The Rest of Our Lives by Ben Markovits

Twelve years ago, when he found out his wife Amy was having an affair, Tom vowed to leave her once their younger child went to college. That day has come, as Miri is leaving for Carnegie Mellon. After dropping Miri off in Pittsburgh, Tom heads west, visiting his brother in South Bend, an old girlfriend in Las Vegas, eventually arriving in California to see his son, Michael. However, a mysterious illness is dogging him as he reflects on the relationships and the choices he's made. A meditative novel of one man's life.

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing

Lottie, now in her 70's, has tried to put her violent past behind her, but when producer Plum Dixon knocks on Lottie's door wanting to interview her about some murders she was accused of many years ago, Lottie murders Plum and disposes of her body. The police know Plum was at Lottie's house and are asking if she knows what happened to Plum. Will Lottie be able to stay ahead of the authorities, keep the secret of all the people she's killed and live out her retirement in peace? Only time will tell...

Fair Play by Louise Hegarty

Abigail is hosting her annual New Year's Eve murder mystery party in combination with celebrating her brother Benjamin's birthday. Six of their friends are attending. However, during this year’s festivities, Benjamin will actually be murdered. Which of the guests is the killer? Fair Play plays with mystery conventions by having a famous fictional detective work on the case after the authorities deem Benjamin's death a suicide. Additionally, author Hegarty plays with places and times to turn the locked room mystery novel on its head. Perfect for fans of Janice Hallett's novels.

The Award by Matthew Pearl

Writer David Trent is thrilled when he and his partner, Bonnie, move into an apartment above the famous author Silas Hale in Cambridge, Massachusetts. However, Silas is not a nice person and takes great glee in putting other people down. When David's first novel wins a literary prize, Silas's attitude toward David changes. However, David finds that being the recipient of the award has its downside... A page turning satire in the style of Peter Swanson.

Nightshade by Michael Connelly

Detective Sergeant Stilwell is now in charge of the small police department on Catalina Island after clashing with a fellow homicide officer in Los Angeles. He is trying to put his past behind him and make Catalina home. When a woman with ties to the mainland is found dead in the harbor, Stilwell finds it hard not to get involved. In addition to that case, the beheading of a protected buffalo on the island has put Stilwell in the crosshairs of some locals. In this series opener, Connelly writes a story that will be pleasing to his fans.

My Favorite Books of 2025

Here are the five books I enjoyed most this year.

In alphabetical order, by author:

Love Forms by Claire Adam

The unusual setting and sympathetic main character make this novel a standout.

The Killer Question by Janice Hallett

A fantastic puzzle that keep you guessing until the end.

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

A novel of psychological suspense that's hard to put down.

I'll Come to You by Rebecca Kauffman

Kauffman shines in this novel of family relationships.

The Witch's Orchard by Archer Sullivan

An outstanding debut mystery.

The Tree of Light and Flowers by Thomas Perry

In this final book of the long-running Jane Whitefield series, Jane and her husband, Carey, have recently become parents, but there are still people out there who want Jane dead because of all the individuals she has helped disappear safely over the years. Russian Magda Kaprovna, who featured in The Left-Handed Twin is back, ready to kill Jane if she can find her. Will Jane be able to keep Carey and her baby, May safe? A fitting end to the series, yet sad knowing that this is Perry's last book. It will be published in March.