My Best Books of 2017
Everything But The Truth was released in March of this year and became a bloody bestseller. I will remember that day for the rest of my life. That evening, we went out and ate fried chicken and my boyfriend said: ‘did you ever think this would happen to you?’ with the sweetest, most quizzical look on his face, as I suppose I momentarily transformed in front of him from ‘girlfriend’ to ‘bestseller’ (and back again). ‘No,’ I said. ‘I had no idea,’ which is true.
Anything You Do Say followed in October on ebook (the paperback is coming in January). It reached number 4 on iBooks, much to my surprise one bleary Monday morning.
But, anyway, on to my best reads of 2017.
[image error]Fierce Kingdom by Gin Phillips
A lone terrorist attack in a zoo. A mother trying to protect and conceal her (sometimes noisy) four year-old. I was so tense while reading it that my cat wouldn’t sit on me.
Together by Julie Cohen
A high concept love story told backwards. It has a twist that knocked my absolute socks off.
In The Woods by Tana French [image error]
I spent an extremely happy summer reading Tana French’s back catalogue. This is a stunning example of stylish thriller-writing. The relationship between the lead detective and his colleague was so real, I can hardly believe the characters don’t actually exist.
You Don’t Know Me by Imran Mahmood
[image error]My book of the year, probably my book of the century. An original, voicey, totally genius take on the courtroom drama, a sympathetic look at London’s gang culture, and much, much more.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
Believe the hype about this book. I have hardly ever connected so well with a narrator and felt so keenly for them. It also has an absolute belter of a twist.
Persons Unknown by Susie Steiner [image error]
I loved Missing, Presumed very hard. I read it last Christmas, voraciously, while ignoring everybody. Never has a novel taught me quite so much – the characterisation, dialogue and free-indirect speech are just to die for.
The Ma[image error]rsh King’s Daughter by Karen Dionne
A fresh and extremely interesting take on the captive-woman thriller. Imprisoned by her father and unable to access the modern world, this is a tale of what happens after you escape – and what happens when your villainous father escapes prison, too.
Love Will Tear Us Apart by Holly Seddon
Hot take – this is out in July 2018 and is a fantastically compassionate look at a vow a couple make. To say any more would be to spoil the absolute joy this novel will bring you.
[image error] Let Me Lie – Clare Mackintosh
Out in March 2018, Clare Mackintosh’s third novel delivers two of her huge trademark twists, neither of which I saw coming. It’s also an extremely satisfying take on grief, love, and moving on.
The Liar’s Girl – Catherine Rya[image error]n Howard
Another March release. This is The Fall in book form, but even more compelling. Howard can really, really write.
