One of my favourite things to do — whether it’s on holiday, curled up under a blanket with a cup of tea, or snatching a few quiet minutes before bed — is to read. 2025 has been a brilliant year for books so far, and I’ve enjoyed everything from mythological retellings to emotional road trips and thought-provoking non-fiction.
Here’s a look at my standout adult reads of the year — the ones I adored, the ones that lingered, and even the ones that didn’t quite hit the mark.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Five-Star Reads
The List Of Suspicious Things
by Jennie Godfrey
I read this while on our summer holiday, mostly stretched out on a sunbed in the sunshine — and I was completely transported back to 1979 England.
Set in Yorkshire, locals are reeling from Thatcher’s changes and terrified by the Ripper murders. Teenage Miv believes she’ll have to move Down South, leaving behind everything she’s ever known. With her best friend Sharon, she starts compiling a list of possible suspects — only to uncover dark secrets within their own families and friendship.
This book stayed with me long after I turned the last page. Atmospheric, tender, and full of heart.
No products found.
Circe
by Madeline Miller
I challenge anyone not to fall in love with Circe, the witch from Greek mythology.
This beautifully written novel follows her journey from childhood to exile on the island Aiaia — where she hones her craft, falls in love, and learns to survive in a world built by men. It’s magical, powerful, and utterly absorbing. An absolute masterpiece.
No products found.
All The Colours of The Dark
by Chris Whitaker
Two best friends. One is kidnapped; the other refuses to give up.
This is an epic mix of love story and crime thriller, with a serial killer twist. Despite its length, the short, sharp chapters make it impossible to put down. The writing is stunning, the tension electric, and the characters lingered with me long after I finished.
No products found.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Four-Star Reads
Intermezzo
by Sally Rooney
A quiet, thoughtful story about two brothers born a generation apart, navigating life after their father’s death.
Set in Ireland, Peter is a human rights lawyer, while Ivan is a chess prodigy — both trying to make sense of love, loss, and identity. It’s classic Sally Rooney: sharp, introspective, and tender, though I did find myself skipping a few parts to move ahead.
No products found.
How AI Will Change Your Life: A Futurist’s Guide to a Super Smart World
by Patrick Dixon
A fascinating non-fiction look at how AI is reshaping our world — for better and worse. Dixon doesn’t shy away from the ethical questions, and his advice at the end offers plenty to think about. A great read if you’re curious about what’s next.
No products found.
So Long, Chester Wheeler
by Catherine Ryan Hyde
At the start, Lewis’s life is falling apart — he’s lost his job and his boyfriend. Then his grumpy, homophobic neighbour Chester Wheeler needs a carer. No one else will take the job, so Lewis steps in, and the unlikely pair end up on a road trip to Arizona.
It’s a story of unexpected friendship, growth, and redemption. Heartwarming and beautifully written.
No products found.
An African History of Africa
by Zeinab Badawi
Everyone’s story begins in Africa — and this book tells it brilliantly. Zeinab Badawi rewrites the historical narrative, centring African voices that have long been overshadowed by Western perspectives. She takes readers across more than thirty African countries, exploring histories both ancient and modern. Absolutely fascinating.
No products found.
The Artist
by Lucy Steeds
Set in 1920s Provence, Ettie is a housemaid caring for her reclusive painter uncle. When aspiring journalist Joseph arrives to write about him, secrets unravel, and love blooms.
A captivating debut that beautifully captures art, love, and ambition against a sun-drenched French backdrop.
No products found.
⭐⭐⭐ Three-Star Reads
A Little Trickerie
by Rosanna Pike
Tibb Ingleby roams medieval England, homeless and grieving. Along the way she finds friends and enemies — and together, they hatch a daring plan to change their fate. Their hoax spirals into chaos, attracting danger and revenge.
Full of twists and vivid settings, though it didn’t fully grip me, it was still an enjoyable read.
No products found.
Small Pleasures
by Clare Chambers
Set in 1957 London suburbia, Jean Swinney is a local journalist stuck in a life of quiet disappointment. When she meets Gretchen Tilbury, who claims her daughter was conceived without a father, Jean begins to investigate.
What follows is a tender story of friendship, love, and truth. The ending stayed with me for reasons I can’t quite explain.
No products found.
⭐⭐ Two-Star Read
Dream Count
by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A story of four interconnected women exploring love, happiness, and the choices we make in an ever-connected world.
It’s a solid read, but I couldn’t help comparing it to Half of a Yellow Sun, which I absolutely loved — and this one just didn’t reach the same heights for me.
No products found.
What’s Next on My Reading List
I’ve got a few books lined up for the rest of the year — including The Women by Kristin Hannah and The Bee Sting by Paul Murray — so I’ll update this list as I go.
No products found.
If you’ve read any of these or have recommendations, I’d love to hear them in the comments!
About the Author
Marianne Weekes has worked in the education sector since 2017 and has been Librarian and Literacy Leader at Gravesend Grammar School for the past four years. She is a judge on the Spark! 2025 Book Awards 11+ panel and an avid reader of books for all ages. Marianne is currently writing her debut Young Adult novel, with a dream of becoming a published author.
In her spare time (what spare time?), she loves walking Baxter, her senior King Charles Cavalier, drinking tea, and planning her next adventure — at home or abroad.
You’ll be hearing much more from Marianne here on Mum in the Madhouse in her role as our Books and Reading Champion.