I'm also indebted to Linda Hill from Linda's Book Bag who shared her method for choosing her favourite reads a few years ago. I've used a similar system this year and scored all the books I read out of 100. I don't use a star system on the blog but any books given over 85 points is a 5* read on Amazon and Goodreads.
For this post I will be listing my highly recommended books – those rated between 90 - 94 point first, followed by my Hall of Fame titles which earned a score over 95, and finally my top reads of the year.
So without further ado, these are my highly recommended books, in the order I reviewed them this year. As always, I only include titles first published (in the UK) this year. Click on the title of each book if you'd like to read my review.
January - March
April - June
July - September
October - December
So that leads us to the Hair Past A Freckle Hall of Fame, featuring my top reads of the year, The inductees for 2022 are listed in the order I read them. I've posted a short extract from my review for each, click the book's title if you'd like to read more.
This melancholic, immersive read acknowledges that the murder of a child by other children is a tragedy on so many levels, understanding that while we should be able to hold more nuanced conversations about what drives young people to crime and subsequently their punishment and rehabilitation, the emotional, painful demands of such cases still retain a tight grip on our society. There are no easy answers offered here but this poignant, challenging novel is another sterling addition to this outstanding series and I think may even be my favourite – against some stiff opposition! The intriguing conclusion means that I'm not sure what Matt Wesolowski plans to write next but I know I'm guaranteed to read it.
This sensitive, perceptive and obviously well-researched novel understands that this subject involves numerous, important ethical and medical considerations on both sides of the debate.
That's perhaps what makes Off Target such a gripping, thought-provoking thriller; it's not a far-fetched dystopia that's portrayed here, it's a moving, objective exploration of what our innate desire to protect our children may soon lead to. Complex, frightening and almost certainly eerily prescient, I thoroughly recommend it.
Tim Glister evokes a rich sense of time and place which is a delight throughout the book and the truly global workplace of spies and assassins as they work with and against each other, is simultaneously exciting and terrifying. With its thoughtful, complex and surprisingly poignant plot, A Loyal Traitor is an absolute treat for anybody who enjoys intelligent, authentic and utterly compelling thrillers.
Faceless is a taut, atmospheric read that never flinches from its searingly honest portrayal of violence and suffering but it also sensitively portrays those who have fallen between the cracks, revealing the courage, strength and hope that persists. The best and worst of humanity is here; the high-stakes tension never lets up in this twisted, gripping thriller but without ever becoming sensationalist, Vanda Symon has also written a heartfelt story exploring a host of contemporary issues. Thought-provoking, compelling and utterly brilliant.
It's a thought-provoking, enlightening examination of how the colonialism and imperialism of the Cold War ravaged countries of their histories and their futures and it's a novel that understands the importance of belonging and family, culture and civilization – on an individual and much larger scale. Melancholic yet hopeful, uncompromising yet beautifully poetic, Sparks Like Stars captured my heart, it's a stunning book and one that will linger long in my memory.
The small town setting is ideal for a story such as this; it's the sort of place where it's inevitable that lives will become intertwined. It's also a reminder that it's not just large cities that are affected by gangland violence, with the convoluted cartels of drug smugglers, people traffickers and loan sharks inseparable too as they target the weak, vulnerable or just plain unlucky.
Exciting, intelligent and heartbreakingly raw, The Other Side of Fear is utterly compelling from start to finish.
The pace rarely lets up in The Blood Tide and it's packed with high octane, emotive moments and shocking twists. The Blood Tide should come with a health warning; may lead to raised blood pressure and reduced sleep! I'll take those side effects though because this is a cracking read and I tore through it in a day. Top-notch plotting, characters I soon became invested in and set in my favourite place in the world, it's as if it was written for me, so of course I loved it.
I know a book has burrowed under my skin when I dream about it and while I'm grateful that I didn't experience some of the nightmares described here, it definitely played on my mind even when I was away from it! The evocative descriptions really brought the novel to life, from the majestic beauty of the Californian forests to the less salubrious, even dystopic, settings. I was engrossed from start to finish by this stylish, chilling thriller and loved the clever, surprising and thought-provoking conclusion.
Love, family, power and revenge are inexorably intertwined as Daley responds to all leads, even those that might not be easily explained, and the chilling final reckoning that reveals everything is almost unbearably tense.
The Death of Remembrance is one of those books that I raced through but didn't want to end; it's a masterclass in character and plot development, where both complement the other perfectly and the result is an exceptional novel full of drama, suspense and heart. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Such a puzzling mystery positively invites its readers to imagine all sorts of scenarios to explain what happened on the rooftop where Amy Blahn was killed but there are so many twists, misdirections, secrets and distractions in All I Said Was True, I accepted I wasn't ever going to fully figure out the truth and instead allowed myself to become immersed in the intricate storyline. I loved this book; with its labyrinthine, intelligent plot, pitch-perfect characterisation and a rich sense of place that brings London to life, I have no hesitation in describing All I Said Was True as one of my reads of the year.
