Writing this post is one of my favourite moments of the year! It’s so nice to look back over what I’ve read this year remember some of my great reads. These are all books I’ve read this year for the first time, rather than new releases.
A mix of genres, fiction and non-fiction, here’s my 10 favourite reads of 2025…
My Top 10 Books of the Year 2025
/ Orbital by Samantha Harvey
My first read of 2025 held its own! Orbital is a dreamy, philosophical story about 24 hours on the International Space Station. It also won the Booker Prize in 2024. I’ve never read a book set in space before, so it was unique in that angle, but also impeccably written.
/ Murder at Gulls Nest by Jess Kidd
Jess Kidd is an auto-read author for me and with Murder at Gulls Nest, Jess introduces us to one of my favourite types of characters: amateur female detectives ahead of their time with a sassy attitude and a kind heart. In this case – Nora Breen. I loved this murder mystery, looking forward to the next book in the series!
/ Love, Sex & Frankenstein by Caroline Lea
I love historical fiction, especially when it has a Gothic-edge and is based on a real-life moment. In this case, Mary Shelley’s trip to Lake Geneva, where she famously first started writing Frankenstein. This is such an evocative, engrossing imagining of Mary Shelley’s feelings during this time, it was such a great read.
/ The Peepshow: The Murders at 10 Rillington Place by Kate Summerscale
I made a conscious effort to read a little more non-fiction this year, and The Peepshow is a truly fascinating read. The story of a real life serial killer, Kate Summerscale has the magic ability to make her non-fiction read like fiction in terms of its pacing and plot, a great story made even more enticing by the fact it all happened. Also great social commentary on the time.
/ Careless People: A Story of Where I Used to Work by Sarah Wynn-Williams
Sarah Wynn-Williams used to work at Facebook, which is what makes Careless People such a riveting read. She truly lifts the veil on the inner workings of such a mega global company and some of her stories are wild. Yes, the Careless People in the title is referring to Zuckerberg. A must read.
/ Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
So, prior to 2025, I had never delved into the world of Romantasy but that changed early this year due to the release of Onyx Storm, the 3rd book the in Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. When I say literally everyone on my Instagram feed was talking with much excitement about this book release, I decided to see why people were so invested. And honestly, I get it. Fourth Wing sunk its claws in and I’m a convert.
/ The Examiner by Janice Hallett
Along with the aforementioned Jess Kidd, Janice Hallett is one of my auto-read authors. She takes a modern epistolary approach to her novels – revealing her plot through a series of emails, WhatsApps, messages, letters and phone transcripts. I love this unique format, and in The Examiner, the mystery is all set during a uni course where secrets and lies are rife.
/ The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
If you’re looking for a feel-good hug in a book, you need to read this. The House in the Cerulean Sea was a present, so not one I’d have picked up myself but sometimes its those unexpected reads you end up loving! It’s packed full of moral messages, loveable characters and love. We all need a little of that every so often.
/ Conclave by Robert Harris
Yes, I did pick this up due to the film BUT I did read it (well, listen on audiobook) first! And loved it – what a detailed dive into such a closed off community. I have to admit I hadn’t given much thought to how a new Pope is elected, but discovering more about was fascinating. Throw in the politics and a twist and you have an addictive read.
/ 56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
Rounding up my list with another favourite author, Catherine Ryan Howard, and as this read pulled me out of a reading slump, you know its got to be good. Set during lockdown in 2020, its the story of a body found in an apartment – who it is, how it got there. The oppressive, madness of the time is perfectly captured too.
So there they are! What’s been your favourite read this year?
Books on the 7:47 