Best Fiction Books January 2025

One of Us Is Lying

Five students walk into detention, but only four make it out alive. When Simon, the creator of a notorious gossip app, dies under suspicious circumstances, his classmates become prime suspects. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, Bronwyn, Addy, Nate, and Cooper must navigate a web of lies and betrayal. With each twist, they question not only their peers but themselves. This gripping thriller explores the dark side of high school, where everyone has something to hide, and the truth is deadlier than fiction.

City of Ghosts

Cassidy Blake’s life changed forever when she nearly drowned. Now, she can see ghosts and cross into the spirit world. When her parents, paranormal investigators, take her to haunted Edinburgh, Cassidy discovers a city teeming with restless spirits. As she unravels a centuries-old mystery, she realizes her gift might be both a blessing and a curse. With her ghostly best friend Jacob by her side, Cassidy must face her fears and confront a powerful entity threatening the living and the dead alike.

The Woman Next Door

Hortensia and Marion, two widows in their eighties, are neighbors in an upscale Cape Town suburb. Despite their proximity, they’re bitter rivals, their animosity fueled by decades of racial tension and personal grudges. As life throws unexpected challenges their way, these headstrong women find themselves reluctantly drawn together. Through sharp wit and poignant moments, Omotoso explores the complexities of aging, prejudice, and the possibility of reconciliation. A touching tale that reminds us it’s never too late for second chances.

Someone We Know

In a quiet suburban neighborhood, secrets lurk behind closed doors. When a teenager’s hacking hobby uncovers shocking truths, it sets off a chain of events that will change lives forever. As suspicions grow and accusations fly, neighbors turn against each other, and long-buried secrets come to light. Shari Lapena masterfully weaves a tale of betrayal, lies, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish it!

The Lies We Told

In “The Lies We Told,” Camilla Way weaves a gripping tale of family secrets and hidden truths. Beth’s perfect life unravels when her husband disappears, forcing her to confront the dark past she’s kept buried. As she delves deeper, she discovers her husband’s own web of lies, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator. Way’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end, reminding us that sometimes the people we love most are the ones we know least.

The Last Mrs. Parrish

Amber Patterson is tired of being a nobody. Determined to escape her dreary life, she sets her sights on the wealthy and glamorous Daphne Parrish. Befriending Daphne, Amber meticulously plots to steal her perfect life, including her handsome husband. But as she inches closer to her goal, Amber discovers that perfection isn’t always what it seems. With unexpected twists and dark secrets, this gripping tale of obsession and deceit will leave you questioning just how far you’d go to get everything you’ve ever wanted.

An Anonymous Girl

Seeking easy money, Jessica Farris impulsively signs up for a psychology study, only to find herself caught in a web of manipulation and deceit. As the mysterious Dr. Shields pushes her boundaries, Jessica’s paranoia grows. Is she really just a subject, or something more sinister? With each twisted revelation, she questions her own sanity and the true nature of the experiment. A heart-pounding psychological thriller that will leave you breathless and questioning who to trust.

The Maid

Molly, a meticulous maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, finds solace in her orderly world of cleanliness. But when she discovers a wealthy guest dead in his bed, her carefully structured life unravels. Suddenly thrust into a murder investigation, Molly must navigate a world she doesn’t quite understand. With her unique perspective and unwavering determination, she sets out to uncover the truth, learning valuable lessons about friendship and human nature along the way. A charming and poignant tale of an unlikely heroine finding her voice.

Our Missing Hearts

Twelve-year-old Bird Gardner lives in a world where dissent is silenced and books are banned. His mother, a Chinese American poet, left years ago, her whereabouts unknown. Bird clings to fragmented memories of her, searching for clues in the pages she once read to him. When a mysterious letter arrives, Bird embarks on a quest to find her, uncovering a network of librarians working to preserve outlawed art and literature. Ng’s haunting tale explores the power of stories and the unbreakable bonds of family, reminding us that hope can flourish even in the darkest times.

Fool’s Fate

Diving back into the world of FitzChivalry Farseer, Robin Hobb’s “Fool’s Fate” is a masterful conclusion to the Tawny Man trilogy. Hobb’s rich prose and intricate character development shine as Fitz faces his most daunting challenge yet. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up far too late just to read one more chapter. The complex relationships and political intrigue kept me guessing until the very end. A bittersweet, satisfying finale that left me both elated and emotionally drained.