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The intricate plotting in Night Shadows is so effective because Eva Björg Ægisdóttir invests her characters with such richness and depth. This isn't a fast-paced novel but it is utterly compulsive as the lives of these people are explored with nuanced empathy that explains why they behave as they do. There are shocking revelations, of course, but they seem obvious in retrospect, which is the mark of a great crime writer. The writing is sublime throughout and as much as this is a whodunnit, it's also a perceptive study of human behaviour; while I ached for some characters, one is almost blatantly repugnant – and only too believable...
There are some esoteric topics described here but the science behind the revelations is really only the catalyst for what, at its heart, is a captivating, beautifully written paean to the power of love. Adam Hamdy's unique look at grief and hope is poetically melancholic and yet profoundly life-affirming. It's a story that deserves to be savoured more than once and I will undoubtedly return to it in the future. A stellar read.
The serpentine plot proves to be as labyrinthine as the streets and passageways of Bologna with a murder that might actually be due to natural causes and a suicide that may be murder just the beginning of a perplexing and shocking investigation.
Nothing feels rushed and the simmering pace of the novel enables the tension to build steadily, becoming particularly nerve-racking towards its sinister, surprising conclusion. Requiem in La Rossa is a beautifully written book; atmospheric, intelligent and utterly compelling.
Whisper of the Seas is a stunningly effective novel; it evokes the stark beauty of the Gaspé Peninsula and the icy, treacherous waters that shape the lives of the communities living there while also being a tautly plotted, suspenseful thriller that never feels rushed or uneven. Roxanne Bouchard allows the storyline to unfold at its own pace and the result is devastating. Superbly structured and potently compelling, Whisper of the Seals is a mesmerising tour de force.
The exploration of celebrity and how the public can be manipulated is especially interesting and of course, dealing with a highly intelligent narcissist ensures the search for the eponymous Botanist is a serpentine treat.
I practically inhaled this book and read it in a day. Perfectly paced, with an unpredictable, chilling plot, The Botanist sparkles with dry wit and genuine warmth throughout too. Another exceptional thriller from this outstanding writer: I loved it!
With both the long ago and more recent events so irrevocably connected to the current deaths, this suspenseful, complex mystery is raw, moving and utterly compelling from start to finish. Hana realises she has to confront her own mistakes and the correlation between the action she was forced to participate in and the cruel deeds of the British settlers long ago isn't just devastating, it's also an eloquent, convincing reminder that the consequences of our interwoven histories are as integral to the lives of people today as they ever have been.
Balcombe, the morally ambiguous killer and Munro, the honest detective trying to operate in a corrupt system are the perfect foil for one another and I loved that I wanted both of them to be successful despite ostensibly being on opposite sides. The novel twists and turns, with gang violence, society, jealousy, manipulation and honour all having a role to play in this terrifically exciting thriller, and the enticing conclusion means I'm keeping everything crossed for more!
Dogs of the Deadlands is an absolute gem of a book; children over ten will love it but so too will adults, whether they share it with younger readers or read alone. The sense of place is wonderful, the characterisation perfect and the plot is utterly compulsive from start to finish – expect this to be read under the covers after lights out! Keith Robinson's gorgeous front cover and striking illustrations that capture all the emotion and excitement deserves high praise too. This is a raw, poignant and evocative novel and I can't wait to recommend it to the children I work with. Just stunning!
There are some dramatic, even outrageous scenes but Doug Johnstone also reflects real life with such empathy and compassion. The joy and pain of our complicated, connected, chaotic lives is explored throughout Black Hearts and it's impossible not to be moved and charmed as well as gripped by the compulsive, exciting plot.
The famous line from Walt Whitman's Song of Myself is quoted and while it's definitely true for all of Doug Johnstone's beautifully rendered characters, it also perfectly describes the book itself; Black Hearts contains multitudes
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An Honourable Thief is fiction but is flavoured with real life events and people, resulting in a historical novel which is rich in atmosphere and which sizzles with danger and intrigue. It's the first in Douglas Skelton's new series and introduces Jonas Flynn; exuding menace, tormented by guilt and memories of the battlefield and with a dark past which has left him open to blackmail, he springs from the page and is a superbly compelling character from the moment he first appears.
There are shocking disclosures, clever twists and a brilliant final confrontation which again plays to all Julie Anderson's strengths. Her characterisation is first-rate; the dogged, resourceful Cassie is the star of the show, of course but the supporting cast are superbly rendered too. The immersive descriptions and dramatic revelations create a wonderfully chilling sensation of unease as we are reminded how much we don't know about what goes on behind closed doors. I love a riveting, intelligent political espionage thriller and the richly atmospheric, nerve-racking Opera is exactly that.
