Favorite Reads of 2025

 

Time for our Favorite Reads of the Year 

 This has been a “red letter” reading year. I’ve read a LOT of books this year. Some I really liked, and a few I even thought were brilliant. On my long list of recommended reads you’ll find everything from cozy-ish to police procedurals, to thrillers, to domestic suspense. You’ll find exceptional plots, lovely descriptions, unforgettable characters, and just plain good writing. 

 Here are my favorites, in no particular order: 

What We Can Know, Ian McEwan—I picked this up because it got a whole page spread in the New York Times Book Review. And I wasn’t disappointed. It starts off slowly (as so many classic books do) and builds slowly and inexorably to a revelation at the end that explains the name of the book as well as everything that has gone before. In that, it reminds me of the The Magic Mountain, by Thomas Mann. 

A surprise entry was How to Solve Your Own Murder, Kristen Perrin. A delightful read about a woman who stages a contest to find out who is going to kill her. Crisp writing, and excellent plot.

Knife River, Baron Bircher—this isn’t a new book, but it was new to me. Lyrical writing is a beautiful paean to Oregon. Include an intriguing mystery and memorable characters, and it was right there with the best of my reads. 

The Case of the Missing Maid, Rob Osler—I’m joining in the chorus of praise for this debut series. It’s an absolutely delightful historical novel about the first hired by a detective agency. I can’t wait for the next one, which will come out early next year. 

 Gangsterland, Tod Goldberg— Good characters, good action, good plot. A mob guy screws up in Chicago and gets sent to Las Vegas for a “makeover.” In a sea of “gangster” themed books, this one has a unique idea. The writing is terrific.

 How to Read a Book, Monica Wood—charming book about a female ex-con, a woman who runs the prison book club, and a widower who admires the book lady. 

 Embedded, John Lansing—really dynamic thriller. Dakota Judd is let out of jail to help the FBI. Could have been a tired trope, but Judd is a really good character. Smart, clever, and ethical. A killer who kills people who need killing. Aunt Billie and Agent Steele are good sidekicks.

The God of the Woods, Liz Moore—exceptional book. 8-year-old boy vanishes on a walk with his father. Fourteen years later his younger sister disappears from a camp in the same area of the Adirondacks. Lots of twists and turns. Atmospheric, good ending. 

  Echo, Tracy Clark—Tracy Clark never disappoints me and this one is excellent. College student found dead in a field. Turns out to be a case of revenge over a death that occurred years ago. All the men involved—and their offspring-- are being targeted. 

The Rescue, T. Jefferson Parker—great book about a dog almost killed in a drug shootout, and the reporter who falls in love with him—and with his gangster owner.

Hell or High Winter, Andrew Rubin—this book may not be for everyone. Not really a mystery, more of a thriller, It’s one of the most imaginative books I’ve read in years. An update of the Greek story of Hermes and Persephone. Rubin is a brilliant writer whose scenes are magic and whose imagination never flags.

Crooks, Lou Berney—his usual, excellent book, this one about the destiny of the children of two small-time grifters. I fell in love with the characters. The Drowning Woman, Robyn Harding—very well written mystery. Homeless woman saves a woman from drowning. Book explores the backstory and how the women came to be entangled entanglement with the same man.

Kill Chain, Dominic Martell–very good international thriller. Great plot, characters, descriptions, philosophical musings. Comparable to John LeCarre. 

In a Lonely Place, Dorothy Hughes—Hughes was an early MWA Grand Master. Her books influenced the best noir writers in the business. This one gets inside the mind of a serial killer. 

When I say those were my favorites, it leaves out some very good books. Contact me through the comments section if you want more. 

And meanwhile, I hope my newest book makes a few “best of” lists. Number twelve in my Samuel Craddock series, it came out last week. The Curious Poisoning of Jewel Barnes is one of the darker books I’ve written, in which Craddock faces terrible dilemma in the book’s climax.