I find myself reflecting on a diverse month of reading that took me from eerie cold cases to cozy small towns, magical faerie realms, and heartwarming romantic escapades. This month’s reading list was a delightful mix of genres, each book offering a unique escape into a different world. Here's a look at the books I read in June 2024 and my thoughts on each one.
1. The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber
I kicked off June with The Good Nurse by Charles Graeber, a chilling true-crime account that delves into the life of Charles Cullen, a nurse who became one of America's most prolific serial killers. Graeber’s meticulous research and gripping narrative kept me hooked from start to finish. The book explores not just Cullen’s terrifying crimes but also the systemic failures that allowed him to continue for so long. It’s a disturbing but fascinating read that left me pondering the dark complexities of the human psyche and the healthcare system’s vulnerabilities.
2. Elves, Evergreens, and Evidence by Tonya Kappes
Next, I dove into some cozy mystery fun with Elves, Evergreens, and Evidence by Tonya Kappes. Returning to the quaint town of Normal, Kentucky, was like a comforting visit to old friends. This holiday-themed installment in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series is filled with festive charm and small-town intrigue. Mae West, with her trusty sidekick Fifi, uncovers another mystery amidst the Christmas cheer. Kappes’s signature humor and heart made this a delightful read, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit—even in the middle of summer!
3. Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
This month wouldn’t have been complete without a touch of magic, and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett delivered just that. The book follows Dr. Emily Wilde, a dryadologist who travels to a remote Nordic village to document the Hidden Ones, a mysterious faerie folk. Fawcett’s world-building is enchanting, and I loved the blend of academic exploration and folklore. Emily’s journey of discovery, both in the faerie world and within herself, made this a captivating read. It’s a must for anyone who loves fantasy with a scholarly twist.
4. The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy
For a dose of contemporary romance, I turned to The Good Ones Are Taken by Taj McCoy. This charming story follows Maggie who wants to her prince charming and her plus one to her best friends' upcoming wedding. Garrett, her college bestie, is the perfect romantic lead—warm and caring. McCoy’s writing is heartfelt and engaging, though the spice level is relatively mild. Still, the emotional depth and chemistry between the characters made this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
5. Bustin' Loose by Patti Benning
Continuing with my cozy mystery trend, I picked up Bustin' Loose by Patti Benning. This book is part of the Real Estate Rescue Cozy Mystery series and follows amateur sleuth Flora Abner as she navigates another murder mystery in her new small town. Benning’s knack for creating lovable characters and intriguing plots shines through in this installment. The story’s light-hearted tone and clever twists kept me entertained, making it a perfect, easy read for a lazy afternoon.
6. The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James
The Book of Cold Cases by Simone St. James was one of my standout reads this month. This mystery novel intertwines a modern-day investigation with a decades-old unsolved crime, all with a supernatural twist. Shea Collins, a true crime blogger, becomes obsessed with the Lady Killer Murders and uncovers chilling secrets that blur the line between the living and the dead. St. James’s atmospheric writing and ability to create suspense made this a gripping and eerie read. If you love mysteries with a ghostly edge, this one’s for you.
7. The Suite Life by Portia MacIntosh
For a lighter, more comedic read, I turned to The Suite Life by Portia MacIntosh. This romantic comedy follows protagonist GiGi as she navigates the ups and downs of luxury hotel living while trying to sort out her chaotic love life. MacIntosh’s witty writing and relatable characters made this book a joy to read. The blend of humor and heart, combined with a dash of romance, made it the perfect palette cleanser after some of the heavier reads earlier in the month.
8. Moonlight, Marshmallows, and Manslaughter by Tonya Kappes
Returning once again to Normal, Kentucky, I picked up another cozy mystery from Tonya Kappes with Moonlight, Marshmallows, and Manslaughter. In this installment, Mae West finds herself solving another crime while juggling campground duties and small-town gossip. Kappes continues to deliver engaging mysteries with a touch of humor and southern charm. The cozy setting and the camaraderie among the characters make this series one of my favorites.
9. The Accidental Honeymoon by Portia MacIntosh
I wrapped up the month with another fun romance from Portia MacIntosh, The Accidental Honeymoon. The story follows Eve as she embarks on a honeymoon alone after a breakup, only to find herself in a series of hilarious and romantic misadventures. MacIntosh’s flair for comedy and her knack for creating lovable, quirky characters made this book a delightful read. It’s the perfect feel-good romance to end a month of varied and engaging books.
June 2024 was a fantastic reading month, filled with a mix of true crime, cozy mysteries, fantasy, and romance. Each book offered something unique, from the chilling realities of The Good Nurse to the whimsical charm of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries. Whether I was solving crimes with Mae West or getting swept up in romantic hijinks, each story provided a memorable escape.
Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them, or do you have any recommendations based on this list? Let’s chat!
Comments