🎁 December Reads 📚
Ending the year with 45 books read in total for 2025! Since starting my reading journey about three years ago, I’d never set a reading goal. For 2026, I would like to set a goal of at least 50 books 😊
These are my December Reads 📚
1. Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeney - This book was one big mind game! 🤯 we begin our story with Amber who is in a coma, but can still hear everyone around her. Another detail to this book is there are three timelines. The present, while in the hospital. The days prior leading up to Amber ending up in a coma, and a childhood timeline told thru a series of diary entries. While Amber can’t recall how she ended up in the hospital she has this eerie feeling about the dynamic between her husband, Paul & her sister, Claire. This book is a true representation of the saying: “there’s three sides to every story. Yours, mine and the truth”
⭐️Rating: 3 out of 5
2. The Only One Left by Riley Sager - Our story centers around a caregiver named Kit who is assigned a new patient. Lenora Hope is the urban legend of Hope’s End. As the lore goes one night in 1929, Lenora killed her parents and her sister and now she is the only one left. Fast forward a few decades, and now Lenora is bed ridden, unable to speak and in need of a new caregiver. Now, while caring for Lenora, Kit discovers that Lenora can communicate via typewriter and she begins to tell Kit the events that led to the night of the murders. But while the town lore depicts one theory, Kit soon discovers everything is not as it seems in Hope’s End.
⭐️Rating: 4.5 out of 5
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As a huge fan of psychological thrillers, diving into books like 'Sometimes I Lie' and 'The Only One Left' is always an adventure. There's something incredibly addictive about stories that keep you guessing, turning pages late into the night just to unravel the next twist. I loved how Alice Feeney's 'Sometimes I Lie' plays with unreliable narration and multiple timelines, creating a true 'mind game' experience. It's the kind of book where you question everything you thought you knew, right up until the very last page. Similarly, Riley Sager's 'The Only One Left' masterfully builds suspense with its gothic atmosphere and unique storytelling method, making you feel completely immersed in the mystery of Hope's End. The way Sager crafts his settings, often with a touch of the eerie and isolated, really pulls you in, making every shadow seem to hold a secret. If you're like me and crave these kinds of gripping reads, here are some tips for finding your next obsession. First, pay attention to authors who excel in this genre. If you enjoyed Feeney's intricate plots and the feeling of being constantly surprised, you might love authors like Shari Lapena or Freida McFadden, who also write fast-paced, twisty thrillers that often feature unexpected reveals. For fans of Sager's atmospheric mysteries and historical settings, I'd suggest looking into books by Ruth Ware or Tana French – they're brilliant at creating suspenseful settings and complex characters that linger long after you've finished reading. When browsing, don't just judge by generic 'December Reads' tags; look at the book covers for clues about the genre and mood, read blurbs carefully, and always check out a few spoiler-free reviews. Sometimes, even the smallest detail on a book cover can hint at the thrilling journey inside. Another thing I find really helpful is joining online book communities or even local book clubs. It's amazing how many hidden gems you discover when other readers share their favorites! For instance, if you loved the 'who-dunnit' aspect and the sense of impending doom in these books, you might enjoy 'The Guest List' by Lucy Fokley, which offers another locked-room mystery with plenty of secrets and suspects. Or, if you're drawn to the psychological depth and unreliable narrators, 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides is a guaranteed page-turner that will mess with your head in the best way possible. For something with a similar historical, isolated feel to 'The Only One Left,' consider 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, which blends suspense with a unique setting. Setting a reading goal, like my aim for 50 books next year, also keeps me motivated to explore new titles and push my reading boundaries. Even if you only pick up a couple of books each month, making time for 'December Reads' or any seasonal picks can be a wonderful way to unwind and escape. Don't worry about hitting a specific number; the joy is in the discovery. So, if you're looking to fill those empty slots on your reading list, don't hesitate to pick up a psychological thriller. They're perfect for curling up with on a cold evening, promising a thrilling ride from start to finish and a mind-bending experience you won't soon forget. Happy reading!
