The Game is Murder by Hazell Ward

CW: death, murder, violence, grief, abusive relationship, gaslighting

I so badly wanted to love this book but it just didn’t work for me. It is going to be a polarising read with some interesting narrative choices. Ward’s writing is compelling though.

Close To Death by Anthony Horowitz

⭐️

CW: death, murder, racism, manipulation, blackmail

This was a case of great set up and ending but not massively keen on some of the middle sections. I’d forgotten the meta narrative choice in this series which I really did not gel with – this was my first time picking one of them up.

The Serial Killer’s Party by Amy Cunningham

CW: death, murder, abuse, manipulation, sexual assault, drugging, classism

This was slick, stylish and sensational. It made for great summer reading with this toxic nightmare of obsession, privilege and abuse of power. Not one to miss.

FuFull review here.

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: death, murder, grief, violence, kidnapping, racism, PTSD, traumatic flashbacks, gore, injury

This had a great concept and characterisation, but the pacing felt off and the middle section dragged slightly for me. It feels like it could have been condensed a little more.

Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin

⭐️🧠

CW: death, grief, violence, racism

This was stunning. Gorgeous prose telling a heartbreaking and emotionally rich story with fantastic characterisation and a focus on family, grief and identity.

Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis

🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: death, murder, suicide, violence, hallucinations, sexual assault, drug use, manipulation

While it was not my favourite McGinnis novel, this highlighted her stellar characterisation and ability to create a compelling story that delves into dark topics.

Her Many Faces by Nicci Cloke

CW: death, murder, violence, gaslighting, sexual assault, drugging, blackmail, cheating

This is hands down one of my favourite thrillers I’ve read this year. It was incredibly gripping with a unique slant and a story that you cannot tear yourself away from. You’ll be pulled down the rabbit hole to find the truth.

Full review to come.

The Library At Hellebore by Cassandra Khaw

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: death, murder, violence, body horror, gore, blood, injury, child abuse, rape, sexual assault, confinement, cannibalism, torture, stalking, fire

This was wonderfully icky with this body horror Dark Academia nightmare brought to life. It sent shivers down my spine.

Full review here.

Take It Back by Kia Abdullah

⭐️🧠💙

CW: rape, sexual assault, violence, death, grief, murder, ableism, racism, stalking, assault

This was a thought-provoking thriller about justice, community and truth. You’re never entirely comfortable as Abdullah works through this thorny case.

Sidesplitter by Phil Wang

CW: racism

This is the second non-fiction title by a comedian that unexpectedly moved me this year. It is written in his signature style – looking at family, culture, heritage and feeling like an outsider in all of these spaces.

A Theory of Dreaming by Ava Reid

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠💙

CW: death, grief, PTSD, traumatic flashbacks, sexual assault, racism

This was one of my most anticipated titles of the year and Ava Reid smashed it out of the park again. This is a beautiful, lyrical and Gothic examination of legacy, family, grief and the systematic exclusion of those considered outsiders.

Full review to come.

Mad Woman by Chelsea Bieker

🧠

CW: domestic abuse, death, murder, violence

This was another book that I really wanted to love and I did in flashes and particularly in the ending. However, other aspects just didn’t work for me. The writing hooked me right in and was wonderful though.

V is for Venom: Agatha Christie’s Chemicals of Death by Kathryn Harkup

I loved A is for Arsenic and Harkup returns again to inform readers about more of the deadly dangers of Agatha Christie’s work. This was fascinating and taught me a lot again.

The Devil’s Advocate by Steve Cavanagh

⭐️

CW: death, murder, violence, white supremacy, racism, police brutality

This was the best Eddie Flynn I’ve read to date – incredibly timely, pacy and you felt that ticking clock of doom throughout. The stakes were high and Cavanagh delivered.

Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: death, violence, grief, radicalisation, Islamophobia, grooming, manipulation, homophobia

This nailed that dark sense of humour that I adore. It was rich and layered with wonderful characterisation and a poignant thread about familial relationships. It deserves all the praise it’s been getting and I cannot stop recommending it.

Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark

⭐️🏳️‍🌈

CW: Klu Klux Klan, racism, white supremacy, death, murder, violence, injury, gore, grief

I was once again spoilt for excellent horror with this novella that packed a lot of power into a small space. This built on a brilliant concept to deliver a story that sticks in your mind long after the final page.

The Bodies by Sam Lloyd

CW: death, violence, murder, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, rape, injury, blood, stalking

I’d just got home from a long weekend at work and completely lost myself in this book. I could not put it down. It had such fantastic pacing and tension, working from a great premise that escalated into unexpected territory perfectly.

A Grave Inheritance by Felicity Epps

CW: death, murder, grief, manipulation, medical gaslighting, sexism, misogny

I zipped through this wonderful YA historical murder mystery with paranormal aspects. Instantly the voice had me hooked and the characterisation following was superb. It was funny, charming and impactful, particularly in the themes around grief and found family.

Full review here.

The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones

⭐️🏳️‍🌈🧠

CW: death, murder, child death, suicide, violence, blood, injury, drowning, cultural appropriation

This was fantastic with just the right level of thrills and chills. Yet again, he takes a familiar trope and weaves into some new nightmare unfolding before your eyes. It sinks under your skin and leaves chills in its wake.

Full review here.