I’ve never met a reader that didn’t have a TBR (To-Be-Read) list that somehow, sometime, and somewhere becomes a literary Jenga tower. Oh, these towers are chaotically stacked, constantly growing, and occasionally threatening to topple over, but they bring readers a world of emotions. Instead of being overwhelmed, I’ve decided to embrace the chaos and share a few books currently sitting at the top of my list.
Most of them are backlist gems I’ve been meaning to get to for months or years. This isn’t a definitive list, just a snapshot of what’s caught my eye lately and maybe, just maybe, a public nudge to hold myself accountable.
1. The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime by Judith Flanders
📚 Why it’s on my list:
I love a good historical look at things we just live with in today’s society. Flanders examines some of the most captivating cases for the Victorians that gave inspiration to some of the greatest detective fiction, the tourist industry surrounding dead people and their possessions, and introduced “court reporters” as a profession. To be honest, I’m about halfway through the book, but I have been putting it down lately in favor of fiction novels.
Vibe: Nonfiction, history, true crime
I’m saving it for: That is a great question! I’ve been slowly working my way through this book since last summer. As its nonfiction, I tend to put it down in favor of disappearing into magical worlds rather than historical reality. I don’t have a specific mood for reading this book, but now that I’m through the stress of the holidays (and a divorce!), I’m looking forward to picking it back up again. Perhaps it needs to be my daily commuter reading while sitting quietly on the train?
2. Death at the Manor by Katharine Schellman
📚 Why it’s on my list:
I picked this up Body in the Garden on a complete whim and found a new book genre to add to my ever-growing list. The first and second books in the series were whitty, charming, kick my feet cozy little mysteries. This book is on my TBR list simply because I haven’t managed to find a copy at any small bookstores in my area. (Trying desperately not to cave and order it from Amazon).
Vibe: Fiction, Cozy, Mystery, Romance, Regency/Victorian era vibes
I’m saving it for: The minute I manage to find a copy. This book will be cracked open and read immediately!
3. Accomplice to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
📚 Why it’s on my list:
I devoured the first two books in this series and am excited to keep going. This book made it to the TBR shelf simply because I’ve been in the middle of two other series since September that I haven’t been able to put down.
Vibe: Fiction, Romantasy, Humorous
I’m saving it for: When I need to kick my feet with joy, and I’m in a reading slump after finishing the other two series’ I’m currently reading 🙂
4. Transformative Witchcraft: The Greater Mysteries by Jason Mankey
📚 Why it’s on my list:
I always have two or three books related to Witchcraft, Paganism or Wicca on my shelf. This one was recommended by a friend as it melds both the historical foundations associated with witchcraft and the modern world.
Vibe: Nonfiction, witchcraft, occult, rituals.
I’m saving it for: Nothing really. I haven’t been in a mood to read nonfiction recently due to some life events. I will probably finish the book listed above in space #1 and then pick this up as my next nonfiction exploration.
5. Kingdom of the Feared by Kerri Maniscalco
📚 Why it’s on my list:
It has been a while since I read the first two books in the series. Enough time has passed that I feel like I need to reread Kingdom of the Wicked and Kingdom of the Cursed prior to picking up the final piece of the trilogy.
Vibe: Fiction, Romantasy, Paranormal, Enemies to Lovers
I’m saving it for: When I manage to move into my new place, unpack the first two books from my random collection of boxes.
A Few Reading Intentions:
- The joy is in the journey, right? As much as I would like to read everything, all at once, my mood and the things I have going on in life also take up time and energy.
- I’m recently become a big fan of the controversial DNF (Did Not Finish). I spent A LOT of time wasting my life on books I couldn’t stand. To be honest, it’s been a game changer for me.
- Replace scrolling or phone games on the morning/afternoon commutes with reading or podcasts (or crafting!).
Your Turn:
What’s on your TBR right now? Are there any books you’ve been avoiding because they’re too hyped, or too intimidating? I’d love to hear what you’re reading (or avoiding) in the comments.
Let’s hold each other accountable… or at least enable each other with more recommendations. 😊
Happy reading!
Toil & Tomes 