Books Read in 2024
I read a total of 73 books this year. This is the greatest number I’ve read in the past 4 years! A lot of terrific novels and non-fiction. Here are the 3 top books:
5 Star Books of 2024
… and all the rest:
Bag Man by Rachel Maddow [Political History]
I am old enough that I lived through and recall a fair amount concerning the scandals of Watergate and Agnew. But like most, I did not know the extent to which Agnew was baldly corrupt. He was a model for tRump, right down to the red tie and complete fabrications. And then as now, the Right Wing eats this stuff up with the credulity of a cult. 4 Stars
Behind the Crimson Curtain by E.B. Golden [Fantasy]
A con-woman shape-shifter (or rather, a person-shifter) falls in love with the son of actors, then a revolution happens, then a counter-revolution happens. Seriously, why was this book published? A hot-mess that I hate-finished, just to see how bad it would get. 1 Star
The Book of Magic (Book 4) by Alice Hoffman [Paranormal/Romance]
I didn’t realize this was the fourth & final book in a series until I was about ½ way through. It didn’t matter, really, as this is perfectly fine as a stand-alone. I was amazed at the detail for spells & magical ingredients. A lot of characters and often different POVs on the same page, but it somehow worked. Love and witchcraft for young and old. Sweet. 4 Stars
Bookshops and Bonedust by Travis Baldree [Cozy Fantasy]
This is a prequel to the wonderful, genre-creating 5 Star Legends & Lattes. As quirky and entertaining as the first book, but hard to understand why she leaves that village. 4 Stars
The Canopy Keepers by Veronica G. Henry [Speculative Fiction]
This read like The Overstory and Gregor the Overlander met Avatar… and not in a good way. An intriguing premise of a people who live underground and protect the giant sequoias. I found myself disagreeing with almost every narrative decision the author made. 1 1/2 Stars
Can’t Buy Me Love by Jonathan Gould [Rock & Roll Bio]
Usually, books on the Beatles either fixate on the individual dynamics or the rise and fall of the group. This book tries to center them in their time and place and shows how they moved world culture. A bit dry for the subject matter. 3 Stars
Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez [Literature/Fantasy]
Everyone in a small town knows a guy is going to be killed – even his own family – yet no one tries to stop it. The victim is the last to know. Reportorial style + metaphors = Garcia Marquez at his best. [Re-Read]
Daughter of Fire by Sofia Robleda [Historical Fantasy]
I wanted to like this book about the era after Montezuma was conquered by the Spanish. The recounting of the indigenous stories was wonderful. The rest of the narrative, not so much. 2 Stars
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan [Fantasy/Chinese Fairy Tale]
Enjoyable retelling of a Chinese fairy tale. (Gorgeous cover!) I liked this tale of semi-mystical beings and mortal love. 3 Stars
Heart of the Sun Warrior (Celestial Kingdom Book 2)
A love triangle, recovering a father, a tyrant who overthrows an Emperor and threatens all realms, and the Moon without its light: all combine for an entertaining read. 4 Stars.
Dear Madam President by Jennifer Palmieri [Political Memoir/Essays]
Interconnected essays by the woman who helped run Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Some of it useful points, some of it apologia, wrapped up in the tragic personal story of the writer. Oddly, just a week after I finished it, Kamala Harris became the nominee. 3 Stars
The Demon of Unrest by Erik Larson [Civil War History]
A detailed history of how the Civil War started, centered on Fort Sumter. The key to Larson’s thesis is that “the chivalry” model of the plantation aristocracy was focused on “Code Duelo”—an antique mode of protecting one’s honor that made the South feel morally outraged at the accusations that their entire economic model was based on heinous behavior (slavery)—making them, in turn, immoral. It didn’t help that President Buchanon ignored everything for a year, and Lincoln literally had no clue when he took office. 5 Stars
Devil in a Blue Dress (Easy Rawlins Mystery Book 1) by Walter Mosely [Historical Mystery/LA Noir]
I love the movie. This fleshes out the characters, the racism Easy faces, and his relationship with Daphne. I will be reading the series. 4 Stars
A Red Death (Easy Rawlins Mystery Book 2)
The confluence of a literally insane IRS agent and a secret missile plan hunting FBI agent push Easy into alliances that will change his life forever. I love that Easy is a bridge between the black and white societies… and it always causes him great distress. 4 Stars
Dune by Frank Herbert [Sci-Fi: Space Opera]
It was time for the bi-annual reading of Dune—which I’ve been doing since about 1980. Why did I never realize that this is the most head-hopping book in the history of ever? Because somehow, he made it work. Also? This should have been 2 books, and the time spent fighting the Harkonnens and solidifying his rule should have been a whole separate book. [Re-Read]
A long book in which little happens until the last 30 pages—at which point the main narrator dies. Hm. 2 Stars.
