Best of 2018

Best of 2018 in Reading – Top 12 Series

Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

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These are the top 12 series from which I read at least one book this year.

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1. Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly

I love everything about this detective series…the stories, the narration and Harry. I’m just wild about him. He’s old school, unapologetic and often in trouble. Now that there’s a TV series? There’s just more to love.

 

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2. Gaslight Mystery by Victoria Thompson

I fell for this series at the first book. Set in the late 1890s New York City, it combines historical fiction and mystery. Every book offers a nugget of history new to me. And the two main characters, Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy and midwife Sarah Brandt, are the proverbial odd couple that makes it work. I’m reading it with a group and we are united in our fandom.

 

 

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3. Cork O’Connor by William Kent Krueger

I took a leap of faith and started this series at a friend’s insistence. I loved the first book but thought I might eventually tire of the setting so I put it on the back burner until it was selected as a group read. We’ve caught up to the end and each book is rated 4 or 5 stars. I’m in for as long as the author continues to write the stories. I’ve never been bored.

 

 

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4. Angie Pallorino by Loreth Anne White

This is another series that is deeply atmospheric, set in British Columbia where the surroundings are as much a part of the stories as the characters. Detective Angie Pallorino will certainly test you but you’ll not be able to give up on her. The stories are gritty and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Nothing at all predictable about this series.

 

 

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5. In Death by J. D. Robb

This one’s my heart. You know it has to be given that I’m current in a series with over 50 books (including novellas). And, it’s the only one I’ve ever reread…3 times when it was at a paltry 35 books. Set in the year 2058, it centers around New York Security & Police Homicide Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her team of detectives, friends and makeshift family. What makes this series special is the nuanced character development over the course of the books. I’ve not seen anything like it before. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s okay to read it out of order…you’ll regret it.

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6. Rizzoli & Isles by Tess Gerritsen

I read the first two books a few years ago and recently reread them when the series was selected as a group read. I’m 9 books in and all the stories are really, really good. Detective Jane Rizzoli and Medical Examiner Maura Isles team to solve homicides but their personal lives round out the frame. It’s seriously good but not for the faint of heart.

 

 

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7. Amos Decker by David Baldacci

This unusual man is a former detective now assigned to an FBI special task force investigating cold or unusual cases. He’s got skills that make him singularly well suited for the job. I’ve also listened to the entire series, which uses the duet method for narration and I’m loving it!

 

 

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8. Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

I received a deal on the first book in this series, the only reason I bought it. However, the series was selected to read by one of my groups so I gave it a shot and was blown away. If you’re up for something different and completely unpredictable, pick this.

 

 

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9. Colorado Mountain by Kristen Ashley

I am so hooked on this series. I’ve two more books to go and each is a listening marathon (over 20 hours). KA isn’t for everyone and I’m never quite sure what is the magic but once I start one of these, I hate putting it down.

 

 

 

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10. Fatal by Marie Force

This is another favorite romantic suspense series featuring Washington D. C. Homicide Lieutenant Samantha (Sam) Holland who is married to a high profile politician, Nick Cappuano. The issues are endless and includes a well developed cast of secondary characters. She’s tough and he respects her career. I’m a die-hard fan.

 

 

 

11. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas 0188154D-409D-4E79-91CD-937506B34823

I would never have begun this series without the group read. However, this fantasy series really captured my imagination. I got behind but I really am anxious to get back to it.

 

 

 

 

 

12. The Bourbon Kings by J. R. Ward 88616E3F-16E8-47C9-9939-18A5AE6EA9E8

I had no idea how much I’d love this series until I got started. I listened to all three books and enjoyed all the soapy drama and outrageous characters. It just worked for me

 

 

Published by Jonetta | Blue Mood Café

43 thoughts on “Best of 2018 in Reading – Top 12 Series”

  6. Well I have read or want to read these all pretty much. I owe my new Cork O’Connor love to you. I knew I’d seen The Drowned Girls somewhere and it’s on a sale at Audible right now. Baldacci and Connelly are ones I haven’t read but have definitely wanted to read for awhile. Thanks for sharing. Anne – Books of My Heart

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  9. You already know how I feel about Harry 🙂 but you have some series listed here that I’ve either let slide or meant to start and never did. I’m making a list now and WILL get to them – or back to them – in 2019! Thanks!!

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