Lucienne and Lina aren't particularly likeable and Maxine has her flaws too but Johana Gustawsson writes with such empathy, it's impossible not to understand why they behave as they do, even as the darkest, most horrifying secrets are exposed. David Warriner's wonderful translation deserves every plaudit too; he seamlessly captures the brooding Gothic atmosphere, the vivid sense of place and the nuanced, provocative characterisation throughout. Complex, harrowing and so very deceptive, The Bleeding is a dramatic, chilling triumph.
The switching viewpoints follow Nikki, the killer on her trail, Jacko, a man out of his depth and horrified by what he has become a part of, and an unnamed young man who is in a piteous state and seems likely to face something even worse than the torture he has already been subjected to, and it's a real rollercoaster ride of fear and emotion. Eventually all the strands of this cleverly plotted novel are brought together and the pulse-racing climactic scenes are the stuff of nightmares.
As North reels from one violent encounter to another, my heart rate was scarcely given a chance to recover before the next dramatic confrontation but there's one scene which really is the stuff of nightmares and so well written as it's actually a quieter moment and yet the tension here is almost unbearable. The inevitable climax is excellent; nail-biting, horrifying and emotional, and there are yet still more revelations which means the next book in the series can't come soon enough.
The creeping sense of foreboding and atmospheric setting is complemented by the character-driven plot where darkness is tempered by humour and despair relieved by love and hope. Wolf Pack is one of those special thrillers which explores some of the most hard-hitting contemporary issues and yet retains an emotional core which ensures it is as moving as it is thrilling.
Lilja Sigurdardóttir always excels at exploring contemporary issues and that's true again in Red as Blood; the complicated dynamics of blended families, global financial crimes and violence towards the LGBT community are all examined to a greater or lesser extent, as are the universal themes of jealousy, greed and deception.
Red as Blood is a multilayered murder mystery with a cleverly woven, compelling plot that flows seamlessly throughout.
From the sugary delights served in the Curly Cake Café to the perils of the Crocodile Canyon and Duck Tunnel, the promised joys of the Moose Chute and even the unfortunate deaths, everything is described in glorious technicolour detail. With its larger-than-life characters and multi-layered storyline which so effortlessly switches between light and dark, The Moose Paradox has all thrills and chills as well as the engaging warmth and wit I've come to love from this most exceptional of authors.
The potential evidence of a crime discovered thanks to the crossover between James's conscious and unconscious states means The Pain Tourist just strays into speculative fiction but Paul Cleave writes with such authenticity, it's easy to completely believe everything that happens here is entirely possible. The links between real life and James's 'Coma World' are so very poignant at times, adding a fresh dimension to the story even as more shocking revelations gradually come to light.
The Pain Tourist is a superbly dark, intelligent thriller; nail-bitingly suspenseful, provocative and moving.
It is a raw, uncompromising look at a difficult topic and the descriptions of death and sex, and the attitudes expressed throughout – including some text messages which are at best horribly insensitive and at worst, potentially complicit in Mike's decision to end his life – are likely to offend some readers. However, Will Carver never takes the easy, comfortable route and instead uses fiction like a rapier, deliberately goading us into really considering our reactions to these complex, challenging subjects. Consequently, Suicide Thursday is compelling, dark, unpredictable, totally original and, of course, completely brilliant.
As the net closes in on the killer, the complexity of the investigation ensures the conclusion is never obvious and there's a further complication which means the final chapters are especially dramatic. The actions of the cold-hearted killer becomes increasingly disturbing and I raced through the pages with my heart in my mouth. Tense, shocking and utterly compelling from start to finish, The Lightning Rod is another superb thriller from Tony J. Forder. A striking read and very highly recommended!
This is the sort of gritty, risky fiction I most love; the razor-sharp writing penetrates the corrupted underbelly of the town but it also explores guilt, regret and just what people can be driven to. Uncompromising, twisted and almost unrelentingly grim, Follow Me to the Edge isn't a comforting read but with a sense of place that crackles with energy and characters who leap from the page, it is another first-class thriller from an author who is now most firmly a must-read for me.
My Books of the Year 2022
There's such a powerful, heartbreaking rawness to this story, the anguish of these characters becomes almost visceral; this one of those books you feel as much as read. The intricate, compelling plot allows the tense investigation and the poignant unravelling of lives torn apart by guilt and fury to be woven impeccably together and the first-class translation by Megan Turney ensures the sense of place is never lost while the narrative flows as smoothly as if it was originally written in English.