Why did I read this after the last one was a dud? Because it is the last book Herbert wrote before he died, and his son took over the franchise. Weird that he wrote these books with such long exposition, little action, and then kills the narrator at the end. 2 Stars
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis [Paranormal/Romance/”Women’s Fiction”]
I wish I’d enjoyed this book more. But I found myself somewhat frustrated by the use of a psychic ability used once and then thrown away. I also found the end of the book’s shift to a different POV (although this character wrote material in the earlier part of the book) – which basically took the protagonist’s voice away. A weird book. 2 Stars
Emma Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries (Book 1) by Heather Fawcett [Fantasy]
Last year, I read A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by an English author. It was sort of quaint. This book is similar in vein to that—an Edwardian female scholar studies the fae. That’s about where the 2 intersect. A lot more active, inventive, and with a potential spouse who may/not be fae himself, this was a far more entertaining read. 4 Stars
Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands (Book 2)
In some ways better, in some ways not as good, the 2nd book of the series features a search for the potential spouse’s homeworld. Mildly entertained that the protagonist flips the script on a fairy tale trope. 3 ½ Stars
Familiar by Leigh Bardugo [Historical Fantasy]
Part historical novel, part magical war, part paranormal romance, this fascinating tale set in Inquisition Spain sets a scullion into a competition to be the King’s special agent. Made even more intense because Bardugo can trace her family lines to that time period. Four 1/2 stars
Forever, Interrupted by Taylor Jenkins Reid [“Women’s Fiction”]
I’ve enjoyed books by this author before (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was excellent). This was an earlier novel and the author had not developed the chops she has now. Formulaic and too HEA. 2 Stars
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner [Fantasy]
I had hopes for this book, which started out a bit like Canterbury Tales. It quickly unraveled, with the main action happening toward the end of the book… and not resolving so as to create the need for a sequel(s). Disappointing. 2 Stars
Grave Peril (Dresden Files Book 3) by Jim Butcher [Urban Fantasy]
This outing with Harry Dresden has him paired up with a Christian knight and in love with a reporter as a terrible ghostly Nightmare invades the dreams of his friends. Then two courts of vampires get involved. I found this one a might too confusing. 3 ½ Stars
Summer Night (Dresden Files Book 4)
Complicated and intriguing, with new antagonists, and the White Council threatening him. 3 ½ Stars
Death Masks (Dresden Files Book 5)
About mid-way through all the Dresden books, things get so complicated, you need a map and a Ouija board to understand what is happening. 3 ½ Stars
Harry Potter series (7 books) by J.K. Rowling [YA Fantasy]
Yup, I am angry with JK Rowling about her horrific anti-trans social media campaign. I suspect nargles are to blame—and really icky monsters in her brain. Meanwhile, I still love these books—proving that monsters can write well, I suppose. [Re-Read]
The Heirs to Camelot and Priestess of Camelot (4 books) [Paranormal Romance/Urban Arthurian Fantasy] “Heirs to Camelot” Ends Run with Strange Fictions Press – J C Simonds
Yes, I read my own work annually.
