My Favorite Books Read in 2025

Tomorrow, I’ll be fully jumping into 2026 with another new review.  But before I start with new reviews, I want to take one more look back at what I read in 2025 with my list of favorites of the year.  Once again, most of these were books originally published during the year, although a few of them were old books I just read for the first time this year.  And yes, I’m leaving out the rereads, and I did reread some old favorites.

These are the ones that stood out to me as I read them this year.  What’s funny to me is there are some clumps.  The first several all came from February, for example.  May was another popular month.

I also didn’t trim the list this year.  That means there are 15.  Too much else going on in my life to try to make those painful decisions.  And that means two authors show up on the list twice.

For those keeping track, it’s also almost half and half physical and ebooks again this year.  And a couple of new authors made the list along with some familiar faces.

If you are interested in reading more, the links will take you to my full reviews.

 

Murder at Beechwood by Alyssa Maxwell

I am woefully behind on this historical mystery series.  Must find time to read more of it.  This is the third and completely hooked me.  I love the strong mix of real and fictional characters and how they interact so seamlessly.  I’m also really enjoying the 1890’s Newport setting.  And the mystery in this one was fantastic as well.

 

The Lies We Live by Liz Milliron

This is the sixth in a series set in Buffalo during World War II.  I’ve been a fan since the beginning, but as the characters grow, I’m getting more and more hooked on it.  This book introduced something I’ve been waiting for since book one, and I loved seeing it play out.  While we have to wait for the next, I’m glad to know more are coming.

 

London Calling by James Ponti

I’m not reading as many middle grade books these days, so this is the only middle grade book on the list.  It’s the sixth in the City Spies series, so it is still mystery adjacent.  This book resolved an ongoing storyline, and the author completely nailed it.  I was left satisfied.  Fortunately, more are to come since I am not ready to say goodbye to these wonderful characters yet.

 

The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood

I’d bought this book before the first season of the TV show based on it premiered on Masterpiece Mystery.  But that inspired me to go read this book.  I’m so glad I did because it was a delight.  Even when I remembered where a clue or a red herring led, I was enjoying watching the main characters build their friendship.  This is one a light, fun read.

 

Shattered Sight by Liz Milliron

The first author to show up twice on my list this year.  This kicks off a new series for Liz, and it was great.  Definitely more serious than the previous two books on this list, but the character growth was outstanding.  It was a very entertaining mystery as well.  I’m looking forward to book two this year.

 

The Library Game by Gigi Pandian

While I still need to go back and read more of her earlier books (it’s on my 2026 list), I have really enjoyed this series featuring a former stage magician solving impossible crimes.  This one was especially impossible, but at the end it made sense.  Throw in lots of references to classic mysteries (which again, I need to read more of), and you’ve got a fun read.

 

Bait and Swiss by Korina Moss

Sadly, this is the last book in Korina’s Cheese Shop series.  Fortunately, she sent it out in top form.  The characters are in a good place, and the mystery was entertaining.  I’m going to miss this series.

 

What Comes Around by Annette Dashofy

Another series ender, but this one was by Annette’s choice.  And what a great ending it was.  The storyline was something we’d been building to for several books, although we never imagined it would lead here.  While I hope the characters come back at some point, I am happy with where they ended up.

 

There’s No Murder Like Show Murder by M.S. Greene

A mystery set behind the scenes of a theater?  Sign me up.  This was a delightful debut filled with strong characters and a compelling mystery.  And the behind the scenes look at life in the theater was fun.  A sequel doesn’t appear to be on the horizon, sadly, but I keep hoping we’ll get an encore.

 

Frightened to Depths by K.B. Jackson

Life on board a cruise ships proves to be anything but smooth sailing yet again in this book, the third in a series about two sisters as full time residents on a cruise ship.  The mystery included some personal stakes for the main characters, which pulled me in more.  The characters and story are fun.  I hope the author revisits these characters in the future.

 

Solid Gold Murder by Ellen Bryon

A modern-day gold rush sets off the second in a series set in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.  Once again, the setting was fun, the characters endearing, and the mystery kept the pages turning.  I love Ellen’s books, and this series is my favorite yet.

 

Mrs. Claus and the Very Vicious Valentine by Liz Ireland

I think this series has made my list all but one or two years since it started.  This book is another winner.  Yes, this is THE Mrs. Claus solving mysteries at the North Pole.  Part comedy with a light touch of fantasy, the mysteries keep you guessing and the charming characters keep you coming back.  Make sure you check out this series if you’ve missed it so far.

 

Murder Comes Home by Rosalie Spielman

I read the first four books of this series this year and enjoyed them all.  This is the third, and it was my favorite.  The plot of this one really grabbed me, and the characters have become friends.  I’ve got one more to get caught up on the series, and I’m hoping to do that this year.

 

Contesting the Wool by Diane Vallere

If you’ve been paying attention in the last few years, you’ll notice just how many of Diane’s books I’ve read.  I always enjoy her books, but this one really stood out to me this year.  I have a special love of these characters, so that helped, but the plot was very creative and kept me engaged.  The comedic tone was great as well. 

 

No Sone Left Unturned by Annette Dashofy

Annette’s second entry on the list is her latest book, not even out a month yet.  The mystery starts strongly and just keeps building.  Meanwhile, the characters continue to grow before our eyes.  I’m glad to know that book five is coming because I can wait to spend more time with them.

 

I’m looking forward to seeing what gems I find in 2026.