January was a whirlwind of gripping mysteries, chilling hauntings, and eye-opening non-fiction. With a mix of psychological thrillers, ghostly encounters, and deeply personal narratives, my reading list this month took me on a journey through suspense, history, and the supernatural. Here’s a look at the books that defined my January!
Mystery & Thriller: Twists, Turns, and Secrets Unraveled
Lisa Unger had a strong presence in my reading with The Stranger Inside, Christmas Presents, and The New Couple in 5B, each delivering atmospheric suspense and shocking revelations. Karin Slaughter’s Pieces of Her provided a gripping, character-driven thriller, while Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe offered a unique blend of humor and drama in a suspenseful story. Bad Men by Julie Mae Cohen added a darkly humorous twist to the genre, keeping me entertained and on edge.
Supernatural & Paranormal: Hauntings and Psychic Investigations
Simone St. James never fails to deliver an eerie and immersive experience, and An Inquiry Into Love and Death was no exception. The Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series (Fallen Wishes and Sunset House by J.L. Bryan) continued to be a reliable source of ghostly investigations, while Kelly Hashway’s A Watched Corpse Never Decomposes brought a psychic detective spin. The Marnie Baranuik Files series by A.J. Aalto (Touched, Death Rejoices, and Last Impressions) gave me a dose of supernatural snark and intrigue, making for a fun and thrilling ride.
Non-Fiction: Eye-Opening Narratives and Harrowing Histories
This month, I delved into some deeply impactful non-fiction reads. The Girl with Seven Names by Hyeonseo Lee and Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick offered harrowing yet inspiring insights into life in North Korea. Linda Kay Klein’s Pure was a powerful examination of the evangelical purity movement and its lasting effects. And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts provided a critical and heartbreaking account of the AIDS epidemic, while Our Iceberg Is Melting by John P. Kotter delivered a compelling metaphor for change and adaptability.
Dark & Disturbing: Psychological Horror and Gritty Narratives
H.D. Carlton’s Haunting Adeline had me questioning my comfort zone with its dark themes, while Bluebeard by Jim Clemente provided an unsettling true crime perspective. J.H. Markert’s Sleep Tight was an eerie and well-crafted horror novel that kept me up at night, and Faith Gardner’s If You Can Hear This brought a psychological depth that lingered long after finishing. Off the Air by Christina Estes added a unique, media-driven thriller to the mix.
Final Thoughts
January was a month of variety, from chilling mysteries and supernatural sleuthing to hard-hitting non-fiction and psychological thrillers. Each book brought something different to the table, keeping my reading journey fresh and engaging. February is shaping up to be another fantastic month of reading—stay tuned for more reviews and recommendations!
What was your favorite read in January? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!
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