My Top 10 Books of 2020!

 Hello!

We are nearing the end of 2020 (FINALLY) so it is time for my favourite books of the year. Some are books that have been released this year and some have been on my TBR for ages! I read 75 books this year so I had a lot to choose from.

1. The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton

A murder on the high seas. A detective duo. A demon who may or may not exist.

This book has everything you are looking for in a crime/ mystery novel. I was intrigued from the very beginning and it had the essence of a Sherlock Holmes case which keeps your attention for the whole book as you need to find out what is really going on.

My rating - 5*

2. The Thursday Murder club by Richard Osman

Another crime thriller that I loved this year was The Thursday Murder Club, the debut novel of Richard Osman. This was truly fantastic story telling about a group of 4 older people who live in a retirement village and meet every week to try and discuss murder cases that were never solved. One day a murder happens on their doorstep which is the perfect time to put their solving skills to work! A book full of twists and plenty of humour from the group, they are not to be underestimated!

My rating - 4*

3. The Henna Wars by Adiba Jaigirdar

The Henna Wars is a beautiful book about Nishat, a Bangladeshi Muslim who comes out as a lesbian and she deals with the struggle of disapproving parents, cultural appropriation that a school project enlightens and many more important themes that are dealt with incredibly well. An old friend reappears and although they are in competition at school, Nishat can't help the feelings that arise.

My rating - 5*

4. The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd

This was my first read of 2020 and I loved it! Elissa has been kidnapped and her only hope of survival comes in the form of 12 yr old Elijah. Nothing is as it seems and there are so many twists and turns that keep you on your toes right until the end.

My rating - 5*

5. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This book is a Young Adult mystery in which a bilionaire leaves his inheritance to a stranger instead of his family and the billion dollar question is why? The family are then led on a treasure hunt for answers, one last game like the ones the grandfather used to play.

My rating - 4*

6. The Witchling's Girl by Helena Coggan

The Witchling lives in the House of the Dead and as soon as a young girl shows any signs of power, she must be brought to the Witchling to learn her craft and she never sees her family again. They must keep vows to only serve and protect their community, without caring too much for anyone. Haley was brought to the Witchling and the book follows her life and all the things she did for her community and sometimes for herself.

My rating - 5*

7. Rules for Being a Girl by Candace Bushnell and Katie Cotugno

This is a young adult feminist novel which is an essential read for young girls. Marin is a star student who writes for the school newspaper and loves her English class but one day when her English teacher takes it too far and makes a move on Marin she is horrified and everything changes for her. No one at school believes her and many actually blame her for trying to remove their favourite teacher but she doesn't let anyone stop her. She creates a feminist book club and fights back using the school newspaper, making new friends along the way and taking control of her situation and making it worth while. A fantastic read that will make you laugh and cry and Marin is an amazing character who stands up for herself when no one else will.

My rating - 5*

8. Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen McManus

Echo Ridge has a reputation. Many years ago Ellery's aunt went missing and was never found and now Ellery and her brother have come to town while their mum is in rehab, threats begin to reappear and another teenage girl goes missing. Another great YA book from McManus that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.

My rating - 4*

9. The Searcher by Tana French

Cal is a retired detective who has moved to a quiet village in Ireland to finally have some peace until a young boy asks for his help about his missing brother and he realises that this village isn't as innocent as it first seemed. The village people have something to hide and Cal is determined to find answers even if they aren't what he wants to hear.

My rating - 4*

10. Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli and Aisha Saeed

This is a YA romance about Jamie and Maya who once knew each other a long time ago and meet again while being forced to canvas for their local state senate candidate. The book is politically heavy but it is also relevant and realistic and it also deals with important themes such as racial discrimination as the relationship between Jamie and Maya develops throughout. The drama and romance make for a cute book that is worth a read.

My rating - 5*

What were your top books of 2020?

Let me know in the comments!