Fiction Editor’s Favourite Books of 2022
With so many wonderful books published in 2022, it was a very hard choice to select my top 10! After much thought, though, here they are… maybe there’s still time to ask for one of these in your Christmas stocking?
The Maid by Nita Prose (HarperCollins, HB,
£14.99)
Set in the Regency Grand Hotel, Molly the maid spends hours making sure all the rooms on her floor are ‘restored to a state of perfection’ but her life takes an interesting turn when she finds herself embroiled in an investigation into a wealthy guest’s death.
This is a brilliant murder mystery with the most unlikely of heroines at the heart of it all – an enjoyable read with an unforgettable main character.
Again, Rachel by Marian Keyes (Michael Joseph, HB, £20)
25 years after we first met Rachel Walsh, we were reunited with her and the rest of the Walsh family at the beginning of the year – and it was every bit as fabulous as I’d hoped it would be.
As always, Marian managed to shine the spotlight on some of life’s darkest issues while weaving warmth, humour, compassion, love and truth into every chapter.
Sharply observed, this big-hearted book has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and is an absolute treat of a novel.
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley (HarperCollins, HB, £14.99)
Set in Paris, and specifically the beautiful old apartment block, No. 12 Rue des Amants, it quickly becomes apparent that the eclectic and odd bunch of residents aren’t quite as they seem.
I adored this brilliant locked room thriller. The old Parisian apartment block provides a perfectly sinister setting and each of the characters, from the ever watchful concierge to the imposing inhabitants of the penthouse apartment, add to the epic story as we uncover the truth about Ben.
There are some jaw-dropping twists that will make you gasp and this book could certainly never be described as predictable. With an absolutely brilliant ending, this is one to devour in one sitting!
Do No Harm by Jack Jordan (Simon & Schuster, HB, £14.99)
The opening chapter launches straight into the action, with a surgeon performing heart bypass surgery that isn’t going to plan.
From the very first paragraphs, the tension ramps up to heart-stopping levels – quite literally – and doesn’t stop until the final chapter, leading to a relentlessly exciting read.
With a fabulous plot and great characters, you’ll be on a knife-edge until the brilliant ending!
Book Lovers by Emily Henry (Penguin, PB, £8.99)
I love a good romance, and the smart repartee between Nora and Charlie was a joy to read.
The chemistry between the pair absolutely sizzles on each page as their relationship develops.
This rom-com is perfection and I’ve now read Beach Read, You And Me On Vacation and her new one, due out next year, called Happy Place and I can confirm they are all packed full of romance – gorgeous reads!
One Last Secret by Adele Parks (HQ, HB, £14.99)
Dora has been working as an escort for years but when she’s offered a path to a new life following a particularly brutal encounter, she decides to give up her job and spend her life with someone she loves and trusts.
However, when she’s offered one last job, she can’t resist. But it’s not long before old secrets come back to haunt Dora and her holiday at the chateau takes a sinister turn…
Adele Parks builds the tension and sense of unease beautifully, especially as Dora discovers all is not well at the chateau. With its beautiful setting and compelling story, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
The Very Secret Society Of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna (Hodder & Stoughton, HB, £16.99)
There was something in the premise that instantly drew me to this book and I’m so glad to have read it. Filled with magic, hope, romance and warmth, this book was an absolute delight from beginning to end.
As well as the wonderful way Mika finds herself part of a family for the first time in her life, we also get to enjoy Mika falling in love for the first time, with someone who truly knows the real her.
This uplifting and comforting read will bring a little bit of much needed magic and sparkle to your day!
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman (Simon & Schuster, PBO, £8.99)
I loved this book and the twisty (and somewhat twisted) games Harriet finds herself playing in her quest to solve the murder mystery.
The tension builds beautifully as each little piece of the puzzle is gradually revealed and there are some brilliantly atmospheric scenes including a particularly terrifying game to celebrate Krampusnacht and the Christmas treasure hunt which takes places at the family’s eerie country residence, The Hydes.
This was an entertaining and imaginative thriller full of juicy plot twists – a five star read!
Keeping A Christmas Promise by Jo Thomas (Penguin, PB, £8.99)
I raced through this festive treat of a book. It’s one of Jo’s best to date with her vivid setting in the land of fire and ice and, of course, her trademark foodie descriptions.
I was salivating at the smoked salmon descriptions and I loved the idea of the rye bread being buried in the soil next to the geyser to bake!
This moving and inspiring book, with touches of folklore and Icelandic traditions woven throughout, is an uplifting tale of friendship and love. A real Christmas cracker!
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan (Hodder and Stoughton, HB, £16.99)
When Olivia flees an abusive marriage with her teenage son, Asher in tow, they return to Olivia’s hometown to run the family’s beekeeping business. Asher soon falls in love with Lily, who is also new in town and looking for a fresh start. However, it’s not long before a devastating turn of events changes everything…
This incredibly moving and thought-provoking novel, which looks at identity, authenticity and the bond between a mother and son, is brilliantly written and is a must-read – one of my favourites from 2022.
Every week in the pages of My Weekly we include top fiction, from short stories from bestselling authors, to book reviews and more. Pick up your copy every Tuesday!
