Better Reading has unveiled its Top 100 Books for the year 2024, showcasing an array of narratives that span genres, cultures, and human experiences. From gripping historical fiction to profound explorations of human emotion and life’s complexities, this year’s selection heralds an eclectic mix designed to cater to the tastes and curiosities of an expansive readership. We are so proud to see 15 of our titles featured on this year’s list, which you can read about below.
#5 – The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set against the harrowing backdrop of Nazi Germany, The Book Thief captures a young girl’s journey of survival and resilience, where words and a stolen book bring solace and act as a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos.
#9 – The Dry by Jane Harper
A thrilling narrative woven with suspense, The Dry takes readers to a parched Australian town where a detective returns to probe a haunting mystery from his past amidst a community grappling with secrets.
#17 – The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
A poignant tale of two sisters in World War II France, The Nightingale is an ode to the human spirit’s resilience, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the unsung heroism of women during the war.
#35 – The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
New York Times bestselling author of The Younger Wife Sally Hepworth brings you a dark, romantic and twisted story about marriage and murder.
#39 – A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
An intense exploration of friendship and the scars of the past, A Little Life follows four college classmates as they navigate success and redemption in a world that seems to offer both in unequal measures.
#43 – Mr Einstein’s Secretary by Matthew Reilly
Australia’s favourite novelist and author of both the Scarecrow and Jack West Jr series presents an epic historical spy thriller.
#44 – Atlas: The Story Of Pa Salt by Lucinda Riley & Harry Whittaker
A mesmerising continuation of the global-spanning Seven Sisters series, Atlas unravels more mysteries surrounding the enigmatic Pa Salt and his adopted daughters’ legacy.
#48 – The Lost Man by Jane Harper
Set in the remote Australian outback, The Lost Man is a riveting family saga intertwined with secrets, where the death of a middle brother leads to startling revelations within a family.
#62 – Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
A compelling narrative that peels back the layers of seemingly perfect lives, Big Little Lies exposes the truths lurking beneath the surface of an upscale community, leading to a shocking and unforgettable climax.
#70 – Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Based on a true story, Burial Rites tells the haunting tale of a woman accused of murder in 1820s Iceland, evoking the stark landscapes and the journey towards understanding and acceptance under the shadow of death.
#79 – Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
From the celebrated author of Big Little Lies, this novel explores the complexities of family dynamics, the search for individual identity, and the profound impact of past decisions on present reality.
#81 – Something Bad is Going to Happen by Jessie Stephens
A thrilling page-turner that masterfully builds suspense, this novel keeps readers on the edge, pondering the nature of premonition and the lengths one would go to prevent a foreseen disaster.
#94 – The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty
A story that intricately weaves together lives and secrets, The Husband’s Secret examines the facets of truth, forgiveness, and the deep-seated impacts of hidden realities coming to light.
#96 – Exiles by Jane Harper
Australia’s favourite detective Aaron Falk – star of The Dry and Force of Nature – is back investigating an abandoned baby, a missing mother, and a puzzle from the past in this masterful novel of intrigue.
#100 – Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
Wrapping up the list, Darling Girls is a page-turning thriller by New York Times bestselling author Sally Hepworth, about sisterhood, secrets, love and murder.
Better Reading’s Top 100 Books of 2024 not only highlight the incredible talent within the literary world but also serve as a beacon for readers seeking to embark on new, transformative journeys through the pages of these captivating stories. Whether you’re drawn to the allure of historical narratives, the thrill of mystery and suspense, or the depth of personal and emotional exploration, this year’s selection promises a rich tapestry of themes and experiences waiting to be discovered.
Read more about the list here.