Best Adventure Books January 2025

Never Tell

Detective D.D. Warren returns in this gripping thriller that delves into the complexities of family secrets and the haunting effects of trauma. When a pregnant woman is found murdered in her own home, all evidence points to her husband. But as D.D. digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies and hidden truths that challenge everything she thought she knew. With twists that’ll keep you guessing until the very end, “Never Tell” is a heart-pounding journey through the darkest corners of human nature.

When You See Me

Detective D.D. Warren returns in this gripping thriller, teaming up with FBI profiler Kimberly Quincy and survivor Flora Dane. A grim discovery in the Georgia mountains leads them to a small town harboring dark secrets. As they unravel a web of lies, they face a cunning predator who’s been operating undetected for years. With twists that’ll keep you guessing, this heart-pounding tale explores the resilience of survivors and the relentless pursuit of justice. Gardner’s masterful storytelling will leave you breathless until the very last page.

The Diplomat’s Wife

In this gripping tale of love and espionage, Marta Nederman emerges from the ashes of World War II, haunted by memories of her time in the Polish resistance. Now married to an American diplomat, she navigates the treacherous waters of Cold War politics in Paris. As old ghosts resurface and new dangers lurk, Marta must confront her past to protect her future. Jenoff weaves a masterful story of loyalty, betrayal, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The Lost Girls of Paris

Grace Healey stumbles upon an abandoned suitcase in Grand Central Terminal, uncovering a trove of photographs that ignite her curiosity. As she delves deeper, she unravels the story of Eleanor Trigg and her team of female secret agents during World War II. Grace becomes obsessed with discovering the fates of these brave women, whose dangerous missions in Nazi-occupied Europe have been all but forgotten. Through her journey, she not only honors their memory but also finds her own path to healing and purpose.

The Orphan’s Tale

Sixteen-year-old Noa, cast out by her family, finds refuge in a German circus during World War II. There, she meets Astrid, a Jewish aerialist hiding from the Nazis. As they form an unlikely friendship, both women must confront their pasts and fight for survival. Amidst the chaos of war, they discover strength in each other and the power of human connection. Jenoff’s poignant tale weaves together love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit in a heart-wrenching exploration of hope in the darkest of times.

Love and Ruin

Hemingway’s tumultuous love affair with Martha Gellhorn comes alive in this passionate tale. McLain’s vivid prose transports readers to 1930s Spain, where two fiercely independent spirits collide amidst the chaos of war. As Gellhorn finds her voice as a journalist, their relationship evolves, challenging both to confront their ambitions and desires. A poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the price of greatness that left me pondering long after the final page.

Circling the Sun

Beryl Markham’s unconventional upbringing in colonial Kenya shaped her into a fierce and fearless aviator. McLain’s vivid prose transports readers to 1920s Africa, where Beryl navigates love, loss, and societal expectations. As she pursues her passion for flying, we witness her determination to break barriers in a male-dominated world. This captivating tale of adventure and self-discovery left me pondering the courage it takes to forge one’s own path, especially as a woman in a time of rigid social norms.

The Silver Star

Jeannette Walls’ “The Silver Star” is a poignant coming-of-age tale that tugged at my heartstrings. Set in 1970s Virginia, it follows two resilient sisters navigating abandonment and small-town life. Walls’ vivid prose transported me to a bygone era, evoking nostalgia and unease in equal measure. I found myself rooting for the plucky protagonists, their bond a beacon of hope amidst adversity. It’s a story that lingers, reminding us of the strength found in family ties and the power of perseverance.

Half Broke Horses

Lily Casey Smith was a force of nature, a woman born before her time. In “Half Broke Horses,” Jeannette Walls brings her grandmother’s indomitable spirit to life, chronicling her journey from a hardscrabble Texas ranch to becoming a schoolteacher, rancher, and pilot. Through droughts, floods, and personal tragedies, Lily’s grit and determination shine through. Walls’ vivid storytelling captures the essence of the American West, making you feel the dust on your boots and the wind in your hair. A testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit.

Happiness for Beginners

Helen Carpenter’s life is in shambles. Newly divorced at 32, she decides to shake things up by joining a wilderness survival course in Wyoming. Hoping to find herself amidst the rugged landscape, Helen’s plans are thrown off-kilter when her brother’s best friend, Jake, unexpectedly joins the trip. As they navigate treacherous terrain and face personal challenges, Helen discovers inner strength she never knew she had. With humor, heart, and a touch of romance, this story explores second chances and the transformative power of nature. It’s a journey that’ll make you laugh, cry, and yearn for your own mountain adventure.