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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,624 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 The Shallows

Catherine Yardley Why did I love this book?

I loved this book for its pacy story, fantastic characters, and gripping plot. The story is intense, and Holly Craig is a fantastic writer. Every single page is gripping and drives the story forward.

A woman becomes obsessed with the woman next door and befriends her. When her new friend is murdered, her husband insists that they flee. What happens next is a story of survival.

Brilliant. 

By Holly Craig,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

"An exhilarating and accomplished action-packed thriller."-B. A. Paris

Her best friend is dead.

Emma and Ariella, neighbours in one of Sydney's most exclusive suburbs, appear to have it all-perfect homes, perfect husbands, perfect lives. But they both know dark secrets lurk beneath the surface and shallow waters can't hide Ariella's. Now she has been found murdered.

Her daughter filmed the killing.

Not knowing what she's filmed, Emma's daughter Kiki innocently uploads footage of Ariella's brutal death. Emma fears the worst-the killer will know what she and Kiki have seen. Their safe suburban lives no longer exist.

Her husband knows more…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Yellowface

Catherine Yardley Why did I love this book?

This is a brilliant book, no matter how you cut it, but when you are a writer, it hits extra hard.

It is perfect for aspiring writers to learn what is going to happen when they debut. It is a painful read sometimes, but it is brave and honest. The best books are about truth, and this book shouts it out loud.

I loved it! 

By R. F. Kuang,

Why should I read it?

25 authors picked Yellowface as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The No. 1 Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller from literary sensation R.F. Kuang

*A Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick*

'Propulsive' SUNDAY TIMES

'Razor-sharp' TIME

'A wild ride' STYLIST

'Darkly comic' GQ

'A riot' PANDORA SYKES

'Hard to put down, harder to forget' STEPHEN KING

Athena Liu is a literary darling and June Hayward is literally nobody.

White lies
When Athena dies in a freak accident, June steals her unpublished manuscript and publishes it as her own under the ambiguous name Juniper Song.

Dark humour
But as evidence threatens June's stolen success, she will discover exactly how far she…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of My Murder

Catherine Yardley Why did I love this book?

I love originality, and this book is mind-blowing in its originality.

It’s about a woman who is murdered and is brought back to life when she is cloned by a government program. She then is determined to solve her own murder.

This book is being developed by Archewell, Prince Harry and Meghan’s production company. It is fun and clever. A must-read! 

By Katie Williams,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

SOMETIMES THE ONLY PERSON WHO CAN SOLVE YOUR MURDER IS YOU.

'Startling and original, My Murder is a gripping speculative twist on the crime novel.' - Paula Hawkins bestselling author of The Girl on the Train

'Completely absorbing. A smart, speculative twist on domestic suspense.' - Ashley Audrain

'One of the most original, smart, funny and thought-provoking books you'll read this year' - Daily Mail

Lou has been murdered.

She was the fifth victim of the serial killer Edward Early. A young wife and new mother, Lou's death outraged a public breathlessly following the story of the serial murders.

Lou…


Plus, check out my book…

Book cover of Ember

What is my book about?

A family torn apart by their father's infidelity is forced to confront the past thirty years later. As Natalie's younger sister, Amanda, prepares for marriage and impending motherhood, her plea for the family to reunite uncovers pent-up tension and animosity. Can they forget the past and become a family again?

Natalie's life begins to unravel as their father starts to creep back into their lives and family tensions resurface, affecting her relationship with her boyfriend, Rob. Will the couple find their way back to each other, and can a family that has been torn apart ever heal their wounds?

Can you ever walk away from someone you love, or do some fires never die out?