My Top Ten Books of 2014

I compiled this list by filtering all the books I had read in 2014 on Goodreads, of which there were a total of 194. I filtered the list to show all the books I had awarded 5 stars of which there were 36. I then sat and read the descriptions and reviews I had written of these books and put them in the order I felt I liked them best. So although I can sound terribly methodical and scientific about the process the results are based on my feelings and reactions. Whilst compiling it I had to be very strict with myself to stop adding books to my top 10, which could have easily become my top 20. However, to preserve the amount of time I spend reading rather than blogging in front of my laptop, I have stuck to my top 10.

In reverse order, by popular demand:

10 The Last Town by Blake Crouch

The concluding part of The Wayward Pines Trilogy was undeniably a good read for me. I was kept guessing after book 2 as to how it would all end and I was far from disappointed. If you have not read these books please do, they are available to read for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers with narration.

9. From The Cradle by Louise Voss and Mark Edwards

Although I have read a few of Mark Edwards’ books and loved them I have not read many from his collaboration with Louise Voss and this one, I think this maybe my third, was simply electrifying. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I did not see the twist coming. A truly magnificient read for crime thriller fans and a police procedural that did not bore me, which if I am being honest, is rare.

8. The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult

A moving read about the Second World War, Picoult is a very talented writer who can draw emotions with words. I enjoyed this book very much and will go as far as saying it is a must read for Picoult fans. It starts in the present day and provides an unusual twist, which is why I enjoyed it so much.

7. The Rose Petal Beach by Dorothy Koomson

I have enjoyed reading Dorothy Koomson books from when I picked up The Ice-Cream Girls in 2012. I never did get around to watching the TV adaptation but have been drawn to reading her books ever since. This was one that kept me hooked and put me on an emotional rollercoaster ride. I have made many a book friend through reading Dorothy Koomson and if you have already read The Ice-Cream Girls then I recommend you read this one next.

6. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This is a book I had hanging around my Kindle this year for a while and like most long reads it got pushed back a couple of times, however when I started reading it, I regretted pushing it back as it really is a very good book and although shrouded in some controversy I am glad I picked it up with an open mind and read it. I have yet to read more from this author and I hope 2015 will afford me the opportunity to pick up more titles by her.

5. The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

My first book from Diane Setterfield raised the bar for other books I liked after I had read it, again, I have not managed to see the TV adaptation but was totally captivated by this story and recommend this to all literary/mystery read fans.

4. Fractured by Dani Atkins

This book made me cry, which is not something I get to say very often but it was a very emotional and moving read for me and another great mystery/suspense book with romance and a twist. Available to read for free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.

3. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

Probably the best thriller I think I have ever read this book is the textbook example of how to do everything right in a thriller. Again another book that raised the bar in the thriller genre for me in 2014.

2. Daughter by Jane Shemilt

This thriller totally blew me away. I was drawn into the narrative of a mother in anguish who lost a daughter whom she loved very much but there was always just something about the relationship which was not quite right and was just out of sight in the picture I painted in my mind as I read this. A truly chilling and enjoyable thriller.

1. The Winter Boy by Sally Wiener Grotta

I picked this book up on Netgalley, and found myself totally hooked into it. This speculative fiction book captured my imagination and although not a genre I am usually drawn to this book stayed with me ever since I read it.