Top Suspense/Thriller

Our last genre category for the year is for suspense/thrillers! If you’ve enjoyed checking out our top picks in each category, check back tomorrow for our top overall selections.

1. Every Wicked Man by Steven James

The final book in the Bowers files leaves us sad to see the series end. James has created one of the best series out there an fans will love the way things come to an end.

Read the full review here.

A Steep price

2. A Steep Price by Robert Dugoni

The newest Tracy Crosswhite book is a must read! Tracy and her crew are back and ready to tackle their toughest case yet, which hits too close to home for Tracy.

Read the full review here.

3. Thirst of Steel by Ronie Kendig

As the final book in the Tox Files concludes, readers will have their emotions taken on a roller coaster ride. Ronie Kendig brings one of the best novels of the year.

Read the full review here.

4. Not that I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser

DO NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Read until the final chapter to see the right way a suspense novel should be played out!

Read the full review here.

5. If I Live by Terri Blackstock

One of the best conclusions to a series that we’ve read in a long time! Blackstock never disappoints!

Read the full review here.

6. The Escape Artist by Brad Meltzer

Who is Nola Brown and why is she supposed to be dead? Throughout this book, readers will be left stunned and salivating for answers for these two questions in addition to many, many more!

Read the full review here.

Top Historical Fiction

Another great category as the year comes to a close is historical fiction. This topic covers anything from a few years ago to ancient civilization. It’s easy to get lost in these terrific reads.

1. Sold on a Monday by Kristina McMorris

It was easy to pick the top book of the year in this category. Set in the great depression, an innocent photo to depict the hardships turns into a horrible mess that may destroy the lives of several people.

Read the full review here.

2. Between the Lies by Cynthia A. Graham

Another fantastic read by Graham. This is set in Arkansas during the civil ri. ghts movement in a battle between sheriffs of neighboring counties over the innocence of a young colored boy charged with murder. Fair warning though, the ending is going to get you!

Read the full review here.

3. The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck

This is one of those books that has garnered a lot of buzz in the short time it h as been on the market, and it’s easy to see why. Each character is complex, and while maybe not likeable, relatable.

Read the full review here.

4. The Lost Castle by Kristy Cambron

Three different stories encompassing three different time periods all set at the same castle compose this masterpiece. You’ll have trouble deciding which of the stories you are more looking forward to continuing as you read!

Read the full review here.

5. Missing Isaac by Valeria Fraser Luesse

A terrific novel that explores both the prejudice and the classism of the 1960s southern era.

Read the full review here.

jerusalem queen 6. Jerusalem’s Queen by Angela Hunt

As always, Hunt’s novels are rich with history and this is no exception. We always have to research the events that take place in her book to learn more.

Read the full review here.

Top Romantic Suspense

Our next category focuses on romance coupled with suspense. A great combo with several great books.

1. Wait for Me by Susan May Warren

This entire series was great for romantic suspense, but the closing book really ramped up the heat.

Read the full review here.

2. In Too Deep by Lynn H. Blackburn

Lynn H. Blackburn hit it out of the park with the first Dive Team book and the follow up is even better. We loved every minute we got to spend with the characters.

Read the full review here.

3. Lethal Target by Janice Cantore

With tighter action, better characters and an overall excellent story, Lethal Target is by far the best we have read from Janice Cantore.

Read the full review here.

4. The House at Saltwater Point by Colleen Coble

Even more entertaining and suspenseful than her previous books, this might just be Coble’s very best yet!

Read the full review here.

5. Called to Protect by Lynettte Eason

The tension was so tight and crisp that we were on the edge of our seat until the end of the book!

Read the full review here.

6. Mind Games by Nancy Mehl

With a familiar writing style, we quickly devoured this suspenseful novel!

Read the full review here.

Best Ending to a Series

We’re branching out and adding a new category to our “Best of” lists. This one is for the best conclusion to a series that ended in 2018, which saw quite a few of the series we had been following come to an end.

