October was a great mix of reads and listens, spanning across genres from inspirational running memoirs to cozy mysteries, thrillers, and even a bit of TV history. With 11 books totaling 1,776 pages and 53.08 hours worth of listening (although I tend to listen between 1.5x-2.0x depending on the narrator) and an average rating of 4.05 stars, it was a surprisingly good reading month.
I read a mix of five-star favorites and some solid four-star picks:
Highest Rated Reads
- We Solve Murders by Richard Osman – ⭐5.0
Another winner from Richard Osman’s. His characters continue to charm with their wit and mystery-solving skills I loved the dry humor. - 26 Marathons by Meb Keflezighi – ⭐5.0
Meb’s marathon journey resonated deeply, especially as a runner myself. Each marathon he ran taught him life lessons, and his reflections were incredibly inspiring. - Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty – ⭐4.5
Moriarty weaves yet another page-turner. This story is packed with twists, well-drawn characters, and layers of complexity that kept me hooked. I had seen another blogger (I think it was https://runnersfly.com) post that she didn’t know how this would end well when she was about halfway through, and I, too was worried – but she tied it all up with a satisfying bow!
Other High-Rated Reads
- Friends and the Golden Age of the Sitcom by Joanna Hagan – ⭐4.0
Just after binge-watching Friends, this was a perfect follow-up. The book explores the sitcom’s legacy and its influence on pop culture, making it a must-read for fans. - The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose – ⭐4.0
A cozy, festive mystery with a charming setting and an engaging story, it’s getting me in the holiday spirit! - Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger – ⭐4.0
Set in northern Minnesota, this suspenseful novel is a part of a series I am now hooked on. - Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping on a Dead Man by Jesse Q. Sutanto – ⭐4.0
This book was such a fun read! Vera Wong is a unique, quirky character who makes amateur sleuthing a delight. This was book two hanging out with Vera.
Other Titles
- Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver – ⭐3.5
A modern-day spin on David Copperfield, Kingsolver’s novel is both gritty and compelling. The story dives into some heavy topics. - How Stella Saved the Farm by Vijay Govindarajan and Chris Trimble – ⭐3.5
A business fable about innovation told through an animal farm setting. While a bit outside my usual reading, it offered interesting insights into teamwork and problem-solving. We had to read this for an upcoming offsite for work. - The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan – ⭐3.75
Per Google Gemini because I couldn’t do a good job of summing this book up: Cate Kay is a wildly successful author hiding her true identity from the world, but when she decides to finally reveal herself, the consequences are more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of reinvention, “The Three Lives of Cate Kay” is a captivating story about the secrets we keep and the different versions of ourselves we create throughout life. - Death by Café Mocha by Alex Erickson – ⭐3.25
A cozy mystery with a coffee shop twist, it was a lighter read that didn’t quite grab me as much as others, but it was still enjoyable.
Star Ratings Explained
October’s books received a range of ratings, mostly in the 3.5 to 5-star range, which is a fantastic month for me!
- Five-star favorites: I gave a couple of books the coveted five stars, marking them as reads that left a lasting impression and kept me thinking long after finishing.
- Four-star reads: These were solid, enjoyable picks.
- Three-and-a-half stars: These books were still enjoyable but maybe had slower moments or elements that didn’t fully connect with me.
This month, Mystery/Thriller led the way, with a few standout titles. October always feels like the perfect time for thrillers and cozy mysteries.
- Cozy Mystery made a strong appearance, like usual. There’s something about curling up with a cozy mystery on a chilly October day that just feels right.
Fiction dominated my October reads, like normal, but I did read a couple non-fiction titles. Adding nonfiction to the mix provided a nice change of pace especially with the two topics I chose..
With 11 books in October, I feel like I struck the perfect balance between suspenseful mysteries, cozy comfort reads, and a few lighthearted stories.
Let me know if any of these October picks caught your eye, or if you have any recommendations for November. Happy reading! 📚
