The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

Join 1,707 readers and share your 3 favorite reads of the year.

My favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Shutter

Mary Maurice Why did I love this book?

Rita Todacheen, a true-born Navajo, was granted a gift at birth. Her talent with a camera has secured her a job for the forensic department of the Albuquerque Police as a photographer. But this is not the only thing that Rita has been blessed with.

Since childhood, she has been able to see spirits and now finds herself haunted by the city’s latest homicide victim, who tries to help in the solving of her own murder.

This beautifully written book transcends the reader into a world of action, filled with mystical mysteries, worthy of a binge read!  

By Ramona Emerson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Longlisted for the National Book Award

This blood-chilling debut set in New Mexico’s Navajo Nation is equal parts gripping crime thriller, supernatural horror, and poignant portrayal of coming of age on the reservation.

Rita Todacheene is a forensic photographer working for the Albuquerque police force. Her excellent photography skills have cracked many cases—she is almost supernaturally good at capturing details. In fact, Rita has been hiding a secret: she sees the ghosts of crime victims who point her toward the clues that other investigators overlook. 

As a lone portal back to the living for traumatized spirits, Rita is terrorized by…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Giovanni's Room

Mary Maurice Why did I love this book?

This classic piece of literature, written by James Baldwin in 1964, twists the handle to the closed door of homosexuality in an attempt to bring life to the love story of two youthful men struggling with their true identity in the streets of Paris.

David and Giovanni discover each other in the dim bars of the nightlight surrounding the sector of the deprived. Baldwin’s words testify to the anguish of those denying their true selves, pushing them into lives of lies and secrecy.

In a heartfelt novel, Baldwin succeeds in showing the reader the hardships of homosexuality when the subject was taboo! A breakthrough book for its time!

By James Baldwin,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Giovanni's Room as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

When David meets the sensual Giovanni in a bohemian bar, he is swept into a passionate love affair. But his girlfriend's return to Paris destroys everything. Unable to admit to the truth, David pretends the liaison never happened - while Giovanni's life descends into tragedy.

United by the theme of love, the writings in the Great Loves series span over two thousand years and vastly different worlds. Readers will be introduced to love's endlessly fascinating possibilities and extremities: romantic love, platonic love, erotic love, gay love, virginal love, adulterous love, parental love, filial love, nostalgic love, unrequited love, illicit love,…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Night Tales: Night Shift & Night Shadow

Mary Maurice Why did I love this book?

Every once in a while, I enjoy reading a soft murder/mystery with a hint of romance, and that’s when I turn to Nora Roberts—never disappointed with her format writing.

I find her words simple and colorful, allowing the reader to whiz through the story without pause. Love is always a major point in Roberts’ character’s adventures, and nine times out of ten, the good guy always gets the girl.

Night Shift/Night Shadow is no different—two short stories of sisters in different scenarios but with the same outcome

It is an easy read for the millions already familiar with this best-selling author. 

By Nora Roberts,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Night Tales: Night Shift & Night Shadow by Nora Roberts released on Jun 28, 2005 is available now for purchase.


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Suicide Letters of Jack Monroe

By Mary Maurice,

Book cover of The Suicide Letters of Jack Monroe

What is my book about?

Jack Monroe is beside himself. Where is she? Where is Susan? She hasn’t written back for over a week now. Has she gone and done it? He would know, wouldn’t he?

He believed his letters were working, or were they? This psychological thriller delves into the world of mental illness, showing us how quickly it can take over the mind.

In this tapestry of the life of Jack Monroe, Maurice taps into the desperation of a short-circuiting brain. 

Book cover of Shutter
Book cover of Giovanni's Room
Book cover of Night Tales: Night Shift & Night Shadow

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