Is it just me, or does it feel like there were even MORE new novels published last year than ever before? I can’t keep up with these amazing books – my TBR is an absolute disaster (but I wouldn’t have it any other way)! Thankfully, I did get a chance to read some wonderful books last year, so I wanted to share my favorites with you. Make sure these are on your radar!
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My Favorite Books I Read in 2025
I’ll admit: last year wasn’t my best reading year in terms of volume. In past years, I’ve read many more books (there was even that one year I read 100 books, though it’s hard to believe now!). But 2025 was the year I dove back into writing fiction–after a decade-long break–and I’m so proud of myself for finishing a novel, even if it meant less free time for reading.
I’m all for quality over quantity, though, and I’m happy to say I found some new all-time favorite reads last year!
Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
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Set at an opulent mansion in Texas Hill Country, this slow-burn thriller is told from the point of view of three entangled women, all leading up to the explosive events at a sixteen-year-old’s glamorous birthday party.
I loved the combination of beautiful writing, strong characters, and suspense in this incredible debut novel! Kelsey Cox is definitely a new author to watch (and she already has a new book coming out in 2026, called Pretty Dead Things).
The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker
Genre: Speculative Mystery/Science Fiction
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This story took me by surprise. I didn’t know much about it going in (which I recommend), but I ended up devouring it in a few settings. SO good. if you love character-driven mysteries with a speculative twist like I do, this will be right up your alley!
To give a tiny bit of context, it’s written from two points of view: a therapist and his patient, Jane, who has been experiencing strange episodes of amnesia, hallucinations, and even premonitions. One day she goes missing, and her therapist has to figure out what happened to her.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
Genre: Contemporary Fiction/Romance
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If you loved the epistolary storytelling of Daisy Jones and the Six, and/or if you follow the Olympics (and the personal dramas that occur behind the scenes), you’ll love this epic story filled with romance, drama, and ambition. I couldn’t put it down!
It follows the dramatic story that unfolds between a pair of Olympic ice skaters – Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha – and their relationship both on and off the rink.
Ten years ago, something happened that tore them apart. Now, a documentary attempts to uncover the truth.
Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
Genre: Historical Fiction/Literary/Contemporary Fiction
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From the bestselling author of Black Cake comes a new multi-generational epic about an affluent Black family in New England, and the ways the past and present can intertwine.
When Ebby Freeman was ten years old, her brother was shot and killed, and the crime was never solved. Years later, after her romance crashes and burns, she flees to France to avoid the media swarm – but she can’t escape her past.
I loved the way little details connected throughout the story, and the emotional resonance it carries. The writing is lovely as well. Definitely recommended!
Heart the Lover by Lily King
Genre: Literary Fiction/Romance
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This delicious literary novel follows a young woman in college who befriends two guys–best friends–and their relationship soon becomes a messy love triangle. Decades later, something happens that brings them back together.
I read this book in one large gulp. It’s a slow-burn, character-driven story, but it’s written so well that I could not stop turning the pages.
I didn’t know that this was slightly connected to King’s earlier novel, Writers & Lovers, which I haven’t read – but I didn’t feel like it took away from my reading experience at all! I loved this one and highly recommend it.
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
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This literary detective mystery is about missing girls, and what happens when one comes back–but she isn’t the same, and she won’t talk about what happened to her.
This was beautifully-written, emotionally moving, and thrilling all at the same time. A winning combination for me! I loved that it was set in Washington state, too, since that’s where I’m from. The setting felt so immersive.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison
Genre: Horror
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After a bad breakup, a woman named Annie moves to a picturesque small town for a fresh start. There, she meets Sophie, a new friend who inspires her to live unapologetically.
But soon, Annie begins to notice that the townsfolk seem a little wary of Sophie, and there are some strange things about her that make Annie question if there’s something Sophie isn’t telling her.
Rachel Harrison’s comedic, feminist horror novels are always so much fun, and this one is no exception! I think it’s my favorite of hers that I’ve read so far (though I also really enjoyed Play Nice). You can’t go wrong with a wonderfully witchy read, especially during spooky season!
The Compound by Aisling Rowle
Genre: Literary Fiction/Dystopian
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Admittedly, I’m not a big reality TV fan, but that did not stop me from enjoying this novel one bit! It was just mysterious enough to keep me guessing, while also satirizing our society’s obsession with (watching others) and overconsumption. It’s lightly dystopian/speculative and character-driven, with a competition plot that kept me turning the pages.
We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough
Genre: Horror/Thriller
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If you’re looking for a horror novel that’s creepy and thrilling but not super scary, this is a great choice! It’s twisty and immersive, with an old-mansion-in-the-English-countryside setting, possibly unreliable narrators (a married couple), and plenty of hidden secrets between them.
The writing was so cinematic–it was clear this would make a great movie! (Also, I loved the adaptation of her novel Behind Her Eyes. Highly recommend that as well!)
The Lamb by Lucy Rose
Genre: Horror
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Fair warning: this book will not be everyone’s cup of tea. This book is DARK. Like really dark. So if that’s not your thing, or if you’re easily squeamish, I’d probably skip it. Aside from that, the prose is enchanting and beautifully written (even if some of the subject matter is unhinged/horrific), and the story is written so unapologetically.
The Lamb follows a young girl who’s spent her childhood living in a small house in the middle of a rural forest with her mom. Their lifestyle is…different. But the girl doesn’t know what’s “normal” and what isn’t, until she makes a friend at school.
I could not put this book down. It was a grounded fairy tale with lots of bite that explored complex family dynamics, the pain and discovery of adolescence, love (and what seems like love, but isn’t), and so much more.
(Note: I received a gifted review copy from Harper Books.)
Looking Glass Sound by Catriona Ward
Genre: Horror/Thriller
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I’m always drawn to novels with seaside or coastal settings, and I loved this author’s debut, so I knew I had to pick this one up. And I’m glad I did! It’s mind-bending and plays with structure in such a unique way that you have to pay close attention to fully grasp what the author is doing, but it’s so worth it.
I loved The Last House on Needless Street by this author as well, and recommend both if you’re looking for a strange and eerie read!
Have you read any of these yet? What did you think?!