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.
This was a bit outside my usual comfort zone, but I was curious after loving The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue. The concept of multiple parallel Londons, each with its own rules and levels of magic took some getting used to, but once I did, I was hooked. The world-building is rich, the characters are intriguing, and the action keeps the pace moving. I’m not sure I’ll jump straight into the rest of the series, but I definitely see the appeal.
This was a gripping, theatrical thriller with a cleverly structured narrative. It’s framed almost like a stage play, with the narrator guiding us through the twists and turns of betrayal, secrets, and manipulation. The setting, a private Greek island adds to the feeling of isolation and suspense. I loved the way the story unfolded and how the characters slowly revealed their true selves. A clever and stylish read with a classic noir feel.
I adore the DCI Jack Logan series, so this was a welcome return to a familiar cast of characters. About halfway through, I realised I’d read it before, probably picking it up to read during a stay at a friend’s or a holiday cottage, but it still felt fresh and engaging. Reading it now, as part of the full series, gave it more context and emotional weight. Kirk’s writing is gritty, funny, and full of heart, and Logan remains one of my favourite fictional detectives.
A great pick for this month’s actual book club, and it certainly sparked some lively conversation! The story centres around secrets, suspicion, and hidden motives, and led us to some hilarious (and slightly alarming) discussion about which of us would most likely be a murderer! 😅 A solid psychological thriller with plenty to chew on.
A clever, collaborative novel written by a collection of brilliant thriller and crime writers, including Lee Child and Karin Slaughter. Each author takes on the perspective of a different book club member, all of whom are connected by secrets, lies, and murder. It’s smart, layered, and full of sharp, twisty storytelling. A really fun and inventive read that kept me guessing.
Currently I'm partway through listening to the audiobook of Tell No One by Harlan Coben
As we head into May, I've just started reading Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.
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