Books I read in December 2025
A month of big stories, mixed feelings, and a few 'just one more chapter' nights…December always feels like a strange reading month for me - part cosy hibernation, part end-of-year reflection, part 'how on earth is it nearly January?' I love the soft reset that books offer at this time of year: a chance to pause, process, and slip into someone else’s world for a while (preferably with a hot drink nearby and at least one blanket involved). You can read longer reviews for each book in my December
This one is still a bit of a wrestle for me. I struggled with parts of Chapter 4 and found myself disagreeing with some of the points, even after re-reading sections and talking them through in my book group. Some concepts just don’t feel realistic in the society we live in today, and some, if I’m totally candid, I can’t quite get to 'plausible' in practice. I’ve got one final chapter to tackle in January, so we’ll see what happens next…
This has such a reputation and so many people have recommended it to me, that I went in with very high expectations. Kristin Hannah’s writing has set the bar sky-high for me lately (books of hers I’ve read this year have properly floored me). This didn’t hit me as hard as The Women or The Great Alone, but it was still an exceptional read: powerful, moving, and beautifully written.
This has been sat on my 'to read' pile for far too long. I really enjoyed the structure, an interesting mix of contributions from different people, which gives a diverse insight into Sarina Wiegman’s leadership and what makes her so effective. It’s also very readable, charting her journey in football coaching from the Netherlands to England. As someone who’s worked in sport, I found it especially interesting to see the human side of elite performance environments.
I’ve been on a bit of a Kate Atkinson re-reading spree this month, revisiting both Emotionally Weird and Human Croquet. Emotionally Weird was quirky, funny, and chaotic in that very Atkinson way, a story-within-a-story that expands and expands, with an ever-growing cast and increasing hilarity as it goes. The plot spirals (in a good way), and I loved the sheer playfulness of it.
A captivating, twisty thriller with definite tones of The Talented Mr Ripley (it even gets referenced on the cover, and honestly, I could see why). Darkly chilling, clever, and it kept me guessing until the end. If you like psychological tension and moral slipperiness, this one delivers.
This felt like a time-warping experience, in the best sense. It reminded me of Behind the Scenes at the Museum in how it tells the story of a family’s rise and fall across time, with that same blend of sharpness and tenderness. It’s a book that makes you lean in and pay attention, because time doesn’t behave normally here and that’s part of the magic.
An enjoyable romp through the kings and queens of England, told in a very 'Horrible Histories for grown-ups' style. Wry, satirical, and surprisingly helpful if you want a recap/overview of how the monarchy has evolved through the centuries without feeling like you’re reading a textbook.
This took me a while to get into, it was much slower paced than Room. The story itself is interesting, but I found it a frustrating read in places. I also struggled with the main character, the nurse - she felt somewhat irritating to me and, at times, particularly naive. I’m not sure I’d recommend this one, unless you’re already a Donoghue completist or you specifically enjoy slow-burn historical narratives.
This was the last book on my Most Anticipated Reads for 2025 list for the year, and I just got it in before the end of December. I listened to it as an audiobook, and I think that was the perfect format: it felt like a real privilege to listen in to the conversations between two hugely significant, impactful men. It’s full of deep wisdom, warmth, humour, and compassion, the kind of book that gently re-centres you.
I dipped back into JD Kirk and DCI Logan this month and got exactly what I wanted, another brilliant, gritty Scottish crime thriller. Sometimes you just need a book that pulls you straight in and does not let go and this was that.
A Christmas present, and honestly, such a beautiful one. It follows on from the first book, with the same gorgeous illustrations and simple, quietly powerful words of wisdom. A delightful read and a lovely gift (both to give and to receive).
I also read Kirk’s newly released novella, a spin-off focused on Tyler Neish. It’s set as a prequel, with Tyler fresh out of training and working his first proper case, and it was such a satisfying little addition to the wider series world.
I’ve only read a couple of Lisa Jewell books, but both have been excellent and this was no exception. I raced through it. Suspenseful, addictive, and absolutely the kind of thriller that has you telling yourself 'I’ll stop after this chapter'… and then it’s suddenly far too late and you’re still reading in bed.
As we move into January, I’ve already started The People on Platform 5 by Clare Pooley which is on my Most Anticipated Reads for 2026 list, and I can’t wait to get properly stuck in.
As we move into January, I’ve already started Golden Threads edited by Sue Williams which is on my Most Anticipated Reads for 2026 list, and I can’t wait to get properly stuck in.
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