My 2024 Books So Far

In the Company of Witches By Auralee Wallace

My rating:

Overview: Captivating tale of friendship, magic, and mystery as good witches in a small town work together to uncover a sinister plot. The story follows the main character, Jordan, as she navigates through supernatural challenges and uncovers the truth about her own magical heritage.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a cozy, witchy, small-town mystery.

Vibes: Gilmore Girls, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and Practical Magic.

Piranesi By Susanna Clarke

My rating:

Overview: Captivating novel that unfolds in a mysterious world of endless halls, statues, and tides. The story follows the enigmatic protagonist Piranesi as he navigates the surreal labyrinth and unravels the secrets of his peculiar existence.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a short, mysterious fantasy that takes place in a beautiful supernaturally large marble mansion.

Vibes: Novella full of cults, gaslighting, science, nature appreciation, and amnesia.

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers By Jesse Q. Sutanto

My rating:

Overview: Revolves around Vera Wong, a young woman who runs a business providing murder advice to potential killers. As her clientele grows, Vera finds herself facing moral dilemmas and ethical challenges, forcing her to confront the consequences of her unconventional career.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a cozy, found family mystery.

Vibes: Miss Marple if she had empty nest syndrome and owned a tea shop in Chinatown.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft By Stephen King

My rating:

Overview: Captivating blend of memoir and writing advice. In the book, King reflects on his own writing journey while offering valuable insights and practical tips for aspiring writers.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a book that’s part memoir and part instruction on writing.

Vibes: Advice and motivation from your college English teacher that has scene some sh*t.

In Cold Blood By Truman Capote

My rating:

Overview: Non-fiction novel that describes the brutal murder of the Clutter family in Kansas in 1959, as well as the investigation and capture of the killers, Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith. The book discusses the psychological and emotional complexities of the murderers, the impact of the crime on the community, and the judicial process that followed.

Recommendation: Someone looking for true crime told mainly from the criminal’s perspectives.

Vibes: Forensic Files in the Dust Bowl.

Dark Matter By Blake Crouch

My rating:

Overview: Gripping science fiction novel that follows the story of Jason Dessen, a physics professor who is abducted and finds himself in a reality that is not his own. As he navigates through parallel universes in search of his family, he is confronted with profound questions about identity, choices, and the nature of reality itself.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a mind-bending multiverse story all based around the question “What if…”.

Vibes: Loki without the god powers who was a family man…maybe I’m just describing a Loki fan fiction I want someone to write…

The Truth is Out There: The Official Guide to the X-Files By Brian Lowry

My rating:

Overview: Provides an in-depth exploration of the iconic TV show. The book digs into the mysteries, characters, and behind-the-scenes stories, offering fans a comprehensive look into the world of The X-Files.

Recommendation: X-files fans looking for facts about the writing and filming process of the show along with some fun behind the scenes material from every episode in seasons 1&2.

Vibes: You’ll leave the book feeling like you know the cast and crew a little better.

Bunny By Mona Awad

My rating:

Overview: Darkly comedic novel that follows the story of Samantha Heather Mackey, a MFA student at a prestigious New England university. Samantha finds herself entangled with a clique of glamorous, mysterious women known as the Bunnies, leading her into a surreal and unsettling world.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a weird cultish book about wanting to belong while you wrestle with your demons.

Vibes: Rory Gilmore in college if she was in a creative writing program and didn’t have such a supportive family.

Just One More Thing: Stories From My Life By Peter Falk

My rating:

Overview: Memoir where he reflects on his life and career, sharing entertaining anecdotes and personal insights. Through humorous and heartfelt storytelling, Falk invites readers on a journey through the defining moments and experiences that shaped his remarkable life in show business.

Recommendation: Someone looking for crazy old Hollywood stories and wants to learn more about the actor behind Columbo.

Vibes: Listening to your famous Grandpa tell you stories about Hollywood back in the day.

Bullet Train By Kotaro Isaka

My rating:

Overview: Fast-paced novel set on a high-speed train, where a group of dangerous criminals with mysterious agendas find themselves on a collision course. As the passengers’ true identities and intentions are revealed, a thrilling game of cat and mouse unfolds, filled with suspense and unexpected twists.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a multiple POV action thriller all taking place on one single train in Japan. (Book that inspired the Brad Pitt movie of the same name.)

Vibes: John Wick all taking place in one train ride, but with less assassins.

A Court of Thorns and Roses By Sarah J. Maas

My rating:

Overview: Fantasy novel that follows the story of Feyre, a huntress who is forced to navigate the perilous world of the Fae after killing a wolf in the woods. As she dwells in the faerie realm, she discovers deadly secrets and comes to understand that her feelings for the faerie lord Tamlin could lead to either salvation or utter destruction.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a stellar YA Romantasy with a lot of world building.

Vibes: Poor, mortal girl and a Fairy High Lord fall in love, a curse keeps them apart, and she must pass three trials to save her love.

A Talent for Murder By Peter Swanson

My rating:

Overview: Gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a failed writer who becomes entangled in a chilling plot. As the protagonist struggles to unravel the mystery, the novel explores themes of deception, obsession, and the dark depths of the human psyche.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a twisty mystery with multiple POVs.

Vibes: Veronica Mars in her mid to late 30s still solving crimes to protect innocent women.

Butcher & Blackbird By Brynne Weaver

My rating:

Overview: Explores the tumultuous and passionate relationship between two lovers, navigating through the ruins of their own making. As they grapple with their intense love and the consequences of their actions, the couple experiences a journey of self-discovery and redemption amidst a backdrop of dark secrets and haunting betrayals.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a legit spicy, dark romance revolving around competitive vigilantes.

Vibes: Dexter if he came from an Irish family of three crazy brothers and found his soulmate.

Motherthing By Ainslie Hogarth

My rating:

Overview: Exploration of motherhood and mental health, digging into the complexities of a woman’s journey through postpartum depression.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a twisted psychological thriller revolving around the trauma that can come out of mother/child relationships.

Vibes: Trying to be the perfect housewife and start a family, but you succumb to societal pressures slowly turning you into Hannibal.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles By Rufi Thorpe

My rating:

Overview: Gripping tale of financial hardship and resilience, as Margo navigates the challenges of debt and unexpected expenses. With determination and resourcefulness, she embarks on a journey to regain control of her finances and secure a brighter future for herself and her son.

Recommendation: Someone looking for a wholesome found family story.

Vibes: Advocating for women who have unconventional careers that allow them to support their family.