Favourite books of 2025 so far

Five-star books: My 12 favourite reads of 2025 so far

We’re at the half-way point of the year, so it’s time to look back at my favourite books so far in 2025.

It’s half-way through the year, and there’s only one thing to do at this point in time: round-ups and check-ins! Here’s my six-month round up — my favourite books of 2025 so far. According to Goodreads (thank God for Goodreads), I’ve read 62 books so far this year. I’ve given 12 of those five-star ratings — just under a fifth of them. That’s quite a high percentage, really: am I generous, or have I just read a lot of really good books? (Both. Both are probably true.)

But also, can I spend a moment to indulge in the fact that I’ve read sixty two books so far this year? That’s over 10 books a month. My friends have commented, “I don’t know how you have time!”, and quite honestly, I don’t know either. But somehow I’ve fitted in sixty two books filled with wonderful words into my life. Perhaps shirking other responsibilities in lieu of escaping into a book — but honestly, I’ve needed it this year. Books have been my saviour in what has been a very cruddy year. (Thank you, Bookstagram.)

Will I pass more than 100 by the time the year’s out? At this rate, I will — but I don’t want to put pressure on myself. I’ve already smashed my annual goal (which was 50 — the number of books I read in 2024; that in itself was impressive), so anything from here on out will be a bonus. My appetite for excellent stories, however, is just as insatiable as ever, so I’m certainly not planning on slowing down.

For now, though, let’s revisit the last six months and take a look at the best books of the year so far. While I started out giving books star ratings in my reviews here and on Instagram, I now only score on Goodreads, so these are the books that all have five stars on Goodreads (and, naturally, very glowing reviews elsewhere). Don’t ask why I made that decision — I think sometimes we can get too hung up on the minutiae of difference between four and five stars, or see anything less than a perfect score a write-off. I want the words of my reviews to have more power than simply being boiled down to a score, and this is the best way I can do that.

Not every book on this list originally released in 2025, but most did. Let me know if you’ve read any — and if you haven’t, get them added to your list, pronto.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Buy The Housemaid on Amazon

My first foray into the world of Freida McFadden was explosive. OK, if I’m being totally honest, The Housemaid might not exactly be literary gold, but this thriller absolutely got its claws in me and refused to let go. It’s a popcorn read at its finest; pure escapism, and sometimes that’s all you want from a novel. I did not see its twists coming, and the first absolutely knocked me for six in the best way possible. It’s a quick read, and one I heartily recommend for anyone looking for a rollercoaster of a read.

Making a Killing by Cara Hunter

Making a Killing by Kara Hunter
Buy Making a Killing on Amazon

Making a Killing is the seventh book in the Adam Fawley series. Perhaps not the best place to jump in, then, but despite never having read Cara Hunter before, I absolutely lapped up every page of this. What makes the series so special is that it contains mixed media, so alongside the story you’ll find newspaper clippings, interviews, emails and more, all enriching the story in an immersive and clever way. It helps that the story here is so gripping too: it pertains to an earlier case covered in a previous book in the series, but even if you’ve not read it, everything is explained and presented well enough that you never feel lost. I am very eager to read the rest of the series as soon as possible.

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister

Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
Buy Famous Last Words on Amazon

Famous Last Words was my first encouter with Gillian McAllister but, by god, it made a lasting impression. This gorgeously-written story is just as much of a love story as it is a thriller. It tells the story of Cam, from the day she finds out her husband is in a hostage situation — except he’s not one of the hostages; he’s the one holding people against their will. Not only does this twisty, gripping story explore the hows and whys and what came to be, spanning multiple timelines, it also carefully and delicately explores Cam and Luke’s marraige, a love story so tenderly written that you can’t help get lost in it. Genuinely one of my favourite books, ever.

The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey

Buy The List of Suspicious Things on Amazon

To read it, you’d never guess that The List of Suspicious Things is Jennie Godfrey’s debut novel. The woman has serious talent: this is a formidable book; it’s emotional, powerful, rich, deep. It makes you laugh, cry, and feel just about every emotion in between. Its story, one that revolves around teenage Miv and her obsession with discovering the identity of the Yorkshire Ripper (it’s set in 1970s Yorkshire), is sublime, although it’s perhaps the focus on other characters — Miv’s family, her best friend, the local shopkeeper, the librarian — that makes this such a rich tapestry of life. Godfrey’s created some of the most believable characters ever here, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. (It’s called The Barbeque at No. 9 and it’s out next February, so we don’t have to wait too long to find out.)

Sick to Death by Chris Bridges

Sick to Death by Chris Bridges
Buy Sick to Death on Amazon

Here’s another entry by a debut author that feels seriously accomplished. Chris Bridges has managed to create a thriller that not only keeps readers on their toes with its twists and turns, but also provides chronic illness representation in a natural and meaningful way. Chris himself has MS, so it’s a cause close to his heart, and in giving main character Emma a neurological condition, he’s been able to explore the complexities of that in a way that’s not simply lip service. Indeed, chronic illness is not the main focal point of the book: while Emma’s condition does shape her character, what’s more pertinent is the absolutely engrossing thriller she’s the centre of. I couldn’t put this down, and whatever Chris decides to write next will be an instant day one purchase from here on out.

