Ranking The Books I've Read 2025  (March-May)

This post is very overdue, and I do apologise for that. I'm going to be posting two blog posts a week from now on, on Saturdays and Sundays.

These authors are all talented. This ranking is my opinion and is a bit of fun.

From March – May I read a variety of books ranging from nostalgic children's books to gripping murder mysteries. Each book brought something different with it, whether that was humor, tension, or wonder.

10. Foxlight by Katya Balen

Rating: 5.5/10

This is objectively a decent book. The concept is great, despite the ending being a bit of a cop out, it's well paced, and the language used is beautiful. However, the characters weren't memorable enough for me, and it wasn't my kind of book.

9. Horrid Henry Audiobooks: Horrid Henry's Revenge, Horrid Henry and the Secret Club, Horrid Henry Gets Rich Quick by Francesca Simon

Ratings: 7/10

I grouped these together because they are all similar. I love nostalgia and enjoyed revisiting one of my childhood favourite series. However, ranking them above the more complex books on this list would feel wrong.

8. Horrible Histories Audiobooks: Measly Middle Ages, Terrible Tudors, Rotten Romans by Terry Deary

Ratings: 7.5/10

I enjoyed these books. Anything that merges history and humour will always pique my interest, and these were a huge favourite of mine in school. These are still enjoyable as a 23-year-old.

7. The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman

Rating:7.9/10

The crime itself was more gripping in this sequel than the first book, however I wasn't super keen on the twist, although I think it was well done. This is a fast paced, gripping story with a fun cast of characters. I'm excited to read the rest of this series.

6. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Rating: 8/10

A fun murder mystery. The crime itself isn't super memorable but the main characters are hilarious and such a riot to spend time with. The supporting characters are all memorable, fleshed out and interesting.

5. Cinderella is Dead by Kaylnn Bayron

Rating: 9/10

This was a ten until the last chapter - I feel like the ending was a little rushed. I needed the author to spend more time there. Interesting characters, a great premise, and I couldn't put it down.

4. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Rating: 9/10

A childhood favourite. Funny, nostalgic, and calming. Great ensemble of characters, I just almost wish there was more of the battle with the weasels. But this is a wonderful story I think everyone should read.

3. True Crime Case Histories - volumes 1-4 – by Jason Neal

Rating: 10/10

A detailed, well researched look into crimes that aren't talked about much. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

2. Frequently Asked Questions about the Universe by Daniel Whiteson, Jorge Cham - Audiobook

Rating: 10/10

I love space. This was all about cool space things and time travel was talked about. It's an interesting dive into the science behind our universe and I loved every second of it.

1. Fifty- Fifty by Steve Cavanagh

Rating: 12/10

The perfect murder-mystery thriller. – The narration of the murderer being anonymous, the clues leading to either sister, the tension, and the reveal were all perfection. I will accept no criticism of this book.

What were some of your favourites you read earlier this year? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Of course, any thoughts about the books I talked about are more than welcome too!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend, and can enjoy your books in the sun.

Lots of love,

Em