New Years – Kat Pollock

While I read mostly mysteries, thrillers, and gothics this year, there were a few stand out books of other genres I wanted to draw attention to. These weren’t all published in 2021 but I did read them all this year. Here they are in no particular order:

1. What Big Teeth

I don’t know whether to consider this gothic or fantasy or both, but it easily slid to the top of the list of my all time favorite books. As soon as I finished reading my borrowed library copy, I bought a copy of my own to reread over and over as much as I want. Lovely book for fans of the Addams family.

2. The Magicians

Lev Grossman’s fantasy series pulled me out of a very rough place this year and got me through the loss of someone dear to me. It made me want to read again, to see wonder in the world. I ended up reading 225 books this year and it really started with this one. If you want fantasy that looks unflinchingly at the world and demands that you still see the wonder in it, this is the book for you.

3. Vanessa Yu’s Magical Paris Tea Shop

Deeply lovely book which, fittingly, felt like a nice cup of tea to read. It warmed me from the inside out and I plan to read everything the author writes from now on.

4. The Viscount Who Loved Me

The basis for the upcoming second season of Bridgerton, and so far my favorite book in that series (though I still have a few left to read). Absolutely lovable and a joy to read.

5. One Last Stop

A truly wonderful romance from the author of Red White and Royal Blue, and an absolute can’t miss. Beautiful and moving and more funny than I expected. I laughed, I cried, I recommended it to everyone I speak to.

6. Any Way the Wind Blows

The fourth book in the Carry On series from Rainbow Rowell, this book hit like a warm blanket after a cold storm. Loved it immensely.

7. Small Favors

If you want to feel a little bit stuck in the world of a book for days after finishing it, this is a perfect choice for you. Absolutely enthralling, this one is perfect to read on a chilly winter night.

8. The Lady’s Guide to Celestial Mechanics

Fantastic romance novel, so achingly lovely you’ll gasp from the emotional tidal wave of reading it. I adored the characters and I can’t wait to read more from the same author.

9. The Lost Apothecary

This one debatably could’ve gone on my mystery list, but it felt like it defied genre a bit and I’ve put it on this list instead. The dual timelines and incredible characters were quite well done. I absolutely loved it.

10. The Hollow Places

A lovely magical realism novel with great characters, spooky moments that build the tension perfectly, and beautiful prose all the way through.

I hope everyone reading has a lovely new year, and if you’re looking for books to read, the ones on this list and my other 2021 top ten list are all great picks. Support your local libraries and independent book stores!

Happy reading!

I set out to write a post about the top ten books I read this year, but found that I wound up with a list of 20 books, ten of which were mysteries or other vaguely spooky things, so I decided they should get a list of their own.

In no particular order, because I couldn’t possibly decide which books are the best of the best, here are the ten books I most enjoyed being spooked and thrilled by this year. They were not all published this year, but I did read them all this year.

1. If I Disappear

Kept me rushing towards the end and exclaiming out loud at each new twist. Super fun read!

2. Dial A For Aunties

I hadn’t thought I could laugh so hard, much less at a book that revolves around a murder. I plan to read this one again anytime I need a pick-me-up.

3. The Wife Upstairs

Easily the best modern take on Jane Eyre I’ve read, compulsively readable and a real pleasure. I can’t wait to see what the author does next.

4. The Wife Stalker

If you like thinking you’ve got a plot figured out and then being completely surprised by the ending, give this one a try and see if you are gripped by the sudden need to read everything else the author has ever written; I certainly was.

5. Don’t Look For Me

Absolutely nail biting suspense all the way through. This was another one that made me pick up and read several more by the author.

6. Behind the Red Door

I wish I could erase the memory of this one just so I could read it for the first time again. Memorable and full of incredibly well plotted twists.

7. Don’t Tell a Soul

Gothic and lovely, with a central mystery that ties up so satisfyingly you’ll want to read it again and again. The book equivalent of a fantastic meal, leaves you utterly content.

8. The Last House on Needless Street

If you’re reading this one and find yourself thinking “oh I know where this is going and I’m a little disappointed” no, you don’t, it’s going to surprise you. Read to the end and I dare you not to yell “oh my god, what?!” at least a few times near the end.

9. Summer Sons

One of the best gothics I’ve read in a long time, even in a year when I came across so many fun gothics to read. Memorable characters impossible not to root for.

10. The Death of Jane Lawrence

If Crimson Peak were a Doctor Who episode I imagine it would play out something like this book, which I enjoyed so thoroughly I immediately recommended it to several friends. I will be reading this one over again for many years to come.

I hope everyone has a great new year, and if you haven’t read the books on this list yet, I highly recommend looking for them at your local library or independent bookstore. Remember, most libraries allow digital checkouts of audiobooks, and many of the books on this list are even more delightful as audiobooks.

Happy reading!

Tag: New Years

The Top Ten (non-mystery) Books I Read in 2021

The Ten Best Mysteries and Gothics I Read in 2021