2023 Book Battle

Let’s Talk About My Favorite Matches

Mexican Gothic versus Magpie Murders

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires versus A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos versus The X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate

Love on the Brain versus Practical Magic

Mexican Gothic versus Magpie Murders

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Set in 1950s Mexico, the story follows socialite Noemí Taboada as she journeys to the Mexican countryside to investigate the well-being of her newlywed cousin. As she delves deeper into the unsettling dynamics of the isolated mansion and its inhabitants, Noemí unravels eerie family secrets shrouded in darkness. 

V E R S U S

Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

This captivating novel intertwines two intriguing mysteries. The story follows editor Susan Ryeland as she delves into the manuscript of renowned mystery author Alan Conway, only to discover that the lines between fiction and reality are blurred. As she immerses herself in Conway’s murder mystery story, she becomes entangled in a real-life investigation that mirrors the events in the manuscript. With clever twists, complex characters, and a meta-narrative structure, “Magpie Murders” offers an enthralling and unique take on the classic whodunit genre.

W I N N E R

Magpie Murders is the runner up in this match. It was a really unique book that I enjoyed, but 95% of the time I’m going to prefer the supernatural horror novel. Magpie murders is basically two books in one that reflect each other. From that perspective it’s unlike any other thriller I’ve read. It’s one part a Hercule Poirot mystery and another part modern thriller set at a London publishing house. The winner of this match though is Mexican Gothic. I had heard a lot about this book, but thankfully didn’t know the twist. It can feel a little slow like a gothic novel, but the foreboding, creepy atmosphere was fantastic. I also enjoy a little gaslighting in my books and this one had a lot of it. The ending is so crazy and I never saw it coming. Overall I had to give this match to the wild ride that actually had me saying “WTF” out loud while reading.

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires versus A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell, a dedicated wife and mother, finds herself entangled in a dangerous encounter with a charming stranger who unleashes a series of unsettling events. As the charismatic newcomer’s true identity is revealed, the book club members delve into a chilling world of secrets and supernatural forces, testing the strength of their bonds and their courage. Blending humor, horror, and social commentary, Hendrix crafts a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

V E R S U S

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

High school student Pippa Fitz-Amobi decides to investigate a local murder case for her senior project, despite the case being officially closed. As she delves into the details, Pippa uncovers shocking secrets and unexpected twists, challenging her perceptions of the people around her. The novel is a gripping combination of mystery, suspense, and coming-of-age themes, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Pippa navigates through the complexities of small-town life and unravels the truth behind the murder.

W I N N E R

I read these two “guide books” back-to-back. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder gave off major early Veronica Mars vibes. Our protagonist is young, but she’s smart beyond her years and determined to find the killer. It was a really fast-paced book that I enjoyed. There are more books in this series and I’ve already shelved them as “to read.” The winner of this lineup though is The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires. It’s been awhile since I read a literal page-turner. This book had it all for me – book club, small town, creepy supernatural horror, a gruesome showdown, strong women, and a sprinkle of gaslighting. That’s why this book won the match and I really thought it was going to go all the way. If it wasn’t pitted against Practical Magic in the end it would have won by a landslide. I’m for sure going to check out more books by Grady Hendrix asap.

Agent of Chaos versus Devil’s Advocate

The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos by Kami Garcia

This novel takes readers back to 1979, where a young Fox Mulder is dealing with the aftermath of his sister’s abduction. As he struggles with the loss and the mysterious circumstances surrounding it, he discovers a series of unexplained deaths in his small town. With the help of a smart and determined new friend, Phoebe, Mulder delves into a web of secrets, government cover-ups, and the terrifying reality of the paranormal. This gripping prequel explores the formative experiences that set the stage for Mulder’s future as a dedicated FBI agent and paranormal investigator.