After spending much of the book either holding my breath or fighting back the tears, I was torn as I reached the end; almost too scared to know what would happen and yet unable to tear my eyes from the page. The stunning conclusion left me reeling but so too did the preceding pages, all of which thrilled, moved and shocked me as only most exceptional fiction can. If you've not yet discovered Blix & Ramm then make it your New Year resolution. I adored Unhinged more than I can put into words. Intense, dark, emotional and utterly outstanding!
See No Evil by David Fennell
A book in an ongoing crime thriller series such as this needs to bring the case in question to a satisfying conclusion and yet still leave readers wanting more and See No Evil does both exceptionally well. There are stunning revelations, a breathlessly tense hunt for the killer, involving a number of alarmingly credible suspects, and an ominously unsettling sense of threat that seemed to reach a climax here before cleverly leaving me desperate to know what happens next. This is an exceptional thriller and I hope will be a deserved success; it's undoubtedly one of my books of the year and I can't wait to read the next instalment in a series that should be essential reading for anybody who loves intelligent, addictive crime fiction.
The Daves Next Door by Will Carver
As the storyline alternates between these characters and the endless questions of our potentially unreliable, definitely equivocating narrator, it becomes inevitable that they will somehow be drawn together and the result is a novel that can be accurately described as being both nihilistic and compassionate. The Daves Next Door isn't a book about terrorism; it doesn't preach nor does it offer any consoling platitudes or meaningless consolations but it does demand thoughtful, honest contemplation from its readers. Until now Nothing Important Happened Today has been my favourite of Will Carver's books but this is now a very strong rival. Expertly treading a line between the metaphorical and the literal, it examines humanity as only the most outstanding books can. The Daves Next Door is an exceptional novel; this is risk-taking, provocative fiction at its absolute finest. An unmissable read.
The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley by Sean Lusk
The richly atmospheric prose is a joy throughout but especially so in the scenes set in Constantinople which is evocatively brought to life. It's a place of wonder and subterfuge, opportunity and danger, first for Abel and later for Zachary who sets out to find his father but learns more about who he really is. Abel's incredible automata are so vividly described, I could believe they were real – and indeed some are based on actual eighteenth century inventions while Zachary's miraculous abilities to see beyond the present add a intriguing layer of magical realism to proceedings without ever becoming more important than the story itself.
The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley takes its characters and readers on an extraordinary journey; from eighteenth century England to the capital of the Ottoman Empire but beyond that, it's an exploration of what it means to forgive, hope and belong. With its superbly imagined, diverse cast of characters and deeply moving, captivating storyline, I was utterly entranced by The Second Sight of Zachary Cloudesley and cannot recommend this exceptional book highly enough.
The Lost Man of Bombay by Vaseem Khan
There really is something for everyone in The Lost Man of Bombay. Mystery lovers will adore trying to figure out the cipher which may hold the key to solving the murders; readers drawn to character-driven plots will love the insightful study of a woman who both challenges and submits to social pressures, and historical fiction aficionados will find much to admire with the vivid sense of place and forthright analysis of what took place in the recent and more distant past allowing for a fascinating and educational look at this highly-charged period of time. There's even something for romance lovers with the will-they-won't-they relationship between Persis and Archie frustrating and tantalising in equal measure.
The Lost Man of Bombay is an outstanding read; artfully plotted, richly atmospheric, full of warmth and wit and utterly riveting from start to finish. This book and indeed, the Malabar House series is exceptional fiction, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
After losing my Dad in 2021, last year was a little easier and I loved being able to go to book launches and events again. It was particularly lovely to catch up with so many people at the wonderful Capital Crime festival. I hope to see lots of you in 2023!
I am now working longer hours as a teaching assistant and ELSA and must admit to finding it difficult to keep up with blogging in the latter third of the year. It's something I'm going to need to look at and have made the decision to cut back on blog tours for a while. I will still do some, just not as many. I have so many books that I've bought but not had time to read, I'm determined to make a dent in that tbr pile this year too.
All that remains is to thank all the authors whose books have featured on Hair Past A Freckle in 2022; I say it every year because it's true - without your words, this blog wouldn't exist. Huge thanks also to the publishers, publicists and blog tour organisers who continue to invite me to read such fantastic books and of course, thank you to my fellow bloggers, as always your support and friendship means a great deal to me. Finally, thanks to everybody who has taken the time to read, comment on and share my blog posts, I truly appreciate it.
I've also had the privilege of recommending a book every Saturday on Shaftesbury's community podcast and FM radio station, This is Alfred. Many thanks if you listened to me at any point in 2022.
Life is always uncertain and like everybody else, I am worried about what new challenges 2023 may hold. However, authors continue to write and publish wonderful books which draw me into their pages for a while and for that I remain immensely grateful. I wish you all a safe, happy and healthy 2023 and look forward to sharing more book love with you all.
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