A Book A Week

With 2025 just around the corner, it’s time for one of my favorite yearly traditions. Since 2012, I’ve written a review for every book I’ve read and shared them here on the blog. Reflecting on the year in reading is always a joy—looking back on the great books I’ve discovered, the stories that stuck with me, and the moments they enriched.

2024 turned out to be my most productive reading year yet. I managed to read 95 books, falling just 9 shy of doubling my goal of 1 book per week. Among my 10 favorites, listed below in alphabetical order by title, you’ll find a diverse mix of genres, authors, and themes. It’s a small but vibrant showcase of the variety that defined my reading this year.

Camino Ghosts by John Grisham

John Grisham’s Camino Ghosts is a gripping legal thriller and the third installment in his Camino Island series. Returning to the Florida island, the story follows bookstore owner Bruce Cable and writer Mercer Mann as they uncover the haunting history of Dark Isle, where Mercer is drawn into a fight to protect the land from a corporate development.

Grisham’s masterful courtroom drama, compelling plot, and powerful characters make this his best Camino Island novel yet—a fast-paced, emotionally satisfying read.

Read the full review here.

Granite Harbor by Peter Nichols

In Granite Harbor, Peter Nichols crafts a gripping murder mystery set in the coastal town of Granite Harbor, Maine. When a teenage boy's body is discovered at a historic site, the town is shaken, and two perspectives take center stage: the local detective and the eerie, unnamed killer. 

Nichols blends a chilling mystery with deep character development, immersing readers in a tense, small-town atmosphere. Granite Harbor is an unforgettable, pulse-pounding read that lingers long after the final revelation.

Read the full review here.

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

In Horror Movie, Paul Tremblay weaves a chilling tale of nostalgia, regret, and the haunting secrets of a cult horror film. Set in 1993, a low-budget, guerrilla-style movie is made with an unknown actor playing a terrifying monster, but the film is never released. Decades later, the surviving actor is asked to remake the film, only to confront the dark events that occurred on set. 

Tremblay masterfully blends shifting perspectives, a retro horror vibe, and a critique of Hollywood’s obsession with reboots, creating a tense, gripping narrative that builds to a shocking, inevitable conclusion. Horror Movie cements Tremblay’s place as a master of the genre.

Read the full review here.

James by Percival Everett

In James, Percival Everett reimagines Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn through the eyes of Jim, the enslaved man who accompanies Huck on his journey. While staying true to the original plot, Everett adds depth and urgency, particularly with Jim's escape and the ensuing manhunt.

With sharp social commentary, rich character development, and Everett's signature wit, James is a compelling and thought-provoking reinterpretation of Twain's classic that enhances its humanity.

Read the full review here. 

Knife by Salman Rushdie

In Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder, Salman Rushdie reflects on the brutal 2022 stabbing that nearly claimed his life, an attack tied to the enduring controversy surrounding his 1988 novel The Satanic Verses. Offering a candid account of his recovery and philosophical reflections, Rushdie grapples with the miracle of his survival and the violence aimed at silencing him. 

Through introspection, humor, and imagined dialogue with his would-be assassin, Knife delves into profound questions about mortality, human nature, and resilience, making it a powerful meditation on life, death, and the strength of the human spirit.

Read the full review here. 

Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura

In Like Happiness, Ursula Villarreal-Moura explores relationships, power, identity, and memory through Tatum, who grapples with her complex bond with author M. Domínguez. Living in Chile with her partner, Tatum's past is upended when assault allegations against M. resurface, forcing her to confront the unresolved emotions that have defined her life.

Villarreal-Moura’s debut beautifully captures the raw humanity of its characters. It offers a robust, thought-provoking narrative that showcases her emerging voice in literature.

Read the full review here. 

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a heartwarming sequel that builds on themes of love, acceptance, and belonging from The House in the Cerulean Sea. 

Arthur Parnassus, dedicated to protecting magical children, faces a government hearing designed to discredit his family. As the confrontation escalates, Arthur must fight for their future.

Klune explores societal marginalization, celebrating the power of love and empathy as antidotes to hate. This novel is a poignant reminder of the importance of finding—and protecting—your tribe.

Read the full review here.

The Ascent by Adam Plantinga

Adam Plantinga’s The Ascent is a thrilling debut novel that blends his 22 years of law enforcement experience with a gripping prison break story. The book follows Kurt Argento, an ex-cop seeking justice for his wife’s death, and Julie, a graduate student visiting a notorious prison. When a security malfunction unleashes violent criminals, Kurt and Julie must ascend six perilous floors to safety.

