For me as a reader, 2023 was simply bursting with excellent fiction. It looks like it was a particularly good year for enjoying contemporary fiction. Please note, these books were not necessarily all published in 2023, although many of them were. The novels I like tend to be very focused on character development, and they must have terrific dialogue. I decided to read some brand-new books as well as re-visit some old favorites this year, and I loved every one of them.
The Wind Knows My Name by Isabel Allende (contemporary fiction)
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by K.J. Charles (historical romance)
Cards on the Table by Agatha Christie (classic mystery)
A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie (classic mystery)
Nemesis by Agatha Christie (classic mystery)
Varina Palladino’s Jersey Italian Love Story by Terri-Lynne DeFino (contemporary fiction)
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins (dual timeline, suspense)
When the Stars Go Dark by Paula McLain (contemporary suspense)
They’re Going to Love You by Meg Howrey (contemporary fiction)
Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson (contemporary fiction)
Ms. Demeanor by Elinor Lipman (contemporary fiction)
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai (contemporary suspense)
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (contemporary fiction)
Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley (contemporary fiction)
Starter Villain by John Scalzi (science fiction)
Silence in the Library by Katharine Schellman (historical mystery)
Lucy By the Sea by Elizabeth Strout (contemporary fiction)
Banyan Moon by Thao Thai (dual timeline, fiction)
Properties of Thirst by Marianne Wiggins (historical fiction)
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (contemporary fiction)
Young Jane Young by Gabrielle Zevin (contemporary fiction)
Whew, that’s a long list. What a great year it’s been!
Happy Reading!
Okay, will take a look. Thanks…