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 Strange Sally Diamond

Victoria Goldman Why did I love this book?

I have always enjoyed Liz Nugent’s crime novels. She creates multi-layered, unforgettable characters within gripping, twisty plots. This is probably her most disturbing book so far, taking readers right inside her main character’s head.

Strange Sally Diamond focuses on the aftermath of tragic and horrific events. It’s about family, childhood trauma, and nature versus nurture – and whether we can truly escape our past.

This psychological thriller stayed with me long after I finished it. It can be uncomfortable reading at times, yet there are also moments of dark humour. It’s beautifully written and took me through a rollercoaster of emotions.

By Liz Nugent,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Strange Sally Diamond as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sally Diamond cannot understand why what she did was so strange. She was only doing what her father told her to do, to put him out with the rubbish when he died.

Now Sally is the centre of attention, not only from the hungry media and worried police, but also a sinister voice from a past she has no memory of. As she begins to discover the horrors of her childhood, recluse Sally steps into the world for the first time, making new friends, finding independence, and learning that people don't always mean what they say.

But when messages start…


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of The Ugly Truth

Victoria Goldman Why did I love this book?

I was gripped by this crime thriller and read most of it in one sitting. The plot focuses on the disappearance of a social media influencer and whether she’s being held against her will.

The story is told through documentary transcripts, diaries, social media posts and interviews, bringing each key character to life. Snippets of information are carefully revealed, and as a reader, it was difficult to know who to trust.

The Ugly Truth provided food for thought about living in the public eye, especially through social media. Maybe a lesson for all of us!

By L.C. North,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

'The Ugly Truth is fresh, compelling and searing in its exploration of the toxicity of social media and the reality of modern celebrity. Not to be missed!' Lisa Jewell, bestselling author of THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS

'#FreeBritney meets The Appeal in this addictively unique thriller' Jack Jordan, bestselling author of Do No Harm

"I'm a prisoner. I'm not allowed to leave. There is someone watching me every minute of the day."

Melanie Lange has disappeared.

Her father, billionaire business tycoon Sir Peter Lange, says she is a danger to herself and has been admitted to a private mental health clinic.

Her…


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My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Murdle

Victoria Goldman Why did I love this book?

Murdle isn’t a crime novel, or certainly not a conventional one. This quirky puzzle book focuses on logic and deduction – perfect for armchair detectives.

As a teenager, I would spend hours on holiday doing logic puzzles. This is a crime fiction version – similar to a game of Cluedo – and is keeping me occupied for hours. A more-than-slightly-mad story links all of the puzzles together, providing an incentive to work through the book from beginning to end.

The puzzles get more difficult as the book progresses, so you do need to concentrate on them. It will take me a while to get through the book, but it’s easy to dip in and out of it. When I run out of puzzles, I can always buy the sequel.

By G.T. Karber,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

***THE NUMBER 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER!***

'THE PUZZLE SENSATION OF THE YEAR!' - JANICE HALLETT, bestselling author of THE TWYFORD CODE
'I'M COMPLETELY OBSESSED' - OLIVIA BLACKE, author of A FATAL GROOVE

* The 'utterly addictive' murderous puzzle book for armchair detectives everywhere *

From G. T. Karber, the creator of the popular online daily mystery game at www.Murdle.com, comes this fiendishly compulsive and absolutely killer collection of 100 original murder mystery logic puzzles. Join Deductive Logico and pit your wits against a slew of dastardly villains in order to discover:

- Who committed the ghastly deed?
- What weapon…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

The Redeemer: A Shanna Regan murder mystery

By Victoria Goldman,

Book cover of The Redeemer: A Shanna Regan murder mystery

What is my book about?

After witnessing a racist incident in a small Hertfordshire town, journalist Shanna Regan uncovers a series of threatening fake commemorative plaques. Each historic marker highlights someone’s misdemeanour rather than a good deed.

Delving deeper, Shanna discovers these plaques are linked to vigilante killings spanning several decades, with ties to the local Jewish community. As her search for the truth becomes personal, Shanna puts her own life in danger. Can she stop the next murder in time?

The Redeemer is a compelling, thought-provoking murder mystery, featuring themes of prejudice and racism, identity and heritage, revenge and redemption, and secrets from the past.