With its dark, detailed setting and relentless suspense, The Ascent offers a thrilling, emotional ride, making it an exciting start to Plantinga's fiction career.

Read the full review here. 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods is a captivating mystery set in the 1970s at a summer camp in the Adirondacks. When Barbara Van Laar, a member of a wealthy local family, goes missing, the search reveals eerie connections to her brother Bear’s decades-old disappearance and the presence of an escaped killer in the woods.

Moore's nonlinear narrative alternates between characters and timelines, slowly revealing hidden motives while immersing readers in the haunting atmosphere of the forest. The God of the Woods is a masterful, thought-provoking mystery with a shocking and satisfying conclusion.

Read the full review here. 

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

The Wedding People by Alison Espach explores the contrasting emotions of weddings through Lila, a bride planning her dream celebration, and Phoebe, a woman grieving infertility and divorce. Mistaken for a guest, Phoebe is drawn into the festivities, forming an unexpected bond with Lila. 

Espach skillfully combines humor and empathy to tackle heavy themes like depression, suicide, and loss. This thought-provoking novel offers a unique take on life’s challenges and is a summer read that balances dark subjects with moments of connection and grace.

Read the full review here. 

Have you read any of these books? What was your favorite read of 2024? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. This year has been a landmark reading journey for me, and I can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store. Whatever the future holds, you can count on me to share all my bookish thoughts right here on A Book A Week!

As the year winds down, I’ve spent my days leisurely working through one final novel. My introduction to Alice McDermott’s reflective storytelling came last year with Absolution, and ever since, I’ve been eager to delve deeper into her work. Her 2017 novel, The Ninth Hour, was widely acclaimed upon its release and even garnered the prestigious National Book Award. This profoundly moving story spans the twentieth century, weaving the tale of a widow, her daughter, and the nuns dedicated to serving their Irish-American community in Brooklyn. I was utterly enthralled by the richly drawn characters, making it the perfect book to close out another year of reading.

The novel opens with a harrowing tragedy. Jim, a young Irish immigrant, has reached the end of his rope. Recently dismissed from his job in the subway system and unable to envision a future where he can support his pregnant wife, he makes a desperate choice. Opening the gas taps in their Brooklyn tenement, Jim's despair culminates in a fire that ends his life in a heartbreaking flash.

In the aftermath of this devastating loss, his widow, Annie, is left to face an uncertain future with an unborn child on the way. Seeking solace and direction, Annie turns to the church, the one place that offers a semblance of hope amid her grief. Enter Sister St. Savior, a beacon of compassion who provides Annie with work in the convent's basement laundry and, more importantly, a sense of purpose and stability. Sally, Annie's newborn daughter, grows up at her mother's side, peacefully resting in a basket as Annie toils in the steamy confines of the basement.

As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the lives of these richly crafted characters across generations. Through themes of love and sacrifice, guilt and forgiveness, hope and despair, The Ninth Hour offers a poignant exploration of human resilience. Alice McDermott’s prose brings a quiet urgency to even the most mundane moments, imbuing them with significance.

While I was already impressed by McDermott’s writing in Absolution, I found The Ninth Hour even more moving. The novel pulled me into the lives of its characters as they navigate the challenges handed to them, making the best of their circumstances with grace and determination. It’s a quietly powerful read that lingers long after the final page—a fitting way to close the book on 2024 and turn toward the promise of a new year.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 95)

How is the week of Christmas already? Does anyone else feel like the holiday season has flown by? Honestly, it feels like Thanksgiving was just yesterday. One of my favorite traditions this time of year is listening to holiday-themed audiobooks while tackling chores around the house—it’s a cozy way to stay in the holiday spirit. This year, I was thrilled to receive a copy of Pamela Kelley’s newest novel, The Christmas Inn, from her publisher. It’s a charming holiday romance perfect for anyone looking to soak up a little extra cheer as the season races by.

Riley Sanders isn’t exactly brimming with holiday cheer this year. Recently laid off from her job as a social media manager, she’s facing an uncertain future as the new year approaches. A phone call to her sister Amy for some much-needed venting brings unexpected news: their mother has broken her leg and could really use help at the family inn. With no pressing commitments and the holidays fast approaching, Riley decides to head home to the cozy inn nestled on the shores of Cape Cod, just in time for the Christmas rush. 

When Riley arrives, she’s greeted by the inn’s warm, festive atmosphere and the sense of belonging she’s been missing. She meets Franny, a guest mourning the recent passing of her sister and embarking on a heartfelt journey guided by four unopened letters her sister left behind. Riley also reconnects with Aidan, her high school sweetheart, now a widower staying at the inn with his son while their home undergoes renovations.

