired bachelorettes in her small town.
What she's not expecting though is for Ryan to show up looking like Adonis and touting his own career success as the youngest chef to ever win three Michelin Stars. How dare he try to one up her revenge plot! Luckily June never backs down from a challenge….
Read full review Here
Title
The Diva Delivers on a Promise
Author
Krista Davis
Synopsis
Sophie is busy handling the first ever convention of Ghost Kitchens- restaurants that do delivery only - but she's taking a little time out for a lunch meeting organized by A Healthy Meal. The group is dedicated to providing meals for children in need, and as a bonus, it'll give Sophie the perfect opportunity to ogle the lavish Old Town home of socialite Geraldine Stansfield. Gerrie’s dining room is impeccably furnished, the table laden with gleaming crystal and prized china. If it weren't for the dead man lying on the floor, everything would be perfect…..
No one knows the victim - or at least, no one claims to. But a little snooping by Sophie reveals links to many local notables. In fact, not only was he a client of Geraldine’s late husband, an attorney - every member of the Stansfield clan knew the deceased. But only one knows what he was doing in Gerrie's house.
Gerrie's elegant abode looks spotless, but there's plenty of dirty linen in those family's closets. Now Sophie will have to get the killer to come clean before he spoils another appetite - for good…
Read full review Here
Title
Frequency
Author
Christopher Krovatin
Synopsis
Follow the music if you want to live.
Eight years ago, Fiona was just a kid. But everything changed the night the Pit Viper came to town. Sure, he rid the quiet, idyllic suburb of Hamm of its darkest problems. But Fiona witnessed something much, much worse when the town drove him away.
And now, the Pit Viper is back.
Fiona's not just a kid anymore. She can handle the darkness she sees in the Pit Viper, a DJ whose wicked tattoos, quiet anger, and hypnotic music seem to speak to every teen in town.. except her. She can handle watching as each of her friends seems to be overcome, nearly possessed by the music. She can even handle her unnerving suspicion that the DJ is hell bent on revenge.
But she's not sure she can handle falling in love with him.
Read the full review Here
Title
He Started It
Author
Samantha Downing
Synopsis
Beth, Portia,and Eddie Morgan haven't all been together in years. And for very good reasons - we'll get to those later. But when their wealthy grandfather dies and leaves a cryptic final message in his wake, the siblings and their respective partners must come together for a cross- country road trip to fulfill his final wish and - more importantly - secure their inheritance.
But time with your family can be tough. It is for everyone.
It's even harder when you're all keeping secrets and trying to forget a memory, a missing person, an act of revenge, the man in the black truck who won't stop following your car - and especially when at least one of you is a killer and there's a body in the trunk. Just to name a few reasons.
But money is a powerful motivator. It is for everyone.
Read the full review Here
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