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
Buy The Spy Coast on Amazon

My first Tess Gerritsen was an absolute banger. Thanks to an event organised by the wonderful Beth at Yorkshire Reads, I was able to meet Tess back in March — my first author event (and my first time meeting a lot of the Yorkshire Reads crew in person). You can see my post about it on Instagram here. As for The Spy Coast? I gobbled up every moment of it. This was my first time reading spy fiction and if this is anything to go by, it could well be one of my favourite genres. Maggie is a fantastic character, and the whoel Martini Club is utterly fascinating. This is a fantastic introduction to the series, blending tenderness and thrills together just masterfully.

The Surf House by Lucy Clarke

The Surf House by Lucy Clarke
Buy The Surf House on Amazon

Once again, The Surf House was my first book by Lucy Clarke, and it won’t be my last. I’ve already got a couple more on my bookshelf, and I’m excited to finally get to them. The Surf House is the perfect summer read, blending mystery, intrigue and a hint of summer romance together in excellent harmony. It’s set in Morocco, against a backdrop of the ocean, waves crashing against rocks, and a titular surf house where travellers come and go. Clarke absolutely excels at writing locations you can feel: I was right there for every word. I could not put this one down once I started.

Traumaland by Josh Silver

Traumaland by Josh Silver
Buy Traumaland on Amazon

I don’t read Young Adult fiction very often, but I’m occasionally very glad I still pick up the odd title because there are some absolute corkers to be found. Traumaland by Josh Silver is one such book. It’s classed as YA but it didn’t feel like it; this is pure Black Mirror from start to finish and wow, I could not put it down. Protagonist Eli has had a troubled past, and he’s told he can’t remember things due to a car accident where he sustained a head injury. But after encountering a strange club known as Traumaland, he starts to learn there’s much more to his missing memory than it seems. Dystopian, chilling and utterly wonderful — don’t write this one off because it’s classified as YA, I’m begging you!

Swept Away by Beth O’Leary

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary next to a life buoy
Buy Swept Away on Amazon

Ah, a women’s fiction book thrown into a sea of thrillers. Once upon a time, I’d read nothing but romance (or ‘chick lit’, as it’s colloquially known). These days, most of it has been replaced by thrillers of varying degrees, but there’s still one romance author I will religiously pick up on launch day: Beth O’Leary. I’ve adored every one of her books, and the latest, Swept Away, is up there with my favourites. This is a romance, but with a much higher level of peril than you’ll find in most. After a one-night stand, Lex and Zeke find themselves aboard a canal boat… that has somehow floated out to sea. The book is simply the pair of them, trapped aboard, trying to figure out how to survive. It’s brilliant.

Fahrenheit-182 by Mark Hoppus (with Dan Ozzi)

Fahrenheit 182 by Mark Hoppus
Buy Fahrenheit 182 on Amazon

Autobiographies aren’t my usual jam, but I do enjoy listening to the odd one on audiobook. Mark Hoppus’, bass guitarist for Blink 182, was no different. Fahrenheit 182 is a fascinating account not only of Mark’s life but his time in the band, the ups and downs of Blink, and Mark’s personal struggles with cancer in more recent years. Even if you’re just a passing admirer of Blink 182’s music, you’ll find something to enjoy here, whether it’s Mark talking about growing up in a military test site in the middle of the desert, or his relationship with Tom and Travis. The physical book is well worth picking up, too, because it’s littered with wonderful photos.

In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan

In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
Buy In the Blink of an Eye on Amazon

I’d heard lots of good things about Jo Callaghan’s Kat & Lock series, and it turns out the grapevine wasn’t wrong. This police procedural thriller has one very large twist: DCS Kat Frank’s investigation partner just so happens to be an AI known as AIDE Lock. It’s a little sci-fi, then, but it’s also a very real lens onto the world and the rise of AI, showing us a potentially good use for this new technology that we all have very strong opinions about. But outisde of that, In the Blink of an Eye is also just a very good police procedural, with Kat and her team being likeable characters that you can’t wait to find out more about, and at the centre of it all a case that is seriously gripping.

The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland

The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland
Buy The Countdown Killer on Amazon

Brutal, gripping and utterly fabulous: it’s the only way I can describe The Countdown Killer by Sam Holland. I’d have enjoyed this more if I’d have read the other books in the Major Crimes series first — it follows on from previous events — but since I’ve still rated it five stars, it clearly didn’t matter all that much. It follows DCI Kara Elliott and her team as they track down a serial killer who is leaving snuff films in his wake. It’s grizzly, rather quite graphic and not for the faint of heart. Luckily, I don’t mind a bit of gore, and so I lapped this one straight up. Can’t wait to go back and read the rest of the series now.

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By day, I'm a writer and editor, typically writing about video games and Lego. In my free time, you'll typically find me with my nose in a book. My favourite genres are crime/thriller, although anything with an intriguing plot grounded in reality will pique my interest. I'm also an animal lover, still addicted to Friends and love being by the sea.

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