I’m running a little late this year because I forgot about this. Years ago, Jen Forbus asked me to list my favorite books in the first half of the year. And, I always say that just because I pick books in July, it doesn’t mean they’ll be on my list at the end of the year. This year, there were some terrific books in April. I have ten books to share. We’ll see what happens in December. These are only in order as to when I read them.
Andrew Welsh-Huggins’ The Mailman may be my favorite book so far this year. Meet Mercury Carter. He’s a deliveryman who takes his job seriously. A recipient will always get a parcel under his care. When he encounters a group of men who threaten him and kidnap the woman who was to receive his latest package, he is determined to rescue her to deliver her parcel. Before he took this job, he was a federal agent with the postal inspector service. But, he went rogue, and now he’s going to use his special skills to rescue the kidnapped lawyer, Rachel Stanfield. It’s a little over the top at times, but what thriller isn’t? I can’t wait to read the next Mercury Carter thriller.
Maybe not my favorite book in the series, but I love James Byrne’s character, Dez Limerick, so Chain Reaction makes the list. Dez is retired at thirty-five and living in California. when the part-time musician agrees to fill in for a friend at the opening of a convention center in New Jersey. He’s checking out the center, and notices military men scattered around, who proceed to shoot people and announce they’ve taken control of the center. In his life before retirement, Dez was a gatekeeper, skilled at getting through doors and locks, and keeping them open as long as he needed. Now, he takes on a group of Russian terrorists, with only the help of a thief. But, he’s convinced there’s something greater going on. Let’s be honest. here. As I summarize Chain Reaction, it seems a little too close to recent months in the U.S.
J.D. Robb’s Bonded in Death is my favorite one in the “In Death” series. When Giovanni Rossi was killed in a limo in New York City, the murderer made one gigantic mistake. He planted a facsimile of Eve Dallas’ business card on the victim. It’s obvious he wanted Dallas on the case for some obscure reason. When Dallas learns the death is personal to her household, she’s determined to track the killer who waited years to murder. Long before Eve was born, the world went through the Urban Wars, the Urbans. In 2016, the European Urbans were going bad. At the time, The Twelve was an underground unit that fought Dominion and other violent fringe groups during the Urbans. They took an oath to be there for each other. With Giovanni Rossi’s death in New York, The Twelve were down to eight. And, one of those was a medic, the man who eventually took in a young thief, Roarke, who became Dallas’ husband. That man was Summerset, Roarke’s majordomo. Eve Dallas and Summerset may have their difficulties, but he’s family, and Eve’s going to find the person determined to take out Summerset and his co-horts.
With its isolation and brooding atmosphere, loneliness and anger, Laura McCluskey’s debut, The Wolf Tree is reminiscent of the first Shetland Island mystery by Ann Cleeves, Raven Black. But, McCluskey has created her own island community. Eilean Eadar is a barren, windswept rock inhabited by just 206 people and some sheep. It’s claim to fame happened in 1916 when three lighthouse keepers vanished from the island. That mystery remains unsolved. But, now, there’s another unexplained death, and Detective Inspectors Georgina “Georgie” Lennox and Richie Stewart have been sent from Glasgow to the island off the west coast of Scotland. It appears that Alan Ferguson climbed to the top of the lighthouse two weeks earlier. He probably committed suicide. But, because he had just turned eighteen, and there were some unexpected marks on his face, the two police officers were sent to investigate. The Wolf Tree is a dark novel. Fear, hatred, isolation. As the community gathers together against the outsiders, they’re determined to keep their secrets and protect each other. It’s a dramatic, surprising story of one community against the world.
How could I resist James Patterson and James O. Born’s Paranoia when Jim Born introduced a character named Lesa Holstine, a retired librarian who loves cats? NYPD Homicide detective Michael Bennett is at the wake for alocal cop’s when Inspector Celeste Cantor asks him for a favor. There has been a series of deaths of four cops. Although they appear to be accidents or suicides, all four cops were once members of the Land Sharks, a group of narcotic cops who were successful in their work. Cantor was once a Land Shark, and asks Bennett to investigate. I had never read any of the Michael Bennett thrillers. My favorite elements? The story skillfully blend in information about Bennett’s personal life with his ten adopted children and his second wife who is now pregnant. The dinners, the stories that concentrate on several of the children, are all relief from the unrelenting tension of a thriller.
