MY FAVOURITE BOOKS: 2023 EDITION

Happy New Years Eve!

I didn’t read a tonne of books this year, but these are the 2023 titles I really enjoyed.

LOVE ME FIERCE IN DANGER: THE LIFE OF JAMES ELLROY by Steven Powell

This is now the definitive book on Ellroy. Less distorted than the memoirs, just as beautifully written, and walks an impossible line in terms of providing enough detail, but not too much. I’m a huge fan of the subject, and Powell rose to the occasion, so this is my book of the year. Full review here.

BURN YOU THE FUCK ALIVE by BR Yeager

My favourite piece of fiction for the year. I can’t quite describe what captivated me so much about this — Metropolis had it on the shelf and who could not look inside a book with that title? Unfortunately, I cannot accurately describe what I found inside. It’s simply too slimy and freaky. Expect a little carnage, though. And maybe a lovingly detailed character study of a woman with a poisonous spine in her vagina.

PUNISHMENT by Ferdinand von Schirach

The third instalment in German writer Ferdinand von Schirach’s series of crime-related short story collections (the first two being Crime and Guilt). It’s great stuff. Haunting, but never vile. He’s a huge bestseller at home and totally underrated everywhere else. Full review here.

EVERYBODY KNOWS by Jordan Harper

The best American crime novel of the year. Full review here. Everyone seems to have this on their lists.

ORPHAN ROAD by Andrew Nette

Andrew Nette’s follow-up to 2016’s Gunshine State didn’t disappoint. Weird-Melbourne, a famous heist, and 70s grit combine to give this it’s own edge. Nette’s stuff is uniquely Australian and always worth a look. Essential for crime readers.

THE HUMMINGBIRD EFFECT Effect by Kate Mildenhall

Incredible book. A down-low short story collection that is hands-down my favourite piece of literary fiction for 2023. Mildenhall takes a huge fucking swing with this and reading it was a reminder that you can do anything with prose. Highly recommended.

CITY OF DREAMS by Don Winslow

This is also the best American crime novel of the year, haha. A brazen, zero-fucks piece of hardboiled crime fiction. He must not be allowed to retire. PS: I preferred this to the first book in the series, so if you’re on the cusp, check it out.

I AM ALREADY DEAD by David Whish-Wilson

In anyone else’s hands, this book would be a Derek Raymond-esque nightmare — a complete black hole — but David Whish-Wilson is such a journeyman Australian crime novelist, that he earns your trust. You wade into the darkness in safe hands. Personally think this is his best in years.

Happy reading!

— IAIN

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