Every year, I reflect on the books that have shaped my thinking, stirred my imagination, or offered a much-needed escape. This year’s collection is a vivid tapestry of psychological thrillers, personal finance insights, and creative memoirs.
Each book is more than a narrative; it’s a capsule of moments, lessons, and ideas that have left a lasting imprint on me in 2024. Here are my top ten reads of the year, with a brief glimpse into each.
The 10 Best Books I Read in 2024
- 1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- 2. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
- 3. The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
- 4. Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
- 5. Life’s Work by David Milch
- 6. Verity by Colleen Hoover
- 7. Useful, Not True by Derek Sivers
- 8. Forever the People by Paolo Hewitt
- 9. Crypto Confidential by Nat Eliason
- 10. Never Lie by Freida McFadden
1. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
This psychological thriller follows Alicia Berenson, a renowned painter who becomes mute after being accused of her husband’s murder. Obsessed with uncovering the truth, psychotherapist Theo Faber takes on her case, unraveling a mystery that leads to a jaw-dropping revelation. When a colleague (and later, my wife) recommended The Silent Patient, I had no idea it would redefine my reading habits. The story’s intricate layers and expertly crafted twists left me utterly speechless. I rarely read a book that reshapes what I crave in a genre, but this one did. Since finishing it, I’ve been chasing the same electrifying thrill of unexpected turns—and few have come close.
2. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
After spotting its stellar reviews on Amazon, I couldn’t resist picking it up. Fresh off the high of The Silent Patient, I was already deep in the world of psychological thrillers—but The Housemaid still managed to catch me off guard. The story introduces Millie, a young woman desperately seeking work, who lands a live-in position with the wealthy Winchester family. As she settles into her new role, the seemingly perfect household reveals dark and unsettling secrets, unraveling into a narrative packed with twists and suspense. The ending left me reeling in the best way. While some might critique McFadden’s straightforward writing style, I found it refreshing and ideally suited to the story’s pacing. It’s rare for a book to grip me so thoroughly, but this one did. If you’re a fan of edge-of-your-seat thrillers, this series is worth diving into.
3. The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
I found this book through a Reddit recommendation, and it’s a perfect example of why psychological thrillers have dominated my reading list this year. The story begins with a chance meeting between two strangers on a flight, leading to a chilling pact to eliminate each other’s burdens. From there, the plot twists through deceit, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, keeping me on edge the entire time. The premise alone is gripping—a casual encounter spiraling into something dark and twisted—but what truly stands out is the author’s ability to craft vivid characters with motivations that feel both chilling and deeply human. While I haven’t tackled the rest of the series, it’s on my reading list. If you’re a fan of thrillers, this one is a must-read.
4. Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money is one of my all-time favorite personal finance books, so I dove into Same as Ever with high expectations. It didn’t just meet them—it exceeded them. In this latest work, Housel shifts his focus from money to the timeless principles that shape human behavior and decision-making. Through his trademark accessible and thought-provoking style, he reveals how understanding life’s constants can help us navigate a world of constant change. This broader perspective feels both timeless and urgently relevant. Housel’s gift for distilling complex ideas into impactful, digestible insights shines here, cementing his spot on my Mount Rushmore of authors.
5. Life’s Work by David Milch
David Milch, the creator of the acclaimed TV series Deadwood, reflects on his life, career, and battle with Alzheimer’s in his memoir. After discovering Deadwood—regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas—I became deeply intrigued by Milch and his creative process. His memoir offers profound insights into storytelling, legacy, and the fight against dementia. Though his writing style mirrors the complexities of his mind and can be challenging at times, the experience is gratifying. Milch’s ability to articulate both the art of narrative and his struggles with memory is deeply inspiring, making this book a testament to one of television’s most brilliant minds.
6. Verity by Colleen Hoover
Another Reddit recommendation brought this book into my life—I couldn’t put it down. Verity is sometimes profoundly unsettling and downright uncomfortable to read, but the payoff is extraordinary. The story follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer hired to finish a bestselling series after its original author, Verity Crawford, becomes incapacitated. While sifting through Verity’s notes, Lowen stumbles upon a chilling autobiography filled with dark, unsettling secrets. I devoured this book in just a few days, but its impact lingered long after I turned the last page. It’s a masterclass in tension, constantly challenging your assumptions, keeping you guessing, and leaving you questioning everything you thought you knew. If you’re looking for a book that will grip you from start to finish, Verity is an unforgettable ride.
7. Useful, Not True by Derek Sivers
In this thought-provoking work, Derek Sivers challenges conventional wisdom, urging readers to embrace beliefs and practices that, while not universally true, can still be profoundly beneficial. I’ve already written a detailed summary of Useful, Not True, so I won’t repeat too much here. Suffice it to say, this book showcases Sivers at his best. His knack for flipping conventional ideas on their head and delivering practical, counterintuitive advice is unmatched. If you’re looking to rethink how you approach work, life, and creativity, this is essential reading. For deeper insights, check out my full summary here and explore his other books here, here, and here (in reverse chronological order).
8. Forever the People by Paolo Hewitt
Paolo Hewitt’s memoir chronicles his six-month journey with Oasis during their Be Here Now tour, revealing the band’s dynamics, electrifying performances, and wild off-stage antics. As a lifelong Oasis fan, I’ve devoured nearly everything written about the band, but Hewitt’s earlier work, Getting High with Oasis, remains unmatched in capturing their essence. Forever the People delivers a similarly raw, behind-the-scenes narrative of the band’s chaotic rise, though it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of its predecessor. Even so, it’s a compelling read for diehard fans. There’s an undeniable thrill in witnessing a journalist immerse themselves in the unfiltered world of rock stardom, making this book an unmissable time capsule for anyone obsessed with the golden era of Oasis.
9. Crypto Confidential by Nat Eliason
In this candid memoir, Nat Eliason opens up about his rollercoaster journey in cryptocurrency, sharing the highs of making millions and the lows of losing it all. Through personal anecdotes, he unpacks the volatile nature of crypto markets and the psychological hurdles investors often face. Having followed Eliason’s work for years, I found Crypto Confidential to be a captivating exploration of his tumultuous relationship with cryptocurrency. Despite my limited crypto knowledge, the book was accessible and profoundly enlightening. Eliason’s gift for candid storytelling and his knack for demystifying complex financial topics make this memoir a standout. It’s a compelling reminder that even the most intricate subjects can come to life with the right narrative.
10. Never Lie by Freida McFadden
Never Lie is a masterfully written thriller that grips you from the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. The pacing is relentless, the twists are unpredictable, and the intensity is unmatched, making it an unforgettable read. This psychological suspense follows a couple seeking refuge in an abandoned house during a snowstorm—only to uncover chilling secrets that challenge their trust and survival instincts. Among Freida McFadden’s works, it’s second only to The Housemaid, showcasing her talent at its peak. If you’re in the mood for a gripping, twist-filled journey, Never Lie delivers psychological suspense at its finest.
A Year of Stories, Insights, and Inspiration
This year’s reading journey has been a thrilling mix of unexpected twists, profound insights, and unforgettable stories.
Each book shaped my perspective, introduced me to new genres, and offered lessons I’ll carry forward into the following year.
If any of these titles intrigue you, I hope you’ll pick them up and experience their magic. Here’s to another year of great books and even more superb ideas.