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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 Swamp Story

David J. Agans Why did I love this book?

I always look forward to Dave Barry novels because they always make me laugh, often out loud. Sometimes in public. This was no exception—it made the week I read it a real joy.

But with each new book, Barry is getting better at plot and characterization, and Swamp Story actually came off as an exciting thriller despite the funny approach. As a writer of humorous thrillers myself, I could appreciate the finer points of the storytelling, and was inspired to similarly hone my own latest novel.

By Dave Barry,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked Swamp Story as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Pulitzer Prize–winning New York Times bestselling author and actual Florida Man Dave Barry returns with a Florida caper full of oddballs and more twists and turns than a snake slithering away from a gator.

Jesse Braddock is trapped in a tiny cabin deep in the Everglades with her infant daughter and her ex-boyfriend, a wannabe reality TV star who turned out to be a lot prettier on the outside than on the inside. Broke and desperate for a way out, Jesse stumbles across a long-lost treasure, which could solve all her problems—if she can figure out how to keep it.…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Razzmatazz

David J. Agans Why did I love this book?

Razzmatazz is a sequel to Noir, both novels recounting the adventures of one Sammy Two Toes and his girl Stilton (a.k.a. The Cheese) in 1940s San Francisco. I was writing a noir spoof when I read the first book and looked forward to Moore’s take on it.

The books are less noir and more Guys and Dolls—comical low-life characters attempting to sound sophisticated as they dance the line between law and outlaw. I love Guys and Dolls, so these books worked for me. Not only did Razzmatazz maintain Moore’s high standard of humor, but it also included the usual dose of paranormal fun.

By Christopher Moore,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

New York Times Bestseller

"Smart and funny and all sorts of raunchy in the best way." - San Francisco Chronicle

Repeat New York Times bestselling author Christopher Moore returns to the mean streets of San Francisco in this outrageous follow-up to his madcap novel Noir.

San Francisco, 1947. Bartender Sammy "Two Toes" Tiffin and the rest of the Cookie's Coffee Irregulars-a ragtag bunch of working mugs last seen in Noir-are on the hustle: they're trying to open a driving school; shanghai an abusive Swedish stevedore; get Mable, the local madam, and her girls to a Christmas party at the State…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Anxious People

David J. Agans Why did I love this book?

This was not my usual humor reading, but it was recommended to me as a clever piece of storytelling that I might learn from for my own writing.

The storytelling was indeed clever—Backman unfolds the mystery in filo-pastry-thin layers, with wonderfully well-disguised clues and misdirection. I was totally caught up in guessing the truth, and couldn’t do it.

The book was compelling from page one and hard to put down.

By Fredrik Backman,

Why should I read it?

11 authors picked Anxious People as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The funny, touching and unpredictable No. 1 New York Times bestseller, now a major Netflix TV series

'A brilliant and comforting read' MATT HAIG
'Funny, compassionate and wise. An absolute joy' A.J. PEARCE
'A surefooted insight into the absurdity, beauty and ache of life' GUARDIAN
'I laughed, I sobbed, I recommended it to literally everyone I know' BUZZFEED
'Captures the messy essence of being human' WASHINGTON POST

From the 18 million copy internationally bestselling author of A Man Called Ove
_______

It's New Year's Eve and House Tricks estate agents are hosting an open viewing in an up-market apartment when…


Plus, check out my book…

The Urban Legion

By Dave Agans,

Book cover of The Urban Legion

What is my book about?

Urban legends are more than just legends. Ask the survivors.

Join Lynn Grady as she plunges into a hidden, James-Bondian world where tin-foil hats are essential, sex-pheromone cologne is irresistible, and Bigfoot roams the Sierras, hunting tasty jackalopes for lunch.

This tongue-in-cheek satire of urban legends, internet hoaxes, and conspiracy theories exposes the underground battle between the Urban Legion and the evil Corporation responsible for everything from traffic jams to sharp plastic packaging. Once you see the world through this funhouse mirror, food courts and airport restrooms will never be the same.