My top 10 of 2019

2019 has been a great year. I got married to my best friend, I wrote and edited my first novel, Burn Again, and I read some truly outstanding books. I hope one day my book will grace a 'best of' blog post, but for now, here are the best books I read during 2019.

1. Cruel Acts - Jane Casey

Cruel Acts is the 8th book in Jane Casey's DS Maeve Kerrigan series, which keeps getting better, proven by its Sunday Times bestseller status. The story follows Maeve as she rips apart an investigation when it comes to light certain rules weren't followed during the initial trial. Delightfully sharp, deliciously entertaining, and utterly devourable, this will see just 'one more chapter' turning into twenty. My book of 2019!

2. I Let You Go - Clare Mackintosh

This book is absolutely stunning, with one hell of a plot twist. I Let You Go follows the story of Jenna, who has walked away from her former life, which has descended into a nightmare after a devastating event. It's difficult to put into words how compelling this novel is, but it's one I'll be keeping on my shelf and sharing with friends forever.

3. The Family by Louise Jensen

The Family is a thrilling page-turner, drenched in a dark sense of unease that builds and builds until it's all you can think about. The story follows two women who find themselves hopelessly trapped within a cult, ending with a twist I doubt you'll see coming. A stunningly-written piece of thriller fiction, dark and disturbing yet with shimmering beauty in every sentence.

4. Anything You Do Say - Gillian McAllister

This is the book that kept me out of the swimming pool on holiday because it was so bloody good I couldn't put it down. I was initially drawn to it for its narrative style, with each chapter alternating between what would happen if the protagonist revealed what happened, or concealed it. So cleverly written, and so unputdownable.

5. Cross Her Heart - Sarah Pinborough

I picked this up after the whirlwind that is Behind Her Eyes, and was not disappointed. Sarah really knows how to pull the rug out from beneath your feet! This story follows Lisa and her teenage daughter Ava, a seemingly normal family, until Lisa unwillingly reveals a huge secret that changes their lives forever. Another brilliant read from this fantastic author.

6. The Turn Of The Key - Ruth Ware

The Turn of the Key was so far up the scary scale it made my heart race long after putting it down. The Turn of the Key tells the tale of Rowan, who secures the 'dream' job, nannying in a gorgeous house... in the middle of nowhere. Rowan is an excellently flawed character, an unreliable narrator who delivers the story, its clues and an oh-my-fucking-god plot twist like a pro.

7. Sleep - C L Taylor

Sleep tells the chilling tale of Anna, who makes a new life for herself after a terrible accident, but is haunted by messages telling her to sleep. This made me feel delightfully uncomfortable. It's one of those books that make you triple check your locks each night. No wonder it's a Sunday Times bestseller!

8. A Window Breaks - C M Ewan

A thriller that made my heart race so fast I was worried for my health. After a 2am break in, Tom, Rachel and their daughter Holly begin a terrifying game of cat and mouse with a group of murderous men, and no one knows why. You'll want to stop reading because you're terrified but at the same time you just... can't... put... it... down.

9. The House On The Lake - Nuala Ellwood

Lisa's on the run, and ends up staying in a creepy old house by a lake. Grace grew up in that very same house several years before. When the link was between these two women was finally revealed, I did not see it coming. At all. This will give you a creeping sense of unease and if you love a thriller, you will not be disappointed.

10. Behind Closed Doors - B A Paris

A pacey thriller, telling the story of Jack and Grace. Their 'perfect' relationship is presented to the rest of the world, but the reality is more terrifying than you could ever imagine. Dark and disturbing in many ways. The perfect psychological thriller.

What were your top ten 2019 reads? Share in the comments!

Roxie Key

@RoxieAdelleKey

Book Review: The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

Their dream house will become her worst nightmare.

Guys, we need to talk about Ruth Ware.

After grabbing a copy of The Death of Mrs Westaway on a whim, I was immediately hooked on Ruth's style, in particular the sense of place, and the expert characterisation. It was also something about the sense of unease she delights in pouring into the pages, making both me and the protagonist squirm and hide underneath blankets until the sun comes back up again. I'm hungry for books that make me feel deeply uncomfortable (we can analyse that deep-rooted issue later) and this book delivered a shot of much-needed discomfort directly into my veins. I'm an addict, but at least I'm self-aware.

I started to notice a buzz about Ruth's latest book, The Turn of the Key, all over Twitter and the London underground earlier this year. I knew Ruth was going to be at Capital Crime so I saved buying my copy until then, so I could meet Ruth (oh my god she's so lovely) and get my shiny new copy signed. This was the first book I read as soon as I got home from the festival, after abandoning another book I wasn't enjoying, about halfway through (best decision I've made in months, and I'm not even a little bit sorry).

The first thing that jumped out at me was the format of the book, which is a letter. One, huge 331 pages long letter (front and back) from Rowan, who is writing from prison to a solicitor, explaining what really happened that night and why she needs his help. After a few false starts, the protagonist really gets into her letter and her story, and Rowan's character leaps off the page and waltzes straight into your world.

The premise of the story is that Rowan has accepted a suspiciously well-paid job as a nanny to a wealthy family in a secluded house in the Scottish Highlands. Of course, it's too good to be true, and things start to go wrong the minute the parents walk out of the door. Faced with four strong-willed and impossible children, two boisterous Labradors, a housekeeper who seems to despise her, and a house that's controlled by technology, Rowan is soon riddled with crippling fear.

Who is walking around in the attic late into the night? Where does that locked door in her bedroom lead? Why do these kids hate her so much? We know a kid is going to die, but which one? And how? And why oh why have the family gone through so many nannies?

The Turn of the Key started out a little on the eerie side but gradually increased so far up the scary scale to the point of making my heart race long after putting it down for the night. I drank up page after page and completely lost myself in the story. I learned from reading The Death of Mrs Westaway that Ruth is excellent at creating characters that stick in your mind and The Turn of the Key is no exception. Rowan is an excellently flawed character, an unreliable narrator who delivers the story, its clues and an oh-my-fucking-god plot twists like a pro.

Ruth Ware is firmly on my favourite authors list and I hope she's on yours too... if you enjoy hiding in your house, locking all the doors and avoiding the loft like the plague.

Happy Halloween!

Roxie

@RoxieAdelleKey