karen m. mcmanus | Lost in a Good Book

Either my criteria for stars are getting harder, or I’m not coming across the fantastic books like I used to. I only had eleven five-star books in 2025: seven were a series reread, two were the last two books of another series, and the other two were a kids book and a YA. How is someone supposed to work with stats like that? I didn’t even get five picture books!

In light of that, I am taking a leaf out of my own book and picking books that had a lasting impact, five stars or not, or something that was near close to perfect but didn’t quite hit the mark. Otherwise the only offering you’ll get is me having to pick my favourite Thursday Next books and one YA mystery.

Since this is an unconventional selection, I have taken out the series and picked from my 4.5 star and above pile (the suitable five star choices being included as well). I could easily include The Eyre Affair (or the whole series really) in my Top Five, but it was included in the 2012 lot so it’s already been highlighted.

So with that weird situation in mind, these are my Top Five reads of 2025.

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus I have always enjoyed McManus’ books and her ability to create a story that is about people and the choices they make. This one is such a great story that draws you in, and gives you the expected twists except the twists you get are not expected at all. It was an incredible way to play with the reader and the story. It plays into the old style of the classic mysteries but also has a great modern approach as well.

Impossible Music by Sean Williams

Impossible Music by Sean Williams This is a relatively short book but one that managed to really get to the heart of people and their lives, and how the smallest thing can derail their expectations. The exploration of the Deaf community from someone coming into it through trauma was amazing and I loved how Williams doesn’t shy away from the stubbornness and the anger something like this brings.

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde

The Constant Rabbit by Jasper Fforde It took me ages to read this because I thought it sounded a bit boring, but once you realise you should trust Fforde knows what he’s doing, you see he’s made an intriguing alternate reality where anthropomorphised rabbits are integrated into modern society. It’s a wonderful non subtle metaphor of xenophobia and tolerance with the intricate alternate world building Fforde is a master at.

Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden

Wrong Answers Only by Tobias Madden This book is perfect if you want to see the full, messy, teenage life on display. Madden brings a chaotic character and a pinnacle life choice to a head and then puts it all on a boat with red flags, family drama, and the high seas and intense friendships.

Because of You by Pip Harry

So much of this book broke my heart but it’s why Aussie YA is sublime. Harry’s characters are deep and rich and you can’t help but feel like they are real flesh and blood out in the world. It’s a beautiful story and shows off a side of society people often like to sweep under the rug or shy away from. The duel narrators is a great coin flip of life experiences and it’s a gorgeous story about expectations and compassion.