By Lorie Lewis Ham
As the weather begins to cool down just a bit, there is no better way to spend an evening than by reading a good book and sipping your favorite hot beverage. You could pick up a book off of one of the Best Seller lists, or perhaps discover a hidden gem by a lesser-known author. Here are 10 suggestions in various genres from my own favorite 2022 reads and those of a few of my author friends, all released in 2022 or late 2021.
If you are looking for a non-fiction book to read and you love animals, Judith Ayn, author of Murder at the No-Kill Animal Shelter, recommends Funny Farm by Laurie Zaleski. “It is a memoir about her rough family life that led her into animal rescue. She has a sanctuary in New Jersey. Great funny stories about very unusual animals.”
For a novel that reads more like a memoir with recipes, author Cynthia Sabelhaus, who recently had a short story published in the mystery anthology The Fish That Got Away, recommends Search: A Novel by Michelle Huneven. “It’s about a church search committee trying to select a new pastor. Nothing goes as expected. Committee members team up and take sides. Humanity with all its frailties.”
For those who enjoy YA novels, romance, and comedy, Jennifer J. Chow, author of Death By Bubble Tea, recommends The Christmas Clash by Suzanne Park (it comes out Oct. 4, she got an early copy). “Such a cute story! I relished the setting of the suburban mall, and the vivid descriptions brought back such good memories. Peter and Chloe complement each other well. I loved diving into their different personalities—and getting to virtually enjoy the cuisines of their family restaurants.”
For those who love food and history, Ellen Byron, whose mysteries are set in New Orleans, recommends The Big Book of King Cake by Matt Haines. King Cake is a delicious Mardi Gras tradition and the book tells the thousands-year-old story of the cake through lush photography of more than one hundred and fifty unique king cakes, as well as stories from the diverse and talented bakers who make them.
The School For Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan made it to the Best Seller list and is highly recommended by Lida Bushlopper, who writes short stories, non-fiction, and poetry. In this debut literary novel, one lapse in judgment lands a young mother in a government reform program where custody of her child hangs in the balance.
If you enjoy mysteries as I do, Lee Goldberg is an author you don’t want to miss. Having written for TV shows like Monk and having created the Hallmark mystery movie series Mystery 101, his books are witty, fast-paced, and always provide a good mystery. His latest book, Movieland, features Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detective Eve Ronin.
A few other hidden gems that have come out this year that you may enjoy if you love mysteries include:
Historical mystery with a musical setting—Murder Backstage by Nupur Tustin.
Mystery with a supernatural twist—Tutus, Fries & Dead Guys by Jennifer Fischetto.
Cozy mystery with pets—Killers of a Feather: Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries by T. C. LoTempio.
A medieval caper mystery—Oswald the Thief by Jeri Westerson (I highly recommend all of Jeri’s books, most have either a fantasy or medieval twist to them).
I hope one or more of these books make it onto your fall reading list! If so, share with us your thoughts on our Facebook page, and we would also love to hear some 2022 book recommendations from you! Happy reading!
