A few years ago I set myself the challenge of only reading thrillers in October and I ended up in such a reading slump! so this October I went with thrillers and cosy reads because it is autumn after all! I read some really good books this month and some not so good but I also managed to read a few that have been on my TBR for over twelve months so that's definitely a win!
Angelika Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match - Sally Thorne
This is the perfect non-spooky, spooky season read! The book focuses on Frankenstein's younger sister and having never read Frankenstein I can’t tell you if she’s a new addition to the cast or not, sorry!
But it’s a really fun, unique read - it’s described on the back as Bridgerton meats The Addams Family and that couldn’t be more right! I am a huge Sally Thorne fan and although this is nothing like her other books it’s still full of the warmth, romance and with of her other books! A definite recommendation from me!
I Have Something To Tell You _ Susan Lewis
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was long! The book is about 500 pages and 100 could have been cut in my opinion. However, I did enjoy it and it was a gripping read, the audiobook was also easy to dip in and out of which is perfect for me as I listen as I do chores/walk the dog etc so don't always finish a chapter.
This was a crime thriller as opposed to the spooky reads I’ve been reading this month, I could tell something was coming but I wasn't sure what it was, especially the last 100 or so pages where I was just waiting for a twist!
Layla - Colleen Hoover
This was all over bookstagram and I fell for the hype. I've read a few CoHo books and to be honest, I've never been blown away by any - they're good, but not for me. And that carried on with Layla, I didn't like this. I wasn't invested in the characters (Leeds was not a good or likeable person, despite being painted as the hero) and the twists didn't do it for me. I didn't guess them but by the end, I was just ready for it to be over. This was not for me, but so many people love it - maybe it's just my taste.
The Taking of Annie Throne - C. J. Tudor
This was so creepy! Definitely one to read if you’re looking for something paranormal! It was fast-paced and gripping, so much so that I couldn’t put it down in parts. I have another by this author on my shelf which I can’t wait to pick up now! It reminded me a little of one of my favourite thrillers The Whisper Man - not in plot but in suspense and how immersive it was to read, high praise! Another one for your TBR!
The Hygge Holiday - Rosie Blake
After reading a lot of thrillers I wanted a light, fun cosy read and this didn't disappoint. It's actually a perfect November read - it's set in November and it is full of cosy hygge vibes (as the name would suggest) - it's ideal to start the festive season without wanting too much Christmas. This is a good one to pick up over a weekend of doing nothing. Make yourself a hot chocolate and enjoy!
His & Hers - Alice Feeney
Another audiobook this month! I’ve seen a lot of hype for this and the author so I was expecting a lot! I think I would have preferred reading it as the audio was quite hard to follow as there are a lot of characters mentioned throughout, but the plot was gripping and I did like how there were three narrators! If you pick this up be warned it's quite gruesome and not for the faint-hearted!
The Ex Hex - Erin Sterling
I had such high hopes for this one! It was our October read for the book club but it just didn't do it for me. I found it difficult to get into despite it being a rom-com (which I usually love). I wrote notes as I was reading and one of them was too much witch stuff not enough romance and I stand by that (despite a few steamy scenes). If you are looking for a cute, Halloween rom-con that's light on the romance then you'll like this. That being said it is a fun book that's ideal for someone who doesn't want to read a spooky book in October!
The Haunting of Hill House - Shirley Jackson
I've been wanting to read this for longer than I can remember. I've seen the TV show and the stage adaptation so I am a fan but surprisingly the book was my least favourite of the three. I still enjoyed it although I am not sure enjoyed is the right word - it was tense and atmospheric. I did find that I had to read it in a quiet room to get the most out of it. Trying to immerse myself into the creepy atmosphere whilst the dogs playing and the football is on the tv was not ideal and I had to put it down a few times because it was ruining it. Definitely one to put on your spooky TBR!
Dear Emmie Blue - Lia Louis
I love Lia Louis, I read her latest book in one sitting on a three-hour flight to Greece in the summer so I knew this wouldn't disappoint and it didn't! It's a heartwarming, poignant look at family, friendships and romantic love,. It has it all. I was in love with the characters and loved seeing the growth of the main character Emmie. This was a dream to read and was so uplifting - I can't recommend it (or Lia) enough!
The Dead Romantics - Ashley Poston
I picked this on a whim as it was £3 on amazon and someone recommended it for our book club book (it didn't win the vote). This is similar to The Ex Hex in the sense that it's a romcom with a supernatural twist - in this the main protagonist Florence can see ghosts, and when her hot editor turns up as a ghost in her home town they quickly form a 'bond'. This was enjoyable and I liked it more than The Ex Hex but I predicted the ending as there really was only one way to end it and have it make sense. I skim-read the last 100 pages but again, it was a fun, lighthearted spooky season read.