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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,633 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

Shepherd is reader supported. When you buy books, we may earn an affiliate commission.

My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Old Bones

S.D. Livingston Why did I love this book?

Old Bones takes the historical events of the Donner Party and infuses them with the urgency of a modern-day treasure hunt: the search for a rumored lost camp that will reveal secrets from the ill-fated expedition.

I first picked up the book expecting an enjoyable (if predictable) mystery flavored by historical events. But it was an unexpected treat to discover that the book is an incredibly smart, twisty thriller that kept me guessing right up to the last few pages.

It’s rare to find a mystery/thriller that truly surprises, but this book pulled it off, and that’s what makes it a winner.

By Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Old Bones as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The latest pulse-pounding thriller from New York Times bestsellers Preston & Child. Nora Kelly, a young curator at the Santa Fe Institute of Archaeology, is approached by historian Clive Benton with a once-in-a-lifetime proposal: to lead a team in search of the so-called 'Lost Camp' of the tragic Donner Party. This was a group of pioneers who earned a terrible place in American history when they became snow-bound in the California mountains in 1847, their fate unknown until the first skeletonized survivors stumbled out of the wilderness, raving about starvation, murder-and cannibalism. Benton tells Kelly he has stumbled upon an…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Bird Box

S.D. Livingston Why did I love this book?

I had no idea what I was in for when I started to read Bird Box. I’d seen the movie, and it was good, but the sheer suspense of the book came as a complete surprise. From the very first page, Josh Malerman has created an atmosphere that balances on a very fine edge between dread and hope.

It’s been a long time since a book kept me turning the pages all night, needing to know what happens and getting completely invested in the characters—even after I’d seen the film version.

Bird Box pulled me straight in and didn’t let go, and I’ll be reading the sequel with the lights on.

By Josh Malerman,

Why should I read it?

7 authors picked Bird Box as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Josh Malerman's debut novel Bird Box is a terrifying, Hitchcockesque psychological horror that is sure to stay with you long after reading.

Malorie raises the children the only way she can: indoors.

The house is quiet. The doors are locked, the curtains are closed, mattresses are nailed over the windows.

They are out there. She might let them in.

The children sleep in the bedroom across the hall.

Soon she will have to wake them. Soon she will have to blindfold them.

Today they must leave the house. Today they will risk everything.


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Jurassic Park

S.D. Livingston Why did I love this book?

I’ve read Jurassic Park several times, along with its sequels, and watched all the movies. But no matter how many times I open the book that started the franchise, the story still feels as fresh as it did thirty years ago.

Maybe that’s because I love to marvel at the idea of seeing living, breathing dinosaurs—at the immense power that makes our AI and smartphones look feeble in comparison.

Or maybe it’s because Crichton’s tale was the perfect blend between high concept and straight-up adventure. Either way, there’s still nothing that quite matches the fun of getting lost in the dangers of Isla Nublar and the pages of Jurassic Park.

By Michael Crichton,

Why should I read it?

15 authors picked Jurassic Park as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'Crichton's most compulsive novel' Sunday Telegraph
'Crichton's dinosaurs are genuinely frightening' Chicago Sun-Times
'Breathtaking adventure. . . a book that is as hard to put down as it is to forget' Time Out

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The international bestseller that inspired the Jurassic Park film franchise.

On a remote jungle island, genetic engineers have created a dinosaur game park.

An astonishing technique for recovering and cloning dinosaur DNA has been discovered. Now one of mankind's most thrilling fantasies has come true and the first dinosaurs that the Earth has seen in the time of man emerge.

But, as always, there is a…


Plus, check out my book…

A Queen's Revenge

By S.D. Livingston,

Book cover of A Queen's Revenge

What is my book about?

The invaders promised peace. Peace to the ancient Celtic kingdoms that obeyed them.

But oaths are only honored between men, and when King Prasutagus dies the Roman invaders bring a new threat to Queen Boudicca: relinquish power or die.

They expect her to cower. They dont expect this fierce queen of Britain to march against the mighty Roman army—and win.