2024…. this was a year of reading to escape. I did a lot of rereading–it helps to put me to sleep at night–but still managed to read almost 70 books I’d not explored before. However, as usual, many of those books aren’t going to be out until 2025. Thank the gods for Goodreads! After sorting my read books by pub date, I found ten books, published in 2024, that I truly enjoyed.
They are:
Compass and Blade (Compass and Blade, #1) by Rachel Greenlaw
I loved everything about this fantasy romance (both aspects are subtle in this book): the sublime prose and the unexpected character arcs and plot. Greenlaw’s storytelling relies not on dragons or complicated magic but rather on Mira, her riveting heroine, and those on whom she must rely. This is the first of a trilogy and I’m psyched to see where Greenlaw takes Mira and her friends.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
These days I seem to be reading more mysteries than romances and of all of the former I read in 2024, this is my favorite. It hits the trifecta with a captivating voice, a gripping plot, and characters that linger. Spending time with Evie was an absolute delight—I found myself rooting for her at every turn. I loved it and, thus far, everyone I’ve badgered to read it has too.
The Hunter (Cal Hooper, #2) by Tana French
French’s mysteries are never just mysteries–they are, as has been famously said by others, stellar novels that happen to have crime in them. Here, she slowly unwraps the complex relationship between Cal and Trey, a bond that is tested by the return of Johnny and the depredation he brings. As these three lives become intertwined, French explores the depths of human emotion, delving into the intricacies of love, loss, vengeance, and redemption. Tana French is often called the greatest living English language mystery writer and, with her Cal Hooper series, she continues to awe.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
Hazelwood’s snarky and very sexy vampire/werewolf romance is an utter delight and has shown up on several of our Best of 2024 lists. I loved it–the worldbuilding is more than serviceable, the leads have chemistry in spades, and the writing is both smart and very amusing. Book Two can’t come out soon enough!
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This is a riveting read–it’s a dual timeline tale and are both mysteries are page turners. However, Moore is a superb writer and The God of the Woods isn’t merely a mystery. Moore has things to say about friendships, especially those that can mold or fracture its inhabitants. For those in this story, a devoted friend may be the greatest gift and a family who loves its reputation more than its members may be the biggest threat. Or not. This book is all over the critics’ bests list for a very good reason.
Devil’s Kitchen by Candice Fox
I am new to Candice Fox’s writing, but after inhaling Devil’s Kitchen, I’ll be reading more of her work. I know this sounds like hyperbole but, truly, I could NOT put this one down.
The setup is irresistible: New York City’s fire department, especially after 9/11, is known for their heroism and skill and one team, Ladder 51, is no exception. But the crew, Ben, Jakey, Engo and their leader Matt, are also a ruthless group of brilliant thieves who use their intimate knowledge of the city’s architecture and their willingness to do whatever it takes to steal millions from banks, jewelry stores, and art galleries. Their city’s trust in them as well as their very jobs have made them some of the most successful criminals on the East Coast.
Don’t start this one unless you have some time.
The Deer and the Dragon (No Other Gods, #1) by Piper CJ
Prior to reading the ridiculously entertaining The Deer and the Dragon, the last time I’d thought about the Phoenicians was in ninth grade in our study of the world’s early civilizations. Nor had I given much thought to Jainism or Ba’al and his consort Astarte. Not so Piper CJ–thank the gods. Fluent in myriad ancient religions, she also has a firm grasp on Christian theology. All are marvelously jumbled up in this novel, the first of her No Other Gods series.
I really don’t want to tell you anything about this tale–just read it before The Fox and the Falcon comes out in February!
The Moonlight Market by Joanne Harris
Harris is a storied writer and this slim novel showcases her formidable skills. Here, humans exist side by side with fairies. The fairies, due to a romance that turned sour ages ago, have split into two kingdoms, that of the Moths and the Butterflies, and are at war with one another. Tom, a man who lives a quiet, rather empty life as a photographer in London, falls, he thinks, in love with a Butterfly, the gorgeous Vanessa. As he pursues her, he becomes ensnared in the fairy world and its war. And, slowly, he realizes his connection with the fairies runs far deeper than he would have ever expected.
I loved this set up. I love fairy tales and this is an intricate one, with heroes and villains on all sides. If you love mythology and supple prose, this book’s for you.
Eleanore of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLozier
Oh how I love this book! And yes, it’s about the Black Death which first arrived in Europe in 1347, the year in which this extraordinary first novel is set. The novel begins in November of that year, on the outskirts of Avignon, where Eleanore, our fictional titular lead, is searching for medicinal herbs: comfrey for Anes’s swollen knees, fennel for the baker’s fussy baby, pennyroyal to keep the fleas at bay. Eleanore is an herbalist, a gifted one and, with the help of Europe’s greatest surgeon, she’s determined to save those she loves.
Eleanore of Avignon is superb historical fiction–if you love The Frozen River, you’ll adore this book. Its heroine and its history are compelling. It’s my favorite book of the year.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Listen for the Lie has it all: a crackling plot, snarky humor, sexy banter, characters you care for, just enough well-placed female power, all combined with a tough to parse crime. This reader–along with Lucy and Ben–didn’t figure out what happened five years ago until the novel’s last chapters. In a year where I read a bunch of really great mysteries, this one stood out. Looking for a good time? Here you go!