What a year. 124 books read—my highest total since I started keeping track. The big winner? Police/Crime/Psychological fiction, making up 46.34% of my reading. Clearly, I’ve got a type.

I explored works by 70 different authors, with 21 of them appearing multiple times. I also noticed a shift in format this year—reading more physical books than ever, up from 9% in 2022 to 22% in 2023. It got to the point where I had to invest in a new bookshelf.

Here’s my Top 5 Most Read Authors of 2023:

1. JD Kirk – 13 books
2. Mike Gayle – 8 books
3. Emmy Ellis – 5 books
4. Lynda La Plante – 5 books
5. Iain Maitland / Jack Probyn – 4 books each

And now to the hardest part of the year: picking my Top 10 Books. Coincidentally, four of these were devoured poolside at an all-inclusive in Greece—proof that the right setting always helps a good story shine.

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Top 10 Books I Read in 2023

10. The Reading List – Sara Nisha Adams

A heartfelt tribute to the power of books. This multi-character story shows how reading can unite strangers, heal grief, and reveal hidden strength. A gentle, emotional novel for book lovers of all kinds.

9. The Rosie Project – Grahame Simsion

Endearing, funny, and thought-provoking. Don Tillman’s methodical “Wife Project” quickly turns into something far more chaotic—and human. A romantic comedy for people who don’t usually read romantic comedies.

8. Graceland – Nancy Crochiere

An emotional story of family, forgiveness, and music. Crochiere’s warm prose and layered characters explore love, grief, and what it means to find harmony in disarray.

7. The Old Man, His Dog & Their Longest Journey – Iain Maitland

A quietly devastating story of mental health, regret, and unexpected redemption. Maitland takes us on a literal and emotional journey, showing how grief and hope often walk side by side.

6. Badgeland – Steve Rayson

A funny, smart memoir of political idealism in Thatcher-era Britain. Rayson reflects on class, protest, and youthful naivety with humour and insight. A nostalgic gem for anyone who remembers the badges.

5. It’s Not a Cult – Lauren Danhof

Part satire, part sociological deep-dive, this is a hilarious, razor-sharp look at modern cults and collective delusion. Genuinely funny and surprisingly informative.

4. The People on Platform 5 – Clare Pooley

A moving ensemble novel about human connection, loneliness, and unexpected friendships. Think The Rosie Project meets Love Actually, but on a commuter train.

3. One Good Thing – Alexandra Potter

After a divorce, Liv moves to the Yorkshire Dales for a fresh start—and finds unexpected companionship in an elderly man, a lonely child, a rebellious teen, and a scruffy old dog. Uplifting, with just the right amount of pathos.

2. Fibber in the Heat – Miles Jupp

Laugh-out-loud funny. Jupp bluffs his way into journalism and onto England’s cricket tour of India. A hilarious, chaotic memoir packed with charm and awkward brilliance. Whether or not you like cricket, this is comedy gold.

1. Lessons in Chemistry – Bonnie Garmus

My book of the year. This tale of Elizabeth Zott—scientist, single mother, and reluctant TV cooking host—is fierce, funny, and incredibly clever. Garmus blends gender politics, scientific metaphor, and heartwarming storytelling into something utterly unique. A brilliant debut—and well-deserved bestseller.

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