5 Star Reads of 2021

Last year, I read 47 books which is quite an achievement for me. Out of those 47 books, I rated 16 of them 5 stars. These are the books that I really enjoyed and could not fault. Some have even made it into my favourite books of all time. Today, I would like to share them with you. Let’s get started!

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer – Michelle McNamara

This is probably my favourite true crime book I’ve read and my favourite book I read in 2021. The way Michelle Mcnamara sets each scene with tentative detail is incredible. It’s heartbreaking to think she died midway through writing this, as well as not being alive to see the Golden State Killer finally being caught.

The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future – Ryder Carroll

As someone who has used the Bullet Journal system, this book was a wonderful read. It made me so much more aware of the system and how I can use it for my needs. I actually took so many notes whilst I was reading this so I could really digest what the book was saying and utilise the points in my own Bullet Journal.

The Other Mrs – Mary Kubica

This book was everything I wanted in a twist heavy thriller. I love reading a thriller that has a twist that I did not see coming. I absolutely loved it.

In the Woods – Tana French

This might be slightly generous of me to put this book on this list as I actually rate it 4 and a 1/2 stars. I loved this book and everything about it… apart from the ending. It was rather underwhelming but I loved the rest of the book like I mentioned.

The Guest List – Lucy Foley

When I realised Lucy Foley had written another book after reading The Hunting Party in 2020, I was so excited. I loved The Hunting Party and so I had to read The Guest List too and it did not disappoint. There were some great twists throughout which I always appreciate. I can’t wait to read her next book!

Two Can Keep a Secret – Karen M. Mcmanus

This was a really good read. It had a good pace to it throughout which made it a quick read. A lot of twists which I like. You can tell there’s a theme going on here.

The Tattooist of Auschwitz – Heather Morris

I heard so much about this book and how brilliant it was and it certainly did not disappoint. It was a heartbreaking but also very poignant read. One of my favourites from this year, for sure.

Fred and Rose – Howard Sounes

This book was a really informative read. I thought I knew this case quite well as I like to watch true crime documentaries and youtubers, but this book provided a lot more detail which I really appreciated.

The Killing Lessons – Saul Black

This book was an extremely tense read. I was gripped from the very first chapter. I love those books where you just have to keep turning the page to find out what happens next.

Ask a Footballer – James Milner

I have to admit, I’m probably biased about this considering I’m a Liverpool fan but I really enjoyed this. I loved the structure of this book and it was great to get insight into a wonderful player.

Written in Blood – Chris Carter

This was a really enjoyable read. There weren’t any twists or anything like that but it was just a really tense read. I would be very interested in reading more from Chris Carter.

Flight Risk: The Highs and Lows of Life as a Doctor at Heathrow Airport – Stephanie Green

This was a really fascinating read. I’ve always found airports and planes interesting and this was a really good insight into being a doctor in that environment.

Lock Every Door – Riley Sager

This was an incredible book. I read it in quite a short period of time as I couldn’t put it down. I immediately added more of Riley Sager’s books to my TBR as I thoroughly enjoyed this.

The Silent Patient – Alex Michaelides

This is probably one of my favourite twists I’ve ever read. I did not see it coming at all. This is definitely one of my favourite books from 2021.

Paper Girls – Alex Smith

This is the first book in the DCI Robert Kett series and I found it utterly gripping. It’s everything I want in a good detective book. It’s great to try and work out who the perpetrator is. I have added the rest of these books in the series to my TBR. I’ve already read more and I’ve been loving the overall series.

Bad Dog – Alex Smith

This is the second book in the DCI Robert Kett series. You know that I loved the first book as mentioned previously but I actually think I enjoyed this one more than the first. There were a couple of twists that I liked and I did not expect the ending.

What Lies Beneath – Bill Kitson

This was a wonderful crime novel with a great twist. I really like the characters in this and I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series.

Thank you very much for reading!

Beth