It’s that time of year where I look back at all the awesome books I read in 2024 and I’m happy to say this has been a good reading year.
Setting A Goal For 2024
Since I started making reading goals back in 2019 I’ve been slowly increasing the number each year to encourage more reading. While that’s not necessarily a bad thing, in 2023 I realised I was turning what should be something fun and relaxing, into a chore and work. I was stressing about how many books I had read so far and ignored books with high page numbers that would take longer to read.
So for 2024 I reduced my number down to 40. Still a high enough number to encourage reading but low enough not to stress about it. A plan that worked out well in the end.
The Books I Read in 2024
For the last few years I’ve been trying to expand the types of books I read to widen my literary horizons. It was one of the best things I did as I’ve discovered so many types of books I actually enjoy that I never would have given a chance. For the first time since I’ve started these posts, I’ve almost read as many non-fiction books as fiction books.
Non-Fiction – True Crime
I’m a massive fan of horror and true crimes so of course there were a couple of true crimes on the list!
The Ultimate Serial Killer Trivia Book by Jack Rosewood
If you’re a fan of true crime and have a (probably) unhealthy obsession with serial killers like me, this is a book for you! With all kinds of ‘fun’ facts and trivia about serial killers, you’ll discover things like the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths. Or what jobs most attract serial killers or even how female killers differ from males.
Serial Killers by Jamie King
If you’re looking for a quick intro into the world’s most barbaric murderers, this is the book for you. Each section is only 2-4 pages per serial killer so it really is just a brief summary but it’s a great way to discover some new serial killers and maybe pick some that you want to read up more about.
Shallow Graves by Ray Fysh
This is a really good book for lovers of true crime who also have an interest in the science and forensic side of the investigations. Ray began working for the Met Police in the 1970s when forensic science was seen as a geek sideshow. By the 90s, Ray and his team had made huge progress in their field, contributing to the UK and becoming a world-leading innovator in forensic techniques. Ray and his team have helped in many cases, including the murder of Sarah Payne, Adam the Thames Torso, the London bombings, the Night Stalker and the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko.
Non-Fiction – Books About TV
Like a lot of people I love my TV and spend far too much time watching it. So occasionally I’ll take a break and read about TV shows or movies instead.
Coffee at Lukes by Jennifer Cruise et al
This unofficial gabfest is a great book for those who are fans of the TV Show Gilmore Girls. The quirky world of Stars Hollow and the mother-daughter relationship of Lorelai and Rory first hit our screens in 2000 and has been much loved since. A collection of essays, Coffee at Luke’s dives into what made the show popular, the relationships of the characters, the differences between classes and how the books, music and movies enjoyed by the characters shaped their identities.
The Big Bang Theory & Philosophy by Dean A. Kowalski
One for the fans of The Big Bang Theory who like philosophy. This book explores the most pressing questions about TBBT and its nerdy characters. A collection of essays discussing concepts like is it morally wrong to laugh at Sheldon? Is Will Wheaton evil? And a deconstructing look at the women of TBBT showing how they are much more than just girlfriends.
Disney & Philosophy by Richard Brian
As a girl who grew up in the 90s, I of course love Disney. I spent so much of my childhood watching my favourite Disney characters and let’s be honest, my adulthood too! Being a fan of the X and Philosophy series I couldn’t resist getting a copy of the Disney version. Although this one does have less philosophy than the others in the series I’ve read, it was still fun to read about my favourite Disney movies.
Non-Fiction – Feminism
I’m a big believer in women’s rights and that it’s a subject we shouldn’t be quiet about so I enjoy finding new books about this topic.
Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates
In this fantastic book, Laura Bates discusses the extremism that nobody is talking about. Can you imagine a world where there is a vast network of incels and other misogynists that are able to operate undetected? Where vulnerable teenage boys are groomed and radicalised and encouraged to commit extreme terrorist acts against women? Well you don’t have to imagine this world. You’re already living in it! Don’t think it’s true? That’s because we aren’t talking about it. But Laura Bates refuses to stay quiet.
The Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf
Every day, women all around the world are confronted with the dilemma of how to look. In this world where women face pressure to conform to a certain perceived physical appearance it’s no wonder it can become an obsession. In this book, Naomi Wolf gives a frank expose on the tyranny of the beauty myth.
Non-Fiction – British History
History books were something I was never interested in reading but once I did I found them fascinated and became hooked. But I seemed to focus on European history so this year I tried to read some British history from topics I found interesting.
Chocolate Wars by Deborah Cadbury
If you’ve ever been curious about how the chocolate industry evolved in the UK, then this fascinating book by Deborah Cadbury is for you. While the book does focus largely on Cadbury, we also see the changes that were being made in the other big UK confectionery companies and how these companies succeeded or failed with each new decision. Plus there are also mentions of changes happening across Europe and the US too. And I finally got to discover why the British and US ‘Milky Way’ bars are completely different chocolates!
Broadmoor Women by Kim E. Thomas
You hear a lot about the famous men who have resided at the infamous Broadmoor but it’s not often you hear about some of the women. Kim E. Thomas takes a look at some of the former female residents and looks into what brought them there and what happened to them after they left.
Non-Fiction – Holocaust
I always think I won’t read any more books about the Holocaust but then I find new fascinating stories and I can’t resist picking up a new book about the Holocaust.
The Stable Boy of Auschwitz by Henry Oster
This is the incredibly emotional and moving story of Henry Oster, who was just a small Jewish boy living in Germany when Hitler and the Nazis took over his country. Forced to move from his home and travel around to different Jewish Ghettos until finally ending up at Auschwitz. It was here that his ability to speak German led to a job in the stables that might have been the thing to save his life.
The Survivor by Josef Lewkowicz
The Survivor is the incredible story of Josef Lewkowicz who witnessed six of the most notorious Nazi concentration camps and went on to become a Nazi hunter. At the age of just 16, Josef stopped being a person and became a number, prisoner 85314 and lived with the constant threat of death. After his freedom and compelled by a need to avenge, Josef played a critical part in identifying the Butcher of Plaszow.
Non-Fiction – TV Shows That Were Books
It’s not often you get this category in the non-fiction section as most books that become movies and TV Shows are fictional.
Orange Is The New Black by Piper Kerman
Not too many people realise the much loved Netflix story is an adaptation of the true prison memoirs of Piper Kerman. While a lot of the story has been changed and exaggerated, you will recognise some of the show’s much loved characters and will see the inspiration behind some of your favourite story lines of the show.
Non-Fiction – Science & Technology
Having made a career as a tech geek in TV it shouldn’t surprise you to know I love techy things and science.
The Beginner’s Guide to Computer Engineering by James Lance
Having a highly technical job and a curious mind, I’m always on the lookout for ways to improve my knowledge. While it might not make an immediate impact on my job, it never hurts to expand your knowledge. Such a large part of my job is computers, so this beginners guide to computer engineering was a great way to understand more about computers. While I was familiar with a lot of what the book mentions, there was still plenty I didn’t know or didn’t know in full detail.
David Busch’s Sony Alpha a6000 Guide by David Busch
I’ve owned my Sony Alpha a6000 camera for a long time and I loved the quality of pictures it gives me. But I’ve spent years saying I’ll learn how to use it manually… soon. One day. I got this book as encouragement to do just that but it sat on my bookshelf for the longest time. Well I’m happy to say I finally gave it a read and now have a much better understanding of my camera and how to shoot manually.
Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex by Mary Roach
Who said science books had to be boring? I’ve always had a curious mind and an open attitude to sex so when I saw this book I couldn’t resist buying it. Mary Roach explores an area not overly explored; science and sex. The experiments have mostly been taking place behind closed doors for hundreds of years. Research such as, can a woman think herself to orgasm? Can orgasms help with fertility? Or even hiccups? And can a dead man get an erection? This hilarious and fascinating book will tell you everything you want to know about sex and even questions you never thought to ask!
