Hi all!
Today I am back with my yearly post – sharing my top five favourite reads of 2022! Not of all these books were published in the last twelve months, but I did read them for the first time last year. I’m really happy I hit my Goodreads target of 50 novels completed. I discovered some new gems that I cannot stop recommending. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1.) Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel
Just Like Mother by Anne Heltzel was my favourite read of 2022. Hands down. I fell in love with this book the moment I finished the first chapter. I devoured it within three days, which said a lot, given my busy lifestyle. It was our June bookclub pick of the month. You can read more about it here. It was so gripping, well-told and full of suspense. I need it turned into a Netflix series or film. If you’re a fan of Rosemary’s Baby, this is the story for you. Perfection!
2.) PenPal by Dathan Auerbach
PenPal by Dathan Auerbach was our bookclub pick for September (read more here) and it became another instant favourite. The story drew me in from the very first page and wouldn’t let go. I was mesmerised by it. I kept trying to piece the character’s life events together, despite the fact that it wasn’t told in a linear way. It was disturbing, deeply sad and unsettling. I could easily see this being adapted to screen. There is a fever-dream quality to the narration that won’t appeal to everybody, but it did for me. I highly recommend it but note the trigger warnings beforehand.
3.) Horror Hotel by Victoria Fulton & Faith McClaren
Horror Hotel by Victoria Fulton & Faith McClaren was a pure joy to read. It had all of the horror elements I love in a story. Not only that, it was based off of the infamous Cecil Hotel – a haunted and notorious place in Los Angeles. It follows a group of ghost-hunters that run a popular YouTube channel, eager for views and recognition. However, when they arrive at their destination, they get a lot more than they bargained for. This was a scary book, make no mistake. It was excellent and I love that it was co-written. Also, can we please appreciate the gorgeous cover below?
4.) The Ravenous Dead by Darcy Coates
My favourite horror author, Darcy Coates, released three books in 2022, but The Ravenous Dead was my clear favourite. We also read this one for my bookclub in April (check that out here). This is the sequel to The Whispering Dead and boy did it not disappoint. The friendships were so wholesome and the scares, on point. Not only that, there was a nice little twist at the end that I didn’t see coming. I am so excited for The Twisted Dead, which comes out next month.
5.) Come Closer by Sara Gran
Come Closer by Sara Gran is a superior novella, and you absolutely must read it if you love horror. It’s short but full of bone-chilling moments. We get a seductive possession story, the decline of a woman under the spell of a demon, devilish lore and more. It was an instant favourite for 2022. Do you recommend any of her other works?
Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know your favourite reads of 2022!
Peace & Love xoxo