Sharing my favourite books of 2015 is no easy task. It doesn’t just involve a search on Goodreads for my 4-5 star reads. Although that (ahem) may have been my starting point. 🙂

Anyone who follows me (on Goodreads) knows my 5 star reviews are as common as my dates. Well, more so actually because it seems I’ve given five this year—although on closer inspection four of those were 4.5 star reviews (and the only five star novel was actually published in 2014!). #Inrelatednews, does anyone else hate that Goodreads doesn’t allow us to give half-stars?

Anyhoo… last year I’d planned to talk about my 10 favourite books of 2014, but when it came down to it I had 8 clear winners.

After great analysis I’ve come up against a similar dilemma this year. There have been a few obvious favourites (which have stayed with me, long after I’ve finished) with a stack of others, chomping at their heels. So, my list (alphabetically, by author) is short and sweet.

1. Memory Man by David Baldacci
I’m excited by what seems to be a new series by Baldacci. I have a major crush on Amos Decker, a former cop-turned-PI who (through a football injury when younger) has the ability to remember EVERYTHING. When we first meet him he’s hit rock bottom after the murder of his family and clawing his way back.
Why it’s here: the fabulous character Baldacci’s created. 

2. Fall by Candice Fox
When I read and reviewed this earlier this month I had no idea it was the final book in a trilogy. It ends with a bang and in a very dark place. I probably would have felt sick with equal amounts of exhilaration and frustration had I known there was to be no more.
Why it’s here: its plot and characters. It’s gritty and kinda shocking.

3. Tennison by Lynda La Plante
It was great to meet the young Jane Tennison in this prequel to the popular series (and TV series) set in 1972. Jane’s not only fighting the baddies, but also grappling with changing societal norms and a very sexist police and judicial service.
Why it’s here: the character of Jane (and those around her) and the setting in which LaPlante’s placed her.

4. Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee
Lee’s first book is seen by many to be a poor cousin to (its first-published prequel) To Kill A Mockingbird. It’s poorly edited and rambling but there are glimpses of the Scout we come to know and love in TKAM. I adored those elements and remain impressed that Lee took on such complex and fraught issues. Parts are beautifully written and/but I can see why the publishers pushed her to give them something from Scout’s childhood instead of going with this.
Why it’s here: Scout’s voice and Lee’s writing. 

5. I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh
This book is probably one of the most underrated books of the year. It’s true it eventually peters into a more typical psychological thriller but the twist midway through is probably one of the best I’ve encountered. Ever.
Why it’s here: its fabulously set up plot twist.

6. The Natural Way of Things by Charlotte Wood
This dystopian mindf*ck needed to be included because it’s the sort of book you finish and need to talk about straight away. It was only when I did so I discovered I’d taken the story very literally (not getting the whole apocalyptic thing) but it played havoc with my logic-loving mind nonetheless.
Why it’s here: beautifully written and ridiculously clever.

I should mention that there were many MANY books I could add… and I won’t even add any examples as I am loath to choose. You’ll note this post reflects MY favourite books of the year… so is missing some popular reads such as The Girl on the Train.

I should also mention that—if I could be bothered—I’d amend last year’s list to add Sofie Laguna’s The Eye of the Sheep, which was actually my favourite read this year… although it was published in 2014.

Last year one of my friends called me the ‘queen of the 3 star reviews’ as anything else was a rarity. I’ve noted I’ve given a lot more 4 star reviews this year and think that’s because I’m reading a wider variety of novels. Check out my Goodreads profile, or just have a look through the books I’ve reviewed on the blog.

Tell me, do you agree with my list? What’s on yours?

NB. The link to my full review is in the book’s title.