Best Fiction Books January 2025

The Night She Disappeared

On a balmy summer evening, Tallulah vanishes without a trace, leaving her baby behind. A year later, a mysterious writer moves into a cottage near the woods where Tallulah was last seen. As she delves into the village’s secrets, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit. With each revelation, the truth becomes more elusive, and the danger more palpable. Jewell’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end, weaving a tale of love, loss, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small-town life.

Rule of Wolves

Leigh Bardugo’s “Rule of Wolves” plunges readers back into the Grishaverse, where danger lurks in every shadow. As war looms, Nikolai Lantsov fights to save his country and his soul, while Nina Zenik seeks vengeance for her fallen love. The stakes have never been higher, and alliances shift like sand. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late, completely enthralled by Bardugo’s masterful storytelling and complex characters. A thrilling, emotional rollercoaster that left me craving more.

King of Scars

I found myself utterly captivated by Leigh Bardugo’s “King of Scars.” This gripping tale follows Nikolai Lantsov, the young king of Ravka, as he grapples with dark magic threatening to consume him. Bardugo’s masterful world-building and complex characters drew me in from the first page. The way she weaves political intrigue with supernatural elements is simply mesmerizing. I couldn’t put it down, staying up far too late just to see what would happen next. A must-read for fantasy lovers!

Crooked Kingdom

Kaz Brekker’s crew barely escaped with their lives after pulling off a daring heist in the impenetrable Ice Court. Now, they’re back in Ketterdam, nursing wounds and facing impossible odds. With powerful enemies closing in, Kaz must devise a scheme to outwit them all. As loyalties are tested and old wounds reopened, the gang fights not just for revenge, but for their very survival. Bardugo’s gritty, fast-paced sequel plunges readers into a world of intrigue, where every alliance is fragile and every victory comes at a cost.

Shadow and Bone

Alina Starkov’s ordinary life is shattered when her hidden power awakens, thrusting her into the lavish world of the magical elite. As she struggles to hone her newfound abilities, dark forces conspire against her. Caught between loyalty and love, Alina must unravel the secrets of her past to save her country from the Shadow Fold. Bardugo’s richly imagined Grishaverse comes alive with intrigue, romance, and heart-stopping action that kept me turning pages late into the night.

My Dark Vanessa

Vanessa Wye’s life is forever altered by her relationship with her charismatic English teacher, Jacob Strane. At 15, she believes it’s love. At 32, she’s forced to confront the truth. As allegations surface against Strane, Vanessa grapples with her memories, questioning everything she thought she knew. Russell’s haunting debut explores power, consent, and the lasting impact of trauma. A raw, unflinching look at the complexities of abuse and the struggle to reclaim one’s narrative.

Carrie Soto Is Back

Carrie Soto’s return to tennis is a rollercoaster of emotions. As I devoured this book, I felt her determination and vulnerability. Reid’s vivid prose transported me courtside, the tension palpable with each serve. Carrie’s journey of self-discovery resonated deeply, reminding me of my own struggles with perfectionism. The complex relationships, especially with her father, added layers of depth. A gripping tale of ambition, love, and redemption that kept me up way past my bedtime.

The Cousins

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story haven’t seen their grandmother in years. When she unexpectedly invites them to work at her island resort for the summer, they’re suspicious. Why now, after all this time? As they uncover family secrets and navigate complex relationships, the cousins find themselves caught in a web of lies and betrayal. With twists at every turn, this gripping mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. McManus masterfully weaves together past and present, creating a suspenseful tale that explores the bonds of family and the weight of long-buried truths.

One of Us Is Next

Bayview High is still reeling from Simon’s death when a new game emerges, daring students to play or risk their secrets being exposed. As the stakes escalate, three unlikely friends find themselves at the center of the chaos. With each round, the game grows more dangerous, pushing boundaries and testing loyalties. McManus weaves a gripping tale of suspense, friendship, and the lengths we’ll go to protect our truths. This pulse-pounding sequel will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Two Can Keep a Secret

In this gripping thriller, Ellery arrives in Echo Ridge, a town haunted by unsolved mysteries. As she digs into her family’s dark past, including her aunt’s disappearance, a new homecoming queen vanishes. Ellery becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets, realizing everyone in town has something to hide. With twists that’ll keep you guessing, McManus crafts a suspenseful tale of small-town intrigue that’ll have you questioning who to trust until the very end.