I read until the end and I must say, those 2 genres are the ones I was the less interested about in your yearly list! I somehow find the line to fine between mysteries that can be solved in the first few chapters and the ones that are not letting me sleep at night... Either way my time (reading or sleeping, lol) seems too precious. So I will only read a thriller if it is highly recommended by someone who really knows my tastes (mainly my mum). And I an easily bored by historical fictions. I read a very good german one this month about the time between the 2 world wars but I searched online and it seems it never got translated in english, sorry.
I know that "fine line" you're talking about, friend! I would say THE GOD OF THE WOODS is excellent, after like 75 pages. Once you really know the characters. I had no idea what was going to happen, and really enjoyed following along. As for historical fiction... even in my research, I felt pretty bored, honestly. But I don't want that to deter me. Trying to figure out why some feel boring, and why some feel more intriguing. We'll see if I can find any I like!
So glad you like āGod of the Woodsā! I read āThe Womenā and didnāt think I would like it but loved it. It is war so expect some graphic moments. The women are so engaging though and I learned more about history than I ever did in school (per usual as authors are far more real than school curriculum in the US). I love your experiment and one thing I have been enjoying myself is my wifeās coworker gives us her book club books and some of them I would never have picked myself but I have enjoyed and I like reading things I would never have chosen from time to time just to āseeā much like you are doing far more intentionally and methodically here.
Ahhh that's so fun you have books being passed along on a regular basis, friend! After finishing TGOTW, I texted one local friend and asked if she wanted it. I'm also wondering if I might keep a stack and give them away here, halfway or at the end of the year... š
It is fun - and some of the books I think, nah, I won't want to read it and then it BLOWS ME AWAY like Red Mountain by Boo Walker. I usually put them in little libraries randomly or give them to a group of friends I have breakfast with, or donate to library. Giveaways here would be fun too.
I'm not a big historical fiction fan so I will be curious what you find. When I do read one I like though I tend to REALLY LIKE IT.
I never heard of him either! Red Mountain ... loved the characters, the location... one that I kept to read again (though who knows if that will happen). Also good The Change - Kirsten Miller (hits the menopause fiction/thriller spot)
My book club read THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE a couple of years ago, and I loved it. I did audio and I read it. I think most everyone in our group enjoyed it. I still think about some of the characters. The character development is great! James McBride based one of the main characters on his maternal grandmother, and there are some great interviews where he talks about that. I think the particular one Iām thinking about was a PBS News Hour interview.
I have been wanting to read GOD OF THE WOODS. We almost chose it for book club this year, but didnāt. We decided to go with MARBLE HALL MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz, which makes sense because weāve read his previous two books together. But I *do* still want to read G.O.T.W., and now I REALLY want to read it after reading your review!
Our book clubās 2026 historical fiction choice is THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett. I just finished it, and I really loved it. Weāre discussing it in April, so I have time to get back to the Rachel Reid GAME CHANGERS series that I seem to be mildly obsessed with listening to. š
Ooo I read THE VANISHING HALF back in 2020! Great choice! But yes, please find yourself a copy of TGOTW! I think you'd really enjoy the pace of it āŗļø and thanks for the tips re: interviews with James McBride!
I hope you like The Women, I really did and several others by Kristen Hannah as well. For mysteries/thrillers I got into a few books by Keigo Higashino, notably The Devotion of Suspect X. This is a fun experiment to follow along with, and I'm getting some ideas to add to my list!
I'm so glad you're enjoying these recaps, friend! I'm aware they are pretty niche, and not everyone will like them... but I am having SO much fun with this experiment!
Love love love your "book feeling reviews!" That's a fantastic approach to reading that doesn't get talked about enough, but I feel like makes a huge impact on how a book is processed in our thoughts and feelings. Fyi, if you have the bandwidth in historical fiction, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is fantastic! I added a few of what you read to my TBR...still trying to keep it under 200 LOL
Ok, I can look ahead and see someone else reco's this book too... so I've looked it up! And I see it's a series now! And in case you don't know, apparently a new one is coming out this spring (called THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME) š thanks, friend!
Philippa Gregory is a wonderful historical fiction writer, too, if you're looking for suggestions. Her King Henry VIII series is my favorite and I get sad sometimes thinking that I already finished them! Enjoy the journey!
I tried to read Beautiful Ugly and really couldnāt get past the sexual abuse. I had to DNF. But the writing was very intriguing. I must admit I wasnāt a fan of the main character either and that often makes me stop reading. Itās happened a few times to me now that the content is too much. I need to start reading the content warnings as well!