1. Every Wicked Man of the Patrick Bowers novels by Steven James

We’ve been enjoying the Patrick Bowers series for well over a decade and were very sad to see it end. It was bittersweet to say the least. This FBI series is one of the best out there written by one of the best storytellers around.

Read the full review here.

2. If I live of the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock

Blackstock shows that she is still at the top of her game in the conclusion of one of the most intense suspense series that has played out over the last three years. It is plain to see why she is still one of the top names in Christian fiction.

Read the full review here.

3. Wait for Me of the Montana Rescue series by Susan May Warren

This has been a terrific series of romantic suspense novels centered on members of the search and rescue team high in Montana. Naturally played out romances with high stakes tension just kept the pages turning.

Read the full review here.

4. The Golden Vial of the Legends of the Realm series by Thomas Locke

After the first two installments, we were left hanging for almost two years to get closure and the conclusion to this amazing fantasy series, but it was worth the wait.

Read the full review here.

Top YA Fiction

Our next category focuses on a younger audience, but each of these pics can easily be enjoyed by all.

1. Losing Brave by Bailee Madison

This was such an intense, exciting, and suspenseful read that we believe anyone who reads this will be left with the feeling that the next book they pick up will have no chance of being as good as this one.

Read the full review here.

2. The Defiant by Lesley Livingston

Girl power like none other! This book has everything readers look fir in an action packed female powerhouse of a story!

Read the full review here.

Reaper 3. A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

The third book in this amazing series shifts gears a bit by keeping the main characters separated from each other but builds for a follow up book that we believe will be the very best yet!

Read the full review here.

4. A Touch of Gold by Annie Sullivan

A new spin on the old tale of King Midas that is filled with fun and adventure that is sure to keep readers deeply intrigued by the richness of the story!

Read the full review here.

5. Hope in the Holler by Lisa Lewis Tyre

Tyre has found a remarkable voice in crafting books that makes reading fun for younger audiences. We hope to see her books in education curriculum soon.

Read the full review here.

6. Everywhere You Want to Be by Christina June

Labeled as a retelling of Red Riding Hood, Christina June goes deeper with life lessons that hit home and should be taken to heart.

Read the full review here.

Top Supernatural Fiction

Our next category covers supernatural fiction and have we got a range to pick from. Check out these picks if you’re looking for something a little different to read.

1. The Man He Never Was by James L. Rubart

An intensely intriguing story that will leave readers looking into their own dark side wondering whether darkness or light will win the ultimate battle.

Read the full review here.

2. Steal Away Home by Billy Coffey

Coffey is a master at throwing the supernatural into ordinary life. This southern novel is a home run!

Read the full review here.

3. The 49th Mystic by Ted Dekker

Can we just say how excited we were to have a Ted Dekker book to read this year! For those that are part of the circle, this book will take you for a ride!

Read the full review here.

4. Rise of the Mystics by Ted Dekker

Okay, okay. We know it’s another Dekker book, but it really keeps the supernatural theme moving along. If you haven’t started his books, make that a 2019 resolution.

Read the full review here.

5. What Blooms from Dust by James Markert

The surprise book from this category centers on the dust bowl in Oklahoma. After a tornado frees a convicted killer, he returns to his hometown to set the record straight during one of the darkest storms of the era.

Read the full review here.

Top Contemporary Fiction

As an added Christmas bonus, we are releasing our top picks for contemporary fiction! This category was a little more difficult to narrow down to five, so we cut it to six!

1. The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

To call this book extraordinary doesn’t do it justice! A change from his usual police procedural thriller, Dugoni has written a coming of age story with some of the best character development we have ever read.

Read the full review here.

2. Everything We Give by Kerry Lonsdale

We’ve been waiting for the conclusion of this series for well over a year. Ian’s story finally makes everything come full circle to understand what has happened since the beginning.

Read the full review here.

3. Send Down the Rain by Charles Martin

This was an incredible read that kept us engaged through the whole story. Martin’s storytelling is flawless throughout and the characters spring to life and become your truest friends.

Read the full review here.