V E R S U S

The X-Files Origins: Devil’s Advocate by Jonathan Maberry

In this novel readers are taken back to the formative years of Dana Scully, exploring her early exposure to mysteries and the paranormal. Set in 1979, the novel follows Scully as she grapples with the unexplained death of a classmate, leading her on a path to uncover dark secrets and face unsettling truths. Maberry delves into the character’s upbringing and introduces the sharp intellect and investigative spirit that define the iconic Agent Scully in the X-Files series.

W I N N E R

Clearly I’m in my X-Files era. I read five X-files books (plus countless fan fictions) in 2023. I’m a sucker for alternate universe high school fan fictions (oddly specific, I know) and both these books satisfied this craving. Agent of Chaos had the detached and obsessed Mulder we all know. There were some artistic liberties taken with Phoebe being included as a main character. If Phoebe was included was it too much to ask for a high school Krycek to be wrapped up in this mystery also?! In the end the winner of this match was Devil’s Advocate, which focused on a high school Scully. She’s such a badass – even as a high schooler. After finishing this book I was reading some book reviews and saw a lot of #notmyscully. I don’t agree with those reviews at all. It was the Scully we know – she’s logical, thrown into a situation that tests her faith and reality, and is always trying to make her father figure proud while being true to herself. I think the other reason I prefer Devil’s Advocate over Agent of Chaos is this has an actual conclusive ending.

Love on the Brain versus Practical Magic

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

This novel captures the emotional journey of the protagonist, Emma, as she navigates the complexities of love, career, and personal growth. Set in a vibrant city, Emma grapples with her feelings towards a charming colleague while striving to achieve her professional aspirations. The novel beautifully depicts the intricacies of modern relationships and the empowering nature of self-discovery, making it a compelling and relatable read.

V E R S U S

Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman

This novel is a captivating tale of the Owens sisters, Gillian and Sally, who grow up with their eccentric aunts in a world permeated with magic. The family is cursed in love, and the sisters must navigate their romantic relationships while grappling with their extraordinary abilities. Hoffman weaves a beguiling narrative of love, sisterhood, and the enduring power of family, set against the enchanting backdrop of New England. Rich in detail and emotion, the novel explores the indelible bonds that shape our lives and the choices we make in the face of adversity, creating a spellbinding blend of realism and enchantment.

W I N N E R

Let’s first talk about the runner up. Love on the Brain was my third book by Ali Hazelwood. She writes fantastic romances where the women are typically in STEM. As a female who has a biology degree and considered going into research, these really hit home. I also loved the main character’s style – purple hair and a nose ring, yes please! The icing on the cake is the kitten who lives in the lab and plays a little matchmaking of it’s own. This book also has my favorite enemies to lovers trope. If this book wasn’t up against Practical Magic it had a good chance of winning. It was a happily ever after that I enjoyed from beginning to end. The winner of this match, and the WHOLE book battle was Practical Magic. I had heard about this book a lot and knew there was the famous cult classic movie based on it starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman. All this had me a little worried it might fall into the “overhyped” book category and I wouldn’t actually enjoy it that much. I was severely mistaken. This book is a lot different from the movie (thank goodness!). At first I wasn’t sure where it was going. It just came off as a very whimsical, almost poetic, journey about three generations of witches. While this is the case, halfway through the book it finally turned up the suspense as the detective starts digging into the murder of Gillian’s boyfriend. I couldn’t have asked for a better cozy, witchy, romance, mystery novel to curl up with in October. It honestly might become an annual read – and I don’t say that often since my TBR pile is a mile high. This just proves how much I love the Owens women and why Practical Magic won as my favorite book of the year.

Full List of Books I Read This Year

Final Thoughts

I had Joe, my frequent podcast guest, also create a bracket for his 2023 reads. His winner was a 50s sci-fi called, The Black Cloud. He said, “it’s weird and great and everyone should read it!”

I had a lot of fun creating this bracket! It was a wonderful way to pause and reflect on the books I read in 2023. I hope to do it again next year. 😊

Did you create a book bracket for yourself this year? What was your favorite book of 2023? Do you have any book recommendations I should read in 2024? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

Larger version of my 2023 Book Bracket.

Happy reading bookworms,

Laura

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