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 Fool Me Once

VL McBeath Why did I love this book?

Even before I opened this book, I thought the premise was fantastic. A woman who had just buried her husband later believes she sees him alive on the nanny cam in her living room! Where do you go from there?

I loved the way she appeared to be vulnerable at the beginning but quickly found her metal as she set out to learn the truth. She was determined not to let her demons get in the way and hated to ask for help, something I could empathise with completely.

The book kept me gripped until the end–and what an end! The twist that had barely been hinted at but which seemed so plausible when it was revealed. An excellent end to a gripping story!

By Harlan Coben,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

STOP PRESS NEWS! NOW A SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER, AND OPTIONED FOR FILM WITH JULIA ROBERTS TO STAR IN AND PRODUCE

If your husband was murdered
And you were a witness
How do you explain it when he appears on your nanny cam?
You thought you trusted him.
Now you can't even trust yourself.

Dark secrets and a terrifying hunt for the truth lie at the heart of this gripping new thriller by the 'master of the double twist', Harlan Coben.


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My 2nd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of The Ark Files

VL McBeath Why did I love this book?

This book didn’t mess around. It was straight into the action, and I loved the tension as it built up in the first chapter. It clearly signalled it was going to be a roller coaster of a book … and it didn’t disappoint. Just as one high-action scene ended, another started with barely a pause for breath!

I particularly liked that the main character (Eden) was a highly competent, self-sufficient woman, prepared to risk everything to get to the truth. The strength of her convictions had me rooting for her from the word go.

I loved that the book never shied away from the action scenes and the twist at the end was as intriguing as it was poignant. 

By Luke Richardson,

Why should I read it?

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

What is this book about?

Imagine a secret manuscript that could change the world, and you're the only person who knows where it is.


Professional treasure hunter EDEN BLACK is no stranger to action. After all, the artifacts she spends her life returning to their rightful owners aren't always easy to access.


When Eden's father dies in a plane crash, her life's turned upside down. Grief turns to fear when she learns that it wasn't an accident. Everyone involved in an archaeological dig twenty years ago has met with a similar untimely end. Everyone that is, but Eden who was ten at the time.


When…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023

Book cover of Murder at Melrose Court: A 1920s Country House Christmas Murder

VL McBeath Why did I love this book?

I’m a sucker for murder mysteries, especially those set in the early 20th century (yes, Agatha Christie is up there with my favourite authors!)

I really enjoyed this Christmas-themed mystery set just after World War 1. The opening chapter had me hooked. A body on the front doorstep that was unknown to the owner of the house. Not that the police were convinced of the householder's innocence. The cast of characters who arrived for the Christmas season was an eclectic mix, and it soon turned out that many had motives for murder.

I loved the way the author gave me enough clues to try to play detective, but in the end, she had me stumped. An excellent twist, as with all good murder mysteries!

By Karen Baugh Menuhin,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Murder at Melrose Court as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Book 1 in The Heathcliff Lennox series

It's 1920 and Christmas is coming. Major Lennox finds a body on his doorstep - why on his doorstep? Was it to do with the Countess? Was it about the ruby necklace? Lennox goes to Melrose Court home to his uncle, Lord Melrose, to uncover the mystery. But then the murders begin and it snows and it all becomes very complicated....

Major Heathcliff Lennox, ex-WW1 war pilot, six feet 3 inches, tousled, dark blond hair, age around 30 - named after the hero of Wuthering Heights by his romantically minded mother - much…


Don‘t forget about my book 😀

Hooks & Eyes

By VL McBeath,

Book cover of Hooks & Eyes

What is my book about?

This book (and the rest of the series) was something of a passion project I never thought I’d write. 

The story (written as a novel) developed when I was researching my family history, and I discovered the extraordinary lives of my ancestors. As each new piece of information was uncovered, my curiosity was piqued, and I needed to dig deeper to understand what had really happened and try to work out why. 

Spanning three generations, the series focuses on the women of the family and uncovers the strength they needed to overcome the obstacles faced in the male-dominated society of Victorian-era England. One thing is for sure: they were not your average family!