What starts as a brief visit to help her mom quickly turns into something far more meaningful—a chance to rediscover the magic of family, rekindle a lost romance, and find a renewed sense of purpose as she embraces the spirit of the season.

The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley is a heartfelt tribute to the power of family, community, and love, all wrapped in a charming story that’s easy to get lost in. While it embraces many of the familiar tropes of Hallmark-style holiday romances, don’t let that stop you from diving in. Kelley crafts characters that are impossible not to love, and Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration effortlessly transports you to the cozy Cape Cod setting. During a season bustling with activity, this book offers a much-needed escape—a sweet, uplifting holiday story that beautifully embodies the spirit of Christmas.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 94)

Music has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve tinkering with the antique upright piano in our living room. My mom, who had played as a child, encouraged me to explore the instrument, while my dad had his own collection of guitars tucked away, remnants of his younger days playing music. Despite their early connections to music, both of my parents had long since set their instruments aside by the time I came along, leaving them as relics of their pasts.

But for me, those instruments were anything but forgotten. I was captivated when I pressed a piano key and heard the hammer strike the string. That initial curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion. I went on to master the piano, majoring in music in college, and eventually earned advanced degrees in music composition. Even now, my obsession with the craft remains as strong as ever. Music didn’t just shape my life—it transformed it entirely.

When I came across the title of Richard Schoch’s book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, I was immediately intrigued. By his passing in late 2021, the legendary Broadway composer had witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the popularity of his works, with critics and audiences lauding his musicals as masterpieces of the art form. Having enjoyed many of Sondheim’s creations myself, I could see precisely what Schoch was getting at. Sondheim’s musicals are rich with life lessons and thoughtful reflections, making the idea of a book delving into those themes all the more compelling.

In How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, Richard Schoch delves into the legendary composer’s body of work, unpacking the themes behind his music and lyrics while weaving in behind-the-scenes anecdotes that reveal the inspiration and meticulous craft behind each musical. Each chapter focuses on a different production, offering a closer look at Sondheim's creative process. What struck me most was the sheer intentionality with which he approached his art. Every note and lyric served the story for Sondheim, and he wasn’t precious about any of it. He was open to altering lines, composing entirely new sections, and embracing debates with collaborators, all in the name of improving the work.

Sondheim’s career wasn’t without its challenges. While many of his shows are now considered masterpieces, he experienced his share of failures. Merrily We Roll Along, for example, closed after just 16 performances and was met with critical and commercial rejection. Yet, as Schoch highlights, even Sondheim’s perceived missteps were often ahead of their time, with Merrily later reevaluated and celebrated in a successful revival just this year.

Schoch argues that each of Sondheim’s musicals is unified by a central theme, offering the audience a life lesson woven into the production’s heart. Reading this book compelled me to pause, revisit the music discussed, and uncover new layers of meaning in familiar works. It deepened my appreciation for Sondheim and reminded me of the transformative power of art.

At a time when art and its creators are too often dismissed, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is a passionate defense of artistic expression and its vital role in shaping and enriching our lives. It’s a powerful reminder of why new art should be created and shared with audiences eager to connect with it.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 93)

What’s the last book you couldn’t put down? I get through my TBR pile steadily, squeezing in pages whenever possible and ending each day with reading before bed. Still, nothing beats the excitement of discovering a true page-turner—one of those books that demands you keep reading no matter the hour. That’s exactly how I felt with Freida McFadden’s breakout thriller, The Housemaid. I picked it up late one afternoon and found myself utterly hooked, staying up well past my usual bedtime to finish it in the early morning hours.

Millie is no stranger to hard times. After spending a decade in prison, she’s struggling to rebuild her life. With nothing but her beat-up car to live in, some secondhand clothes, and a few slices of bologna to her name, Millie is desperate for a fresh start. But finding work is nearly impossible with a criminal record hanging over her. Even the most menial jobs seem out of reach. Just as she’s about to lose hope, Millie stumbles across a job listing for a live-in maid. Could this finally be her chance to turn her life around?

The Winchester mansion is a vision of perfection, a far cry from the life Millie knows. Nina Winchester, the elegant lady of the house, is flawlessly put together as she welcomes Millie into her pristine home. On the surface, Nina seems to have it all: a luxurious lifestyle, a beautiful daughter, and a handsome, hardworking husband. The interview goes surprisingly well, and Millie is shocked to find herself not only hired but also with a new place to live. Yes, things are finally looking up. 