Non-Fiction – Autobiography
For the last non-fiction category it’s one of the old favourites. I’ve always enjoyed reading the childhood stories of celebrities and hearing how they got to the positions they did.
The House of Hidden Meaning by RuPaul
If you’re a fan of Mama Ru you’ll want to read this brutally honest memoir. RuPaul talks about his early life and reflects on his dysfunctional upbringing such as growing up with an absent father and as a queer black kid in San Diego. And then how he forged an identity in the punk and drag scenes in Atlanta and New York that would later see RuPaul become the Queen of Drag.
Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham
I might not have watched Gilmore Girls when it first aired but when I finally did see the show, I was instantly hooked. It’s now become one of those shows I love to rewatch and have seen countless times. So when I saw Lorelai Gilmore herself had an autobiography out, I just couldn’t resist! In this autobiography Lauren looks back at her life, sharing laugh out loud stories. Including of course her iconic role as Lorelai Gilmore and what it felt like to reprise the iconic character nine years later.
Humble Pie by Gordon Ramsay
I have been a fan of Gordon Ramsay for a long time now. I’ve watched most of his shows and eaten at a few of his restaurants. He’s known for being rude, driven and stubborn but in his autobiography we get to see a different side to Ramsay. He reveals his difficult childhood, his brother’s heroin addiction, his failed football career and how he worked hard to become one of the most known chefs in the world.
Fiction – Travel Fiction
It should be no surprise to see this category on the list seeing as I love travel and books so much!
A Wedding in Provence by Katie Fforde
Set in 1963 and Alexandra is in Paris on her way to Switzerland, which she is dreading. While there she meets someone who offers her an opportunity to stay in France and delay the move to Switzerland. She goes to an interview thinking it’s for a cooking job in Paris but it’s actually a nanny position in a chateau in Provence. Waiting for her are three rather hostile children who are to be her charges. Far more of a challenge is their father. A handsome French count who she is rapidly falling in love with.
The Dressmaker of Paris by Georgia Kaufmann
Rosa Kusstatschers ability to find the perfect outfit, led her to create a global fashion empire. But tonight is different. As she prepares for the most important meeting of her life, Rosa is lacking her usual certainty. While struggling to find the perfect dress to wear, or the perfect shade of lipstick, Rosa tells her incredible story. How a poor country girl from the mountains of Italy, takes off in the night fleeing from Nazi occupation. How her time in Switzerland left her with hope and heartbreak before excelling in her craft in Paris that helped her pave a future in Rio de Janeiro and New York. All this led her to the most important meeting she’ll ever have.
Fiction – Crime / Thriller
Even though I’ve been enjoying expanding the types of books I read, of course I’m going to return to my favourite book genre throughout the year.
Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
A colleague was actually reading this book while we were on a job together and when I saw the list of warnings at the start I just knew this was going to be a book for me. Accidental cannibalism and sexy scenes? Sign me up! Butcher and Blackbird is the hilariously twisted romance story of two serial killers who kill other serial killers. While they might try to ignore their feelings, their yearly killer competition brings them back together once a year until a winner is crowned.
After That Night by Karin Slaughter
The next book in my favourite series; The Will Trent Series. Sara Linton doesn’t think about the night of her attack. She doesn’t want to focus on how it tore her world apart fifteen years ago. She’s just grateful that the animal is safely behind bars. Sara thought that night was over. That was until a new victim arrived in the ER. As the investigation progresses it seems clear that the assault is linked to Sara’s attack. And now it seems the past isn’t going to stay buried forever.