I recently read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. This historical fiction book was excellent. Takes place in New York and is about the relationship between JP Morgan and his librarian. I was very surprised to love it. Great character development and interesting premise.
I understand that decision, Mary! I hit pause on the audio and was SO CLOSE to not going back. Told myself I'd continue and if there was one more mention, I'd quit. And there wasn't. But even that tiny detail has stuck with me in an uncomfortable way. After the second book, I don't think I'll read any more of her work. It also feels true that, most of the time, there are a lot of unlikable characters in this genre!? Anyway. We can move on from thrillers for now! Thanks for sharing THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN! I hadn't heard of that one, but I do love good character development!
I liked The Personal Librarian, too! And in the mystery/detective genre, I think I mentioned before how much I LOVE Tana French, whose plots are ingenious. She also captures Irish dialect in a way that makes me start "thinking" in Dublin turns of phrase. Very fun either to read or to listen to.
Yes! I have Tana French bookmarked in my future potential TBR list for this genre! Great to know you liked THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN too, Stephanie! (Also, can THAT be a job!? hahaha)
The Bookwomen of Troublesome Creek is fantastic. Historical fiction is NOT a genre I am drawn toward almost ever, but this one was amazing. Unfortunately, I read one book by Kristin Hannah, as recommended by a reader I trust, and just did not care for it, so I haven't tried any others. That being said I have read YA historical fiction by Ruta Sepetys that are also really well done.
Ok, you're the second person to mention TBOTC, so I'll definitely check that one out, Rebecca! Have you seen there's a third book in that series coming out this spring?
And re: Kristin Hannah, I'm 1/3 of the way through THE WOMEN and have mixed feelings so far. For now, I'll just say: I don't think wartime books are going to be my thing...
As a lover of historical fiction and romance, I understand why people enjoy The Women, the writing is compelling and I did like parts of it. HOWEVER, please be warned, this book traffics in urban legend/historical inaccuracy/veering into propaganda IMO. If the author couldn't do basic research to learn that Agent Orange doesn't turn leaves orange (it's named that for other reasons), it makes you wonder what she did research. I'm not at all saying you shouldn't read it, but do be aware of the controversy surrounding it, most particularly some of the myths she perpetuates (if you don't want spoilers, recommend reading these articles after the book!)
Ok good to know, Jamie! Appreciate the heads up on the spoilers, too. I just said this in another comment above, but I'm 1/3 of the way through and not really enjoying it. I feel bored... and don't know exactly why yet. I just don't have that "pull" that makes me want to keep going!
I really love series as you can follow the main characters for a longer time as well as having a crime solving story . My favourite is the Inspector Lynley series by Elizabeth George. And also the Cormoran Strike books by J K Rowling.
Ooo thanks for sharing, Linda! And yes, I can see how staying with the characters would feel fun/nice! I guess I have a few experiences of that with other series', just not crime ones... yet!
I thought the Women was excellent. I also read Broken Country last year and really enjoyed it. Broken Country I also think crosses over genres. I guess it is historical fiction because of when it takes place, but I would have called it a thriller/romance. Enjoy!
I felt the same about God of the Woods. I struggled a bit at the beginning, but I ended up loving it.
As for crime novels/mysteries, even though Louise Penny publishes a lot of books, I really enjoy her character Gamache. I never liked reading mysteries and especially from authors that use the same character. But when I was living in a small town in Colombia my access to English language books was quite limited and I picked up one of her books. I don't know if it was because I was a bit homesick but I loved the cozy mystery set in a beautiful village in Quebec. I don't like anything with violence or anything that is too scary.
I loved The Women, but have not loved every Kristen Hannah book. Kate Quinn in another author for historical, female-centered, fast-paced historical fiction (often based on true stories). I think I've loved everything of hers I've read! She puts out books at a fairly brisk pace, but they all feel so authentic, unique, and well-researched.
I think I also had issues with the pacing of TGOTW. I also just found the ages of the characters to be a little young for everything that was happening to them. They all felt unbelievably mature for their actual ages, which took me out of the story a bit.
Yea, that's a good point! They did read like they were all 16+, which obviously wasn't true for Barbara and Tracy. And you're not the first person to mention enjoying Kate Quinn's books! I'm about halfway through THE WOMEN and am not sure if her stuff is "for me." But Kate's stuff sounds a bit more my style! Not sure I'll have time to read anything of hers this month, but I'll keep it on my radar āŗļø
I'm currently in the middle of Beautiful Ugly so I read trepidatiously in case of spoilers, but I'm loving it so glad you enjoyed it.
