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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,639 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Troop

Nick Carlson Why did I love this book?

The Troop is a masterclass of combining colorful language with true stomach-churning horror.

As someone who appreciates how the written word can be manipulated and played with like an artist with a brush, I found Cutter’s prose to be at once devastating, humorous, and sadistic with its cleverness and creativity. And lovers of the genre will find a lot to appreciate in its narrative: biological madness, depraved sociopathy, body horror to the nth degree, you’ll find it in The Troop, a book that will leave you awake thinking about it all night, and not just from fear.

By Nick Cutter,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Troop as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'THE TROOP scared the hell out of me, and I couldn't put it down. Not for the faint-hearted' STEPHEN KING

He felt something touch his hand. Which is when he looked down.

For the scouts of Troop 52, three days of camping, hiking and survival lessons on Falstaff Island is as close as they'll get to a proper holiday.

Which was when he saw it.

But when an emaciated figure stumbles into their camp asking for food, the trip takes a horrifying turn. The man is not just hungry, he's sick. Sick in a way they have never seen before.…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Dragon Teeth

Nick Carlson Why did I love this book?

Historical fiction is not a genre I dabble in frequently, but considering Crichton’s famous bibliography and—I’m not ashamed to admit this—the fact that there was a dinosaur on the front cover, I knew I had to check this one out. And I’m glad I did.

The real life Bone Wars between Othniel Marsh and Edward Cope are a fascinating little piece of obscure American history; it was almost inevitable that a novel would explore them. And combined with Crichton’s brisk, fun, writing style plus his seamless weaving of real history, Dragon Teeth is a definite recommendation from me. 

By Michael Crichton,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Dragon Teeth as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From Michael Crichton, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Jurassic Park, comes a thrilling adventure set in the Wild West that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last!

If you thought Jurassic Park was an adventure, you should try the Wild West!

1876. In the lawless territories of the Wild West, two teams of explorers are pitted against one another. Their quarry? Dinosaur bones. But in a land filled with hostile Indian tribes and towns where pistol fights are a daily occurrence, every exploit puts their lives in danger...…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of On Stranger Tides

Nick Carlson Why did I love this book?

The Pirates of the Caribbean films are my favorite of all time, and it intrigued me to learn that the fourth movie was inspired by a novel published decades prior.

It was fascinating to me to see how elements from the book translated to the movie, yet it remained its whole unique experience—one with high-octane action, magical mischief, and a diabolical way with words. On Stranger Tides gets dense at times, but it was a very fun read nonetheless.

By Tim Powers,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked On Stranger Tides as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Shortlisted for the World Fantasy Award
Shortlisted for the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel

1718: Puppeteer John Chandagnac has set sail for Jamaica to recover his stolen inheritance, when his ship is seized by pirates. Offered the choice to join the crew, or be killed where he stands, he decides that a pirate's life is better than none at all.

Now known as Jack Shandy, this apprentice buccaneer soon learns to handle a mainsail and wield a cutlass - only to discover he is now a subject of a Caribbean pirate empire ruled by one Edward Thatch, better known…


Plus, check out my book…

Hell's Gulf

By Nick Carlson,

Book cover of Hell's Gulf

What is my book about?

Rowan Vane, a young writer struggling with self-definition (really though, what young person isn’t?), finds himself in the dead center of a salty, sunbleached North Florida beach town for spring break. Emboldened by the lure of inspiration and personal growth, he sets out on a spirit journey, mind ablaze with possibility.

But the further he ventures into its depths, the more he comes to realize the extent of the town’s darkness, from its diabolical menagerie of monsters to its corrupt, bloodsoaked history. Can he navigate the wilds of Hell’s Gulf and emerge a better, stronger man? Or will the horrifying truth behind it all end up killing him?