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The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,608 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 Housekeepers

Krista Van Dolzer Why did I love this book?

I'm a sucker for a good historical, so The Housekeepers immediately caught my eye—and when the MC was dismissed from her post as a housekeeper in a palatial London townhome in the very first chapter, I was immediately hooked.

The less you know about this one, the better, so I'll just say that if you love Downton Abbey or Ocean's Eleven, read this book because it's both.

By Alex Hay,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

The night of London's grandest ball, a bold group of women downstairs plot a daring revenge heist against Mayfair society in this dazzling historical novel about power, gender, and class

Named a Best Book of Summer by The Washington Post * Good Housekeeping * Harper's Bazaar * Reader's Digest

“Rollicking fun and entirely original... Anyone who relishes a good party gone wrong will devour this.”
—Sarah Penner, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Apothecary

Mrs. King is no ordinary housekeeper. Born into a world of con artists and thieves, she’s made herself respectable, running the grandest home in…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Stateless

Krista Van Dolzer Why did I love this book?

I'm also a sucker for a decent mystery, and Stateless is a historical and a mystery.

It's 1937, and European leaders are sponsoring a race for up-and-coming pilots to promote peace across the continent. As the only girl among them, immigrant Stella plans to keep a low profile—until she witnesses one pilot shoot down another. But all the planes look similar, and she was too far away to make a positive ID.

If she wants to survive, she must complete the multi-leg race without letting on that she witnessed the murder, even though one of her fellow pilots is determined to unmask the killer. My favorite of Elizabeth Wein's books since Code Name Verity!

By Elizabeth Wein,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stateless as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 11, 12, 13, and 14.

What is this book about?

A group of young pilots face intrigue and sabotage in a race around Europe in this thrilling murder mystery, from the bestselling author of Code Name Verity. Ideal for readers aged 12+ _______________ It is 1937 and tensions are high. A spectacular air race around Europe seeks to promote unity among a group of young pilots, but distrust and animosity are rife. The British and sole female contestant, Stella North, is determined to prove not only her skill, but also her identity as her Nansen passport declares her 'stateless'. However, barely a few hours in, Stella is witness to a…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Firekeeper's Daughter

Krista Van Dolzer Why did I love this book?

I'm a few years late to the party on this one, but Firekeeper’s Daughter was every bit as good as I'd been led to believe.

I love books that introduce me to people and cultures I have no experience with, and Firekeeper’s Daughter thoroughly immersed me in modern Ojibwe life. But this book is so much more than a transportive travelogue; it's also a gripping thriller and a searing indictment of how we treat missing Indigenous women.

(And don't miss the companion novel, Warrior Girl Unearthed, which came out earlier this year!)

By Angeline Boulley,

Why should I read it?

9 authors picked Firekeeper's Daughter as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 14, 15, 16, and 17.

What is this book about?

A PRINTZ MEDAL WINNER!
A MORRIS AWARD WINNER!
AN AMERICAN INDIAN YOUTH LITERATURE AWARD YA HONOR BOOK!

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB YA PICK

An Instant #1 New York Times Bestseller

Soon to be adapted at Netflix for TV with President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama's production company, Higher Ground.

“One of this year's most buzzed about young adult novels.” ―Good Morning America

A TIME Magazine Best YA Book of All Time Selection
Amazon's Best YA Book of 2021 So Far (June 2021)
A 2021 Kids' Indie Next List Selection
An Entertainment Weekly Most Anticipated Books of…


Plus, check out my book…

The Multiplying Mysteries of Mount Ten

By Krista Van Dolzer,

Book cover of The Multiplying Mysteries of Mount Ten

What is my book about?

Twelve-year-old painter Esther can't wait to attend Camp Vermeer, the most prestigious art camp around. But when her stepdad accidentally drives up the wrong mountain, she lands at Camp Archimedes—a math camp! Determined to prove herself to the other campers, she tackles a brain-teaser that's supposed to be impossible, and solves it in a single day. But not everyone is happy about it... someone wants her out of camp at any cost, and starts leaving cryptic, threatening notes all over the grounds. Esther doesn't know who to trust. Will she solve this riddle before it's too late?

Featuring tricky logic puzzles readers can solve along with the characters and starring a unique, smart, and crafty young heroine, this story has just the right mix of mystery, humor, wit, and heart.