God of the Woods was probably in my top 5 in 2025 - I really enjoyed it. And Mystery/thriller in general.
I'd also recommend The Ghostwriter (but there is SA so content warning) and the Cartographers if you enjoy the thriller/mystery genre.
I've always enjoyed mysteries from way back in my Nancy Drew days and I read a bunch of my Mom's Agatha Christie and #1 Ladies detective agency (all of which I'd categorize as Cozy Mystery). I wonder if cozy mysteries are too formulaic for you like romance is? Or if some could hit a sweet spot of less violence/graphic but still suspenseful.
Maybe you and Cait might like enjoy Dorothy L. Sayersās Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey series. GAUDY NIGHTS was the first book I read of those. They are more about the characters and the times. Has more of the build up for me than Agatha Christie. She wrote around the same time period. I also loved that Dorothy L. Sayers had a strong female lead. Harriet is so smart. The mystery is so cleverly done.
THE GHOSTWRITER is on my list, Caz! I hadn't heard of THE CARTOGRAPHERS, so will check that one out! And it's a good question re: cozy mysteries... I don't know! I really liked all of Jesse Q. Sutanto's books I read last summerāwhich are probably considered cozy!?āand wasn't guessing the endings at all! Was just enjoying the stories! So think it probably comes down to a mix of good storytelling + enjoyable (or not) characters!
I read until the end and I must say, those 2 genres are the ones I was the less interested about in your yearly list! I somehow find the line to fine between mysteries that can be solved in the first few chapters and the ones that are not letting me sleep at night... Either way my time (reading or sleeping, lol) seems too precious. So I will only read a thriller if it is highly recommended by someone who really knows my tastes (mainly my mum). And I an easily bored by historical fictions. I read a very good german one this month about the time between the 2 world wars but I searched online and it seems it never got translated in english, sorry.
I know that "fine line" you're talking about, friend! I would say THE GOD OF THE WOODS is excellent, after like 75 pages. Once you really know the characters. I had no idea what was going to happen, and really enjoyed following along. As for historical fiction... even in my research, I felt pretty bored, honestly. But I don't want that to deter me. Trying to figure out why some feel boring, and why some feel more intriguing. We'll see if I can find any I like!
So glad you like āGod of the Woodsā! I read āThe Womenā and didnāt think I would like it but loved it. It is war so expect some graphic moments. The women are so engaging though and I learned more about history than I ever did in school (per usual as authors are far more real than school curriculum in the US). I love your experiment and one thing I have been enjoying myself is my wifeās coworker gives us her book club books and some of them I would never have picked myself but I have enjoyed and I like reading things I would never have chosen from time to time just to āseeā much like you are doing far more intentionally and methodically here.
Ahhh that's so fun you have books being passed along on a regular basis, friend! After finishing TGOTW, I texted one local friend and asked if she wanted it. I'm also wondering if I might keep a stack and give them away here, halfway or at the end of the year... š
It is fun - and some of the books I think, nah, I won't want to read it and then it BLOWS ME AWAY like Red Mountain by Boo Walker. I usually put them in little libraries randomly or give them to a group of friends I have breakfast with, or donate to library. Giveaways here would be fun too.
I'm not a big historical fiction fan so I will be curious what you find. When I do read one I like though I tend to REALLY LIKE IT.
Ok I hadn't heard of Boo Walker before, but just read the descriptions of a few of his books... I'm intrigued, friend!
I never heard of him either! Red Mountain ... loved the characters, the location... one that I kept to read again (though who knows if that will happen). Also good The Change - Kirsten Miller (hits the menopause fiction/thriller spot)
My book club read THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE a couple of years ago, and I loved it. I did audio and I read it. I think most everyone in our group enjoyed it. I still think about some of the characters. The character development is great! James McBride based one of the main characters on his maternal grandmother, and there are some great interviews where he talks about that. I think the particular one Iām thinking about was a PBS News Hour interview.
I have been wanting to read GOD OF THE WOODS. We almost chose it for book club this year, but didnāt. We decided to go with MARBLE HALL MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz, which makes sense because weāve read his previous two books together. But I *do* still want to read G.O.T.W., and now I REALLY want to read it after reading your review!
