My best reads for ‘24

by Dietrich

At this time of year, it’s kind of a tradition here at Criminal Minds to list our favorite books of the year. I hope our suggestions give you some ideas for your own reading list, or better yet, for gift-giving ideas — because who doesn’t love getting a book, right? You might also consider the fine novels by our own talented authors right here at Criminal Minds. 

Topping my own list of favorite reads this year is Clete (2024). It’s #24 in the Dave Robicheaux series by James Lee Burke, a series that I’ve been reading for years, and for the first time the story’s told from sidekick Clete’s point of view. He makes a seriously flawed protagonist, an often funny yet odd character who’s been around since 1987’s The Neon Rain. This time out Burke pitches him against one big wall of evil. And as usual Dave Robicheaux’s there to back his play. Not so usual, is the ghost of Joan of Arc who comes to help Clete out, just to even the odds a bit. It’s one of those novels you could just sit down with and finish in one reading — it’s that good.

I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive (2011) was the debut novel from Steve Earle, the multi-talented singer-songwriter who has no trouble shifting gears from a three minute song to writing a three hundred page novel. The title for this one’s borrowed from Hank William’s posthumously released hit record, and also the title of Earle’s fourteenth studio album. It’s a saints and sinners story centering on Earle’s protagonist, Doc, an unlicensed medic with a heroin habit which he feeds by performing illegal abortions and stitching up knife wounds in San Antonio’s red-light district. Doc’s haunted by the ghost of the late Hank Williams who he may have been responsible for having accidentally killed by giving him a fatal morphine shot. Earle puts a lot of heart into his skillful telling of a great tale, and I sure hope he writes another one sometime.

The Graveyard Book (2008) by Neil Gaiman is a YA story, and it’s a delightful mix of spooky and charming, perfect for anyone who’s young at heart. It goes like this: After a baby boy’s family is brutally murdered, he escapes by crawling into a graveyard that’s full of danger and adventure. The baby called Bod becomes adopted by a cast of otherworldly misfits who call the graveyard home. The book went on to win both a Carnegie and a Newbery Medal — the only time a book has won both. Touted as the year’s best children's story, it also won a Hugo Award for Best Novel and a Locus Award for Best Young Adult Book.

The Mighty Red (2024) by Louise Erdrich is sensational and takes place in her fictional North Dakota town of Argus — a story of life, love and tragedy on a beet farm. At times it’s funny, at other times it’s touching and dramatic. Filled with realistic characters and sharp dialog, it’s a skillfully written tale that won’t disappoint.

You Like it Darker (2024) by Stephen King is a collection of short stories, showing once again King’s zest for all things weird. And it proves that he’s still at the top of his game going on for over fifty years. Although the twelve short stories are all good, I have to say “The Answer Man” is my personal favorite among this fine collection. 

Edsel (1995) is the fourth installment in Loren D. Estleman Detroit series, which was originally called a trilogy, but hey, who’s counting. It’s set in Detroit in the 50s and follows an ex-journalist hired to promote Henry Ford II’s dream car which was destined for colossal failure. Estleman takes readers on a fun ride through a very colorful decade. It reads like a crime novel without the crime, unless you count the Edsel’s design which Time magazine once described as looking “like a midwife's view of labor and delivery.”

Masters of the Air (2006) by Donald L. Miller was the jumping off point for the TV series of the same name. It’s a war story chronicling the Eighth Air Force bomber squads who flew their missions through the flak-filled skies over Europe. It’s moving account, detailing one of World War II’s most dangerous jobs, and it’s brilliantly told and highly recommended.

I hope at least one of these titles peaks your interest. 

I'd like to say so long to our departing Minds Josh Stallings and Susan Shea, who will both be missed very much around here. I'm sure our paths again. And I'd like to welcome our new Minds Poppy Gee and Angela Crook and I'm looking forward to their posts in the coming year. And I wish all of you the very best for the holidays and the most prosperous times ahead in the coming New Year.