Can you believe we are more than halfway through 2024. This year is flying by and it doesn’t help that between work, keeping up with a toddler, and prepping for the twins; we have been staying super busy but I’ve still been making time for reading!

I’ve read 75 books so far this year and these are the ten that have stood out the most to me. While most of these books are 2024 releases, this list is inclusive of older releases as well. I’ve been inundated with Advance Reader Copies and haven’t been making my backlist much of a priority lately, so you’ll actually find that the oldest book came out in late 2023. This was completely unplanned

If you are looking for some great reads to take into the second half of the year with you, then you are in the right place. Below, I’ve listed my favorites in no particular order. I’ve also highlighted briefly why it’s a favorite and linked my review as well.

I hope you find something to read, but if you are still looking for something else give my Most Anticipated Lists and some of my other Favorite Lists a look.

*Note I am missing a few reviews but will have them up this week. *

Summer 24 Most Anticipated

spring 24 most anticipated

2023 favorites

2022 favorites

2021 favorites

2024 First Half Top 10

1. Butcher & Blackbird – REVIEW
   • This was such a fun and outlandish read. I loved everything about it. The romance was spicy, the chemistry was amazing, the chaos was pure chaotic, and completely unexpected. This was a fabulous audiobook, and while I also enjoyed Leather & Lark, Butcher & Blackbird was my favorite of the two.
2. House of Glass – REVIEW
   • I generally like Pekkanen books, but I don’t normally fine them to be solid five-stars. House of Glass was excellent and had more creepy vibes than typically other thrillers. I also listened to this on audio, and highly enjoyed it.
3. Listen for the Lie – REVIEW
   • Another audiobook that was highly entertaining. In addition to the our main POV, we also get a Podcast narration, it translates excellently to an audiobook.
4. Home is Where the Bodies Are – REVIEW
   • I’ll admit I was surprised I liked this one as much as I did. But it’s a solid family thriller with plenty of red herrings.
5. The Gathering – REVIEW
   • C.J. Tudor is an auto buy author for me. Her thriller books lately have been leaning more towards the supernatural realm, such as Simone St. James, but she combines the genres well. This is her first book that truly dives into the supernatural/fantasy realm though, and I loved the way she incorporated a detective novel with vampires. Highly recommend for something different.
6. Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books – REVIEW
   • The Change was one of my favorites when it came out. While Lula Dean is completely different, and doesn’t have a mystery attached to it, I loved the way Miller brings political issues to the surface in such a tactful way. She explores tons of issues while also painting the lives of a small town and making you smile at the same time. Highly recommend.
7. Middletide – REVIEW
   • A slow burn mystery, this is great for fans of William Kent Kruger. While the mystery is at the heart of the story, it’s a highly character driven story.
8. The Return of Ellie Black – REVIEW
   • Another I listened to on audio. I loved the mystery involved and all of the characters in this
9. How to Age Disgracefully – REVIEW
   • If you enjoyed Killers of a Certain Age, then this is the perfect read for you. It’s filled with Seniors behaving badly, and I loved it. It’s lighthearted and refreshing fun.
10. Kill for Me Kill for You – REVIEW – A twisty thriller that will keep you guessing the entire time!

I hope you found a book or books that you are truly excited about in this post. Let me know what books your favorite have been so far this year by commenting below or by messaging me on Instagram @speakingof_books. Don’t forget to follow me to get weekly updates and new reviews!.