Books I read in April 2025
April was a busy month for reading and I loved every minute of it. With my latest university module wrapped up and a bit of time off, I finally found the time to tackle some of the books that had been sitting on my To Be Read (TBR) pile for far too long. It was a month of quick reads, total escapism, and getting lost in everything from thrillers to fantasy. Here’s what I read this month… You can read longer reviews for each book in my April Book Reads Blog (Amazon Affiliate Links)
I saw the film adaptation a few years ago, so I had a rough idea of what to expect, but the book still managed to completely unnerve me. The narrative voice, told through the eyes of a five-year-old boy is unique and incredibly powerful. It’s chilling, claustrophobic, and emotionally complex. An intense and thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.
This book tackles domestic abuse with sensitivity and emotional depth, giving a voice to the complexities and contradictions people face in difficult relationships. The story itself was moving, and the author’s note at the end added an important personal perspective. However, I found the frequent typos and inconsistencies in the plot quite frustrating, it pulled me out of the story and made it harder to stay immersed. A meaningful read, but not without flaws.
I couldn't put this down, I finished the audiobook in under 24 hours! Collins does what she does best here, combining dystopian tension with emotionally resonant character development. It was fascinating to get Haymitch’s backstory and see how his experiences shaped the mentor we know from the original series. The added depth to characters like Mags, Wiress, and Beetee was a real treat for long-time Hunger Games fans.
This was a classic whodunnit with a modern twist, and I loved every second of it. Set on a remote Irish island during a wedding, the atmosphere is eerie and the tension builds beautifully. The multiple perspectives kept me guessing, and I found myself racing through it just to unravel the mystery. If you enjoy dark, moody thrillers with complex characters, this is a brilliant pick.
A strong sequel to A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, this book steps up the stakes and takes a darker turn. The inclusion of podcast transcripts adds a fresh and interesting dimension to the story, making it feel more immersive and relevant. Pippa is a compelling protagonist, and I’m really looking forward to reading the third book to see how her story concludes. This is a Young Adult novel at its best, smart, sharp, and addictive.
I picked this up expecting a twisty thriller like Magpie, but it turned out to be something far more layered and literary. It’s a character-driven, slow-burn read that explores privilege, obsession, and betrayal within elite social circles. The writing is elegant and unsettling, and it left me thinking about the characters long after I’d finished. It gave me strong Brideshead Revisited vibes, quietly haunting rather than fast-paced.
I really thought this would be a 5-star read. A dystopian look at social media and surveillance culture sounded right up my street. But while the plot was strong, the characters were so underdeveloped that I just didn’t care. By the time I finished all 491 pages, I still had no idea what the protagonist’s motivations were...and worse, I didn’t want to know.
This was a beautiful book...part Shakespearean fantasy, part fairy tale for adults. It’s full of magic and mystery, dreams and nightmares, allegory and symbolism. A truly enchanting antidote to reality, and exactly what I needed.
Currently I’m partway through Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (already hooked!). So April’s reads are already off to a strong start!
I really thought this would be a 5-star read. A dystopian look at social media and surveillance culture sounded right up my street. But while the plot was strong, the characters were so underdeveloped that I just didn’t care. By the time I finished all 491 pages, I still had no idea what the protagonist’s motivations were...and worse, I didn’t want to know.
This was a beautiful book...part Shakespearean fantasy, part fairy tale for adults. It’s full of magic and mystery, dreams and nightmares, allegory and symbolism. A truly enchanting antidote to reality, and exactly what I needed.
Currently I’m partway through Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (already hooked!). So April’s reads are already off to a strong start!
Currently I’m partway through Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid (already hooked!). So April’s reads are already off to a strong start!
Contact Me
Book a free initial introductory call with me here
Message me on WhatsApp
Katie HR Consulting
Derbyshire, England, United Kingdom
Email: hello@katiehrconsulting.co.uk Mobile: 07871 222621
Steps, Stillness & Skye: The Power of a Simple Walk
It doesn't have to be far. It doesn't have to be fast...
Just stepping outside, moving your body, & breathing fresh air can be one of the most powerful things you do all day.
To celebrate National Walking Month, I’ve written a blog about the benefits of walking, not just for our physical health, but for our mindset, creativity & wellbeing. I've also created a free resource:
🌿 Walk With Me: A Weekly Reflection Guide
Full of gentle themed prompts & a printable weekly log to help you get the most from your walks, whether you’re out for clarity, calm, inspiration or just a moment to breathe.