The Best 10 Books I Read in 2025

I meant to do this feature at the end of last year, but it's crept into the new year. Never mind. A good book is still a good book at any time. 

I've lost count of how many books I read last year but it's between one and two books a week, so I'd guess I've read about 80. I've been reading a lot of police procedurals this year for market research as my 2026 releases will be in that genre, so that's reflected in the list below. Here are the ten best books I read last year, in no particular order.

The Botanist - MW Craven

So, even though I said my list was in no particular order, this was definitely the best book I read last year. Brilliantly plotted, with quirky, unforgettable characters, and some wonderful touches of humour. It's book five in the series and they're all extremely good, but I think this one is particularly special. Five hundred stars. https://amzn.to/3YQQcw4

His Perfect Crime - Alex Sigmore

An FBI thriller set in a sleepy town. Fabulous suspense in the gripping finale. There are several intertwined strands to this story that add layers of complications as the detective tries to figure out who committed a crime that seems impossible to solve. Some excellent detective work. https://amzn.to/4shditc

The Bonnie Dead - Andrew Raymond

If you want a Scottish crime thriller with a fast-paced plot, look no further. There were a couple of Scottish expressions where I had to guess at the meaning but that didn't detract from my enjoyment one bit. I couldn't put it down. https://amzn.to/4quPRuP

Grave Regret - Fiona Tarr

No one does Australian small town mysteries quite like Fiona Tarr, and this first in series doesn't disappoint. https://amzn.to/4spa3QI

As The Crow Flies - Damian Boyd

Why have I not discovered Damian Boyd before? This is the first book in his Nick Dixon series. Once I got past the little bit of technical climbing notation at the start of the book, it completely engaged me, and the plot twists impressed me enough to binge-read the entire series, which gets better and better. https://amzn.to/3Nm3qyi 

Kill Switch - Freddie P Peters

This is book 1 of a vigilante justice series set in the US. If you're looking for a female Jack Reacher, you'll love River Swift. https://amzn.to/4q1tMo3

Dying Truth - Angela Marsons

The heart-wrenching climax of this book was so gripping, I missed my stop on the train home while I was reading it. The whole book was so good that I forgave the author for making me late. https://amzn.to/4spamek

Lest We Forgive - Phillipa Nefri Clark

I really rooted for the characters in this book and the riveting suspense and heart-warming ending impressed me so much that I actually read the book twice and, with nearly 200 unread books on my Kindle, that's something I very rarely do. https://amzn.to/4phi33q

Murdered by the Mob - Sean Campbell

The separate plot strands of the criminals and the police come together nicely at the end of the book. It felt so authentic, I could almost believe the author was a gangster himself. Some great touches of humour and a clever plot twist at the end. https://amzn.to/3KTl8IX

The Frozen People - Elly Griffiths

Time travel is not something I would normally read, but I surprised myself by loving this book, although Elly Griffiths could probably write about anything and I would love it. The dual timeline of past and present worked well and the characters drew me in and refused to let me go. https://amzn.to/4szqLNo

What's the best book you read last year? Drop me an email and let me know.

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