As I haven’t done an ‘advent calendar’ on my blog this December, I thought I’d share my top fiction reads of the year. I have read seventy novels in 2020. With a week to go I might manage a couple more; this is about the same as in a ‘normal’ year. I know some people’s reading habits have changed in favour of ‘feel-good’ books during the pandemic but I have stuck to my usual fare. There is a bit of a witchy theme, perhaps because I was writing about witches myself at the time. These books do obviously reflect my own interests, that’s why they are my top ten but I hope you might be tempted to give some of them a try. I decided not to rank them 1-10, so here they are in alphabetical order of author. I have deliberately only provided links to the authors’ own websites, where I can find them. As an author, I know how important it is to encourage you to buy directly from authors, publishers or independent booksellers, rather than from major online retailers but if you want e-reader versions, or if you really must, you can find them there too.

Moreton in Lockdown – Nathan Dylan Goodwin

I am a great fan of genealogical mysteries and Nathan is one of the best exponents of this genre. During the first lockdown he created a choose your own adventure for his long-running character Morton Farrier. This is a work of genius, as it is read online and you can follow Morton’s research via links to genuine documents and websites. I can only imagine how much effort it took to construct the story and create all the conceivable choices. I loved the topical references as Morton and his family struggled with food shortages and virus restrictions. Even better, you can read it for free. If you enjoy this and Nathan’s books are new to you, then there are plenty more Moreton adventures for you to enjoy.

Tidelands – Phillippa Gregory

I do prefer Phillippa Gregory’s books about ‘ordinary’ people to those whose main characters are royalty and this is one such. It is the story of Alinor, a wise woman who lives in 1648, when England is in the grips of the Civil War. At a time of turmoil, neighbour begins to turn upon neighbour and Alinor is in the line of fire. As you’d expect, it is well-researched and well-written. This is the first of a series and I am looking forward to the sequel.

Killing the Girl – Elizabeth Hall

An absorbing psychological thriller in which the lead character, Carol, is forced to revisit incidents from her past. It is difficult to say very much without spoilers but I was immediately drawn into the story. Some of it is set in a realistic 1970.

The Familiars – Stacey Halls

I usually try to avoid ‘Best Sellers’ that everyone will have heard of but I couldn’t ignore this. Set as it is against a background of the Pendle witch trials, this was likely to hold my interest. Stacey Halls has taken real people as her main characters and has created a plausible story about Fleetwood and Alice, who come from different walks of life.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane – Katherine Howe

This book was previously published as The Lost Book of Salem. It is set during the Salem witch trials, with a more recent strand. In 1991, Connie comes across the physic book whilst researching for a PhD and sets out to discover more about the life of Deliverance Dane. In the process, the reader is given an insight into the world of late C20th American academia.

A Kind of Spark – Elle McNicholl

A neurodivergent lead character, historical witchcraft and a struggle for acceptance. This had to be on the list. A coming of age story in which Addie comes to terms with who she is and how others perceive her. Elle McNicholl has used her own experience of neurodivergence to craft a compelling novel, which draws links between past instances of intolerance and bullying and Addie’s own life. Definitely a must read for anyone who wants to understand the overwhelming nature of neurodivergence and to rejoice in Addie personal triumphs.

The Fear of Ravens – Wendy Percival

Another of my favourite authors of genealogical mysteries. This is the latest of a series of books featuring genealogical sleuth Esme Quentin. Set in North Devon and featuring, yes, you’ve guessed it, more witches, as well as a curse and a mystery to uncover. Wendy’s, or rather Esme’s, genealogical research is believable and I enjoy learning more about Esme with each book Wendy writes. Although this is one of a series, you don’t need to have read the others but having read this one, you will probably want to.

The Gossip’s Choice – Sara Read

More seventeenth century (inevitable really). Sara Reed has used her academic research about the history of early modern midwifery and crafted a fascinating account of Lucie Smith, who practices her craft of midwifery as London begins to be gripped by the plague. I like my historical novels to be rooted in sound research and this certainly is. A fascinating story.

The Song of the Skylark – Liz Shakespeare

A story set in my home village and based on real nineteenth century events. Liz has set her characters against a carefully researched background and I was quickly absorbed in the story of the Mitchell children. A beautiful evocation of the Devon landscape and a wonderfully detailed portrayal of Victorian rural poverty. It is difficult to write a convincing book for adults with children as the main characters but Liz has achieved this with admirable skill.

Who’s There – Karena Swan

A compelling read this one and a little different from the historical novel fare. We follow the story of Arnold, a young man with learning difficulties who is taking his first steps towards independence. Sadly, there are always those who seek to exploit the vulnerable and the plot takes a sinister turn. The characters were convincing and portrayed with empathy. A gripping recounting of how terrifyingly easy it is to become a victim.

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