Recently, I lost my publisher, so you can’t get these anywhere, except from me. Offering the hardcopy series (Books 1 -3 and the prequel) for just $30 – includes shipping! Let me know if you are interested in the comments. [Re-Read]
House on the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune [Fantasy]
What if Hogwarts had an orphanage and the human society was a lot like 1984? And Winston Smith gets a happy ending? You might get to the world created in this book. The first time I read it, I felt as if I was falling in love, too. [Re-Read]
Not unexpectedly, the bureaucracy decides to come for the orphanage. The love gets stronger, the kids get better defined, and a whole new start begins for those with magic (which indicates there will be another book). Started off slow but ended wonderfully. TJ Klune has declared themselves the “anti-Rowling” and proves it. A rare 5 Stars for a sequel
House of Sky and Breath (Cresent City Book 2) by Sarah Maas [YA Fantasy]
As with the first book, Cresent City: House of Earth and Blood there are WAY too many characters and a lot of confusing action. Still, there’s that which is compelling enough I can’t put it down, and look forward to the next book in the series. 3 ½ Stars
House of Flame and Shadow (Cresent City Book 3)
Yup, way too many characters. Kept forgetting who was who. Still liked the trilogy in a weird sort of way. 3 ½ Stars
In Any Lifetime by Marc Guggenheim [Speculative Fiction]
Sort of like “Somewhere in Time” except with multiple universes. Well-written and paced. I take issue with a late plot development, because that leaves the hero in the end with a problem. But, oh well. Enjoyed. 4 stars
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarro [Fantasy]
Again, way too many characters doing all sorts of conflicting things when I really wanted a concise repeat of the ultimate battle in the first book, Fourth Wing, to remind myself of the players. I felt the “conflict” between Vi and Xaden was fairly contrived. The absence of the gold dragon could only mean it was important to the end of the book. A lot of filler here. I’ll still read the next book. 3 ½ Stars
James by Percival Everett [Literary]
What if the Adventures of Huck Finn were written by Jim? This masterful narrative is from the perspective of an enslaved man who actually speaks like an Oxford don and has hallucinations of debating with John Locke, Voltaire, and Rousseau. While hewing to Huck’s narrative, the story weaves Jim’s travels and feelings – including an astonishing revelation. 5 Stars
King of Scars (Book 1) by Leigh Bardugo [YA Fantasy]
A continuation of the Grishnaverse series. I had thought this was a follow-on to Six of Crows (which I enjoyed), but this book focuses on the King and his battle with the darkness, and a separate story about Frisia. I will get the next book in the series, even though I wish she’d simply write a separate book on the adventures of the girl. 4 Stars
The Rule of Wolves (Book 2)
I would not have predicted the ending with any of the characters—which constitutes a terrific book in my estimation. Lots of twists and turns and dire doings that are not easily resolved. Moral conflicts and tough choices. 4 1/2 Stars
Lamb by Christoper Moore [Satire]
What if Jesus had a childhood pal who was snarky and a little stupid? And then was asked to write a chronicle of all the things they saw and did together from ages 6 – 33, thousands of years after everyone had died? Occasionally fun. 3 ½ Stars
The Last Dangerous Visions edited by Harlan Ellison and JM Straczynski [Sci-Fi: short stories]
I read the original Dangerous Visions, and Again, Dangerous Visions back in the day. Everyone asked when the next one would come out… but nothing appeared. Forty years later, and after Ellison and his wife passed, J. Michael Straczynski (Hercules, She-Ra, Babylon 5, Sense8 TV shows) took on the task of publishing these stories gathered so many years ago and added some newer content. Straczynski, his friend for over 40 years, explains about Ellison’s undiagnosed bipolar disorder, as well as opining on his legacy. Great stories throughout. 4 Stars
The Mercy of the Gods by James S. A. Corey [Sci-Fi: Space Opera]
The creators of The Expanse have launched a new space series… and it’s not their best work. Too much filler drags down this interesting premise. As always, the world-building is outstanding and the aliens—both the descriptions and their points of view—is the most ground-breaking in current sci-fi writing. 3 Stars
The Millionaire and the Bard by Andrea Mays [History]
The story of how the Folger Shakespeare Museum came to be through one man’s obsessive greed. Fascinating. [Disclosure: My Shakespearean scholar in-laws were frequent users of the Folger back in the day.] 4 Stars
The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley [Arthurian Fantasy]
I love this book so much I have read the covers off of my copy. It was the springboard for what is now my own Priestess of Camelot—which is basically fanfic of this masterwork, but then went on to spawn an entirely different story in the trilogy Heirs to Camelot. A terrific read! [Re-Read]
Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes [Cozy Mystery]
