Holiday Reading List

With the holiday season, I seem to do a lot of travel and take a good amount of time of work. Much of that time off is spent with family, but I also like to take advantage of the opportunity to read as many books as possible. I love a good show, don’t get me wrong, but is there anything better than getting sucked into a really good book?

I recently read The Girl on The Train (book was great, movie was a dud) and The Woman In Cabin 10, both of which I really enjoyed. So, I was looking for more books in that vein – suspenseful, twisty, and kind of dark. I asked for your suggestions on Snapchat and got so many great ideas, so I thought I’d share them here!
I haven’t read any of these books, so I can’t personally vouch for them. A few of them were recommended multiple times, so I bolded (is that the word for making something bold? unclear.) those.
I think I’m going to start with The Couple Next Door and work my way through the list! I’ll definitely be sharing on Snapchat what I think as I go through the books, so you can follow me there, if you’re interested! (username: laurelizabeth4)
Happy reading!

Hi there!

Lauren Bown Lifestyle Blog is an online destination where I share my personal style, beauty finds, and bits of life in hopes to inspire other women to feel good in their skin and find the beauty in the ordinary.

browse the archives

shop my instagram

Leave a Comment

31 Comments

  1. 11.16.16
    Steph said:

    I have read The Cuckoo's Calling, Defending Jacob, and most recently The Butterfly Garden – all were fantastic! Butterfly Garden was especially hard to put down!!! Happy reading!

  2. 11.16.16
    Kady Camm said:

    I've been waiting for you to post this list ever since you asked for suggestions on Snap. I'm always looking for book recommendations! I absolutely loved The Nightingale. I read The Good Girl and while I liked it, it took me a while to get through it. I know a lot of people really liked it, but it's not one I'd recommend. Enjoy!!

  3. 11.16.16
    MC said:

    The Luckiest Girl Alive had such a dramatic twist that literally left me with my jaw dropped. I did not see it coming at all.

    The Nightingale was fantastic and so sad. Anything Tana French touches is gold. And I've been listening to The Good Girl on audio and it is pretty darn suspenseful.

    Happy Reading!

  4. 11.16.16

    Fun post! I always love book recommendations!

  5. 11.16.16
    Caitlin said:

    I recently read Brain on Fire (in one day!) and highly recommend it. I had no intention of reading it one sitting, but I could not put it down! So captivating and unnerving.

    • 11.17.16

      I second Brain on Fire! I read that a couple of years ago. It was definitely one I could not put down.

  6. 11.16.16

    You have some really great ones here! I hope you enjoy them!

  7. 11.16.16
    Whitney said:

    Highly recommend Brain on Fire! It was really good. I've got The Nightingale on my beside table waiting for me.

  8. 11.16.16

    Thank you for posting this! I am always looking for new books to read and currently am into a lot of mystery/thriller types so this list is perfect. And just in time since I'm flying home for Thanksgiving. 🙂

  9. 11.17.16
    Danielle said:

    Thanks! This looks like a great list! I took a screenshot on snap too 😉

  10. 11.17.16
    jules said:

    I just started Luckiest Girl Alive and am loving it! I'll report back when I'm finished 🙂

    xo Jules

  11. 11.17.16

    Annnnd that's my holiday reading sorted – thank you!! 🙂

    Rebecca
    xx
    http://www.peppermintdolly.com

  12. 11.17.16

    Love the rug! Where's it from?

  13. 11.17.16

    Great list! The Cuckoo's Calling isn't as suspenseful as Girl on the Train in my opinion, but still a great read. There's also a sequel out for it, The Silkworm. I totally agree, you must read Big Little Lies, and anything by Liane Moriarty – I've read Truly Madly Guilty and What Alice Forgot as well – all highly recommended!
    If you do like suspense and kind of dark, I recently listened to audiobook Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Parris – at first I didn't think I would like it, but it was gripping, had me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend it too!

  14. 11.18.16
    Niken said:

    Thank you for the recommendation. I love Cormoran Strike's story. I can't wait for the 4th book already.

  15. 11.18.16
    Nicole E said:

    I REALLY enjoyed Luckiest Girl Alive. AND I think they're making a movie out of it soon, which is nice!

    michenn

    michenn Chanel Slingbacks Review

  16. 11.19.16

    You are going to love The Couple Next Door! Can't wait to read your review 🙂

  17. 11.21.16

    Yay! The Couple Next Door was my suggestion. You will LOVE it! I actually just picked All the Missing Girls from your list and so far, it's great!

  18. 11.22.16
    Stiina said:

    I just finished reading Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult, really good!

