An unexpected bonus of leaving the day job in March to write full-time is that I’ve found more time to read.
I’ve chewed through some brilliant books this year and wanted to share my favourites with you.
Here are my top five recommendations for 2021:
1. Verity – Colleen Hoover
Everyone seemed to be talking about this book this year, so I had to check it out and it did not disappoint. It’s described as a romantic thriller – but there’s not much romance in it. It’s dark and disturbing and has an amazing twist. It’s one of those books that will leave you wondering you what you just read, your mind turning somersaults as you go back through the story in your head, trying to piece it all together.
A solid 5/5 stars
2. Castaways – Lucy Clarke
I wouldn’t describe this book as a psychological thriller as such, but it’s a brilliant page turner told across two timelines as Lori tries to piece together what happened to her sister, Erin, who vanished in a mysterious plane crash in Fiji. Every chapter has you on the edge of your seat and I certainly couldn’t predict how this one was going to end. One of those addictive books you can’t put down.
5/5 stars for a brilliant, engaging read.
AMAZON US (paperback or audio)
AMAZON CA (paperback)
3. The Secrets of Us – Lucinda Berry
I’ve been a big fan of Lucinda Berry’s stories ever since the disturbing and utterly brilliant, The Perfect Child. As a former clinical psychologist and childhood trauma researcher, she brings a dark authenticity to her novels which are rich, atmospheric and often unsettling. The Secrets of Us is certainly an equal to The Perfect Child and tracks the story of two foster sisters, Nichole and Krystal. When Nichole is committed to a psychiatric hospital accused of trying to kill her husband, Krystal is left to uncover the truth.
An unquestionable 5/5 stars.
4. Invisible Girl – Lisa Jewell
The brilliance of Lisa Jewell’s writing is the depth and richness to brings to each and every character. They’re all ordinary people but with fascinating back stories, idiosyncrasies and motivations. Invisible Girl is a story of a missing girl – but not like any missing girl stories you’ve read before.
Twisting and compelling, a definite 5/5 stars.
5. The Arrangement – Kiersten Modglin
Kiersten Modglin is a rising star in the psychological thriller genre. Another self-published author, she is a prolific writer with a penchant for extraordinary twists. I had to pick up The Arrangement after so many people on the thriller forums were talking about it. And wow, it certainly packs a punch with twist after twist after twist. Maybe one twist too far in the end, but it’s certainly a super quick, enjoyable read. And if enjoy this one, there are quite a few more to choose from.
*Please note - while I'm not affiliated to any of the authors above, I do make a small commission on purchases made through these links.
