Now that I’ve gotten my StoryGraph all updated, I can finally get this posted! I finished up 216 books in 2023. Doesn’t feel like that many because I started slacking off in getting my reviews shared. I’ll make sure to include my brief thoughts with each book here!
This will be broken up into two separate posts since I’m highlighting my top 20 (I consider fair with the fact that I read over 200 books)
Top Books for 2023 – Part One: Books 11 – 20
11. ALL THE SINNERS BLEED – S.A. Cosby:
I’ve been loving the books I’ve been reading lately – so many wins, and this one was absolutely mesmerizing. There’s something about Cosby’s writing that just sucks you in, and once you get into the grit of it, you just can’t put the book down. Be warned, this is a heavy one to read. There are so many trigger warnings with this one, but all of these topics are handled so well. While there are some graphic moments, I’ll always appreciate how Cosby truly captures the emotions of the characters through everything.
It feels almost effortless in how he sets the scene and brings all these characters to life. You feel like you’re sitting right there in Charon County with Titus as he tries to navigate all the complications that come with the investigation and being a Black sheriff in this small community. He approaches these hard topics in an almost delicate way but you still feel all the truly raw emotions and the tension throughout the book
Cosby’s books have a way of lingering in your mind long after you’ve finished, and I can not recommend his books enough!
12. WET MARKET AND OTHER HORRORS – Aron Beauregard:
The only real warning I can give without spoiling the stories is that if you are not able to handle gore, then this will not be the book for you. The cover is a good indication of what is in store for you.
While the stories created such vivid pictures in my mind, those illustrations made some parts truly make my skin crawl (Muffin in the Oven, I’m looking at you). It takes a lot to make me physically cringe while reading, so well done, Aron!
I also recommend reading the personal essay at the end!
13. CROSSED – Emily McIntire:
This is the 5th installment in the Never After series, and while I do love them all, this was by far my favorite. I think the characters and the dark themes in this series is what makes me get lost in them. The best part about Kindle Unlimited is that when you finish a book, it automatically recommends the next in the series. I think I finished this five book series in about 7 days. I couldn’t get enough of it.
These are dark and spicy reimaginings of fairy tales we all know and love – this book in particular is about The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The strict and holy Father Cade is sent from Paris to a troubled and crime ridden town in Vermont. He is determined to clean up the mess there and satisfy his dark desires in the process. Then one night, he sees Amaya. Well, sees her as her alter ego, Esmeralda. Is obsession is almost instant. Convinced it is the work of witchcraft to ensnare him with temptation and test his faith, he must try to rid her of evil and the town.
This is not for everyone. Even though this is a reimagining of a beloved Disney story, this is NOT suitable for kids or teens. There are some very dark and explicit scenes throughout the book. Blood, gore, murder, spicy scenes, and much more. I loved this series so much, and it ended on a stellar note.
14. THE HUNTING MOON – Susan Dennard:
Another stunning cover in this trilogy! Now, with most series, and a lot of times with trilogies, the middle books can feel like fillers to get you to the next book. That is not the case here. I think I might have liked this book better than the first one in the series!
The characters are growing, the world building is continuing, and the scope is widening. The atmosphere pulls you into the forest alongside everyone. I loved being back, and I can’t wait to see how the trilogy ends
15. HOW TO SELL A HAUNTED HOUSE – Grady Hendrix:
If I want a good horror book mixed with some dark comedy then I just know to pick up a book by Hendrix. There hasn’t been a disappointment yet and this book was exactly what I wanted. Do you like creepy dolls and puppets? Well, get ready for something to just make puppets even more unsettling than they already are. If you’re looking for a story with action from start to finish then you might be disappointed because we get a lot of incredible character development in the beginning. You become part of their lives and care when the real horror begins. I was not expecting that ending and I cant recommend his books enough.