Tess Gerritsen brings back The Martini Club in the second book in the series, The Summer Guests. Once again set in Purity, Maine, it features a small group of former CIA agents who dig into trouble in the small tourist town. The book opens with a flashback to 1972 when a local man, Sam Tarkin, killed four people on a main street. Although it would be years until anyone discovered the truth, the incident affected everyone in town, especially Tarkin’s son. When the daughter of a summer guest disappears, only her mother believes she did not run away. When the police, under Acting Police Chief Jo Thibodeau, drag the pond, they find remains. But, the body is already a skeleton, not the missing girl. It doesn’t take long for the Martini Club to work their way into the investigation. They have skills and knowledge that frustrate Jo. She can’t compete with them with her small police force. But, even their suggestions can take a wrong turn. I liked this book more than many readers. I saw comments that there should have been more Martini Club in this second book. However, as Jo comes into her own as an investigator, and the members of the Martini Club become aware of their own problems with aging, I felt the two elements, local police and former CIA, blended beautifully.
I cried over Kate Storey’s The Memory Library, and stayed up way too late to finish it. It’s a book about family, misunderstandings, and books. Sally Harrison’s daughter, Ella, fled to Australia twenty-one years ago after an argument. They’ve only had short, cold conversations since. But, when Sally fell and broke one arm and injured the other, Ella reluctantly comes home to London for a month. She’s still resentful. Ella is horrified to find how her childhood home is now rundown. But, she always thought her mother had the money to maintain her home after Ella’s beloved father died. Now, with a month to assist her mother, Ella discovers she misunderstood some of her family’s past. What Ella never misunderstood was her mother’s love of books, and her love of sharing her favorite books. For forty-two years, Sally bought a special book every year and inscribed it for Ella’s birthday. Even the years when Ella was distant, emotionally and physically, Sally found a special book to share. Now, Ella finds that entire library ruined by water, and locked away. But, the library is what brings Ella closer to her mother, and leads to discoveries, to what she never understood about her own mother. It’s a beautiful story filled with love, and family, and books. And, it’s those books that bring so much of the love and family to this story.
J. Penner’s A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic is the only fantasy on my list. Arleta Starstone is a human, a baker who sells her goods at the local market in Adenashire. But, since she has no magic in a land that reveres magic, she’s not at all respected. But, the two orcs who live next door, and took her under their care when her parents died when she was sixteen, love her. And, they adore her baked goods. But, when Ervash enters her in the annual Langheim Baking Battle, she’s shocked, and wants to refuse. She has no magical talent to bring to the competition. When Theodmon Brylar, an elf, shows up with an invitation to the baking battle, she’s reluctant to travel with him. But, between Theo and the orcs, she feels compelled to travel to the battle and compete. A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic is about a human who finds friends, love, her own magic, and true fellowship while finding her courage.
And, here’s my only children’s book on the list, Kate DiCamillo’s Orris and Timble: Lost and Found. It’s a story of friendship, being lost, and finding your way home. Carmen Mok’s illustrations just add to the heartfelt, beautiful story. Timble is no longer the tiny owl that Orris saved despite the fact that rats and owls are natural enemies. But, one of Orris’ treasures, a sardine can, has a slogan, “Make the good and noble choice.” Orris did that, and he and Timble have been friends since. Every night, Timble comes to the barn, and Orris tells him stories. But, Timble is getting older, and he’s drawn to the sky, the moon and stars. Orris even tells Timble a story that ends, “By the light of the stars, by the light of the moon, I will always return.” And, Timble repeats that. Then one night, Timble doesn’t return. And, he doesn’t return the next night. And, Orris’ heart is broken. Although the books are written for children, agers 5-8 or so, they’re for anyone with the heart of a child, a heart that recognizes bravery and friendship, and stories.
