This new year started off very well reading-wise. With a few older titles, as well as a couple or arcs I received from the publishers, this was a very productive reading month for me. That’s what I call a great start to the year. This is my January 2025 reading update.
I Know You Know by Gilly McMillan
This is a physical book I’ve had on my shelves for a couple of years, and finding the audio copy at my local library pushed me to prioritize it. Which is how I decided to tackle most of my back-reads that I otherwise can’t seem to get to.
It was a decent read, but not one I will urge anyone to run and buy.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
This was my second read of 2025, which was also a listen on audio. I had this book on my shelves for a couple of years, so I’m glad I finally got to read it.
It is a very good option to consider for historical fiction/family sagas/literary and contemporary fiction fans. I find it’s a great blend of these genres combined. Having been my first read by the author, I will say that I will definitely pick up another one of her works in the future. A solid four star read!
The Island by Ragnar Jonasson
Same as the previous two books so far this month, I also opted for the audio version. Hence, that is the reason I read it before the first installment in the Hidden Island series, which I’m currently reading. And I’m glad to say I managed to finish just before the end of the month.
Featuring Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdottir, it is a chilling and haunting read perfect for those freezing January temperatures.
The Mountain King by Anders De La Motte
I read this for my Nordic Noir book club, which we are supposed to discuss at the end of february. So I’ll keep this review short and sweet, with no spoilers. I might follow up with a more in-depth review after my group meets, depending on time restraints. But I’m going to say that it is a good option for Nordic Noir lovers, although the book is a tad long, if I’m being honest. It’s not a critique, rather an observation. I know some of you don’t like reading books that are over 400 pages, which this one is.
Notes on a Drowning by Anna Sharpe
Thank you to Tracy from Compulsive Readers book tours for including me on this one. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know that I featured this book on January 27th.
I liked this entertaining, fast-paced legal thriller that takes place in London.
Doesn’t this synopsis sound intriguing? Quoted directly from Goodreads:
‘Alex knows she risks getting fired from her law firm if she takes on another unpaid case, but when she hears Rosa’s desperate voice at the other end of the phone, she knows she has to the body of Rosa’s shy teenage sister, Natalia, has been dragged, lifeless, from the Thames. Alex can’t help but think of her own missing little sister. She knows how a lack of answers can eat you alive.
Kat has worked hard to become Special Adviser to the Home Secretary, and is eager to finally put the dark and tragic part of her past behind her. But when she discovers a series of cover-ups, she begins to wonder whether her seemingly perfect new boss could be involved. Then she’s shocked to discover a letter that raises worrying questions about a girl found drowned in London… Natalia.
There are complex and painful reasons for Alex and Kat not to work together, but when it becomes clear that there are powerful people involved in Natalia’s death, and that other girls are at risk, Alex and Kat must overcome their differences to find answers. Will they save the girls and discover the truth? Or will the high-powered players in this game stop Alex and Kat for good?’
Dissolved by Sara Blaedel
This book is a standalone that isn’t a part of the author’s Louise Rick series. She co-wrote it with Mads Peder Nordbo, and it was a decent read overall. It kept me intrigued until the end, which is a positive.
Unfortunately, the ending fell flat for me, which made me only give it a three star rating. It’s too bad, because the plot was fast-paced and the characters interesting, even though I didn’t particularly like any of them. Having said that, it’s a short and fast read for Nordic Noir lovers. And that cover is gorgeous, in my opinion!
The Binding Room by Nadine Matheson
The second book in the Anjelica Henley series is a great continuation, with the team tackling a new case. If you haven’t read The Jigsaw Man, the author’s debut novel, you can read this one on its own. Although the main character’s history is better understood if you have a background storyline. Not having it doesn’t impact you being able to follow the plot of The Binding Room. I read the first instalment in the series a couple of years ago, and yet Inspector Henley remained imprinted in my memory. Looking forward to the third in the series, The Kill List, which was published on April 2nd, 2024.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
I can see what the hype was all about this book. It is beautifully written, and it is one of the best historical fiction/literary fiction books that came out in the past decade.
The author narrates the story of Count Alexander Rostov, an aristocrat, and a man with purpose. At least, by his standards.
Filled with a sparkling cast and colorful characters, the story transports us to 1922 Russia, and the following couple of decades. While the Count was sentenced to house arrest by a Bolshevik tribunal, he created bonds with the most unlikely people. All while the most tumultuous events in Russian history take place right outside his ‘prison’ walls.
I Dreamed of Falling by Julia Dahl
I’ll be honest with you guys, I almost dnf this book. But something urged me to power through, and I must say that the ending shocked me. I found the first half kind of dragged on, but once the twists and turns started to come at a faster pace, it grabbed my attention. Once I wanted to find out what happened, I devoured it.
So it’s a solid three stars. The reason I didn’t rate it higher is the redundant Covid mentions that were a bit unnecessary to the plot, in my opinion. I know the author meant to include the characters’ struggle with dealing with the effects of the virus. It was part of their personality, but to me it seemed a bit over the top. That’s my opinion, so I’m sorry if it offends anyone.
The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson
And, last but not least, I managed to squeeze this book in on the last day of the month, making my total reads of January 2025 to 10 books!
As previously mentioned, I should have read this one before The Island. Honestly though, it wouldn’t have made a difference. Other than the events in Hulda’s personal life that get a bit confusing, tha cases are unrelated. This book, although the first in the series, happens after the events in the second book. So beware of that, in case you space them out. Having said that, Jonasson’s books are all very fast-paced and they make for easy reads.
Concluding Words
This is my January 2025 reading update. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed reading these books. I didn’t have a five-star read yet, but most of them were solid books, ranging between three and four stars. Which is pretty amazing!
How was your January reading? Have you read any unforgettable books that you would recommend?
Until next time, keep reading fellow bookworms!