A little look back at the books I read throughout 2024. The year started well but by October I’d hit a block with only one book read in the last 10 weeks of the year. This really hit my stats and I ended up reading 38 less books than I did in 2023.
I read 50 different authors with 13 of them being read multiple times.
Police Procedurals took top spot with 23.26%, thrillers and humour took second spot with 17.44% each.
I’m pleased that reading of “real” books increased 4.97% year on year.
Top Five Read Authors
For the second year on the trot J.D Kirk came out on top but now that I’m almost caught up in the world of Logan, Hoon and the rest of Scotland’s finest I reckon someone else may take the crown in 2025.
1) JD Kirk – 9
2) Cliff McCabe – 6
2) Jeffrey Deaver – 6
4) Robert Leeson – 4
4) Anthony Grace – 4
Top Ten Books
As always, the hardest part of this yearly review is selecting my top 10. But I’ll give it a go! I always feel bad for leaving any out especially from my Felixstowe authors!
10) The Nearly Departed Club – Anthony Grace
Amazon’s algorithms are working overtime here as they suggested this series based on previous reads. To be fair, it was a great recommendation. The Nearly Dearly Departed Club is a group of dead misfits who have been recruited by a shady secret agent named Agatha Pleasant. When teenager Benji Hammerton goes missing, his parents enlist the help of Agatha Pleasant and her team. Together, they embark on a thrilling adventure in the bleak town of Stainmouth, where danger lurks at every corner.
09) The Price We Pay – Roy M Burgess
In this gripping departure from his usual comedic style, Burgess takes us on a thrilling journey into the world of Detective Carrie Tyler as she navigates a complex and deadly case. Set against the backdrop of a city plagued by violence and corruption, this police procedural promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
With a protagonist haunted by her past and a killer seeking vengeance, Carrie and her team race against time to solve a series of brutal murders. The tension mounts as the mystery unravels, leading to a shocking revelation that will leave readers clamoring for more.
08) Faster Than a Cannonball – Dylan Jones
Upon reading you are taken back to the year 1995, a time of immense change and cultural upheaval. Jones captures the essence of the decade, highlighting the shift in power from blue to red and the rise of BritPop and Cool Britannia.
Through interviews with key figures from the ’90s, Jones delves into the world of Oasis and Blur, the Young British Artists, and the emergence of “lad culture”. With a nod to fashion icons like Kate Moss and designers like Alexander McQueen, Jones paints a vivid picture of a decade defined by creativity and innovation.
Alan McGee, a major player in the ’90s music scene, hails Faster Than a Cannonball as the best book on the decade he’s ever read and I have to agree with him.
07) The Accidental Medium – Tracey Whitwell
A book I wouldn’t normally read. I was in The Works and needed one more to get the deal. I noticed Tracy Whitwell’s name and remembered it from her stint in Soldier, Soldier (my head tells me she was Donna Tucker’s sister) so I popped this in my basket. The Accidental Medium, introduces readers to Tanz, a relatable and witty protagonist who unexpectedly finds herself in the world of the supernatural.
With a touch of humour and a dash of mystery, Whitwell takes readers on a thrilling journey as Tanz navigates her new-found abilities as a medium. After reading I sought out the other books in the series and they also did not disappoint.
06) No Easy Deeds – Keith A. Pearson
Another cracker from Keith as he starts a new series of time travel escapades with a new protagonist. This time it’s Danny Monk who navigates a turbulent year in recession-hit Britain. A job opportunity with Gibley-Smith changes Danny’s life, leading him down a path filled with mystery, challenges, and unexpected twists.
05) England’s Dreaming – Jon Savage
If the aforementioned “Faster Than a Cannonball” is the definitive read about the culture of the late 1990’s then this book does exactly the same for the mid to late 1970’s. Savage offers a gripping account of the punk movement and its most notorious band, the Sex Pistols. Drawing on extensive research and exclusive interviews, he brings to life the band’s rise to fame and their lasting impact on music culture in both the UK and the US.
04) True Crimes – Georgina Lees
The story follows a mother searching for her missing daughter, who vanished a decade ago. As renewed interest in the case arises through social media and film, the mother reluctantly joins in hopes of uncovering new leads. Despite revisiting painful memories and confronting unwanted figures from the past, her primary concern is keeping her daughter the focus of the investigation.
The narrative skillfully delves into the exploitation and lasting impact of crime, challenging the notion of tragedy as entertainment. Told from a singular perspective with intermittent chapters from the film scenes, the story is a gripping exploration of loss and the dark allure of unresolved mysteries.
03) Under the Bridge – Rebecca Godfrey
Which leads us to the tragic tale of Reena Virk, a fourteen-year-old girl who ventured out on a moonlit night to join her friends at a party, only to never return home. In a compelling display of crime reporting, esteemed author Rebecca Godfrey delves into the secretive world of seven teenage girls and one boy who were accused of committing a brutal murder.
Through her meticulous exploration of the investigation and trials, Godfrey uncovers the shocking reality behind the seemingly ordinary suspects. Infused with poetic language and profound observations, Under the Bridge offers an unforgettable examination of a chilling modern-day tragedy.
02) Mix Tape – Jane Sanderson
Ali had long forgotten about Daniel, the first boy to make her a mix tape. But when his name appeared on her phone with a link to a song from their past, she couldn’t help but feel nostalgic. Suddenly, she was transported back to her teenage years in Sheffield, dancing in tight jeans.
As they exchanged songs across oceans and time zones, a new mix tape was born. Each song brought back memories and emotions, bridging the gap between their separate lives. And when one of them took a chance and sent a message that would alter everything, Ali and Dan’s connection was reignited in a way neither of them could have imagined.
A fantastic book and I understand it’s been made into a miniseries due to air sometime in 2025.
01) Politics on the Edge – Rory Stewart
I feel ashamed that my top book of 2024 was written by a former Tory MP – But at least he’s one that tells the truth. Or at least his truth. I reckon it’s his critique of Boris Johnson that swung it. Awful man. Anyway, on with the book.
Rory Stewart, a witty and insightful politician, shares his experiences in government. He criticises the flaws in democracy and government, highlighting incompetence and cronyism. Stewart’s rise in politics is marked by frustration as he realises true power lies outside his reach. Despite his affection for the people, he clashes with civil servants. He offers a candid look at his disillusionment in politics. Stewart’s career ends in a public meltdown, leading to a new chapter as a charity president and podcast host. This book is a must-read for those interested in UK politics.
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