Elizabeth Penney’s Bodies and Battlements is one of the best cozy mysteries I’ve read in a while. Ravensea Castle on the Yorkshire coast has been in the Asquith family since 1138. But, the family now needs money for upkeep of the property. Nora Asquith had to fight protesting neighbors and regulations, but she finally has permission to open the castle as a bed and breakfast. When the day comes for a soft opening, Nora’s siblings, Will and Tamsyn, are at her side. Even the local opposition,, led by Hilda Dibble, shows up. But, Hilda and her best friends, Sandra, quickly disappear from the welcome party. Unfortunately, Hilda doesn’t completely disappear. Instead, Nora finds her body in the castle apothecary garden. That’s when she learns one of her guests, Finlay Cole, is actually Detective Inspector Finlay Cole who is waiting to move into his new apartment in town. Bodies and Battlements features stories of local history, local deaths, and ghosts who haunt the castle. There’s a solid cast of supporting characters, including two dogs, a cat and kitten, and Sir Percival, the castle ghost. It’s an entertaining mystery featuring Nora and her family and staff who have been at the castle for years.
Ten enjoyable books in the first half of 2025. Last year, I only mentioned six. Reading has been better this year. What about you? Do you want to mention one or two books you’ve enjoyed in the first half of the year? It might help you get ready for your list of Favorites of 2025 at the end of the year.
Nice list! And I say that not just because we share a bunch of the books read:
The Mailman, Chain Reaction, The Wolf Tree, The Summer Guests, and, for Jackie, Bonded in Death.
Thank you, Jeff. We do share a number of them. It will be interesting at the end of the year to see what books we still have in common.
I love your list, Lesa – such good variety!
Here are my faves so far this year:
Murder at Gull’s Nest by Jess Kidd, How to Read a Book by Monica Wood, Dead in the Frame (Pentecost and Parker Mystery, #5), The Hunter by Tana French, The Shallows (Nils Shapiro, #3), and all of the Lucy Score Riley Thorn books.
You have a lot of variety on your list, too, Mary. Makes all the books better if we read some variety, doesn’t it?
Mary M, I’ve enjoyed How to Read a Book and the entire Pentecost and Parker Mysteries and Nils Shapiro mysteries.
I have only had four five star reads so far this year. Here they are and in no particular order. Loved the Wolf Tree by Laura McCluskey-next Strangers in Time by David Baldacci-The Black Loch by Peter May and next The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskins.
While not my 5 star reads, here are some books I enjoyed and will continue on with series if there is one. Head Cases by John Mahon, The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis, The Mailman by Andrew Welsh-Huggins and The Gatekeeper by James Byrne.
Off the subject, I always think that I know authors pretty well. Well, I discovered new to me Tim Sullivan. I am enjoying his DS Cross books. Now reading The Cyclist which is the second book in the series. I have ordered and have now on my Kindle his next five books after the Cyclist. Did read the first one. Don’t know why I wasn’t aware of him.
I think he’s an overlooked author, Lynn. I don’t know of him either. Now, I have to look him up. Thank you!
I just ordered Tim Sullivan’s first book, Lynn, based on your recommendation.
I want to say more about The Wolf Tree. As an avid reader, I don’t normally get taken in and on edge about what is going on. You know the statement ” Don’t go into the basement. Don’t go into the basement! Well do not want to give any spoilers away so I will say it this way. I was saying to the book “No, don’t do this or don’t do that or “Get out!” Yes, I was quite immersed in the book. It will be I’m sure one of my top reads for 2025.
I agree, Lynn. Don’t go by yourself! I don’t usually get taken in either. I just read it. Excellent book, wasn’t it? And, a debut!
Oh, my favorites so far would probably include:
Chris Whitaker, All The Colors Of the Dark
Craig Johnson, Tooth and Claw
Liz Moore, The God Of the Woods
Jo Callaghan, Leave No Trace
Stephen Spotswood, Dead in the Frame
John Scalzi, When The Moon Hits Your Eye
Stella Sands, Wordhunter
Amity Gaige, Heartwood
Jess Walter, So Far Gone
Really like your list, Jeff! Thank you for looking back to share it.
Thank you for your list, Lesa–I’ve only read one of the books. Here’s my favorites list for 2025 to date: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon, Viewfinder by Jon M. Chu, Through an Open Window by Pamela Terry, The Goode Girls of Maple Lane by Jacqueline Firkins, I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney, Atomic Habits by James Clear, Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist by Daniel Pollack-Pelzner, The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman, and Life, Death, and Giants by Ron Rindo.