  19. 11.22.16
    LorieR said:

    So excited for this list! This is exactly the type book I have been loving. I am shopping for an ereader for a Christmas gift. What ereader do you use and do you recommend it? Also, your polish is a beautiful! What shade are you wearing?

  20. 11.29.16

    I love this reading list. Thank you for sharing.

  21. 12.4.16

    Thank you for your miracle Doctor Osemu Okpamen

    This article is dedicated to the Doctor Osemu Okpamen. I have been married with my wife for 5 years and recently she broke up with me and it hurt me deeply when she told me to leave her alone and that she does not love me anymore when i was always faithful and honest to her. I tried all the ways to get her back buying her what she wants like i always did and she still left me heart broken and she even has a new boyfriend which destroyed me even more until a friend of mine from high school directed me to this genuine spell Doctor called Osemu Okpamen. This man changed my life completely. I followed everything he told me to do and my wife came back begging for me back. I was stunned everything happened exactly like he told me. I had faith in everything he told me and everything was true. Also he was there every moment until i got my happiness back and he also provides spells that cures impotence, bareness, diseases such as HIV/AID E.T.C You can contact him via email at { Doctorokpamenspelltemple@yahoo.com } or visit his website http://www.doctorokpamenspells.com. He will help you in anything you need and quick to answer once you contact him or call me for more info +1 (914)-517-3229.

  22. 12.4.16

    You've GOT to add What She Left Behind to your list. It's amazing!! It's by Ellen Marie Wiseman. Page turner, suspenseful, cruel with many twists and turns. She also wrote The Plum Tree which is JUST as good!

  23. 12.5.16

    Loved The Nightingale! I can't wait to read some off of this list. Thank you 🙂

  24. 12.7.16
    Unknown said:

    Thank you for this list! Always looking for new suggestions.

    I loved Defending Jacob – especially as a mother. I agree with previous comment about The Good Girl – it was ok, but I saw the "twist" coming from very early on. I finished the book, but would not recommend it.

    Everything from Liane Moriarty is good – honestly, everything.

    I also have Maria Semple's new book, Today Will Be Different, on my list.

  25. 1.7.17
    Anonymous said:

    I love any type of thriller, so pretty much every book on your list is right up my alley! Before I go to sleep is amazing!! I would read that one asap, you won't be disappointed. I was, however, disappointed in "The Luckiest Girl Alive." You should definitely do book reviews once you've read these, I would love to know your opinion on them!
    ablissfulblonde.com

  26. 9.15.17
    WesleyD said:

    WHENEVER YOU OR YOUR LOVED ONES NEED A LOAN UPSTART LOAN IS THE BEST, TESTED AND TRUSTED. BEWARE OF RIPPERS ONLINE.( Email: upstartloan@yahoo.com or text/call +1(574) 301-1639 ).

    Good day, Out of my busy schedule just feel like to quickly share this because i know am going to save thousand of lives with this. A lot of persons will agree with me that fake loan lenders is no longer a news to us it has been trending for some months now and i was also victimized when i tried seeking for a loan for the invention of a new patent and invest on stock. After so many failed attempt to get a loan there was one company who proved themself to be different among the rest, They are trust worthy, straight forward, honest and reliable. I won't say much because as the saying goes "experience is the best teacher", I will candid advice anyone who need a loan of any amount to kindly contact this one and only true lenders UPSTART LOAN on their email address: ( upstartloan@yahoo.com ) Or you can as well text/call them on ( +1(574) 301-1639 ) . I remain my humble self Wesley Kurt Dwayne, I reside at Park Ave Richmond VA 23220. Say no more to be victim of scam enough is enough for the wise, Don't trust until you verified contact UPSTART LOAN now and share your own awesome experience with them.
    //////////////\\\\\\\\

  27. 11.10.17

    WHEN I HAD NO HOPE AFTER LOOSING ALL MY SAVINGS, CHESTER BRIAN LOANS HELPED ME {brianloancompany0@gmail.com}
    Hi everyone, i am Chloe Raymond am so glade coming back to this great forum to testify about the help i received from Chester Brian. I was in desperate need of a loan in other to be free from debt and financial bondage that was place on me by my ex husband. It was really bad that i have to seek for help from Friends,family and even my bank but on one could assist me because my credit score was really bad. So i was browsing with my computer and saw some testimonies from people Chester Brian assisted with a loan, then i decided to contact him on his email BRIANLOANCOMPANY0@GMAIL.COM, then i received a mail from them and i did all that was asked from me. To my greatest surprise they transferred to my account the loan i requested and now i am so happy clearing my debt and have also started a business with the remaining amount to take care of myself and family. If you need a loan do contact the best loan lender of all time Chester Brian on his email: BRIANLOANCOMPANY0@GMAIL.COM or Call/Text +1(803) 373-2162