What to Read?

I always get questions on what are a few really good book recommendations. I typically only read mystery and suspense type books, but occasionally I will throw in some feel-good type fiction as well. My favorite books are psychological thrillers. I really enjoy books that have all kinds of twists and unexpected turns that keep you guessing. I have compiled a list of some of my absolute must-reads. All of these I have listened to on audio, because that’s typically what I do when I work, but they are available as tangible books as well!

1.) One Second After by William R. Forstchen

• Publication date: November 24, 2009
• Where to even begin with this book? This was hands down the best book I have ever read. It hits so close to home and was even cited on the Congressional floor as a book all Americans should read. I agree. The story starts off following a man living in a somewhat rural area of North Carolina. He is ex-military, so when all of the electronics suddenly stop working, he is one of few that has a pretty good idea of what is happening. The book follows him, his family, and the town in the aftermath of a nuclear EMP. It tears at your heartstrings and I found myself in tears a few times it is that moving. Especially in light of the fact this is a very real possibility for our country or any country really. If you read any book from this list, let it be this one.

2.) The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

• Publication date: April 24, 2018
• I have read a lot of books by Robert Dugoni and he is a fantastic writer. The Tracy Crosswhite Series is another set of books that is definitely worth and read, but they don’t compare to this book. It follows a boy throughout his lifelong struggles with red eyes. He has ocular albinism. While I’ve never met someone with this particular affliction, I think this book is incredibly relatable to everyone. We have all experienced bullying to some degree, and this boy’s struggles really hit home. It helps bring things into perspective the things that matter, and the things that don’t. 

3.) The Man of Legends by Kenneth C. Johnson

• Publication date: July 1, 2017
• If the author sounds familiar to you, then you’ve probably read/watched some of his more famous works. Kenneth Johnson wrote the Incredible Hulk series as well as a wide array of other books and movies. The Man of Legends has several main characters that share the spotlight. Jillian, a journalist, stumbles upon photographs of seemingly the same man in several photographs that span 85 years. Although this could be a possibility, the problem is he never ages. The man, Will, shares his journey and secrets with the reader. The characters go on an intense journey to face an evil that threatens everyone’s life. This book does have very strong religious undertones in it that are quite interesting, even for the non-religious readers.

4.) Stillhouse Lake Series by Rachel Caine

• Publication date: July 1, 2017
• This is actually a three-part series, which currently has two books available and one set to be released next year in 2019. A normal, Midwestern housewife finds herself in the middle of a huge scandal when a car careens into her husband’s workshop located in their garage. The wreck reveals her husband’s horrific secrets of torture and murder, all of which she had no idea. As she is trying to re-create her life away from the intense scrutiny of the public eye, a body shows up in the lake by their new home. The series follows her battle with the public, her ex-husband, and the need to keep her children safe. These books are incredibly well written and I cannot wait for the last book to come out!

5.) The Tracker: Sam Callahan Series by Chad Zunker

• Publication date: February 14, 2017
• These books are really cool. It makes you want to be Sam Callahan. Sam is hired as a political tracker and while he is on a job recording the political opponent, he witnesses a murder. He immediately seeks help from his boss, who is also instantly murdered. He is now a target, set up to be the fall guy. Sam is pursued by assassins as well as the FBI. Sam has to use his street smarts and have some really good luck to get out of harm’s way.

I have read around 500 books in the last several years, so I have an extensive knowledge of some really good books! As well as some not so good.. I can keep doing these types of posts as long as people seem to like them. It’s always a win when we find some hidden gems in genres we don’t typically read. I’d love to hear about any of your favorite books as well!

Until next time!

Melissa