A new year is upon us. Being the sort of person who would rather celebrate past achievements than wish for a metaphysical future of happiness, let me just say, we survived the past year, so yay for that.

One of my major achievements this past year was that I read forty three books and posted reviews for almost all of them. Since it seems to be becoming more and more difficult to sort through the possibilities and choose truly enjoyable books, I am going to list my favorites below. Perhaps you’ll find something in this list that you’ll also enjoy.

My most favorite book this past year was Suspect, by Robert Crais. I do enjoy almost all of this author’s work, and he has gone in a different direction with this story about the relationship between a K-9 officer and her human handler. I have heard this described as a love story, and that it is. Spoiler alert for readers who, like me, have a hard time when animals are hurt: the first part of this story is hard to read. Skip it, and you’ll still enjoy the rest of the book.

Other favorites were: Loving Eleanor by Susan Wittig Albert. A semi-fictionalized and well-researched account of the relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and her friend Lorena Hickok. Susan Albert is a favorite mystery author.

Tahoe Dark by Todd Borg. Another winner in this long-running series set in the beautiful Lake Tahoe area and featuring Spot, a great dane and his friend Owen, a private investigator.

Backcountry by Pamela Beason. A new release last year, this intriguing mystery takes readers on a backpacking trip though the Cascade mountains, and is based on a true story.

Cabin Fever by James Jackson. Set in the dead of winter in the far north, read this mystery during the heat of summer for maximum chills.

Never Look Away by Linwood Barclay. Or anything else by this author. I especially enjoy his portrayal of the sometimes difficult but always respectful relationships between his male protagonists and female characters.

All of these are available on-line, in ebook, or can be ordered at your favorite independent bookstore. Some are even included in the collections at public libraries. Please support the authors by posting at least a two word review for their books. You may post your review on Amazon no matter where you get the book.

For more ideas, check out my Goodreads page, follow or friend me to see what else I’ve been reading, and enjoy the reviews I’ve posted there.

I’m always looking for the next good read, and I love hearing from you. What was your favorite book in 2017?