Reading helps our brain age well. It allows us to learn or escape into a story, plus it’s one of the easiest mental fitness exercises! If you’re a reader, kick it up by reading aloud, listen to an audiobook or use an electronic reader like Kindle. No matter how we do it, reading increases our cognitive reserve and helps our brain age well!
I’ve been reading more this year, especially after writing Brain Boosters 2 . It’s a favorite hobby and I challenged myself to read more for enjoyment and learning. Listed below are books I read this year so far-make sure to read to the end for my favorites! Many series occurred with my reading this year. It’s easy if you like an author or characters to continue in a series, which happened more by accident than intent for me. Hope you enjoy grabbing one or more of these for your summer reading adventures!
The Series List- New
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith I began the year with this book as I was sorting books I hadn’t read yet. I bought this one for my son since he enjoyed J. K. Rowling’s writing in the Harry Potter series. (Robert Galbraith is a pen name for J.K. Rowling- which was identified after the success of this book). Our son didn’t get into these books, but I enjoyed this first one and kept reading. This book introduces us to Cormoran Strike, a former military police detective now private detective. I won’t spoil the story but suffice to say, the character development is strong, and I kept on reading! See what you think!
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith Book two in this series is the one I enjoyed the least mainly due to a bizarre killing in the book. However, it’s worth reading as for the continued exploration of the characters and the intricately woven storyline. I thoroughly appreciate it when I cannot figure out an ending and Galbraith/Rowling continues to deliver here.
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith This series of books keep getting longer with multitudes of characters developed over time (like the Harry Potter series). Even though the cast of suspects is long enough that I needed to remind myself who was who, the twists and development of the two main characters kept my interest as did the ending which I didn’t anticipate! I’ll keep reading!
Lethal White by Robert Galbraith I’ve just begun this, and true to form, it’s almost 650 pages. But I’m intrigued by the continuation of the story of Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott and will keep you posted! This is a great series for all the mystery lovers who enjoy layers of nuance.
A Death in Door County by Annelise Ryan (a pseudonym for Beth Amos) Picked this up at a bookstore since the author is local and a nurse like me. The story about a cryptozoologist (one who studies mythical creatures) was an interesting perspective for presenting a mystery with this one involving a Loch Ness type of monster. One of the best parts aside from recognizing some of the local landmarks mentioned, was the dog Newt, who developed as a lovable character in the story. I found this to be a fun and interesting read so I ordered the next book in the series…
Death in the Dark Woods by Annelise Ryan The second book in the series involves a mystery with a Bigfoot type creature and it kept my interest as much as the first book. I want to continue reading so next up will be Beast of the North Woods . These fun twists on mysteries are easy reading to enjoy on vacation or at home this summer.
The Maid by Nita Prose You’ll fall in love with the lovable, honest, and smart maid Molly as I did. It was surreal reading this while staying at a hotel while traveling and it gave me a new appreciation for the maids and other staff. It’s poignant, makes you think and laugh, all while being amazed how this mystery gets solved. Enjoyed it so I read the next installment…
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose The story jumps right in but also explores more of Molly’s backstory and was as enjoyable as the first. I loved the evolution of the character Molly in this quick and enjoyable read.
Continuing Previous Series’…
The Pelican Did It by Kay Dew Shostak I originally began this series when visiting Amelia Island a few years back to support a local author. I love them as easy, fun beach reads. See previous book reviews in this series here. In this latest installment, the ladies simply can’t stay away from another mystery happening right under their noses in sleepy Sophia Island. The character development and storylines abound and I’m enjoying the journey.
The Gods of Guilt by Michael Connelly My husband and I have been listening to the Lincoln Lawyer series of books as we drive and travel. See previous book reviews here. For this fifth in the series, it helps if you have some backstory as one of the main characters in the plot is from Mickey’s past. But even if you don’t, you’ll enjoy another installment in the Lincoln Lawyer series like we did.
The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly Book six in the series twists the plot and the Lincoln Lawyer himself is arrested and must stand trial. Interesting reverse of perspective and enjoyed the extended emergence of his half-brother Harry Bosch’s character in this one.
Book 7 Resurrection Walk by Michael Connelly We began with this book of the series and enjoyed it so much we went back to listen from book 1. Find the review here.
Book 8 The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly is coming out this fall with a story about a lawsuit involving the ever-growing presence of Artificial Intelligence-should be interesting and I know we’ll listen to it as soon as we can.
In the meantime, I want to read all about the newest character developed by Connelly, Detective Stilwell, in his recently released book Nightshade Will be digging into this one soon!
Starting at the end again…
A Death in Cornwall by Daniel Silva After finishing a previous book, I grabbed this at the airport to read on the plane. I really liked the style of writing, the characters, and how even though I began with the latest installment, I could follow the backstories. The ongoing story of Gabriel Allon, a former Israeli intelligence officer kept my interest and was difficult to predict, which I enjoy. I liked it so much, I decided to go back to the beginning and it’s now the next series I’m listening to with my husband.
The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva is the first in the series of the character Gabriel Allon we are listening to and even though I already knew some of the backstory, my husband found this new series as interesting as I and I know we’ll continue it.
Singles and Favorites
The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food by Annie Fenn MD The only non-fiction book I finished so far this year, but well worth it! Loved the content, recipes, and perspective of this book. The author is a physician but also daughter of a mom with Alzheimer’s. Her story, much like my own, is one reason I bought it but I listed it as a resource in Brain Boosters 2 because I enjoyed it and agree with her message that much. Grab this one for yourself and those you love to enjoy cooking and help your brain age well.
Last Night by Luanne Rice I received this free on my Kindle reading app, and found it a quick read that explores how choices impact others even when we think they won’t. Interesting story.
Dragonfly by Leila Meacham Story of five idealistic young Americans and how their unique talents and fearlessness aids in fighting the Nazi’s behind the scenes of WWII in Paris. I enjoy historical fiction and it delivered exactly what I love about this genre. One of my favorites so far this year!
We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker For this one, I listened on Audible-because I enjoyed All the Colors of the Dark so much. An intricately woven story of love, loss, friendships, families, and judgements. Well written and kept my attention until the end. This is well worth reading or listening to and my favorite of 2025 so far!
I hope you enjoy these books and in the process, help your brain age well!