From the start, though, Millie senses something isn’t quite right. While the Winchester home is opulent in every way, Millie’s attic room is small and bare, with a door that can only be locked from the outside. Nina brushes off her concerns, explaining that the room is usually used for storage. Still, the oddities pile up. Most alarming is Nina herself, whose demeanor shifts unpredictably—one moment lavishing Millie with praise for her work, the next berating her for following Nina’s own instructions. It quickly becomes clear that the Winchester home harbors secrets, and Millie is about to be wrapped up in them. 

The Housemaid delivers everything I look for in a popcorn thriller. It grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go until the last. While the premise will feel familiar to anyone who reads domestic thrillers, Freida McFadden’s execution sets it apart. The story is sprinkled with red flags and eerie clues, keeping the reader on edge as Millie ignores the warning signs in her desperation for stability. The twists come fast and furious, ramping up the tension with every chapter.

Yes, the plot leans into the outrageous at times, and some scenes—especially those involving domestic violence—are difficult to stomach. But the book’s short chapters and breakneck pace kept me compulsively turning the pages. While somewhat predictable, the conclusion ties everything together in a deliciously satisfying way. Freida McFadden has crafted a bona fide page-turner in The Housemaid, and I was more than happy to lose sleep devouring it in one sitting.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 92)

How do you find your next read? Over the years, I've developed several ways to discover books, but nothing compares to a recommendation from a trusted fellow reader. Since I first began blogging, John Valeri has been one of my favorite and most reliable book-reviewing friends. He's a prolific reviewer, author, interviewer, and an all-around professional reader. He's also among the nicest people I've met in the book world. So when John contacted me about reviewing Marcia Clark's latest true crime book, Trial by Ambush, I jumped at the chance. Even more compelling was the fact that John had helped Clark, his personal friend, with research for the book. Never one to turn down a recommendation from John, especially for a project he was personally involved in, I eagerly dove in.

Marcia Clark is no stranger to high-profile, controversial murder trials. As the prosecuting attorney in the O.J. Simpson case, she became a household name, and her extensive career in law has provided her with unique insight into the world of crime and justice. In recent years, Clark has shifted gears, finding success as a bestselling author of crime novels. When she decided her next book would be non-fiction, she struggled to find a case that genuinely captured her interest and inspired her to dedicate hours of research. It wasn’t until she stumbled upon a striking photograph of Barbara Graham, a woman on trial for murder in the 1950s, that Clark knew she had found the perfect subject for her book.

Barbara Graham's early years were marred by neglect and hardship. With little support from her parents, she relied on her striking looks and survival instincts, turning to petty crimes just to get by. Her life seemed destined for a downward spiral, and she appeared to have little power to change that trajectory. But things were about to take a dark turn. In 1953, Barbara allegedly became one of three people involved in an attempted robbery that escalated into the murder of a local woman. The media quickly seized on the case, portraying her as a femme fatale—a woman whose beauty masked a ruthless killer. Yet, there was a significant flaw in the narrative. Barbara maintained her innocence, and compelling evidence supported her claims. Despite this, the media sensationalized the story, and a jury, influenced by the prosecution's relentless drive to convict, ignored the facts and rushed to judgment. What followed was a trial riddled with injustice, where the desire for a scandalous conviction overshadowed the truth.

Barbara Graham's story has been explored before, with her enigmatic trial inspiring several books and even a film. What sets Trial by Ambush apart is the perspective Marcia Clark brings to this infamous case. Drawing on her extensive legal experience, Clark uncovers the truth buried in the court transcripts, revealing the trial’s proceedings in a way never seen before. The result is a riveting and infuriating story of injustice. Having already made her mark in crime fiction, Clark proves her skill extends seamlessly into true crime. Trial by Ambush is a gripping, fast-paced read that meticulously exposes the flaws in Barbara Graham’s trial and the crucial evidence that was unjustly concealed.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 91)

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has transformed comic book stories from niche serials into mainstream cultural staples. While I’ve enjoyed my fair share of superhero movies, I wouldn’t call myself a die-hard fan—more of a casual viewer with limited knowledge of the comics that inspire them. Still, when Alex Segura’s publisher sent me a copy of his latest novel, Alter Ego, I was immediately drawn to its premise. Combining the imaginative flair of comic books with the tension of a modern thriller, the story delivers a unique and exhilarating page-turner.

