Hey, everyone. Wrapping up the last Tuesday book share with my 2020 reads. I’ve seen a few posts out there with people naming their top ten reads, but I decided to share my entire list.
As in previous years, I took part in the Goodreads Challenge. Because I don’t have a lot of time to read, I usually set my goal low. This year, I set it for twenty-five books. I’m happy to report I surpassed that number by ten.
My favorite genre is mystery and suspense, but this year I branched out into some other areas. For instance, I’ve never been much of a Sci-fi reader, but D L Cross (Staci Troilo) changed my mind. Her Astral Conspiracy series is among my favorite reads of the year.
I read some new to me authors, several short stories, found a few books that had been on my TBR for several years, and purchased older publications by a couple of my all-time favorite authors. I even threw in a couple of non-fiction stories.
Here’s the list in the order I read them. Amazon links are included except for one that is no longer in publication. (Yes, it’s been on my Kindle that long!)
- My Baby Wrote Me a Letter – Jacquie Biggar
- My Father’s Birthday – James Scott Bell
- Tear Me Apart – J T Ellison
- The Music of The Deep – Elizabeth Hall
- Where Are You Now – Mary Higgins Clark
- Grinders – C S Boyack
- That Darkest Place – Marcia Meara
- In Search of McDoogal – Mae Clair
- And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
- The House on The Hill – Irina Shapiro
- Legacy of Lies – Robert Bailey
- The Hidden Son – Diana T Benson
- Brother’s Keeper – Jan Sikes
- Brazos Wind – Jan Sikes
- A Killer’s Wife – Victor Methos
- Night Deception – Tamsen Schultz
- A Candle in The Darkness – Karen Black
- I Wouldn’t Be Surprised – D L Finn
- This Last Chance – D L Finn
- The Stones – D L Cross
- The Nine – D L Cross
- Murder They Wrote – Various Authors
- HMS Lanternfish – C S Boyack
- The Truth About the Titanic – Archibald Gracie
- The Twins – D L Cross
- Eternal Road – John W. Howell
- The Lab – D L Cross
- Malice and Forethought – Felicia Denise
- Watching Glass Shatter – James J Cudney
- The Ballad of Mrs. Malony – C S Boyack
- Pretty Evil New England – Sue Coletta
- The Trophy Wife – Sunday Tomasetti
- Footprints in The Snow – Staci Troilo
- The Christmas Cruise – Tammy Tate
- The Thing About Kevin – Beam Weeks
Some books I loved, others not so much, and a couple I stuck with to the end. I had a few books on my Kindle that I began reading but weren’t worthy of finishing. All in all, it’s been a good year for me reading-wise.
I haven’t set my 2021 goals. I thought of increasing it to fifty books (roughly one per week) but that wouldn’t leave me much time to write.
How about you? What are some of your favorite reads for this year? What are your reading goals for 2021?
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34 Responses
Congrats on exceeding your goal this year! There is a couple of older ones I’d like to reread from your list, and a short story I couldn’t pass up. This has been my best reading year and I ended up with many favorites!
I love Mary Higgins Clark. I had not read that particular book. After she passed away, I decided it was time. Thanks for stopping by, Denise and congrats on your reading year.
I’m enjoying going back and rereading some of my favorites with new insight. Mary Higgins is a favorite of mine too. Thank you, Joan, I finally hit a reading goal I’ve wanted to 🙂
A great selection of books, Joan. I’ve also read several of these.
I have so many more to read. Just finding the time…
Very impressive, Joan!
Thanks, Jaye and Anita!
Congratulations on exceeding your goal, Joan! I’ve read several of the books you’ve mentioned, and many others on your list wait for me on my Kindle. You’ve given me another nudge to find more pockets of time to read. 😊
I have a number of books on my Kindle just waiting for when I have time. I hope to read more in 2021. I’ve gotten in the habit of reading during my lunch time and that helps.
Nice job on exceeding your goal for 2020, Joan. Like you, I don’t have a lot of time to read. Due to my limited free time, I read during my hour workout each day. I don’t set any goals on the number as I don’t want added pressure. I only want to get lost in the stories. You’ve got a great list. I’ve read and enjoyed many.
Before I began writing, I had a lot more time to read. Those days have passed. Still, it’s a favorite past time. Thanks for stopping by, Jill.
Lots of talented authors and great books on this list, Joan! Thank you for sharing. I just finished reading and reviewing This Last Chance and I must say that it was really good. All the best in 2021!
I really enjoyed that one. I have so many books on my TBR list and I keep adding to them. Wishing you a Happy 2021!
I hear you, So many books, but time is not always our friend. Happy NewYear to you as well!
That’s a varied list. I’m so honored you read some of mine along with these great authors.
Well, your books are worthy of inclusion. And you were a busy writer this year!
I was busy. I might tone it down a bit in 2021.
We have quite a few 2020 reads in common. It’s been a good reading year. I recently finished a nonfiction book called The Revenge of Analog by Sax. It was pretty good, but my fave read of 2020 would have to be The Boatman’s Daughter by Davidson . . . wait, maybe The Unsuitable by Pohlig . . . or . . . argh, too many good books this year to choose!
It’s hard to pick a favorite. So many good ones. Wishing you a happy New Year and happy reading in 2021.
I’ve read several of these and have many more waiting for me. Haven’t set my 2021 reading goal yet, but I’m considering increasing mine also.
Every time I mark a few off my TBR list, I add more. There are a lot of good books to choose from. Wishing you happy reading in 2021.
I am honored that you took the time to read my short story this year, Joan! Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I too exceeded my Goodreads goal and like you, started a few books I couldn’t finish. But I read SO many great stories. Some of the ones you have listed here are on my TBR list and I can’t wait for more time to read!! Happy new Year!
One of the books I couldn’t finish was on the NYT bestseller list. I should have gotten a clue when the author’s note stretched into nine pages. LOL. I couldn’t get past the first chapter.
I loved your short stories, Jan, and look forward to reading Ghostly Interference in the New Year.
I’ve read some of the ones on your list, and I have to agree with you that D.L. Cross’s sci-fi series really stood out for me this year. Topnotch writing! If I got to vote between you reading more or writing more…I’d choose writing more. Your books are great, too.
Well, thank you, Judi! That’s kind of you to say. I plan to write (and publish) more in 2021.
I think exceeding your goal by ten is a great accomplishment. Congratulations, Joan. Thank you for including me in your list of reads this year. It is a terrific honor given the others on your list.
Well, I am honored to include you. I really enjoyed your book.
😁
Holy Hannah, you really rose to the challenge, Joan. Look at all those great books.
Happy end of the year. Hugs on the wing!
Thanks, Teagan. Wishing you a happy new year!
A great list of books, Joan! You’ve been a busy reader. And I’m really pleased to see That Darkest Place included in your list. So glad you enjoyed it. As soon as my company leaves and the dust settles, I’ll get back to my WIP which is probably going to be a Riverbend novella, featuring some familiar faces and some new ones. I’ve missed those Painter brothers, for sure. 😀
Taking note of some of these titles for sure, and … gulp! … adding them to my TBR pile.
Happy New Year!! 🙂 <3 🙂
Oh, my TBR list keeps getting longer. Seems like for every book I read, I add two in its place. 🙂 A Happy New Year to you, Marcia.
A wonderful list of books! I have several to put on my TBR list.
It was a good year, reading-wise. Hoping to knock out a few more in 2021.