1. Demon Copperhead - Barbara Kingsolver
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| David Copperfield for the Twenty-First Century |
2. Tom Lake - Ann Patchett
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A Mom Schools Her Three Adult Daughters on Life and Love
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3. Somebody's Fool - Richard Russo
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Book Three in the "Sully" Sullivan Family Saga
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4. Desert Star - Michael Connelly
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| Bosche and Ballard Work on Bosche's "White Whale" Case |
5. The House of Doors - Tan Twan Eng
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| Historical Fiction: Somerset Maugham, Murder, Revolution, and Infidelity |
6. The Last Devil to Die - Richard Osman |
| A Mystery Tear-Jearker That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud |
7. Western Lane - Chetna Maroo
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| Three British-Indian Teens Grieve Their Mother's Death without Their Father's Help |
8. The Longmire Defense - Craig Johnson
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| Sheriff Walt Longmire Finally Learns the Truth About His Grandfather |
9. A World of Curiosities - Louise Penny
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| A Monster Criminal from Gamache's Past Escapes Prison to Haunt Him Again |
10. The Rising Tide - Ann Cleeves
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| Vera Makes a Rash Decision and Readers Almost Lose Her |
Great list! I always find it so hard to narrow my favorite books from one year down to just ten. But I guess that just means I was lucky enough to read a lot of good books...and that's not a bad problem to have. :D Merry Christmas, Sam!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Lark!
DeleteIt's a nice problem to have, but I did struggle a bit to get down from my 15 favorites to a final 10. I think that reading so many book blogs regularly uncovers more good choices for me than when I was stumbling around on my own and finding books by some combination of good luck and sheer chance. :-)
Are these ranked? Some of these I haven't read (my mother would probably agree with you about Demon Copperfield, which she thought was outstanding despite disliking all/most? of the characters). I really Desert Star although I seem to have ranked The Dark Hours higher - I don't recall why because I read them both in 2022). Tom Lake and The Last Devil to Die will likely be in my top ten, and I am saving the Louise Penny to read on Christmas (although I am hosting so it may be very late before I start).
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy holiday and books under the tree!
They are ranked, Constance, although the rankings are pretty close calls in some instances. Sounds like our lists will share a few titles, and I'll look forward to seeing what others you enjoye most in 2023. Have a great Christmas holiday.
DeleteThat is a varied list. I think The Last Devil to Die will be in my top ten list also. I am way far behind you in reading the Longmire series and Michael Connelly's books, and have read maybe the first 12 books in Louise Penny's series.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of sad to me that the main characters/heroes of all three of those series are aging rapidly now and trying to figure out how they can keep doing what they do a while longer. Time is a monster.
ReplyDeleteHi Sam, Great list and Jane GS also has A World of Curiosities and Tom Lake on her best of 2023 list. Louise Penny is always wonderful but I am now very interested to read Tom Lake as well and must do so early next year.
ReplyDeleteHope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Kathy. It is always nice to have something to look forward to when it comes to books, and I think you'll really love both of the ones you mention. Merry Christmas to you and yours!
DeleteAny time I've read at least three of someone's Top Ten year-end list, I consider it a win! I'll be taking a look at the other books on your list, Sam.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Cathy. 2023 was a good reading year for me, one in which so many of my favorite writers hit it out of the park for me. I hope you find something else on the list that you enjoy.
DeleteExcellent list, Sam! I loved both Demon Copperhead and Tom Lake, and look forward to reading Somebody's Fool and The House of Doors in 2024.
ReplyDeleteThanks, JoAnn. I hope/think you'll like both of them. I'm looking forward to the new year now but I've got to shake things up a bit, I think.
ReplyDeleteWow nice list. I also liked Demon Copperhead and Tom Lake. Copperhead was quite a journey for the kid ... that I probably won't forget anytime soon. but it ends on a hopeful note I think.
ReplyDeleteI think the most common criticism of Demon Copperhead is that its plot is so predictable to fans of David Copperfield, but for me that was half the fun. And Tom Lake is unforgettable, for sure.
ReplyDelete