I Have Something To Tell You by Susan Lewis
Everything is going well for Jessica. She’s a successful lawyer with a loving husband and a family she adores. She’s busy working a case where a husband was downstairs watching TV while his wife was upstairs being murdered. He claims to be innocent but the police aren’t sure. Jessica believes him but suspects he is protecting someone. And while she’s in the middle of this complicated case her husband tells her he has something to tell her and suddenly her whole world is turned upstairs. As her two worlds collide, Jessica no longer knows who to trust.
Good Half Gone by Tarryn Fisher
Iris Walsh witnessed her twin sister, Pippa, get kidnapped when they were teenagers but the police never took it seriously and just assumed she was a teenage runaway. Now as an adult all Iris wants is proof. If the police won’t help, she’ll just have to do it herself. Through digging, Iris comes to suspect there’s an answer at the isolated Shoal Island Hospital for the criminally insane. But she soon realises that something even more sinister lurks beneath the surface of the Shoal.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
June Hayward has one hell of a story to tell. It’s just not her story. June is a failed writer who is bitterly jealous of the success of her rival, Athena Lui. But after June witnesses Athena die in a freak accident, she discovers Athena’s unfinished manuscript. June sees her opportunity and takes it. It’s not stealing if she has to finish the manuscript, right? Finally June gets the fame and success she’s always deserved. But someone is out to expose June.
The Maid by Nita Prose
It started like any other day for Molly Gray, a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. A woman who enjoys the routine of thoroughly cleaning rooms, Molly was happily working in one of the more luxurious suites when everything changed. In suite 401 Molly discovered one of the frequent guests dead in his bed. Suddenly there is a very messy mystery unfolding and Molly is at the heart of it. Who better to clean up this mystery and find the fingerprints among the filth than the maid?
The Twins by L.V. Matthews
Margo and Cora might be twins, but they couldn’t be more different. Margo is a live-in nanny for an upper class family and Cora is a penniless dancer on the cusp of a big break. While the twins might be total opposites, they are bound by the worst secret you could possibly imagine. And when the secret finally gets revealed, only one twin can survive.
Monster in the Closet by Karen Rose
Clay Maynard is a Private Investigator who locates missing children for clients. Although he has almost given up hope of ever finding his own daughter who was cruelly stolen from him by his ex-wife over twenty years ago. Taylor Dawson is an Equine therapist who chose an internship specifically so she could observe the program’s security director. She’s keen to see why this man who is celebrated and loved by all who know him, when she was brought up by her mother to see him as a monster. But what she doesn’t expect is to get caught up with a real monster looking to get to the little girl in the program who witnessed him murdering her mother.
Fiction – Movies That Were Books
I always find it enjoyable to watch a movie based on a book I’ve read or read a book after seeing the movie it was based on.
The DUFF by Kody Keplinger
After watching the film, I decided to give the book a try too. While a little different to the film, it has the same premise. When ? refers to ? as the DUFF of her friendship group (the Dumb, Ugly, Fat, Friend) she begins to re-evaluate her life. Things become much more complicated when her mum leaves her dad, causing her dad to fall back into his old alcoholic behaviours that B has never experienced before. The only comfort she finds is in the bed of the boy who first made her feel bad about herself. But that doesn’t mean she’s falling for him. Right?
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
This much loved children’s movie was once a book. The story of little Sara, a rich girl who travels from India to attend the all girl school run by Miss Minchin. All starts well and Sara quickly becomes the most popular girl in the school. However, misfortune has led to her becoming penniless with no family. Can she find a way to become the princess she once was?
Fiction – TV Shows That Were Books
I do love that more books are becoming TV shows rather than movies. It gives us a chance to really get to see the details from the books come alive.
One Day by David Nicholls
This is the story of how Emma and Dexter’s life became intertwined after meeting at university on 15th July 1988. With a unique spin, this book just gives us a snapshot of the pair’s lives on that day each year. We see the laughter, the struggles, the changes in careers and how romances bloom and break. It’s a twenty year story and as the true meaning of this one crucial day is revealed, they must come to grips with the nature of love and life itself.