Our book clubās 2026 historical fiction choice is THE VANISHING HALF by Brit Bennett. I just finished it, and I really loved it. Weāre discussing it in April, so I have time to get back to the Rachel Reid GAME CHANGERS series that I seem to be mildly obsessed with listening to. š
Ooo I read THE VANISHING HALF back in 2020! Great choice! But yes, please find yourself a copy of TGOTW! I think you'd really enjoy the pace of it āŗļø and thanks for the tips re: interviews with James McBride!
I hope you like The Women, I really did and several others by Kristen Hannah as well. For mysteries/thrillers I got into a few books by Keigo Higashino, notably The Devotion of Suspect X. This is a fun experiment to follow along with, and I'm getting some ideas to add to my list!
I'm so glad you're enjoying these recaps, friend! I'm aware they are pretty niche, and not everyone will like them... but I am having SO much fun with this experiment!
Love love love your "book feeling reviews!" That's a fantastic approach to reading that doesn't get talked about enough, but I feel like makes a huge impact on how a book is processed in our thoughts and feelings. Fyi, if you have the bandwidth in historical fiction, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is fantastic! I added a few of what you read to my TBR...still trying to keep it under 200 LOL
Ok, I can look ahead and see someone else reco's this book too... so I've looked it up! And I see it's a series now! And in case you don't know, apparently a new one is coming out this spring (called THE MOUNTAINS WE CALL HOME) š thanks, friend!
I just saw that about the next book, how exciting! I did read the second one as well, which was just as richly vibey as the first. Happy reading!
Philippa Gregory is a wonderful historical fiction writer, too, if you're looking for suggestions. Her King Henry VIII series is my favorite and I get sad sometimes thinking that I already finished them! Enjoy the journey!
Sad that you've already finished them. That's a great review! Thanks, Debbie! āŗļø
I tried to read Beautiful Ugly and really couldnāt get past the sexual abuse. I had to DNF. But the writing was very intriguing. I must admit I wasnāt a fan of the main character either and that often makes me stop reading. Itās happened a few times to me now that the content is too much. I need to start reading the content warnings as well!
I recently read The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. This historical fiction book was excellent. Takes place in New York and is about the relationship between JP Morgan and his librarian. I was very surprised to love it. Great character development and interesting premise.
I understand that decision, Mary! I hit pause on the audio and was SO CLOSE to not going back. Told myself I'd continue and if there was one more mention, I'd quit. And there wasn't. But even that tiny detail has stuck with me in an uncomfortable way. After the second book, I don't think I'll read any more of her work. It also feels true that, most of the time, there are a lot of unlikable characters in this genre!? Anyway. We can move on from thrillers for now! Thanks for sharing THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN! I hadn't heard of that one, but I do love good character development!
I liked The Personal Librarian, too! And in the mystery/detective genre, I think I mentioned before how much I LOVE Tana French, whose plots are ingenious. She also captures Irish dialect in a way that makes me start "thinking" in Dublin turns of phrase. Very fun either to read or to listen to.
Yes! I have Tana French bookmarked in my future potential TBR list for this genre! Great to know you liked THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN too, Stephanie! (Also, can THAT be a job!? hahaha)
I can't wait to try some of your choices Cait! I also won't read anything where a child is in trouble in any way. As a child I devoured Nancy Drew. But as an adult I haven't really found an author of mystery that I like. I would love to though!ššššš„°š„°ššMy number one suggestion for historical fiction is Gold Mountain Blues.š©µš©µš©µššš
Ooo ok, friend! I haven't come across that one! Will check it out āŗļø
The Bookwomen of Troublesome Creek is fantastic. Historical fiction is NOT a genre I am drawn toward almost ever, but this one was amazing. Unfortunately, I read one book by Kristin Hannah, as recommended by a reader I trust, and just did not care for it, so I haven't tried any others. That being said I have read YA historical fiction by Ruta Sepetys that are also really well done.
Ok, you're the second person to mention TBOTC, so I'll definitely check that one out, Rebecca! Have you seen there's a third book in that series coming out this spring?
And re: Kristin Hannah, I'm 1/3 of the way through THE WOMEN and have mixed feelings so far. For now, I'll just say: I don't think wartime books are going to be my thing...