Entertaining and a different take on the “war college” trope that has emerged since Hunger Games. Not sure I really liked the 1 main, 2 minor story structure, but the end was fulfilling. 4 stars
The Naturalist Society by Carrie Vaugh [Fantasy]
What if, in learning how to create botanical taxonomy, the secrets to unlocking magical power were given to the describer? I’m in a job where taxonomy is important, so this was fun/interesting. Victorian era setting. Yes, I seem to have a theme going with female Victorian earth-sciences/magic investigators. The ending was a let-down. 3 Stars
Nemesis Games (The Expanse Book 5) by James S.A. Cory [Sci-Fi]
This is the most unusual book of The Expanse series, in that the crew all go separate ways that turn out to be linked in the biggest and most astonishing “end of civilization” scenario. Amazing action and the best world-building of a sci-fi series. This is also as far as the TV show went. I’m interested to read the next books in the series. 3 ½ Stars
Babylon’s Ashes (The Expanse Book 6)
A complicated book filled with a sweeping historical feel and yet intimate enough you feel the loses. Such a satisfying end, although there are 2 more books in the series, I don’t think I will continue. 4 Stars
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
I read this book annually since I first picked it up. It is my gold standard for fantasy writing in the 21st century. Gorgeous writing, perfect characters, fascinating plot that stands up to multiple readings. My go-to recommend read. [Re-read]
Robin by Dave Itzkoff [Biography]
Like many, I loved Robin Williams. I even liked his more serious roles (“The Final Cut” is extremely creepy and perfectly acted). Well-written and extremely sad in the end. 4 Stars
The Sanctuary Sparrow (Cadfael Mystery Book 7) by Ellis Peters [Historical Mystery]
This series set in 7th century England continues to be charming and engaging. 3 ½ Stars
The Satanic Verses by Salman Rushdie [Satire]
I read this book when it first came out – and incurred the fatwa. At the time, I found it hugely funny. Not so much now, and I am unclear why that’s changed. Amusing struggles with moral issues, immigrants in Thatcher-era London, and possibly a cosmic confrontation. Rushdie lost his eye to an Islamic fundamentalist attack last year over this book. If they’d actually read it, I don’t think they would have bothered. [Re-Read]
Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe [History]
A book about “The Troubles” in Ireland, the Provo IRA and their culture. Ostensibly about the disappearance of a widowed mother of 10—but there is little about that story. Honestly wished I could have edited the book, which would often talk about 2 different decades in the same graf. A disappointing book. 3 Stars for the explanation of a complex time.
Scorpio – Frontlines: Evolution by Marko Kloos [Sci-Fi (Space Kablooey*)]
A gigantic alien race takes over a human-colonized planet and the survivors struggle to survive. A young woman and her guard dog are key to the struggle. Then the survivors are saved and the girl struggles to live in a free world. I didn’t realize this is part of a larger space tale. Little happens and it is fairly odd. 2 Stars
*The author describes the book this way.
Sense & Sensibility by Jane Austen [Literary]
A classic. It manages to be firmly rooted in its time, yet timeless enough for 2024. [Re-Read]
Slow Horses (Slough House Book 1) by Mick Herron [Spy Fiction]
If you liked Le Carre spy novels (The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, etc), you will love this book. Dark, moody, gritty, and brutally frank about the way real spy agencies are run. It is a series on Apple+TV. 4 Stars
Dead Lions (Slough House Book 2)
A bit more confusing. I didn’t expect it to go where it did. 3 ½ Stars
Real Tigers (Slough House Book 3)
Really interesting premise. 3 ½ Stars
Spook Street (Slough House Book 4)
Absolutely my favorite. Complex plot, no loose ends, high stakes. 4 ½ Stars
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John Le Carre [Spy Fiction]
This was groundbreaking when it came out—being a direct refutation of the romanticism of James Bond. This is gritty and heart-breaking reading, in that all the characters are used, abused, and thrown away—except for Smiley. An amazing re-read. [Re-Read]
Stone Blind by Natalie Hayes [Mythological Fantasy]
Not as riveting as Circe (which was terrific). A lot too much rape with no consequences. 2 ½ Stars
Time of Contempt (The Witcher Book 2/4) by Andrzej Sapkowski [Fantasy]
I really enjoyed the series on Netflix. Of course, the book gives so much more depth and reasons behind the actions. 3 ½ Stars
The Throne of Glass by Sarah Maas [YA Fantasy]
I like this author and sold many copies of this when I was a bookseller. However, I felt this was not one of her best books. I will not continue reading the series. 3 Stars
The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice [Vampire Fantasy]
Interview with a Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, Queen of the Damned
I first read Interview in the late 70s. It’s still fun, as is Lestat (the best of the three). Queen is simply a lengthy book proposal for all the other series and books – and Lestat is somehow passive. [Re-Read]