Do you struggle to stay engaged with books?
I thought it would be fun to make another book rec post! This time, instead of focusing on a particular author, I thought I would just do a top five of the books that I struggled to put down. My attention span is pretty much awful. Fast-paced books are usually my go-to because I know I'm more likely to stick with the story.
Let's get started!
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
I remember pre-ordering this book when I heard about its release! I loved The Silent Patient so naturally, when I heard the author was publishing another book, I had to get my hands on a copy.
Any kind of murder mystery book is always going to be on my TBR. What I loved about this one was how Michaelides explored a variety of themes in Greek Mythology. I think if you've already seen my other posts, you can tell that Greek Myths and classic whodunnits are a favourite of mine. Let's just say that when this came in the post, I devoured it in a single evening. Alex Michaelides is simply a brilliant writer and knows how to keep the reader hooked - the cliff-hangers throughout make it impossible to put down.
Synopsis:
Mariana is certain of one thing. Edward Fosca is a murderer. The Greek Tragedy professor, however, is untouchable. Everyone at Cambridge University adores him - especially a small-knit group of female students who refer to themselves as "the maidens." When Mariana's niece Zoe tells her that one of her friends has been found murdered, Mariana is determined to uncover the truth.
The Burning Girls by C.J Tudor
I'm going to cheat a little bit with this "top five" book recs and say that you pretty much can't go wrong with anything Tudor writes. Her other books that I've loved include
The Chalk Man
The Taking of Annie Thorne
The Other People
Yes, this is indeed another book that I pre-ordered when I heard about its upcoming release. I just love the writing style and I knew after reading her other books that I wouldn't be disappointed. Tudor is just awesome on how she can hook the reader from the first few pages. You don't have to tell yourself to be patient and wait for the story to "get good". You're intrigued from the very start and the fact that Tudor achieves this with all of her books proves how talented a writer she is.
Synopsis:
Chapel Croft is plagued with a dark past. Eight protestant martyrs have burned at the stake five hundred years ago. Thirty years ago, two teenage girls disappeared without a trace. And when Reverend Jack Brooks moves to this little village, she discovers that her predecessor had killed himself. It becomes apparent that there are certain ghosts in this village that refuse to rest.
My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
If your sister kept bunking off every guy she goes out with and you have to help her clean up, where will you draw the line?
The moment I saw the title of this book, I knew I had to get myself a copy. I am pleased to say that since I engulfed it in a single evening, it deserves to be on my top five-page- turner recs.
The whole concept of this book was so original and clever that I think everyone should add it to their TBR. I found it dark yet amusing at the same time which made the book overall really hard to put down. I will, for sure, keep an eye out for any more of Braithwaite's books.
Synopsis:
When Ayoola calls, Korede already knows the drill. Rubber gloves. Bleach. Preferably a strong stomach. Korede notices that this is the third boyfriend that Ayoola has disposed of. For the sake of the men in Nigeria, Korede should probably go to the police. But...family. However, this soon changes when Korede discovers Ayoola is now dating her colleague - a man Korede has always been in love with.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
When I properly got back into reading with my Christie books, my sister got me this for my birthday and I'm so glad she did - Thank you Tabi!
After reading this one, I quickly downloaded The Guest List as an audiobook and was also blown away. Foley can always promise a great plot twist. (Also can just appreciate how awesome the cover of this book is!)
All of the books that I've read by Foley have been simply awesome - I could not fault them. I'm always feeling a little bit deflated when I've finished a great page-turner like this one because I kind of just sit there like...' now what...'
Synopsis:
A group of college friends reunite for a holiday in the Highlands. What could go wrong? They can enjoy the hunting lodge. It's a bit isolating. The weather conditions aren't exactly ideal. Everything should be fine...right?
The Dinner Guest by BP Walter
When I read the synopsis of this book, I instantly purchased it. You end up, very early on, trying to figure out these characters and what they're truly like. The reader knows something awful is going to happen so throughout the book you're trying to work out who the culprit and victim are.
This book, like the others mentioned, is a thriller. Whenever I am in a reading slump, I usually go for this genre because I find it a lot easier to fall into the story. It's a lot easier to find great page-turners in the thriller genre. The writing style of this book got me hooked from the first few chapters.
Synopsis:
Four people go to dinner. One person never leaves. Charlie never wanted her to be part of their lives but Matthew wouldn't listen. Now their dinner guest is gripping a bloody knife whilst dialling for the police.
I hope this little selection has been useful if you're trying to find your next read.
Happy Reading!
All of these photographs are from my Instagram @readwithmims
New Instagram Account: @jemima_reads
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