Favourite books – 2015

Favourite books from 2015

Since the end of 2015 is approaching, it seems fitting to reflect on some of the positive things about the last 12 months. So many good books have been released this year (much to the dismay of my bank balance), but I’ve managed to narrow down a few that particularly stood out for me.

 

1)    Little Black Lies – Sharon Bolton

I’ve grown fond of murder mysteries set in small communities, and even though I read them quite a lot, I’m still rubbish at figuring out who the killer is. Little Black Lies is set in Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, and revolves around life in a town where secrets don’t stay secret for long.  I loved the alternating points of view and the level of detail we’re given about the characters’ thoughts and motives. Sharon Bolton’s writing style struck me, and I haven’t enjoyed another book as much as this yet.  Read my full review of the novel here.

Published by Transworld July 2015 // Twitter: @AuthorSJBolton

 

2)    The Girl in the Spider’s Web – David Lagercrantz

David Lagercrantz bravely (or foolishly to some) decided to write a sequel to Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Spider’s Web is a worthy addition, and provided more insight into Lisbeth Salander’s private life than we’ve previously encountered. Lisbeth is one of my favourite fictional heroines of all time because she’s smart, calculating, unpredictable and downright dangerous. I admire her no-nonsense approach to life. Read my review of the book here.

Published by Quercus Books September 2015 // Twitter: @QuercusBooks

 

3)    Forget Me Not – Luana Lewis

I’m a huge fan of dark, flawed characters who demonstrate that humans are inherently imperfect. Luana Lewis’ psychological thriller is about grief, selfishness, lies, manipulation, revenge and regret, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Take a look at my review here.

Published by Transworld November 2015 // Twitter: @sharonluana

 

4)    Career of Evil – Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling

This is the strongest of J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series by far. She’s especially shrewd and blunt in this novel when probing horrible aspects of society like rape culture, victim blaming, misogyny and violence.  Admittedly, I struggle to connect with Strike and I don’t like him as a protagonist, but Robin makes up for this. Maybe Robin will get her own series some day…

Published by Sphere October 2015 // Twitter: @RGalbraith, @jkrowling

 

5) The Sunshine Cruise Company – John Niven

The final book on my list is considerably more cheerful than my other favourites of the year, but no less dramatic. This hilarious story about a group of elderly bank robbers embarking on the best adventure ever is a touching reminder of how short life is. The beauty of The Sunshine Cruise Company is that it can be read more than once. Check out my review here.

Published by William Heinemann August 2015 // Twitter: @NivenJ1

 

2015 has been a hell of a year for books and I feel like I’ve been reading more than ever before. I’d better prepare my bank account for 2016…