Author Lover of all things magic Unicorn dreamer Animal crazy Horse rider
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,627 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 Other Women

Linda Chapman Why did I love this book?

This book completely took me by surprise. I’m not normally a fan of historical fiction, but I loved it!

It is a psychological thriller set in London in 1923 and tells the story of two women linked by one man, a terrible murder, and the consequences of that murder.

The characters felt so contemporary, the psychological motivation so realistic, and the period detail so vivid, fascinating, and beautifully described that it hooked me and lived with me for a long time after I’d finished it. 

By Emma Flint,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Zoe Ball's BBC Radio 2 Book Club pick.

Mesmerising and haunting, Emma Flint's Other Women is a devastating story of fantasy, obsession inspired by a murder that took place almost a hundred years ago.

'A pitch-perfect historical mystery' - The Guardian
'Bloody brilliant' - Dinah Jefferies, author of The Missing Sister
'Compelling, twisty, and wonderfully suspenseful' - Claire Fuller, author of Unsettled Ground

It is 1923 and a country is in mourning. Thousands of husbands, fathers, sons and sweethearts were lost in the war, millions more returned home wounded and forever changed.

Beatrice Cade is an orphan, unmarried and childless.…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Grimm Up North: A DCI Harry Grimm Crime Novel

Linda Chapman Why did I love this book?

The first book in a UK detective/police series by David J. Gatward. It follows gruff, tough Harry Grimm, a detective inspector and ex-military man, who is transferred from an urban setting to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales to head up a local police force in Wensleydale.

Although reluctant about the move at first, the place and the people soon work their magic, and Harry begins to feel at home and, of course, solve the crime. A great crime plot with engaging characters, lots of humour, local detail, thrills in abundance and fantastic descriptions of the stunning landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.

I love well-plotted crime books set in UK rural environments with great characters and humour (Alex Smith’s DCI Kett and Alex Scarrows’s DCI Boyd series are also favourites). I shall definitely be reading more of this series. 

By David J Gatward,

Why should I read it?

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


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

Linda Chapman Why did I love this book?

It’s probably not a surprise I like a book about unicorns and magic, given I write about those things so much, but these are unicorns for an older age group – magnificent, powerful, wild – and often frightening.

The story follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Skandar Smith in his quest to become a Unicorn Rider. He has to hatch and bond with a unicorn, learn how to help it use its magic, deal with being at a new school where not all the students and teachers are friendly, and, if that’s not enough, he also has to defeat a powerful enemy.

It’s gripping, thrilling and full of exciting battles and magic. I can’t wait to read the next installment!

By A F Steadman,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Skandar and the Unicorn Thief as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 9, 10, 11, and 12.

What is this book about?

HEROES AND UNICORNS AS YOU'VE NEVER SEEN THEM BEFORE. The first book in the award-winning, international hit fantasy adventure series for children age 9+, and fans of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Eragon and Fireborn.

WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2022
WINNER OF THE INDIE BOOK AWARDS 2023!

'Steadman has a vast imagination, her world-building is a joy, the battle scenes are thrilling and her characters charm.' - The Times Children's Book of the Week
'Pacy, enthralling and epic, a gripping read.' - Louie Stowell, author of Loki and Otherland
'A dazzling feat of imagination. I loved every breathless moment…


Plus, check out my book…

Moonlight Riders: Fire Horse

By Linda Chapman,

Book cover of Moonlight Riders: Fire Horse

What is my book about?

Moonlight Stables is a very special stables – it's not only a wonderful riding school, but it's also home to eight beautiful Elemental Horses. The Elemental Horses may look like ordinary ponies most of the time, but each one wields a different power over the elements, and each chooses a girl or boy to bond with, someone who can help them control their power.

But being chosen is only the start of the Moonlight Riders and their Elemental Horses' adventures; there are trials and challenges to complete, not to mention an evil night rider who wants to sabotage Moonlight Stables and take the Elemental Horses' power for herself.

Friendships, ponies, powerful magic – Moonlight Riders is a joy to write!