Author Writer Reader Baker Cookie-devourer Librarian
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 Titanium Noir

Gregory Ashe Why did I love this book?

Titanium Noir is a cyberpunk noir masterpiece in the tradition of Altered Carbon – in a world where the rich are essentially immortal, private detective Cal Sounder is an ordinary man who is asked to do the extraordinary. But the truth, as always, is much more complicated than anyone can imagine.

By Nick Harkaway,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

A virtuosic mashup of Philip K. Dick and Raymond Chandler by way of Marvel—the story of a detective investigating the murder of a Titan, one of society’s most powerful, medically-enhanced elites. • “Cross-genre brilliance from the superbly talented Nick Harkaway.” —William Gibson, New York Times best-selling author of Agency

"An exemplar of its genre, Titanium Noir twists and turns between excellent fun and deep melancholy." —The New York Times Book Review

Cal Sounder is a detective working for the police on certain very sensitive cases. So when he’s called in to investigate a homicide at a local apartment, he’s surprised…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Reunion

Gregory Ashe Why did I love this book?

Bringing together the best elements of Stephen King’s early stories, with a dash of Stranger Things, Christopher Farnsworth’s Reunion is the story of a group of kids who saved the world – and then grew up to pay the price for their mistakes. I loved this beautiful story, and it hit all my sweet spots.

My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Early Autumn

Gregory Ashe Why did I love this book?

Robert B. Parker’s Early Autumn isn’t a new book, but it’s new to me.

In this entry in Parker’s beloved series, private detective Spenser finds himself responsible for a sullen teenage boy. The novel is a breathtaking story of the families we make, the price we pay for love, and what it means to grow up.

By Robert B. Parker,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked Early Autumn as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

“[Robert B.] Parker's brilliance is in his simple dialogue, and in Spenser.”—The Philadelphia Inquirer

A bitter divorce is only the beginning. First the father hires thugs to kidnap his son. Then the mother hires Spenser to get the boy back. But as soon as Spenser senses the lay of the land, he decides to do some kidnapping of his own.

With a contract out on his life, he heads for the Maine woods, determined to give a puny 15 year old a crash course in survival and to beat his dangerous opponents at their own brutal game.


Plus, check out my book…

The Face in the Water

By Gregory Ashe,

Book cover of The Face in the Water

What is my book about?

A crossover mystery featuring characters from four bestselling series: the Hazard and Somerset Mysteries, the Borealis Investigations, the Lamb and the Lion, and the First Quarto.