It’s weird because the backend of 2022 had a few flops in the reading department for me, so I was skeptical about starting new books this month. But January has been gooooood reading, my friends! Ooh. I did a re-read for the second time in six months–something before now I’ve never done!

I didn’t make any 2023 reading resolutions this year, but I would love to incorporate some more re-reads if I can manage it.

As usual, any purchases made through the links in this post will go to support my bookstore, Twice Told Tales, in McPherson KS.

How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
Order a hardcover copy here (or stop in and pick up a copy at Twice Told Tales)
Download the audiobook version here.

This book… was so fun. And scary! And un-put-down-able! I’ve been telling everyone that it has Big Gremlins Energy–that is to say that it feels very 80’s (though it takes place in present day) and campy and funny? But also I feel like it explores family dynamics and secrets and generational trauma in a deeply thoughtful way. I enjoyed this book so much and I can’t wait to read more Grady Hendrix!

Weyward by Emilia Hart (published in March)
Pre-Order the hardcover copy here.
Pre-Order the audiobook here.

This book is perfect for anyone who really loves family stories (me), multiple timelines and narrators (me), and witches? Or maybe not witches? What is a witch anyway? A woman that isn’t following the rules.

In this story we learn about Kate from 2019, Altha from 1619, and Violet from 1942–all women born from the Weyward line and all women who need to dig deep to find their own personal brand of magic. It’s not a spoiler to let you know that they find it and when it shows up… it’s big and it changes everything.

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell (published in March)
Pre-Order the Hardcover book here.
Pre-Order the audiobook here.

Okay, okay, okay. So this is like… if Agatha Christie was the producer on The Great British Bake Off. Which is to say I loved it. I love a locked-room mystery trope–that is when all the characters are trapped in one place and you need to find out whodunnit.

Five contestants arrive at a big fancy Vermont estate to participate in the most famous baking competition TV show in American history! Here’s the thing, though. We find out on page one (more or less) that someone ends up dead at some point during Bake Week. As the reader, we’re spending the entirety of the book trying to figure out who died and who did it! It’s a sharp and suspenseful thriller for mystery buffs and bakers alike. This book is filled with twists and turns that will keep you reading late into the night until you turn the very last page of this incredible debut.

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
Buy the paperback copy here (or at Twice Told Tales)
Download the audiobook here.

I read One Last Stop for the first time in the summer of 2021 and I loooooved it! I was so excited when my book club decided to read it for our February discussion.

After reading a couple books that were a little dark and mysterious, it was such a delight to dive into the cheerful, fun world that Casey McQuiston has created in this story. On the surface it’s a love story and a steamy romance with a surprising time-travel element? But it’s deeply rooted in reality. What I love the very most about this book is the way that it celebrates and dives deep into Queer friendship and found family. I’m telling you–I’m a sucker for a family story!!
There’s also a ton of music referenced in this book and I went ahead and made a Spotify playlist about it. Check it out!