As the holiday season is quickly approaching, there’s no better time to sit down with a cozy mystery or page-turning thriller. Of course, you need your hot chocolate.
With the hustle and bustle of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I didn’t get too much reading done, but the assortment of titles I cracked open and finished was too good not to list.
So, below you’ll find the best books I read in November, all dished out with ratings, review notes and descriptions. Consider placing these books on your holiday list, because they’re great for any type of reader.
RELATED: Best October books we read, ranked and reviewed
You’ll also enjoy titles from Reese’s Book Club and may want to consider signing up for Audible. If you’re busy this holiday season and prefer to listen on the go — perhaps while holiday shopping — the platform is one of the best we reviewed.
Below, find the best November books we read, followed by a brief overview of the book and further information to shop it so it arrives at your door before you know it. Most of these titles are also beloved by the Amazon Books editors, and you’ll find their commentary below.
Goodreads rating: 3.84/5 stars
About the book: “Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon” explores how the once-dominant lingerie brand’s over-reliance on a narrow, sexually charged image and failure to adapt to changing cultural and consumer values led to its decline.
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Goodreads rating: 3.67/5 stars
About the book: “The Last One at the Wedding” by Jason Rekulak is a darkly comedic novel about a man reflecting on his life and relationships while navigating a series of misadventures at a wedding, ultimately questioning love, loyalty and self-identity.
“I loved this even more than Rekulak’s previous book, ‘Hidden Pictures,'” Vannessa Cronin, Amazon Books editor, exclusively told the New York Post. “Frank is one of my favorite fictional characters in a long time and this story of a five-star dad trying to save his estranged daughter was unputdownable. We named this one of the Best Mysteries and Thrillers of 2024.”
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Goodreads rating: 4.14/5 stars
About the book: “The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern” by Lynda Cohen Loigman tells the story of a woman who, after receiving a mysterious love potion, confronts her past choices, love and the complexities of identity, family and fate.
“A deeply satisfying novel about embracing second chances no matter when they come, this story is filled with feisty, funny characters you’re rooting for from the first page,” Abby Abell, Amazon Books editor, said. “We named this one of the Best Books of October, and I greedily tore through it because I had to know what happens.”
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Goodreads rating: 4.19/5 stars
About the book: “Pony Confidential” by Christina Lynch offers a humorous and insightful look into the world of competitive show jumping, revealing the high stakes, eccentric personalities and behind-the-scenes drama of the equestrian sport.
“Who could have predicted that a mashup of ‘The Odyssey‘ and ‘Black Beauty‘ would be the feel-good mystery we all needed?” Cronin said. “Yes, this plot is as mad as a box of frogs, but readers will be all in on the first page. A grumpy, vengeful pony, a high-stakes mystery, and the love between a girl and her horse makes for a read that’s taut in places, tender in others and too funny everywhere else.”
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Goodreads rating: 3.41/5 stars
About the book: “The Author’s Guide to Murder” by Beatriz Williams is a witty and suspenseful novel that blends a cozy mystery with literary satire, following a successful author who finds herself entangled in a real-life murder investigation while grappling with the pressures of her career.
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Goodreads rating: 3.61/5 stars
About the book: “Christmas Sweater Weather” by Jaqueline Snowe is a heartwarming romantic comedy about a woman who finds unexpected love and personal growth during the holiday season, all while navigating family, career and the cozy charm of Christmas traditions.
Goodreads rating: 4.18/5 stars
About the book: “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a skilled assassin who is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion, all while uncovering dark secrets and battling her own past.
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Goodreads rating: 3.90/5 stars
About the book: “Most Wonderful” by Georgia Clark is a heartfelt and humorous novel about a woman navigating the complexities of love, family and self-discovery during the holiday season, as she confronts the challenges of her relationships and her own evolving identity.
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Goodreads rating: 3.66/5 stars
About the book: “The Holiday Honeymoon Switch” by Julia McKay is a lighthearted romantic comedy where two strangers accidentally swap honeymoon destinations, leading to unexpected adventures, personal growth and the potential for love.
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Goodreads rating: 3.68/5 stars
About the book: “Hate Follow” by Erin Quinn-Kong is a sharp and satirical novel that explores the complexities of social media, online personas and real-world relationships, as a woman navigates the consequences of a viral feud and the blurred lines between public and private lives.
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Goodreads rating: 3.51/5 stars
About the book: “The Mistletoe Mystery” by Nita Prose is a charming holiday-themed mystery that follows a socially awkward hotel maid as she becomes entangled in a puzzling crime during the festive season, combining intrigue with heartwarming moments of personal discovery.
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