Yesterday we talked about my disappointing books of 2024 and unfortunately there were a lot of them. But there were some really good reads this year too. So let’s get to my best books of 2024.
The September House
When I picked up The September House on a whim one day I never imagined that it would be my favorite of 2024. I love haunted house stories but I’m very picky about them. This was unlike any haunted house story that I’ve ever read though. It started out with tongue and cheek humor and I thought it was going to lean more toward satire but then it started exploring some deeper topics as well. Plus, it had some really scary parts in it. It just had a depth that I didn’t expect when I started reading it.
Rosemary’s Baby
I really expected Rosemary’s Baby to be at the top of my list and it was still a close race. When I think of a great unreliable narrator story I think of this one. I didn’t know if our main character was going crazy or if the people around her were crazy. Either way there was this intense sense of dread throughout the entire book. And I loved the brief dive into the occult at the end. It’s a classic for a reason.
Black Sheep
It was almost the year of Rachel Harrison. I’ve caught up on all of her published novels and I really enjoyed my time reading them. I even did a Rachel Harrison ranking post earlier in the year. Black Sheep is one of my favorites by her and it solidifies my opinion that she writes in a genre all her own. It’s a cozy, nostalgic horror that was just a blast to read.
Middle of the Night
I will always be a Riley Sager stand. I don’t even read the synopsis of his new releases. Middle of the Night reminded me of why I love him. It was a great thriller that skirted paranormal territory. The only thing that kept this from being my favorite of the year was the fact that I guessed the ending. Usually, Sager blows my mind with the ending and I’ve come to expect that. So guessing it just made me feel a little let down. But it was still a great read.
So Thirsty
Lastly, we have So Thirsty. It’s like Laverne and Shirley meets vampires and yet somehow that works. It’s a bloody, gory vampire story that’s also cozy and has a great found family element. I know that sounds crazy but somehow it worked. I really enjoyed my time reading it.
So those are the best books of 2024. Let me know your favorites down in the comments because I need some good books to start 2025 with.
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It makes me happy to see two Rachel Harrison books on your list! I’ve loved every one of her books! Rosemary’s Baby is such a throwback, but I loved it at the time (I remember years ago binging a few Ira Levin books — such thrilling reads!)
They really are! I’ve read Stepford Wives. Do you have any other recommendations by him?