Hello and a very warm welcome to damppebbles. It’s Tuesday which means it’s time for this week’s Top Ten Tuesday post. I’ve decided to take part in That Artsy Reader Girl’s Top Ten Tuesday meme to mix things up a little here at dp. My original plan was to participate as and when I had the time to put a post together. That then turned into posting ‘weekly without fail’ until I was forced to take a break following surgery to both shoulders (that recovery happened to coincide with a complete and utter loss of reading and blogging mojo 🤷🏻‍♀️). But now I’m back and I’m going to take a much more chilled approach to all things bookish. Which means TTT will return to being a regular feature on damppebbles but a ‘no pressure’ one (that’s the plan anyway!).

The meme was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish but has lived with Jana at That Artsy Reader Girl since January 2018. It was created to encompass a love of books, of lists and to bring readers together. If you would also like to take part then you’re very welcome: the more, the merrier. Just make sure you link back to Jana’s post every week. If you don’t have a blog then no problem, just add your list to the comments below.

This week’s theme is Best Books I Read in 2024. I wasn’t going to write a top books/end of the year post this year due to several things. I had an unplanned hiatus of roughly six months earlier this year. I lost my blogging (and reading) mojo quite dramatically during this time. Then, at the start of November, I realised how much I missed the blog, how much I missed writing posts and how much I missed interacting with fellow booklovers here and on the socials. But oh, I had fallen so far behind with everything. I hadn’t written a review in months, it was taking me a good month plus to read a 330 page book – catching up felt nearly impossible. So I decided to repost my reviews of books I’ve read and loved so far this year. I also got back on the Top Ten Tuesday wagon, as well as WWW Wednesday. Sharing my earlier reviews reminded me how much I loved reading the books and writing about them. It also gave me a window of a few weeks to start writing NEW reviews which I will start sharing later this week. But, to get to the point I was trying (and failing!) to make, you’ve already seen my top books of the year. If you’re a regular visitor to the blog, this list will come as no surprise. And if it’s your first time here, then welcome. All of these books are brilliant and I highly recommend every single one. They’re in the order I read them, starting with January’s books…

---

1. First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
If you’re a fan of fast-paced, psychological thrillers then First Lie Wins is an absolute must-read. It’s so clever, with tight, punchy plotting, and twists and turns galore. You never really know exactly what’s going on but that adds so much to the appeal of the book. Hugely gripping, full of irresistible suspense, pitch-perfect plotting all wrapped up in a thrilling, high energy read. More please, Ms Elston!

---

2. The Clinic by Cate Quinn
I enjoyed every moment I spent with The Clinic. It’s a dark and gripping novel with a whole host of unreliable narrators playing their part, telling their truths (or not as the case may be!) and helping to move the plot along. Hugely compelling, full of menace, and with a superb sense of impending doom running throughout.

---

3. Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate
Twenty-Seven Minutes is a rich, character-driven mystery full of well-written suspense and devastating secrets. With themes of enduring grief and loss, and the complexities of family, this slow-burn literary suspense novel is a story for readers to really invest in. It was a true pleasure to read this book and I eagerly look forward to more from the author in the future.

---

4. The Traitors by C.A. Lynch
The Traitors was enormous fun to read and highly entertaining from start to finish. Even the slower, more sedate moments had my rapt, undivided attention. Shocks, grisly murders and surprises galore. Loved it! Couldn’t put it down, didn’t want to put it down. Love, love, loved it!

---

5. The Stranger in Her House by John Marrs
If you’ve read any of this author’s books before you will know that a John Marrs novel is always entertaining and chockful of well-penned twists. The Stranger in Her House is no different. Riveting, evocative and bursting with razor-sharp, perfectly pitched suspense.

---

6. Those We Drown by Amy Goldsmith
I thoroughly enjoyed Those We Drown. A superb debut novel from an author to watch. Full of intrigue, irresistible tension and a wonderful overarching sense of horrible, impending, monster-laden doom.

---

7. Murder Road by Simone St. James
I loved Murder Road with its atmospheric, creepy setting and small-town vibes. I fell completely in love with April and Eddie who both have their own secrets which they are yet to tell their new spouse. The other characters are all so wonderfully written. Absolutely excellent in every respect. Highly recommended.

---

8. Small Town Horror by Ronald Malfi
Small Town Horror is another stunning read from a skilled storyteller. Malfi’s characters are very believable. You may not particularly like them, but you will become invested in their story. And what a story they have to share! As for THAT ending…*chef’s kiss*. Absolute perfection. I am devastated and I flipping loved it.

---

9. The Mercy Chair by M.W. Craven
Book six in the superb Washington Poe and Tilly Bradshaw series is another cracking read with dark, disturbing undertones. Look out for my review appearing on the blog in the New Year.

---

10. All the Colours of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
Chris Whitaker is the author behind my all-time favourite book (We Begin at the End). I couldn’t wait to get started on this one and once again, Chris’s characters and storytelling blew my mind. No one writes like Chris Whitaker. He is a unique talent. I loved everything about All the Colours of the Dark. Review to follow in the New Year.

---

So there you have it. My top ten books of the year (which I’ve actually – for the first time in years – managed to keep to *just ten*!!). They’re the cream of the crop. Dark and twisty, chock full of suspense and intrigue. And well worth picking up if you get the chance.

Have you read any of these books? Are there any on my list that take your fancy? What are your top ten books of 2024? Are you taking part in Top Ten Tuesday this week? Let me know in the comments.

Have a peaceful and safe New Year, bookish lovelies, and I will see you on the other side. Providing I can remove myself from my post Christmas cheese induced haze I will be sharing my first review of the New Year with you on Thursday. Thank you for your support over the last year. You are AMAZING! Stay safe, stay bookish and keep reading. Lots of love, Emma @damppebbles x

If you fancy joining in next week then head on over to That Artsy Reader Girl’s blog to find out what the next topic is!

Please note, this post contains affiliate links. This means I may earn commission should you choose to make a purchase using the links.