My Top Reads of 2021
I remember writing my Top Reads of 2020 post and saying that I hoped that we would never ever live though another year like 2020.
My hopes did not come true. For me, my family and my friends, this year has been one of utter devastation. We have been rocked to the core by losing loved ones and seeing those closest to us suffer. Sadly, for my little family, it is inevitable that the coming year will bring more pain and sadness.
Despite the often overwhelming feeling of despair, I have continued to read and shout about the books that I love. I have been able to grow my Blog Tour organising business and once again, I have been fortunate enough to work with some truly amazing books, authors, publishers and fellow bloggers.
I read around 170 books this year, this includes the submitted books for the CWA International Dagger for which I am a judge. I have already reviewed most of these, either here on my blog, or for the Express.
A few statistics :
I've posted 148 book reviews on the blog this year
107 of these were by female authors, 38 by male authors and 3 were by various authors
Of these reviews, nine were non-fiction titles, 28 were debut books and 16 were translated into English from another language
As always, I rarely finish a book that I'm not enjoying, so to pick my top books out of so many that I've really enjoyed has, once more, been very difficult.
As always, my list is split into three sections; I start with some of the 2021 books that I read in 2020. I mentioned them last year and hoped that they would be huge.
The second part is my list of Top Books of 2021
Finally, I'll give a mention to some 2022 publications that I've read early.
I really think that 2022 is going to be another fabulous book year!
Enjoy!
2021 books that I predicted would do well
At the end of last year, I'd read these 2021 books pre-publication, and predicted that they would do well. I'm still recommending them, twelve months later. (click on the title for my full review).
My Top Reads of 2021
My Top Reads of the year are listed in order of reading. The list contains some favourite authors who pop up year after year, and also some debuts. I think it's a great list, with something for everyone. I heartily recommend all of these books. (click on the title for my full review)
The Source by Sarah Sultoon published (ebook) 15 February (print) 15 April by Orenda Books
Gripping, emotional, eye-opening and so brilliantly written. Highly recommended by me.
It transported me to a place that felt so much safer than our existing world. It's beautiful and wonderful and I recommend it highly
A terrifying and harrowing novel, yet is is also deeply touching
Do not miss this, it's edge-of-the-seat drama that will satisfy any fan of crime fiction. Highly recommended.
Clever, sharp and irresistible, this is a novel that has to be savoured
Addictive, extremely hard to put down. Another fabulous chapter in what has become a favourite series of mine
It is so intricate, so tightly plotted and in my opinion, the author's best book to date.
This is an accomplished, brutal and moving story, and comes highly recommended by me.
This book is one that will evoke every emotion from anger, to compassion, despair and hope
It's a complex and intricately woven story with hints of magical realism that reminded me at times of Alice Hoffman's work
It is masterfully created and it's a story that will stay with me for a very long time
Breath-taking, fascinating and gripping
Wonderfully moving, emotional and very thought provoking. A book to savour and love. Highly recommended.
It is a superb mix of gothic tension, obsession, young love and disappointment, woven together masterfully
Full of sunshine, love, music and utter joy, Mary Jane is a stunning read that I would highly recommend.
This is a very special book. One that will stay with me forever, and one that I will re-read, for sure.
An utter joy to read. A book that touched me deeply and one that I highly recommend.
This is Ewan Gault's debut novel and it is stunning. Highly recommended from me, one of the best books I've read this year.
This is an excellent gothic mystery, with a hint of the supernatural
It's a warm, touching read and you'll be longing for Shay to find her own happy ending
A really stunning piece of writing, nuanced, uncomfortable at times but incredibly powerful. Highly recommended.
It's intricately detailed, full of vibrant and vividly created characters and has such heart.
Death, a touch of violence, fraud and a tender emerging romance all combine to create the most magical story
So very very intense, so dark and utterly compelling
An author who uses words like an instrument, creating a symphony that will thrill any reader.
Books to look out for in 2022 ....
I've already made a start on the 2022 books, and if the ones that I've read already are anything to go by, we are in for another outstanding book year.
Here are a few tips; books that I think will be huge next year.
Some of these reviews have not been published yet but I can assure you that I enjoyed every one of them.
Quercus
That's 2021 over and done with. Thank goodness!
It's been a fabulous year for books, but honestly, not for much else!
I want to wish everyone the VERY BEST for next year and I really hope to see lots of lovely book friends soon.
In the meantime, thank you to everyone who reads my reviews and puts up with my book shouting.
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