I have always loved escaping in good books. It is my go to thing when I have time. Reading is one of the thing that comforts me and allows me to step away from the stresses of every day life. This year I promised myself I would make more time for myself. Instead of strolling through Instagram at night I would lose myself in a book. I have so far kept this promise and with recent events meaning we are stuck at home escapism is exactly what I need right now.
I love seeing recommendations for good thrillers so I thought I would write about 5 good books for adults that I have really enjoyed this year:
The Whisper Man
This book was recommended to me by a lovely lady I follow on social media. When I read the synopsis it is not a book that i would usually buy. It may sound silly but storylines that include children going missing always me feel a little anxious. However, I decided to go with it and I am so glad did.
The book tells the story of a child being found murdered 15 years ago in a village called Featherbank. The killer was found and put behind bars. In present times a man and his young son Jake move to Featherbank for a fresh start after experiencing a tragedy. However history starts to repeat itself and another boy is found murdered. Is Jake safe?
This book was fab. I really enjoyed it. It was fast paced and was eager to finish it. I was a little disappointed by the end not because it was bad just because of personal preference. There were a few questions left unanswered. I wanted more. However I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.
After the End – Claire Mackintosh
Such a beautiful book. I never feel right calling a sad story a good read. This is a heartbreaking situation that people will find themselves in more often that we realise.
The story is about a married couple who face an agonising decision regarding their 2 year old son. The story is beautifully written and is told by three different views. The Mother, The Father and The Doctor. It can be a little confusing at times but it is a story that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it. It also poses the question of what you would do? What is the right decision?
I cried a lot reading this book and there is no ‘happy ending’ ,there can’t be. However it finishes in a lovely way with lessons learned and a lot of love. Me and my Sister interpreted the final chapters in very different ways so I would love to know your thoughts on it.
The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides
Another thriller which had me gripped. Theo Faber, is a young psychotherapist who seizes the chance to work with a well known artist patient Alicia Berenson who killed her husband. The book is explores both Theo’s past and present as well as Alicia’s past prior to the murder of her husband. With most books even some of my favourites I have an idea of what is going to happen. With The Silent Patient it kept me guessing. The outcome is so surprising.
I have read so many mixed reviews about this book, but I found it really good. Full of suspense right to the end.
The Family Upstairs – Lisa Jewell
I am a huge Lisa Jewell fan. I buy all of her books and have enjoyed every one of them. From her early days of more lighthearted fiction Ralph’s Party to her more recent novels which are more darker. The Family Upstairs is really good. A baby is discovered in a cot in a huge family house in London. Everyone else in the house is dead and have been for a while. What has happened to them? Who has been looking after the baby? Lots of questions that need answering. The story begins with the baby celebrating her 25th birthday where she receives the property to the house she was found it but had no idea it existed. The books jumps from current times to past when the family in the house were alive as you discover what happens to them.
Lots of twist and turns, some a little predictable at times but very enjoyable.
Surprise Me – Sophie Kinsella
After a few dark thrillers I wanted to end on something a little lighter. I love Sophie Kinsella when I was younger. I read most of her Shopaholic series and most of her other books too. She was my go to author at one point. However over the years I have found her books all a little the same. Maybe I have simply outgrown them. I haven’t read any for years, that was until last month when my Mother-in-law gave me this one.
I really enjoyed it. It follows the story of married couple Sylvie and Dan. After the realisation that they may be together for the next 68 years – panic sets in. They come up with a plan to add a few surprises to their marriage. Until Sylvie makes a shocking discovery.
Standard Sophie Kinsella humour with likeable characters. A nice easy laugh out loud read which makes you feel all warm inside. Sometimes when there is so much going on in the world is just what you need.
What are you reading? Any good books that you would recommend?