Yes, you heard correctly. This year I am allowing myself twelve books in my round up of my favourite reads of the year. I was really struggling to narrow it down any more and, given how much of a trial this year has been already, I decided not to tax myself further.

I have read 185 books this year at the time of writing this post, and so many of them have been marvellous and could have made a ‘best of’ list. However, there is limited space and time for recommendations, so these are the ones I would push most heavily, were my arm to be twisted. I do want to thank the authors of all the books I have enjoyed in 2020 though, you should know that your work has been the one steady point of sanity in a world gone mad and I am so grateful for each and every word.

These books weren’t all written in 2020, but they were ones I read for the first time this year. You can find my detailed reviews of the books by clicking on the links in the titles (except the Steve Cavanagh one. I’ve only just finished that and haven’t had chance to review it on the blog yet. Sorry, Steve!)

12. The Lido by Libby Page

11. Beast by Matt Wesolowski 

10. Spirited by Julie Cohen

9. Fifty-Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

8. I Am Dust by Louise Beech

7. The Cactus by Sarah Haywood

6. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

5. Hinton Hollow Death Trip by Will Carver

4. More Than A Woman by Caitlin Moran

3. Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell

2. Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

1. Fake Law: The Truth About Justice in an Age of Lies by The Secret Barrister

So that’s it, my top reads of 2020. Please do let me know what you think. Did you love or loathe any of these books? Are any of them on your 2021 TBR? What was your book of 2020? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Looking forward to lots more great reading in 2021, and wishing all of my readers a very, very Happy New Year.