Hi all!
Today I am back with my yearly post – sharing my top five favourite reads of 2023! Not of all these books were published in the last twelve months, but I did read them for the first time last year. I ended up exceeding my Goodreads target of 25 novels read, with a final total of 32! Without further ado, let’s get into it. These were the best of the best!
1.) The Exorcist’s House by Nick Roberts
Not only was The Exorcist’s House the first book I read in 2023, it was also my favourite from the entire year. It had everything I wanted in a horror novel and more. Think Pet Sematary meets The Exorcist. There was a deeply poignant backstory, a chilling ending and plenty of scares along the way. I couldn’t fault it! It also had some twists I never saw coming. It’s been a while since a novel was able to evoke such dread in me. Bravo!
2.) Black Mouth by Ronald Malfi
Black Mouth had so many parallels to IT by Stephen King (my favourite book of all time), it’s no wonder it made my list. It was my kind of story: a coming-of-age tale with plenty of heart and horror. I couldn’t put it down. Furthermore, it was very unsettling. It had so many skin-prickling scenes that set my teeth on edge. A real winner!
3.) How To Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
If you didn’t know by now, I love haunted dolls and toys. How To Sell A Haunted House gave me that in spades! It was ridiculously scary, full of family drama, growth, reveals and violence. I could see it as a paranormal movie, with a slasher undertone. I would give anything for it to be adapted to screen. It was downright terrifying!
4.) Dead Of Winter by Darcy Coates
Darcy Coates was inevitably going to make my list. She is the queen of horror after all! Dead of Winter is one of her best books and I’m so proud that she wrote something very different to the rest of her works. She took me on a journey with this one! The gore was next level and the final scene at the lodge had me terrified. I was sweating from the tension and suspense!
5.) Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Frankenstein is a gripping horror classic, but I don’t need to tell you that. It’s quite philosophical too. I loved the way it was told from multiple perspectives and how the tension increased in intensity, culminating in a heart-wrenching ending. It was beautifully written. Mary Shelley was truly a remarkable woman. I am so glad I finally read the entire thing, from start to finish.
Thank you so much for reading! Please let me know your favourite reads of 2023!
Peace & Love xoxo