Finding my next read has always been quite challenging. “Not in the mood for this book.” “Nah, the plot doesn’t sound interesting.” “This book seriously needs to disappear from Earth.” Blah, blah, blah. I’m sure all readers can relate to this. HOWEVER, 2022 was an incredible year of reading for me. I read over 65 books and have compiled a list of my favorites to help you find your next read.
1- Haunting November- by Adrianna Mather
“Haunting November” is set at a boarding school where everyone has a dangerous secret. Newly transferred, November has to adapt to this new world of knife-throwing, lie-detecting, and poisoning— all while trying to uncover her family’s secrets. “Haunting November” was an excellent book with a suspenseful plot and a down-to-earth, relatable main character. (Good news: if you like this book, it has a sequel. INCREDIBLE, I know.)
4/5
2- The Agathas- by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson
Written from two points of view, “The Agathas” unfolds the story of Alice Ogilvie and her tutor, Iris Adams, while attempting to find Brook Donovan, Alice’s ex-best friend, who has disappeared. The duo uncovers some of the town’s deepest secrets, putting them in danger that they have no idea about. The dual narrative in this book was greatly crafted; switching between both main characters created lots of unreliability and suspense. The novel also includes references and quotes from Agatha Christie, which I really liked. A sequel to this book is expected on June 7, 2023.
4/5
3- The Gallagher Girls Series- Ally Carter
This series takes place in the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women, in which girls are taught to break CIA codes, create disappearing paper, advanced martial arts, and experiment with explosives. Combining humor and suspense, the novels take the reader along with Cammie and her best friends, Liz and Bex, on their missions, some of which almost kill them. This series was incredible. Period. Ms. Carter does a marvelous job of creating a lovable main character and unexpected plot twists. You’ll be so absorbed in her writing you wouldn’t feel time pass by.
4.5/5
4- The Inheritance Games Series- Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery Grambs’s life changed overnight. One day, she was barely making ends meet; the other, she was to inherit billionaire Tobias Hawthorn’s wealth. But, it’s not so easy. In order to get her money, Avery has to live on Tobias’s estate for a year, which means being surrounded by the disinherited, angry Hawthorne family. During her stay, Avery discovers the dirty secrets of the family and uncovers the riddles Hawthorne has left behind. I don’t usually enjoy Ms. Barnes’ novels, but this was a fantastic piece. The series has a gripping plot with lots of on-the-edge-of-your-seat moments. You’ll fly through this trilogy, trust me.
4.5/5
5- The Conspiracy of Us Series- Maggie Hall
Avery West and her mother constantly move from city to city and state to state. They lived in isolation, and West never knew her father. But that all changes when a mysterious boy promises to show her the truth. She discovers that she’s the key to an ancient prophecy, and now, a vicious group, the Circle, is running after her. From Paris to Istanbul, Avery, accompanied by the boy, Stellan, and his friend-yet rival, Jack, attempts to take down the Circle for good. This series was similar to the “Gallahager Girl Series,” but with a twist of romance and a love triangle. I’m not usually a fan of this sort of combo, but Ms. Hall’s writing style and plot setup made it a lot more exciting.
5/5
Written By: Judy Selim