Vicki Rock's 5-star reads of 2024

By guest blogger Vicki Rock

Since 2024 is coming to an end, it’s time to look back on the books I’ve enjoyed most this year, listed in order of publication. All the books I review are available at the library (with the exception of one -- not on this list -- that is still backordered). If you click on a title in this list you can go to the catalog to place a hold on the book. So get a beverage, sit in your coziest chair, and enjoy some of my 5-star reads!

“The Fury,” by Alex Michaelides, Celadon Books. Seven people are on a Greek island where a murder occurs.

“The Year of the Locust,” by Terry Hayes, Atria/Emily Bestler Books. A Denied Access Area spy with the CIA is sent to rescue a man with information about a potential threat against the U.S.

“The Lantern's Dance,” by Laurie R. King, Bantam. Mary Russell and her husband, Sherlock Holmes, must protect his son and his son’s family.

“The Princess of Las Vegas,” by Chris Bohjalian, Doubleday. A woman recreates Princess Diana for a Las Vegas casino show.

“Close to Death,” by Anthony Horowitz, Harper. The latest in a uniquely-plotted series.

“The Last Murder at the End of the World,” by Stuart Turton, Sourcebooks Landmark. Only 125 people are alive on an island after a apocalyptic event.

“One Perfect Couple,” by Ruth Ware, Scout Press. A contemporary take on a classic mystery novel.

“Southern Man,” by Greg Isles, William Morrow. Penn Cage takes on a third party presidential candidate who is inciting racial violence.

“Camino Ghosts,” by John Grisham, Doubleday. A giant resort developer plans to build a casino on an island where former slaves are buried.

“All the Colors of the Dark,” by Chris Whitaker, Crown, is a character study in the aftereffects of trauma for the victims, their families and their friends.

“The Moonlight Market,” by Joanne Harris, Pegasus Books, is a delightful fantasy novel.

“Worst Case Scenario,” by T.J. Newman, Little, Brown and Company. People in a small town rally when there is a disaster.

“By Any Other Name,” by Jodi Picoult, Ballantine Books. Emilia Bassano pays an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work.

“The Dark Wives,” by Ann Cleeves, Minotaur Books. Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope and her team investigate a murdered man and a missing teenage girl.

“Here One Moment,” by Liane Moriarty, Crown. A psychic predicts when people on an airplane will die.

“The Life Impossible,” by Matt Haig, Viking. A retired math teacher inherits a house in Ibiza, Spain.

“The Puzzle Box,” by Danielle Trussoni, Random House. A puzzle expert travels to Japan to try to solve an ancient puzzle.

“The Sequel,” by Jean Hanff Korelitz, Celadon Books. An author, who is a widow, has secrets.

“The Waiting,” by Michael Connelly, Little, Brown and Company. The LAPD’s Open-Unsolved Unit gets a lead on a major case.

“Identity Unknown,” by Patricia Cornwell, Grand Central Publishing. Dr. Kay Scarpetta is called to the murder of a friend.

“The Grey Wolf,” by Louise Penny, Minotaur Books. Armand Gamache, head of homicide at the Sûreté, is faced with a terrorist threat.

Thanks to the publishers who approve my requests for review books; Terri Foster, director of the Meyersdale Public Library, for posting my reviews; and to everyone who reads my reviews. I hope you find books you enjoy on this list.