4. Under a Cloudless Sky by Chris Fabry

Fabry’s past/present storytelling is once again a hit with this new read. With forgiveness at the heart of this novel, it should be on everyone’s list!

Read the full review here.

5. Rainbirds by Clarissa Goenawan

Probably the most beautifully written book of the whole year. Dealing with grief is never easy, but Goenawan puts a story into prose that is intriguing, mischievous, and well thought out!

Read the full review here.

6. Just After Midnight by Catherine Ryan Hyde

While dog might just be man’s best friend, Hyde shows that a horse might just be woman’s best friend.

Read the full review here.

Top Legal Thrillers

Merry Christmas everyone! What better way to celebrate than to release our top five picks for legal thrillers and crime fiction!

1. Delayed Justice by Cara Putman

Our top pick centers on speaking out about abuse and not letting others control you. Quite a bit of a limelight subject this year.

Read the full review here.

2. Chosen People by Robert Whitlow

A fast paced legal mystery focused on terrorism in Israel and the US brings in our second pick. Whitlow has a knack for keeping us glued to the paf Dffge.

Read the full review here.

3. Lone Witness by Rachel Dylan

Rachel Dylan’s background in law makes her work writing legal thrillers the perfect combination. What could be more fun than a novel about white collar crimes?

Read the full review here.

4. Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley

With Elvis impersonators, unsolved murders, and an unstable murderer, Justice Betrayed this book is bound to leave readers all shook up!

Read the full review here.

5. Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

Impersonating a sketch artist seems like a good way to keep a low profile until it leads to a trail to crack open a case colder than World War II.

Read the full review here.

Top 2019 Nonfiction

Moving onto our next category, here are our top picks for nonfiction. Ranging from fitness to espionage, these are sure to be must reads.

1. Breaking Cover by Michele Rigby Assad

Personal stories from an ex-CIA operative coupled with a faith basis made this our top pick for the year. Grab a copy while you still can.

Read the full review here.

2. The Tunnels by Greg Mitchell

With a descriptive, yet informative narrative about the initial weeks after the Berlin wall went up, this read more like a fast paced fiction novel. Such an educational novel to those that don’t really know the history behind the wall.

Read the full review here.

Mothers book of blessing 3. A Mother’s Book of Blessings

With inspirational stories at every turn, this book really knows how to lift mothers up.

Read the full review here.

4. The Spartan Way by Joe De Sena

Spartan up! Aroo! This book will entice you to get off the couch and change your life. With plenty of Spartan Race stories, this will get you energized for the new year!

Read the full review here.

SOTT 5. The Spirit of the Trail by Carrie Morgridge

Another great inspirational read that will set your new year off right. This book accounts a day by day trek of bike riding the continental divide!

Read the full review here.

Top Mystery Fiction

It’s that time of year again! Time to share our most favorite reads out of several different categories. First up this year is our picks for mystery fiction.

1. Dead Sea Rising by Jerry Jenkins

The tension in this book really set the tone. We couldn’t put it down from the time that we picked it up. It’s hard to imagine follow up success after the Left Behind series, but Jenkins shows why he is still one of the top writers in his market.

Read the full review here.

2. Trial on Mount Koya by Susan Spann

You just can’t be a great mystery set in Japan 600 years ago. With great continuing character development between a Japanese Samurai and a Portuguese Priest, this series continues to make our top pick each year.

Read the full review here.

The Mystery of Three Quarters

3. The Mystery of the Three Quarters by Sophie Hannah.

Fans of Agatha Christie will love this series that has been picked up with one of Christie’s beloved characters, Hercule Poirot. Readers will be trying to solve the riddle throughout the entire book.

Read the full review here.

4. The Spirit of the Fox by Matthew O’Connell

Another great mystery set in Japan. When a young girl seems to be possessed by the fox goddess, she appears to be cleaning up after a family shunning years ago.

Read the full review here.

5. A Dangerous Duet by Karen Odden

Quite possibly one of the best surprises of the year was this hidden gem. Set in London’s Soho district, will a young promising piano player unravel a dangerous crime smuggling ring resulting in murders of people she knows?

Read the full review here.