My Favorite Books of 2010

Two psychological page turners, one utterly charming novel about an aging Englishman, and two books about family relationships (albeit with very different tones) comprise the list of my favorite reads in 2010. Interestingly enough, all the books are by female authors.

In alphabetical order by author:

Blacklands by Belinda Bauer

A disturbing cat-and-mouse game between a killer and a child who wants closure for his family.

The Things That Keep Us Here by Carla Buckley

An unique plot--a bird flu pandemic arriving in the U.S., seen through the eyes of a mother fighting for her family's survival.

Island by Elin Hilderbrand

Hilderbrand doing what she does best--fabulous sense of place, combined with interesting female characters.

I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman

Lippman's best ever standalone novel. About a woman whose traumatic past comes back to haunt her as an adult.

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

An enchanting, yet quirky story about a man's second chance at love.