I’ve written in the past about books and authors I’m a little scared of reading for various reasons, but I don’t have many excuses for the authors on this list. I was watching some end of year wrap-ups on booktube and thinking about how I should really read a Brandon Sanderson book at some point. I started to then think about all the authors where I keep adding their books to my TBR or shelves on Goodreads just to never actually read from them. Stacy Willingham was a perfect example until I finally read one of her books this winter for book club. All that being said, here are some authors I really need to get to for the first time in 2025, as well as the books by them I think I’ll start with.
Kate Alice Marshall / Lisa Under / Alex Finlay
Here begins the list of five mystery/thriller authors that I’m shocked I haven’t read a book from yet. They’re all well-established and popular authors who release a book each year and have fairly extensive backlists of three or more books. I own a number of Kate Alice Marshall’s books but I think A KILLING COLD, her 2025 release, may be the first I get to. The same could be said for Lisa Unger and Alex Finlay. Both books shown here are their releases coming out this year that sound really interesting to me.
Shari Lapena / Richard Osman / Ali Brady
Shari Lapena and Richard Osman are the final two mystery/thriller authors to add to the list. Lapena’s book this year looks like it could be up my alley because it involves missing people, which is my favorite subgenre within this category. Osman has a super popular series that I know I’ll love but I actually am going to start with his new release and then see how I feel. My mom enjoyed it! And finally, for the lone romance author on here – Ali Brady’s books always end up on my TBR but for some reason I just never get to them. Her 2025 book here looks soooo cute, so hopefully that’s where I begin!
Brandon Sanderson / Stephen King / Kristin Hannah
Now we’re into the authors I’d categorize as “a little nervous to read from” for different reasons. Brandon Sanderson is a super popular author with an extensive backlist of books that I’m super intimidated by. I think reading TRESS first as a cozier fantasy could be a good introduction to his writing style and a way to ease into the Cosmere in 2025. Stephen King is obviously another very popular, very famous author. There are a few of books by him I could consider starting with but 11/22/63, for whatever reason, is the one that speaks to me the most. It’s just suuuuper long. And finally, Kristin Hannah – yes, I know that this is a weird author to be afraid of. Maybe if you’ve read her books you’re nodding your head and saying no I get why she’s scary haha. I just think her books are super emotional and devastating and I tend to avoid books like that. I bought this one recently and feel like it’s a good place to start instead of something historical.
I haven’t read any of these guys either 🙈
I’m with you on Richard Osman. Definitely time I’d love to start with the new release too. Hopefully you get to Tress, I really enjoyed it. And of course – Stephen King is my jam! 11/22/63 was fantastic, but if you like mysteries/thrillers – Mr. Mercedes is also a good place to start.