Yep, another top 2016 list. But this one is all about me.

Here’s my list of 5 star rated books from my own goodreads list (because I can’t rely on my own memory) filled with vampires, time travel, near future spy thrillers and two present day thrillers.

beach-1852967_640

Books published in 2016

The City of Mirrors – Justin Cronin

The end of the trilogy which doesn’t disappoint. Truly scary vampires in a post apocalyptic world with characters I loved. I dawdled in the final pages because I didn’t want it to end.

Europe in Winter – Dave Hutchinson

The third book in the prophetic Europe series. I loved this one almost as much as I loved the first one (Europe in Autumn). Near future spy thriller in a fractured Europe – sound familiar? Plus it’s witty with some Malcolm Tucker level quality swearing.

Older books

Life or Death – Michael Robotham

Beautiful, heartbreaking and page turning tale about a man who breaks out of prison the day before his release. Robotham is a bloody masterful writer (and apparently a total pantser!)

The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair – Joel Dicker

The story of an egocentric writer who stumbles across a thirty year old mystery of a disappeared girl in the home town of his favorite writing lecturer. Masterful in the way Dicker reveals fact by fact and the perfect town unravels.

The Man in the High Castle – Philip K Dick

Another near future/alt history novel, I must have a liking for this genre. A classic novel about the US when the Nazis and Japanese have won. I devoured this book in days.

To Say Nothing of the Dog – Connie Willis

A time travelling, witty and clever tale about the search for all important bishop’s bird stump. A fabulous fast paced romp, like an episode of classic Dr Who written by Oscar Wilde. I wish I could write like this.

In conclusion,

  • I wish there were more female writers on this list (in 2017, I will make an effort to read more fellow female writers).
  • I am surprised by my apparent preference for thrillers (4 out of 6 faves) and there are no historical fiction titles on the list.
What was your favourite book of 2016?