6 reviews featuring a romance that hit me in the feels, a thriller that hit me in the frights, a booktok sensation that’s so bad it’s not even good, and more
In 2025, I made it my mission to write reviews for as many of the fabulous Australian books that I could, sharing these on Instagram and on Good Reads. Why? Simply because it’s a highly effective way to champion Aussie books, and get eyeballs on them. However, why should they be limited to those two corners of the Internet? I read so many great books, and I’d love to continue to share the love as widely as I can. Last year alone, I wrote 38 reviews, and so rather than hit you with them all in one post, I’ll be sharing them in groups of 5 or 6, from last year’s stash as well as this year’s reads. Your TBR is going to be overflowing!
A quick note: you’ll see that my reviews are overwhelmingly positive. If there’s a book I can’t jell with or wouldn’t recommend, I simply don’t. My reviews are, after all, about championing Aussie books and reading more generally.
And here we are, in no particular order, six fabulous novels that I read last year, including a romance that hit me in the feels, a thriller that hit me in the frights and a booktok sensation that’s so bad it’s not even good, where I break my own rule about sharing only books I love.
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister
What can I say about this fabulous romance that hasn’t already been said? In three words: fabulous, fun and clever! For 15 years, academics Sadie and Jonah have been rivals. It started with a minor altercation in an undergrad lit class, but as their careers progressed to doctorates, so did the intensity of their rivalry. So when a position comes up that’s perfect for both of them, instead of competition, they find a way for them both to get their dream job: hello fake marriage!
Here’s my take: I devoured this. The banter, the world of academia (frankly, terrifying and quite depressing, really) and the laughs made it such a joy to read. The smarts of it aren’t surprising, given it’s a book about two incredibly clever people, and leans heavily on Jodi’s experience as an academic. I really loved Jonah’s footnotes which I adored and were such a clever device. They also introduced me to my new favourite word: eucatastrophe – the euphoric moment of joyous relief.
Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Detective by Kelly Gardiner and Sharmini Kumar
I shall remain my magnificent self – Caroline Bingley
This line basically had me fist bumping as I sped through this fabulous novel. It’s 2 years post P&P and Miss Caroline Bingley (aka the queen of snark- my words) discovers a cold-blooded murder which takes her through the seedy underbelly of London, demanding answers and honing her superior powers of investigation. She finds out exactly what an accomplished, independent woman with a sharp mind and a large fortune can achieve – even when pitted against secrets, scandal and a murderer with no mercy.
So, here’s what I loved about it: it’s a homage to Jane Austen, and it felt like a Jane Austen with all the nods back to P&P. I also loved the focus on diversity and the representation of London that’s so much more realistic historically speaking- especially the impact of imperialism and colonialism. The mystery itself was fun and twisty and kept me guessing right until the reveal.
The Lyrebird by Jane Caro
Lyrebirds are brilliant mimics, so if they mimic a woman screaming in terror and begging for her life, they have witnessed a crime. But how does a young, hung over PHD student and a wet behind the ears new detective, convince anyone that a native bird can be a reliable witness to a murder, especially when there is no body and no missing person? And what happens when they turn out to be right?
Here’s my take: when I finished this cracker of a read I sent a message to my fabulous friend Sophie to decline her invitation to join her on her ongoing lyrebird spotting quest. A day later, while tottering along a rail trail in Gippsland, I spotted a GD lyrebird! Just casually crossing the trail, ignoring hubby and I as it went about its business being a lyrebird (trying to mate, according to Soph). This one was silent, thank goodness, unlike the one in Jane’s novel which is still giving me the creeps. That’s the sign of a good story, isn’t it? That it lingers?
The Final Chapter by January Gilchrist
Oh, what a wonderful novel! It’s bang on pace, deliciously creepy and filled to the gills with twists I didn’t see coming…
Desley Barron is ready to prove her doubters, and herself, wrong about her flagging writing career. She’s won a spot at an exclusive writing retreat in the Blue Mountains. Only instead of feeling creative, Desley finds her insecurity increases while the ghost stories about the house have her jumping at shadows. This reclusive house is the last place anyone will think to look for high-profile author Colette Halifax, which is perfect as she hides from a looming scandal. Unfortunately, someone here is threatening to ruin the one part of her life that isn’t already a shambles. Meanwhile, Maia McKenzie has plans that don’t involve writing at all. She’s schemed to ensure the one person she wants to see is here – the man who almost killed her mother. All have a secret. All will do anything to keep it hidden. And they’re not alone. When a storm unleashes its fury and they’re trapped, a body is left in the snow … and any one of them could be next.
Here’s my take: I dove straight into this thriller with its unforgettable cast of characters and a setting that gave me the heebie jeebies. The atmosphere is moody and evocative thanks to January’s skill in balancing description, dialogue and action. It was a thrill ride with more than its fair share of lols and I’m glad I didn’t read it alone in the woods in a creepy house!
The Paperbark Tree Committee by Karys McEwan
Tender. That’s the best overall way to describe this beautiful coming of age story about acceptance, fitting in, finding friends and learning from mistakes. It’s pure heart, full of characters that are so lifelike they jump off the page.
Twelve-year-old Art and his younger brother Hilary are great friends, best friends. When they move to Melbourne from a small town in Queensland things seem to be easy for Hilary, who is still in primary school, but Art struggles to fit in, and he’s become a target for school bully Jack. His dad is too busy to give him much attention, but Art has his stepmum, Sally, who is always ready to listen.
And there’s the paperbark tree. Art and Hilary climb into its branches and hold a secret meeting whenever they need to sort things out.The only problem is Art’s not sure he still wants to be part of the paperbark tree committee. He’s getting older and he thinks he needs to solve his problems on his own.
Here’s my take: there are so many things I loved about this book, but one thing I’ll highlight is it felt like a love letter to books and to reading, and I loved that the main character Art was a bit of a reluctant reader, but an incredible librarian put the right book in his hands to help him see the magic in reading. Gah, so so good!
And now for a bit of fun with a side of snark- If He Had Been With Me
This is popular in my school library. It was a gift from my writing friend and friend in general Casey Nott to see if I had the same reaction as she did, namely something along the lines of what in the fiery pits of hell just happened?
Autumn and Finn’s Mum’s are besties, and they used to be inseparable until high school, where they spend four years ignoring each other until Autumn gets dumped by her boyfriend then works out that maybe Finn’s her HEA. But is he?
Instead of my response (aka the fiery pits of hell), here’s a couple of cracker responses I found on GoodReads:
- If I knew she called him “Finny” I never would have picked up this book.
- This book could actually be heartbreaking if it wasn’t so boring.
- Ugh, the only way I could hate this book more is if it had been written by Ann Coulter!
- Give the trees their paper back
And there we have it – five books that floated my boat and one that I’d use as a flotation device. I hope you find a read here that you might like, and let me know what you think!
Happy reading!
PS Read a book and loved it? Sing its praises!