Margie, I’m in the middle of I SEE YOU’VE CALLED IN DEAD right now.
Margie, I’m glad you mentioned the Lin-Manuel Miranda book again. Columbus didn’t have it on order earlier, but they do now. I placed a hold.
I think we’re reading differently since you’re reading so many NetGalleys in advance. No wonder we don’t have similar lists. But, a lot of my friends and family members look forward to your lists. Thanks for sharing!
Lesa, the majority of books I read each month now are indeed NetGalley ARCS–I really enjoy the opportunity to read books before they are published. But I still get books from the library, especially ones that you and others in the group recommend.
I’ve read and enjoyed two of the books on your list – A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic and Trimble & Orris. I’m waiting for the sequel to Bakers to come in at the library.
Oh, I want to read that, too, Sandy. I really liked the first one.
I love these lists.
Here’s mine –
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman
Apostle’s Cove by William Kent Krueger
My Beloved by Jan Karon
All This Could Be Yours by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Hunter’s Heart Ridge by Sarah Stewart Taylor
Mrs. Endlicott’s Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen
These Heathens by Mia McKenzie
Through An Open Window by Pamela Terry
The Last Carolina Summer by Karen White
Aren’t lists fun, Kaye? Oh, I want to read Taylor’s book soon as well as Goodman’s. And, maybe I should try a Pamela Terry. Thank you for your terrific list!
Kaye, I’ve read 4 of your books and have the Karon ARC to read, as we continue to share some of our reading tastes!
We do! ❤
The only book on your list was The Memory Library. I cried reading it too.
Here’s mine-
Bluebird Day by Megan Tady
The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher
Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhorn
Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConahy
The Arrangements by Orly Konig
The King’s Messenger by Susanna Kearsley
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha
Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Litte Great Island by Kate Woodworth
Before Dorothy by Hazel Gaynor
Oh, that’s an interesting list, Sharon. I think I’ve only seen some of those titles if you mentioned them here on a Thursday. Thank you!
Two of your picks are on my holds list, both authors Ive read before. Nice to know you thought highly of them. thanks
You’re welcome, MM!
I’ve only read the Tess Gerritsen from your list, Lesa, although I do have The Wolf Tree in my stack from the library. And I agree with Jeff on All The Colors of the Dark. I would also include The Life Impossible by Matt Haig and The Naming of the Birds by Paraic O’Donnell
In addition I’m really enjoying audios of Niall Williams stories. He captures the old Irish villages so well. Enjoyable reading year to date.
MM, I’m so glad we’re finding some good books this year. It took me until April last year to really find something I thought deserved to be on a list.
I did a similar post on the SleuthSayers blog on July 1. Here are my top five crime/mystery reads this year (at that time): The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter, The Case of the Missing Maid by Rob Osler, A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourn, Bearer of Bad News by Elisabeth Dini, and The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan. Of these five, only Bearer of Bad News came out this year.
Since I made that post, I have read three more mystery/crime books that are worth including on my list: The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh, A Reluctant Spy by David Goodman, and Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong. The Armstrong book came out this year.
I read a few of the books on your list, Barb. I even thought about adding the Armstrong to my overall list, but I didn’t care for it as much as some of her previous ones in the series. I really like this series, though.
As Kaye said, it’s always fun and interesting to make the list, and to see others’ lists. Thank you!
The Case of the Missing Maid was just about on my list too. I thought he did a really good job with the time and place.
I do enjoy reading these book lists except for the fact that they always make my book wish list longer because of all the great recommendations!
Some of my favourites so far this year include:
– The Lonely Hearts Book Club (Lucy Gilmore)
– I See You’ve Called in Dead (John Kenney)
– A Case of Mice and Murder (Sally Smith)
– Eddie Winston is Looking for Love (Marianne Cronin)
– The Whalebone Theatre (Joanna Quinn)
Read and enjoyed most of them. Added 3 more to my list. So grateful to you for all your lists since I am unable to go to the library myself and use your suggestions for my requests.