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 Force of Hate

Nikki Dudley Why did I love this book?

I’ve read the first installment by Graham Bartlett and loved the main character of Jo Howe, a woman working in a male-dominated police force and battling so much more than just the crimes taking place.

I was really excited to read the second journey into her world! I also love how Bartlett tackles hard-hitting subjects, such as trafficking, fascism, and so much more.

It’s an uncompromising look at the current state of the police force and the issues within our society that we need to confront while also giving us characters to care about and root for.

You can also tell he has a background in policing, but it doesn’t go over the top with detail. I love his books!

By Graham Bartlett,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

When a firebomb attack at a Brighton travellers' site kills women and children, Chief Superintendent Jo Howe has strong reason to believe the new, dubiously elected, far-right council leader is behind the murders.

Against the direct orders of her chief constable, Jo digs deeper into the killings. She uncovers a criminal ring of human trafficking and euthanasia all leading to a devastating plot which threatens thousands of lives and from which the murderous politician looks sure to walk away scot-free.


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Adam's Witness

Nikki Dudley Why did I love this book?

This is a self-published author, who I’m glad I discovered. The characters she paints are really intriguing and likeable.

I loved how their professions interlinked and the crimes being investigated became a shared mission. The characters bounce off each other well, too. The criminal in the book was also fascinating to spend time with and I kept turning the pages to get to the end!

By J.C. Paulson,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Adam's Witness as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Where does justice end and vengeance begin?

When newspaper journalist Grace Rampling learns that the Pride Choir has been banned from performing in the cathedral, she rushes to the church to get some answers.

Instead, she literally stumbles onto a grisly crime scene: the bishop is lying in a pool of his own blood before the altar. Suddenly, Grace is no longer the observer and reporter. She finds herself central to the case — not only as the key witness, but a suspect and even potential victim.

Lead investigator Detective Sergeant Adam Davis is thrown by the fierce attraction he…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Killer Bodies

Nikki Dudley Why did I love this book?

The main character was really likable, as well as the side characters, which always makes a good start! There was also a lot of dark humor thrown in. I enjoyed the strange setup and how it played out. I can’t say much more, as it will be a spoiler! 

By Heleen Kist,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
In a prestigious Edinburgh apartment building, gym receptionist Evie whiles away long hours doodling the deaths of residents who've annoyed her. On her birthday of all days, a man slumps off the exercise bike - dead. She tries to get help, but someone has locked the doors and the phones are out of reach. When another resident collapses inexplicably, Evie realises the deaths resemble those she drew ... and her sketchbook is missing. Was she framed... ... or is she next?

Killer Bodies is a darkly humorous locked room thriller that will leave you…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Volta

By Nikki Dudley,

Book cover of Volta

What is my book about?

When Briony Campbell confesses to killing her boyfriend, a straightforward crime soon turns into a baffling mystery. 

Haunted by demons from his past, lawyer SJ Robin is assigned to the case. But as confusion - and the body count - rises, he's forced to question who is guilty and who is innocent. 

Can he see justice served and hold on to the woman he loves?

My 5-year-old's favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Maybe...

Nikki Dudley Why did they love this book?

My five-year-old especially loves this one. It focuses on some cheeky monkeys and the trouble they can get into. They love spotting the danger and watching the monkeys get into trouble despite knowing they shouldn't do what they do! Sometimes, they act it out - it's controlled chaos!

By Chris Haughton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Maybe... as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

From Chris Haughton comes a funny, suspenseful and keenly observed cautionary tale about pushing boundaries and indulging your more mischievous, cheeky side (when nobody is looking).

Three little monkeys, and their big monkey, are sitting high up on their branch in the forest canopy. "OK, monkeys! I'm off," says the big monkey. "Now remember. Whatever you do, do NOT go down to the mango tree. There are tigers down there." Mmm ... mangos! think the little monkeys. They LOVE mangos. Hmm ... maybe ... maybe they could just look at the mangos? That'd be OK, right?


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My 7-year-old's favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of In Our Hands

Nikki Dudley Why did they love this book?

This is a great book about the responsibility we all share to look after the environment, and it is told with beautiful illustrations. My sons love this book and have been inspired by it to recreate it and think about their impact on the world. It's nice the way the positivity spreads, and this is a great message to pass on to your kids. 

By Lucy Farfort,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked In Our Hands as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

We called it 'The Dulling'.


It had been creeping in for such a long time, and had started so gradually, that most people barely even noticed.


As the Dulling spread, people began to fight and isolate themselves from each other. Neighbours became enemies, friends became strangers, and soon all colour was drained from the world.


When the world is plagued with isolation and cursed to live without colour' it is up to a group of determined children to grow a seed of hope that will inspire everyone to come together and build a better future.


This timeless fable' from debut…


My 7-year-old's 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Bunny vs Monkey

Nikki Dudley Why did they love this book?

My seven-year-old loves this series because it is a lot like Dogman. They are both a bit off-kilter, funny, odd, and a little bit naughty. It's also a graphic novel, which I've found has helped my reluctant reader to pick up more books.

Your kids might also enjoy the antics Bunny and Monkey get up to! 

By Jamie Smart,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Bunny vs Monkey as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 7, 8, and 9.

What is this book about?

FAST AND FURRY-OUS!

Welcome to the woods. It's chaos in there!

Bunny and his friends Weenie the Squirrel, Pig (the pig), Action Beaver and Skunky the Inventor lived a peaceful life in the forest - until Monkey's rocket crash-landed and he decided to take over!

Now Monkey is causing mayhem, Bunny is determined to put a stop to it, and . . . what's that? It's an out of control shark tank, ruining a lovely picnic!

Join bestselling comics sensation Jamie Smart for this hilarious collection of stories, available in a new chunky format!


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