Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Click on the link for more info and to find out about future topics.
This weeks theme is: Hidden Gems (which books haven’t been talked about as much or haven’t been marketed as strongly that you think deserve some recognition?)
I’m back for my first Top Ten Tuesday in quite a while. I thought I’d use this week’s topic to remember some of the books I’ve really enjoyed over the last few months. Whether you’d call them hidden gems is debatable, because at least one or two of them I’ve seen mentioned almost everywhere, but an opportunity to talk again about good books is one not to be missed.
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – A time-travelling, body-swapping, Christie-esque whodunnit-type mystery. Still possibly my favourite read of the year so far.
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles – Charming characters, lovely writing. The story of Count Alexander Rostov, living under house arrest in the Hotel Metropol remains very memorable.
Wrath of Empire by Brian McClellan – This is the second book in his new fantasy series, so go check out Sins of Empire first, because you’re in for a treat. There’s also the Powder Mage books to discover as well.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie – I’m new to Christie and this was the book that started it all. Probably the least ‘hidden’ gem on my list, but when I saw the new movie version I actually had no idea at all about the twist in the tale. Also check out The Mysterious Affair at Styles and The Murder on the Links.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik – Myth, folklore, frost demons, fire demons, and a whole host of determined leading ladies, I really enjoyed Spinning Silver.
Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant – Killer mermaids! Tense and exciting and well worth a read.
Fatal Inheritance by Rachel Rhys – A mystery tale involving a bequest from a stranger which sends main character Eve to the French Riviera in search of answers. If you’re missing the hot weather of summer, the atmosphere of this book may suit you.
A Time of Dread by John Gwynne – A new fantasy series and the first book I’ve read by this author.
The Bitter Twins by Jen Williams – A second-in-series book. Check out The Ninth Rain then continue the adventure with Tor, Vintage and Noon (and some rather fantastic talking war beasts) in The Bitter Twins.
Force of Nature by Jane Harper – And to conclude, yes, you guessed it, another second-in-series book. This one is crime, featuring Aaron Falk as the main character. He previously appeared in The Dry which you may want to check out first, but I do think you could dive straight in with this one if you prefer.
So, there you have it, a few of the books that have stayed with me beyond the initial reading. Hopefully you’ll discover something to enjoy. What have you been reading lately that you’d call a hidden gem? As always, do let me know, because a TBR list/pile can never have too many books on it!
Great list, I haven’t read many of these, but thanks for reminding me, I definitely want to get to the Jenn Williams series at some point.
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The Jen Williams series is really good. I might have to read some of her other books while I wait for the next in this series 🙂
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Agatha Christie has so many hidden gems, I need to read more of hers as I’ve only read the famous ones
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I’m still very new to Christie, I’ve read about 3 Poirot books and a couple of the standalones, but I’ll definitely read more.
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The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle looks really interesting. I bought a signed copy at Forbidden Planet when I was in London a few months ago. I can’t wait to read it!
Here are my hidden gems: https://thebookdutchesses.com/2018/09/11/ttt-44-hidden-gems/
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I enjoyed Seven Deaths so much. I got mine from the library when I first read it so now I’ll probably buy the paperback because it’s a book I would read again 🙂
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It must be good if it’s one you would read again!
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Ooh, I’ve encountered most of these titles before but I haven’t really paid much attention. Maybe I should. Thank you for the recommendations!
* TTT: Hidden Gems + Giveaway
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Hope you find something you enjoy, thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Just finished the 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle last night (title changed for US Audience due to conflicting other book title). Such a creative book, I really liked it!
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It must have taken forever to plot the story, with all the overlapping and jumping around. It really held my attention.
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I really want to read that 7-1/2 Deaths book! I’ve heard it’s amazing!
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It’s definitely worth some reading time 🙂
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Great list! I haven’t read any of these, but the fantasy titles especially looked good to me. 🙂 Here’s my TTT list of hidden gems.
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The Brian McClellan books are really good if you enjoy fantasy.
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Ah I really want to read the Evelyn Hardcastle book, it sounds so good!
My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2018/09/11/top-ten-tuesday-176/
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I’ll probably read it again because I enjoyed it so much and I don’t re-read very often at all 🙂
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Wow that is a ringing endorsement! Will have to get on that book soon 🙂
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I need to read more Agatha Christie. I read one of her novels a really long time ago. I barely remember it. Thanks for sharing these books!
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I’m really enjoying reading Christie, I think because it’s such a change from the sort of book I would usually pick up.
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I’ve heard amazing things about The Seven Death of Evelyn Hardcastle!
My TTT post!
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It’s really good 🙂
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A great list! I’m new to Agatha Christie, too – I started with Murder on the Orient Express when the new movie came out, and I just can’t get enough! The Mysterious Affair at Styles is definitely one of my favorites, as well as And Then There Were None.
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Thank you. The new Orient Express movie was how it all began for me as well. Have you read many of her books? And Then There Were None was so good, I really enjoyed the tv adaptation too, and I enjoyed the new Ordeal by Innocence.
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Oh cool! I watched the 1974 film version of Orient Express too – a little truer to Agatha Christie’s story but not nearly as beautiful as the new version. And in addition to the books I’ve already mentioned, I have also read The Moving Finger, 4:50 From Paddington, and A Murder is Announced. I will be checking out Ordeal by Innocence – that’s one I haven’t heard of. 🙂
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This meme is killing me and my TBR. We’re both about to explode with agitation. I love all your choices, I’ve read and loved a number off here and frankly want to read all the others. Why oh why is there not enough time!
Lynn 😀
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TBR mountains and not enough hours in the day, the perils of being a reader 😀
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