After reading a bunch of fantasy this year, it’s time for me to release all of the epic world-building inside my brain and get stuck into some books rooted in realism. With that said, I’ve decided to put together a list of some newer books to check out if you’re in the mood for some page-turning mysteries or contemporary fiction. No need to worry about following any complex world-building or magic systems here, just dive right in and get lost in the thoughts and feelings of someone else. Who doesn’t love a good page-turner?
If you’d like to buy any of these books in the US, be sure to take advantage of these Amazon coupon codes.
Page Turners to check out this Autumn
Her Perfect Family by Teresa Driscoll | Buy in the US | Buy in the UK
Her Perfect Family is a novel written by the same author of the major success I Am Watching You. In Her Perfect Family, parents Rachel and Ed Hartley are expecting their daughter’s graduation to be the happiest day of their lives. But when Gemma stumbles and falls on stage, they realize she’s been shot. This is when PI Matthew Hill is assigned to investigate what went wrong. While Gemma lies in hospital in a coma, her would-be killer is still out there. Can Matthew unravel the family’s secrets before the attacker strikes again?
All We Left Unsaid by Natalie K Martin | Buy in the US | Buy in the UK
Sisters Jess and Ivy have always shared everything. But there’s one thing they cannot share. When Jess falls for Ivy’s friend Finn, the betrayal cuts deep. This causes a big separation between the sisters that were once inseparable. Years after that fateful falling-out, Jess receives a call that changes everything and throws her on a journey following in her wilder sister’s footsteps.
A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawking | Buy in the US | Buy in the UK
The author of Girl on the Train brings us another addictive page-turner full of twists and turns. Laura has spent most of her life being judged. She’s seen as hot-tempered, troubled, a loner. Some even call her dangerous. Miriam knows that just because Laura is witnessed leaving the scene of a horrific murder with blood on her clothes, that doesn’t mean she’s a killer. Carla is reeling from the brutal murder of her nephew. She trusts no one: good people are capable of terrible deeds. But how far will she go to find peace? Innocent or guilty, everyone is damaged. Can you figure out the killer before the final truth is revealed? Many have tried, and many have failed. That’s the sign of a good murder mystery.
Keisha the Sket by Jade LB | Buy in the US | Buy in the UK
The story of how Kiesha the Sket first spread throughout the UK is a classic story in itself. Living in the phones of students, and later being shared across the internet and social media. Now, the story finally lives inside a physical book where the world can enjoy it in all its glory, presented by Stormzy’s Merky Books and Penguin Random House. Keisha is a girl from the ends who has been labelled the top ‘sket’—a term that calls out promiscuous behaviour. But it’s a childish crush that finally wins her over, his name is Ricardo. She may finally have what she wants, but her past choices catch up to her like a whirlwind. Told with the heart and soul of the inner city, with an unforgettable heroine, Keisha the Sket is a revelation of the true, raw, arousing, and tender core of British youth culture.
Young, Rich & Black by Nia Forrester | Buy in the US | Buy in the UK
When Chris “Deuce” Scaife, Jr. and the campus revolutionary, Zora Diallo have an unexpected and powerful encounter just before winter break, no one could have been more surprised than they were. Quickly they become inseparable. But what they begin to realise over time, is that there are some considerable differences in their lifestyle. Can their passion for one another withstand their differences in life? Zora is looking to change the world, but Deuce is just enjoying being young, rich, and Black. And ultimately, maybe the pull of their divergent paths will be stronger than the pull toward each other
If you’ve enjoyed any of these page-turners for yourself, be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section. You may also share any other gripping reads you’ve experienced this Autumn so far.
