I couldn’t exit the year without an acknowledgement of the backlist books that kept me afloat in 2025. While there were excellent new books released in 2025 these six special novels, all published in previous years found me when I needed books to provide an escape, thrill me, make me laugh, and even break my heart a little.
Fantastic historical fiction about an artist whose work and life I only became interested in after a trip to Santa Fe. My review
A mash-up of rom-com and mystery, this gem kept me engrossed and puzzled until the clever ending. My review
A middle-aged female pirate? You bet! If you ever thought you might like to try fantasy novels, this is a perfect beginning. And the sequel is coming out next year! My review
A boy survives the death of his family and 180 other passengers when their plane goes down. An extraordinarily insightful, tender portrayal of grief, guilt, coming of age, and family.
This slow burn murder that incorporates a famous author, 9/11, DNA, and a dead suspect is brilliant. Full review to follow.
This book. This book is one of my 3 favorites of the year and yet I couldn’t gather my thoughts enough to write a review. That hurts, but I will persevere. Until then, this is a novel in which an elderly scientist, an orphaned girl, and a space shuttle returning to earth all face the uncertainty of mankind’s future.
Did you read any great backlist novels this year that I should try? Please share in the comments!
My two favorite backlist books from 2025 are both nonfiction. The Sinking of El Farro: Thirty Three Mariners, one Mega Storm and the Sinking of the El Farro by Rachel Slade. Also, Master, Slave, Husband, Wife by Ilyon Woo. For me both 5 ⭐️ + books. Happy New Year!
How nice that nonfiction worked well for you this year! I struggled with it.
No doubt you’ve read two of my favorite backlist novels this year: Commonwealth by Ann Patchett and Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar.
Yeah I need to read that Georgia novel. Going on my TBR. Anything with O’Keeffe and I’m interested — I have been to Santa Fe.
I did read some backlist and made my way through Book 2 of Ferrante this year …. but you might like Fifteen Wild Decembers (2023) by Karen Powell … it’s well done.
but stay far away from scrolling news this week … it’s worse than nuts.
Adding it to my TBR.
I’m speechless with horror. Invading a country and murdering a Christian, white, stay at home mother. All with NO shame.