My Top 12 Fiction Books of 2024
Books That Challenged, Moved, and Captivated Me in 2024
My Top 12 Fiction Books of 2024
This year, I read so many great books, but these 12 were my favorites. Each one gave me something special—whether it was laughter, suspense, deep thoughts, or unforgettable characters. Here’s my list, starting with the book that completely blew me away.
1. James by Percival Everett
This was my first book by Percival Everett, and I’m still thinking about it. James is a retelling of Tom Sawyer, but it goes so much deeper. It’s about race, family, and history in the South, told with wit and insight. The characters are complex, and the story challenges how we see the past and ourselves. I finished this book feeling both moved and inspired—it’s one I’ll never forget.
2. The Women by Kristin Hannah
Kristin Hannah is amazing at making history come alive. In The Women, she takes us to the Vietnam War, following a young journalist trying to prove herself in a male-dominated world. The details are so vivid, it feels like you’re there. The characters face heartbreak, love, and big challenges, but through it all, you see their strength. This book is powerful and stays with you long after you finish.
3. You Like It Darker by Stephen King
I’m a big Stephen King fan, so of course, this made my list. Set in a small Maine village, You Like It Darker tells the story of a man returning to his hometown to face an ancient evil. The book is scary, but it’s also about fear, survival, and the choices we make. King is so good at creating characters you care about, even in the creepiest situations. This one kept me hooked until the end.
4. The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey
I loved The Expanse series, so I was excited to read this new book by James S.A. Corey. The Mercy of Gods is about a prisoner of war caught in a galaxy-wide conflict. He has to decide if he’ll seek revenge or try to forgive. The story is epic, with incredible world-building and emotional depth. It’s the kind of sci-fi that makes you think about big questions while keeping you entertained.
5. I’m Starting to Worry About This Black Box of Doom by Jason Pargin
This book was such a surprise! I hadn’t read anything by Jason Pargin before, but now I want to read more. It’s about a man who finds a mysterious black box that might predict doom—or maybe it’s just showing him how he’s avoiding real life. It’s hilarious and deep at the same time, making you laugh one minute and reflect the next. I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did.
6. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
This is a dark, atmospheric mystery about a man trying to solve the disappearance of his childhood friend. As he digs deeper, he uncovers secrets the town has been hiding for years. Chris Whitaker does a great job blending suspense with emotional depth. The book is about more than just the mystery—it’s also about grief, forgiveness, and healing. It’s haunting and beautifully written.
7. I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
This book is quiet, thoughtful, and full of heart. It follows a widowed farmer who slowly reconnects with his community and discovers new purpose in life. Leif Enger’s writing makes simple moments feel meaningful, and the story reminded me to find beauty in everyday life. It’s not a flashy book, but it’s one that will stay with you.
8. The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich always delivers, and The Mighty Red is no exception. The story follows a young woman who returns to her Ojibwe roots to face her family’s history and her community’s challenges. Erdrich’s writing is lyrical and moving, and she captures the struggles of identity and belonging so well. This book made me pause and reflect on what it means to heal.
9. The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
This time-travel story is about an agent working for a secret program that protects history from being rewritten. When she discovers a conspiracy, she has to decide whether to follow the rules or take a risk to stop it. The ethical questions and twists in this book kept me thinking long after I finished. It’s creative, exciting, and makes you wonder how every choice shapes the future.
10. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
This thriller is about a woman whose lies start falling apart when a crime from her past comes back to haunt her. The plot is full of twists and turns, and Ashley Elston keeps the tension high. But what I really loved was how the book explores the cost of dishonesty—both to others and yourself. It’s fast-paced and hard to put down.
11. The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden is my go-to for thrillers, and The Teacher didn’t disappoint. It’s about a new teacher who discovers dangerous secrets about her high school, putting her life at risk. The twists kept me on the edge of my seat, and I loved listening to the audiobook while getting things done. McFadden knows how to keep you hooked from start to finish.
12. Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham
This psychological thriller starts with a reunion between two old friends but quickly turns into a web of jealousy and betrayal. As the truth unravels, the main character has to decide who she can really trust. The story is suspenseful and layered, with twists that keep you guessing. It’s not my favorite of the year, but it’s still a solid read.
These books made my year unforgettable. Some made me laugh, others gave me chills, and a few made me think about life in new ways. I hope you find one here that sparks your interest. Which one are you adding to your list? Let’s chat about it!