Annie Bustamante has experienced all the highs and lows of being a great artist. She’s been hailed as an auteur filmmaker, a celebrated author, and the visionary behind one of the most acclaimed superhero comics of recent years. Yet she’s also been labeled a hack, a sellout, and countless other disparaging names—par for the course, especially as a woman navigating a male-dominated industry. Through it all, one project has always eluded her grasp. Since she stumbled upon a tattered copy of The Legendary Lynx #1 as a child, Annie has dreamed of bringing the long-forgotten character to life. Obscure and out of print, The Legendary Lynx is known only to die-hard fans, but it remains Annie’s ultimate creative ambition.

The rights to The Legendary Lynx have been shrouded in mystery for decades, but now they appear to be within Annie's reach. She’s wary of the offer's source—Bert Carlyle, heir to Triumph Comics, whose late father long claimed ownership of the character. Her unease deepens when she receives cryptic messages warning her not to trust anyone. To complicate matters further, Carlyle insists on partnering her with a disgraced filmmaker in a risky bid for publicity. Faced with mounting suspicions and her lifelong dream hanging in the balance, Annie must decide how far she will go to make the Lynx her own.

In Alter Ego, Alex Segura delivers a thrilling novel that taps into comic book culture while offering a taut, contemporary suspense story. Annie's quest to balance a career shaped by commercial success and creative dreams immediately drew me in. The novel expertly explores the tension between profit and passion, heightening the stakes as Annie navigates a world where those lines can easily blur.  Although this is a sequel to Segura's 2022 novel Secret Identity, I had no trouble diving into the story and quickly became engrossed in the action. Pages from The Legendary Lynx comic are interwoven throughout the story, adding a unique depth and connection to the world Segura builds. Alter Ego is a fast-paced, captivating thriller that is a pure joy to read. 

For more information, visit the author's webiste, Amazon, and Goodreads, 

(2024, 90)

Bill Clinton remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern American politics. While his personal controversies once dominated headlines, they now seem almost tame compared to the scandals of more recent administrations. Regardless of one’s personal opinion of Clinton as a man, his influence on the political landscape is undeniable. Perhaps even more intriguing than his presidency, however, is what he has accomplished in the years since leaving office. In his latest memoir, Citizen, Clinton offers an illuminating glimpse into his post-presidency life, revealing the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned along the way.

In January 2001, at just 54 years old, Bill Clinton was at a pivotal crossroads. His second term as President of the United States—arguably the zenith of any political career—had concluded, bringing an end to more than three decades in public service. For the first time in decades, Clinton faced a future without the structure and purpose of political office. Having achieved every career milestone he’d set for himself, he was now confronted with an unfamiliar reality: life as a private citizen.

Clinton's initial post-presidency priorities were dictated by necessity. While his administration had brought economic prosperity to the nation, including a rare budget surplus, his personal indiscretions had created significant political and financial turmoil. Years of costly legal battles left his personal finances in disarray. Clinton turned to the lucrative private speaking circuit, using these engagements to pay off debts and secure his financial future. While the speeches solved his immediate financial woes, they did little to fulfill his desire to make a meaningful impact on the world. Fortunately, opportunities to continue his life of service began presenting themselves just weeks after he left office.

Just days after leaving office, an earthquake devastated India, and Bill Clinton immediately sprang into action. Recognizing his unique position—armed with a vast Rolodex of influential contacts and a deep understanding of organizational and policy execution—Clinton saw an opportunity to channel his energy into philanthropy. This moment marked a turning point as he shifted his focus to charitable endeavors that leveraged his skills and connections for the greater good. Over the next two decades, Clinton built an enduring legacy of advocacy and service, redefining his role as a public figure and expanding his impact far beyond the political sphere.

While Citizen chronicles a man grappling with life after the sudden end of a career he dedicated decades to building, it transcends the standard political memoir. Bill Clinton writes with surprising candor about his post-presidency life, offering insights into his partnership with his equally influential wife and her historic presidential campaign, reflections on the enduring conflict between Israel and Palestine, and a direct acknowledgment of the conspiracies and controversies that have trailed him throughout his public life.

Clinton is acutely aware of the shifting political landscape, noting how citizens' priorities and societal norms have evolved since his time in office. Now, with the Clinton Foundation’s daily operations primarily managed by his daughter, Chelsea, Clinton seems poised for yet another chapter. He envisions spending his remaining years focused on family, particularly his grandchildren, indulging his love of reading, and savoring the legacy of his service. With this memoir, Clinton projects a man at peace with his place in history and hopeful for what lies ahead.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 89)