The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis
Beth Harmon is an orphan who one day stumbles upon the janitor playing chess. He begins showing her the game and it quickly becomes apparent that she is a gifted chess player. When Beth starts entering chess tournaments, she quickly progresses to the top of the US chess rankings and is able to forge a new life for herself. But as the stakes get higher, Beth can’t quite overcome her urge to self-destruct.
Fiction – Sports Romance
I never knew sports romance was a genre of books until a colleague mentioned it. As a girl who loves sports I couldn’t resist checking out some romance books based on sports I enjoy.
Behind The Net by Stephanie Archer
After having her ex-boyfriend crush her dreams in the music industry, Pippa Hartley is done with heartbreak. She takes what she expects to be an easy job as an assistant for an NHL player. What she didn’t expect was the player to be Jamie Streicher, her old crush from High School. Now a grouchy jerk with a massive ego who can’t stand her, Pippa is frustrated by the job. But when he’s still so hot, can Pippa keep things professional? Especially as she starts to realise he’s actually sweet and protective.
Overtake My Heart by Anita Driver
When a colleague told me there was a fan fiction series about F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo, I had to give it a read! It’s very short and mostly funny because of how bad it is but if you’re a F1 fan there’s lots of racing references and puns. So rev up your engines and follow along as Emily navigates the world of F1 racing and the irresistibly charming playboy that is Daniel Ricciardo.
The Hooker and The Hermit by L.H. Cosway & Penny Reid
Annie Catrel is a hermit and social media expert. If a celebrity needs to sort out a bad image problem, Annie is a genius who can make anyone shine in the court of public opinion. She is also the anonymous face behind one of New York’s most popular blogs. After featuring Irish rugby star Ronan Fitzpatrik on her blog, he’s suddenly in her office. After a string of lies in the press and getting suspended from his team, Ronan is sent to Manhattan to reshape his public image. What he wasn’t expecting was shy but beautiful Annie. Or his fierce attraction to her. But what lengths will Annie go to, to keep her online blog identity secret and what will happen if the hooker finds out who the hermit really is?
Fiction – Science / Fantasy Fiction
This is a genre I’ve avoided for the longest time but this year especially I read some great books from this genre.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
From Vancouver Island in 1912 to a colony on the moon three hundred years later, lives separated by time and space have collided. An exiled Englishman who is trapped miles from home and a girl who is destined to die too young, have suddenly glimpsed a world that is not their own. Traveling through the centuries, together they will solve a mystery that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew to be true.
Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
Hidden inside the government is a secret department of witches known as Her Majesty’s Royal Coven. Their job is to protect the crown and country from all things evil and magical. When the coven hears whisperings of a prophecy that will bring the destruction of everything they know. It’s up to four best friends to understand and stop the prophecy but things get complicated when they can’t agree on what is the right course of action.
Fiction – Comedy
If you enjoy the types of books that will have you actually laughing out loud, these ones you will enjoy and are the perfect way to end this list.
The Secret Life of an Uncool Mum by Serena Terry
This is the hilarious story written by Tik Tok star Mammy Banter about a mum of 3 kids searching to find herself once her teenage daughter becomes embarrassed by her presence. With a teenager, 2 little ones and a promotion up for grabs at work, it can be hard for this mum to find time to rediscover herself outside of the family home.
Confessions of a Forty-Something F**K Up by Alexandra Potter
In a world where everyone’s social media makes their lives look perfect, meet Nell. Unlike everyone else around her, Nell’s life is a mess. Fed up of feeling like a failure in a world where everyone has it together, she secretly starts a podcast about being a forty year f**k up. It’s a story that will have you laughing out loud.
Setting A Goal For 2025
As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, I’m trying not to make reading a chore so I will once again be setting myself a smaller book challenge for 2025. I’m going to set myself the low target of reading 35 books in 2025 knowing that this should be easy to achieve.
There you have it, the books I read in 2024. Do you have any recommendations for good books to read in 2025? Let me know in the comments below!
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