My ten favourite novels of 2023

As the end of the year draws nigh it is time to join all the others who have published a list of their favourite books of the year – in my case there will be three lists.

Most of the books I read are novels so I had plenty to choose from when creating my list of the favourite stories I have read during 2023 – audiobooks are not included in this post as they have their own list which I will publish in due course.

All the novels in this list are new to me and read for the first time this year although they may have been written many years ago. They have each been chosen for a different reason and I think that the list as a whole reflects the variety of my fiction reading. Having said that, it is possible that on another day I may have chosen completely different books – I read a lot of good stuff.

Click on the title of each one and you should get transported to the original review which I wrote shortly after reading the book. These are in no particular order except that my novel of the year is the tenth on the list.

I definitely recommend these as worth your time – keep reading…

• Widowland by CJ Carey – An alternative history looking at what might have happened to women had the Germans won WW2 and instituted their plans for women in a defeated Britain. Clever and believable.

• Back to the Garden by Laurie R King – I have read a few of her books this year but this one is a standalone crime thriller about how the past affects the present. Gripping and enjoyable.

• The Women of Troy by Pat Barker – A rewriting of the Greek story with women as the centre of the story. This is the second of a trilogy and is exquisitely written and very moving.

• The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths – The final book in her Ruth Galloway series and a delight to read for all of us who have enjoyed the previous books. She knows how to tie up a few loose ends and provide a satisfying ending while still keeping true to her characters.

• Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead – An historical novel about women, freedom and flying. Complex storyline but clearly told and an unusual subject.

• The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy by James Anderson – The first of three cosy but great fun crime novels set in a stately home. A definite cut above the usual.

• Travels with My Aunt by Graham Greene – An unexpectedly amusing book about a retired bank manager who is led completely astray by his aunt. I was surprised and delighted by this one.

• The Storied Life of AJ Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin – A feel good story about a grumpy bookseller and the child who comes into his life. Manages to avoid sickly sentimentality and was very enjoyable.

• Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter – A standalone crime novel told in transcripts and documents which is done very well. Clever plot with many red herrings.

• Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris – My NOVEL OF THE YEAR. It’s an historical novel which is clever and explores lots of issues whilst also being a thriller. This one kept me turning the pages late into the night to see what happened next.