I read a lot of amazing books in 2024—nine of them earned a 5-star review. But when it comes to the best of the best, there were five that stood out above the rest. These are the books I couldn’t put down, couldn’t get enough of, and will likely reread in the near(ish) future. If you’ve read any of these, let me know what you thought! And if you’re adding them to your TBR, I hope you love them as much as I did.

Number 1:

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Stuart Turton

Mystery/Thriller

Aiden Bishop knows the rules. Evelyn Hardcastle will die every day until he can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest at Blackheath Manor. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others. With a locked room mystery that Agatha Christie would envy, Stuart Turton unfurls a breakneck novel of intrigue and suspense. For fans of Claire North, and Kate Atkinson, The 71/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a breathlessly addictive mystery that follows one man’s race against time to find a killer, with an astonishing time-turning twist that means nothing and no one are quite what they seem. – The StoryGraph

Why I enjoyed it: This was the first book I opened in 2024, and it started the year with an absolute bang. I fell in love with it immediately and worried I might’ve been too generous giving the first book of the year five stars—but that rating has more than held up. Nothing else has come close. Honestly, if I could give it six stars, I would. When I’m not reading or writing for this blog, I’m doing puzzles—a lot of them—and this book felt like the perfect puzzle, with intertwining stories and a mystery begging to be solved. Even after 12 months, I can still recall so many of the finer details. Consider this a glowing review—and make it a priority to read in 2025.

Number 2:

The Book of Doors

Gareth Brown

Fiction (with magic!)

Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading. But this is no ordinary book… It is the Book of Doors. 

Inscribed with enigmatic words and mysterious drawings, it promises Cassie that any door is every door. You just need to know how to open them. – The StoryGraph

Why I enjoyed it: This book was pure magic in the best way. From the very first pages, you’re transported into a world filled with magic, alternate timelines, hidden universes, and the power of friendship. With plenty of action, it’s the kind of story that keeps you turning pages, eager to see what happens next. As a fan of non-linear narratives, I loved following Cassie’s journey as she faced the unknown at every turn.

Number 3:

First Lie Wins

Ashley Elston

Thriller

Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist. The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job. The one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn’t be higher–but then, Evie has always liked a challenge… – The StoryGraph

Why I enjoyed it: This pick from Reese’s Book Club didn’t disappoint—I knew it was going to be good. After what felt like an eternity on the library waitlist, I devoured it in just two days. I seriously couldn’t put it down! It’s a straightforward thriller, but it was so much fun to read, with an incredibly twisty mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through. If you’re looking for a quick, gripping read and love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one’s definitely for you!

Number 4:

I’m Glad My Mom Died

Jennette McCurdy

Memoir

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life. -The StoryGraph

Why I enjoyed it: This was a tough read. It tackles some very heavy topics and gave me an eye-opening look into my childhood. It was almost an out-of-body experience to learn what was happening behind the scenes of a show I loved dearly. Growing up watching iCarly, it was gut-wrenching to realize what she went through during filming. That said, this was a fantastic book—just be mindful of your triggers and have a tissue or two ready.

Number 5:

The House of Doors

Tan Twan Eng

Historical Fiction

The House of Doors by Tan Twan Eng is a captivating read for readers who appreciate historical fiction, LGBTQ+ stories, and explorations of complex themes such as identity, morality, and the intricacies of human relationships, particularly those who are drawn to nuanced portrayals of love, betrayal, and the struggles of living under the constraints of societal expectations. – The StoryGraph

Why I enjoyed it: This book was challenging in the best way. The writing was stunning, and I often found myself happily lost in its vivid descriptions. As someone who loves puzzles and uncovering hidden meanings, I appreciated the meandering plot and enjoyed piecing together how the characters’ lives intertwined. By the end, I was completely captivated and inspired to explore the deeper connections between the fictional story and its real-life historical roots. This book left a lasting impression, and I’m so glad I took the leap to read it. Check out my full review here!