16. GOOD GIRLS DON’T DIE – Christina Henry:
I’ve gotta say, with the number of thrillers and suspense books feeling very predictable and repetitive, I was going into this one with mediocre expectations. I love Christina Henry and her retellings, but holy crap! I was so impressed with this book. Not only did it keep me guessing until the end, but talk about something unique and refreshing. Imagine waking up and just knowing that something is off. You can’t quite explain it, but there’s just something that isn’t right and out of place. That is the reality of things for three women – Celia, Allie, and Maggie.
Each woman finds herself dropped into the middle of a story in the genre they love: one in a cozy mystery, one in a slasher movie, and the other in a dystopian novel. I couldn’t imagine waking up in the middle something from my favorite genre – that would be when I’d regret loving horror books and movies. As a reader, you can think all you want that you would make better decisions than the main characters involved, but once faced with that as your reality? You might find that it’s easier said than done. This was inventive and unique, and each story had me captivated. It isn’t until the very end that we find out how they all connect to each other, and I was happy with the conclusion! Highly recommend this and her other novels as well. Wonder what Henry has in store for us next!
17. LOOKING GLASS SOUND – Catriona Ward:
I love Catriona Ward’s books, and I know there’s always something creepy waiting for me when I start. Wow, this book was incredibly twisty and really keeps you on the edge of your seat.
When I say this book makes your brain really work, I’m not exaggerating. This had my undivided attention, and I was almost positive I had it all figured out. Nope. I was so wrong, and that just goes to show how well she can weave a story. I think the synopsis is the perfect amount of information without risking spoilers. I recommend this and her other books
18. THE WEIGHT OF BLOOD – Tiffany D. Jackson:
A retelling of Carrie?? I didn’t realize I needed this in my life and how much I was going to love it. Carrie will always have a special place in my heart as it was my first King book (and around 11 or 12). I loved how Jackson changed this story to make it more modern and give the character of Carrie, Maddy in this book, a revamp for the the retelling. Maddy isn’t a high school girl being bullied for being poor and odd, but she’s instead being bullied for being exposed as biracial. When the racism of the students at her Georgia high school is exposed in a viral bullying video, they decide to have their first integrated prom. And of course, those of us who have read the original, know how that ends for everyone..
I had no idea segregated proms were actually a thing in this day and age. While I was loving all the horror elements throughout the book, it really made me remember why I loved Carrie, the focus on the real issues made this book standout on its own. The racism, microaggressions, bullying, the pressures put on Maddy to be passing as white, manipulation from her father, and having to face the white complacency that continues to happen. The horrors of her powers and what they lead to melding with the horrors of her everyday life made for the perfect storm of suspense and intensity. I KNEW how it would end and couldn’t put this book down because I NEEDED them all to experience what was coming. I cheered for Maddy like I did Carrie and recommend to anyone that loved the original to give this a read.
19. FULL BRUTAL – Kristopher Triana:
Let’s see, where do I begin with this book. I don’t think evil even comes close to describing Kim White. The true brutality and gruesome acts she commits in this book are not for the faint of heart. This is not just a fun slasher type horror story, oh no. If you go into this expecting that, there are just some parts you probably won’t recover from. You’ve been warned
We’re in her head the entire time, and I’ll never say no to a villain POV. Such a vicious and wicked teenage girl without a trace of empathy. I’ve seen some others compete this to Clueless meets American Psycho, and that’s pretty spot on. I loved it, even through that ending… that will now be burned into my brain.
20. STARLING HOUSE – Alix E. Harrow:
Eerie and creepy but low on the big scares is how I would describe this haunted house story! This is perfect for those who want a good haunted house book but don’t want extreme gore or horror.
I’ve read and loved Harrow’s fractured fairytale books, so I was curious to see how this would be. Well, if you want gothic vibes and a house with a personality of its own, then you need to pick this up! Would you accept a job to work at a house the town has deemed to be haunted? A house whose namesake had mysteriously disappeared? Opal finds herself in this situation – but the job will help her get her brother out of the dying town.
Jessicamap Reviews 
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