As a lover of historical fiction and romance, I understand why people enjoy The Women, the writing is compelling and I did like parts of it. HOWEVER, please be warned, this book traffics in urban legend/historical inaccuracy/veering into propaganda IMO. If the author couldn't do basic research to learn that Agent Orange doesn't turn leaves orange (it's named that for other reasons), it makes you wonder what she did research. I'm not at all saying you shouldn't read it, but do be aware of the controversy surrounding it, most particularly some of the myths she perpetuates (if you don't want spoilers, recommend reading these articles after the book!)
https://slate.com/culture/2024/12/kristin-hannah-the-women-ending-spoilers-vietnam.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myth_of_the_spat-on_Vietnam_veteran
Ok good to know, Jamie! Appreciate the heads up on the spoilers, too. I just said this in another comment above, but I'm 1/3 of the way through and not really enjoying it. I feel bored... and don't know exactly why yet. I just don't have that "pull" that makes me want to keep going!
I really love series as you can follow the main characters for a longer time as well as having a crime solving story . My favourite is the Inspector Lynley series by Elizabeth George. And also the Cormoran Strike books by J K Rowling.
Ooo thanks for sharing, Linda! And yes, I can see how staying with the characters would feel fun/nice! I guess I have a few experiences of that with other series', just not crime ones... yet!
I thought the Women was excellent. I also read Broken Country last year and really enjoyed it. Broken Country I also think crosses over genres. I guess it is historical fiction because of when it takes place, but I would have called it a thriller/romance. Enjoy!
Thanks, friend! I read the first few pages of BROKEN COUNTRY, to see what it was like, and definitely got that thriller vibe too!
I felt the same about God of the Woods. I struggled a bit at the beginning, but I ended up loving it.
As for crime novels/mysteries, even though Louise Penny publishes a lot of books, I really enjoy her character Gamache. I never liked reading mysteries and especially from authors that use the same character. But when I was living in a small town in Colombia my access to English language books was quite limited and I picked up one of her books. I don't know if it was because I was a bit homesick but I loved the cozy mystery set in a beautiful village in Quebec. I don't like anything with violence or anything that is too scary.
This is really good to know, Stephanie! And specific, which is helpful! Thanks for sharing āŗļø
I loved The Women, but have not loved every Kristen Hannah book. Kate Quinn in another author for historical, female-centered, fast-paced historical fiction (often based on true stories). I think I've loved everything of hers I've read! She puts out books at a fairly brisk pace, but they all feel so authentic, unique, and well-researched.
I think I also had issues with the pacing of TGOTW. I also just found the ages of the characters to be a little young for everything that was happening to them. They all felt unbelievably mature for their actual ages, which took me out of the story a bit.
Yea, that's a good point! They did read like they were all 16+, which obviously wasn't true for Barbara and Tracy. And you're not the first person to mention enjoying Kate Quinn's books! I'm about halfway through THE WOMEN and am not sure if her stuff is "for me." But Kate's stuff sounds a bit more my style! Not sure I'll have time to read anything of hers this month, but I'll keep it on my radar āŗļø
I liked The Women. But I loved The Nightingale. I'm usually not a "rereader", but this one is for sure one I want to read again!
Also, have you read The outlander series! Slow at times because lots of words. But I'm a fan!
I'm currently in the middle of Beautiful Ugly so I read trepidatiously in case of spoilers, but I'm loving it so glad you enjoyed it.
God of the Woods was probably in my top 5 in 2025 - I really enjoyed it. And Mystery/thriller in general.
I'd also recommend The Ghostwriter (but there is SA so content warning) and the Cartographers if you enjoy the thriller/mystery genre.
I've always enjoyed mysteries from way back in my Nancy Drew days and I read a bunch of my Mom's Agatha Christie and #1 Ladies detective agency (all of which I'd categorize as Cozy Mystery). I wonder if cozy mysteries are too formulaic for you like romance is? Or if some could hit a sweet spot of less violence/graphic but still suspenseful.
Loved #1 detective agency as a kid too.
Maybe you and Cait might like enjoy Dorothy L. Sayersās Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey series. GAUDY NIGHTS was the first book I read of those. They are more about the characters and the times. Has more of the build up for me than Agatha Christie. She wrote around the same time period. I also loved that Dorothy L. Sayers had a strong female lead. Harriet is so smart. The mystery is so cleverly done.
I feel I should now tell you both: I've never even read an Agatha Christie book!
THE GHOSTWRITER is on my list, Caz! I hadn't heard of THE CARTOGRAPHERS, so will check that one out! And it's a good question re: cozy mysteries... I don't know! I really liked all of Jesse Q. Sutanto's books I read last summerāwhich are probably considered cozy!?āand wasn't guessing the endings at all! Was just enjoying the stories! So think it probably comes down to a mix of good storytelling + enjoyable (or not) characters!