The 10 Best Novels of 2018, so far
The year of 2018 slowly passes by; however, it leaves some brilliant novels behind it.
Whether you are searching for a romantic inspiration about the opportunities of life, a hilarious story of the struggles of an exhausted mom, or a mysterious techno-thriller from the ex-president of the United States, this selection of novels has it all. These real page-turners have come to be the best novels that this year brought us so far.
The Note — Zoe Folbigg
This genuinely unforgettable and uplifting romance from Zoe Folbigg, based on a true story, and reminds us that taking a chance in life can change everything.
One very ordinary day, when Maya Flowers sees a new commuter getting on her train in London, she immediately knows that he is The One. This charming stranger seems to hardly notice anyone and anything, apart from his book which he reads every day. Taking the advice of a very wise friend, Maya, collecting all her courage hands him a note with an invitation for a drink. So begins a story of The Note with sliding doors, missed opportunities, and finding happiness at the most unexpected places.
The Girl Before — JP Delaney
Tired of the endless search for a place to live, Jane bumps into the rental opportunity of her lifetime. This ultra-minimalist architectural masterpiece owned by an enigmatic designer comes with a long list of strict and unusual rules. Moving in, she soon learns about the mysterious death of the previous tenant, Emma, and realizes: she is unwillingly following the same patterns, make the same choices, finally experiencing the same terror as The Girl Before her. Will she end up paying the same horrible price for this exceptional way of living? This instant New York Times best-seller psychological thriller will definitely get you addicted while seeking for the answer to this question.
The President Is Missing — Bill Clinton & James Patterson
President Bill Clinton and James Patterson are a dynamic duo weaving a suspenseful techno-thriller that will leave readers wondering, “Could this really happen?”.
Set over the course of three days, The President Is Missing confronts a threat so huge that it jeopardizes not just Pennsylvania Avenue and Wall Street, but all of America. The president unexpectedly disappears from the public view, just after he became a suspect himself. Filled with information that only a former Commander-in-Chief could know, this is the most authentic, dramatic thriller in decades.
Against All Odds — Danielle Steel
The bestseller writer, Danielle Steel proves she is the world’s favourite storyteller in this powerful story of a mother’s unconditional love in Against All Odds.
Kate Madison’s stylish boutique has been a big success in New York, supporting her and her four kids since her husband’s untimely death. Now, her children have grown up and are ready to forge lives of their own.
Can Isabelle, a dedicated attorney, make a life with her client that she represents in a criminal case? Willie, the youngest, makes a choice that shocks them all, with a woman 12 years younger than him. Will Julie with her quickly arranged marriage and relocation to Los Angeles really turn out as good as it seems despite the warning signs? Will Justin, the struggling writer, just keep on pushing for children with his partner before they would actually appeal ready for it?
Can odds be beaten? For Kate, the hardest lesson will be that she can’t protect the children she loves from the choices they make — but can only love them as they make them.
Sleeping Beauties — Stephen King & Owen King
In this spectacular father/son collaboration, Stephen King and Owen King tell the highest of high-stakes stories: In the small town of Dooling, West Virginia, a virus is spreading through a women’s prison. Women become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If awakened, the gauze wrapping on their body is disturbed then the women become feral and spectacularly violent…except for One. Evie is the only one around that seems to be able to sleep — and wake. Is she a medical anomaly or a demon to be slain?
The sleeping women are about to open their eyes to a new world altogether…
Camino Island — Josh Grisham
The book begins with the theft of five rare manuscripts, deep below the Firestone Library of Princeton University. Mercer Mann is a young novelist with a severe case of writer’s block. She gets approached by an elegant, mysterious woman working for an even more mysterious company. A generous offer of money convinces Mercer to go undercover and infiltrate Bruce Cable’s circle of literary friends. Ideally, getting close enough to him to learn his secrets. Maybe even too close!
Red Sparrow — Jason Matthews
From the New York Times, bestselling author and veteran CIA officer Jason Matthews comes the modern spy thriller, Red Sparrow.
Former Russian ballerina and state intelligence officer Dominika Egorova has been drafted to become a “Sparrow” — a spy trained in the art of seduction to elicit information from their targets. She gets assigned to Nathaniel Nash, a CIA officer who handles the organization’s most sensitive penetration of Russian intelligence. The two young intelligence officers, collide in a charged atmosphere of tradecraft, deception and, inevitably, a forbidden spiral of carnal attraction that threatens their careers and the security of America’s valuable mole in Moscow.
Red Sparrow is a timely and electrifying thriller that is impossible to put down.
Love, Simon — Becky Albertalli
Simon Spier is a gay 16-year-old junior in high school. Unknown to everyone, including his family and friends, Simon has been emailing with someone named “Blue”, using the pseudonym “Jacques”. As the two get closer, Simon starts to get blackmailed, and his secret threatened to be released if he doesn’t play wingman for Martin, the class clown. Now, his sexual orientation and the privacy of the guy that he has been confiding in could possibly be compromised. Simon must find a way to step out of his comfort zone, before he is pushed out, and before he loses Blue, who gets more flirtatious every day.
Why Mummy Drinks — Gill Sims
This journal isn’t about promising to make you a better person, or a happier one, or a thinner or even a wiser one because there’s nothing wrong with the person you are. Mummy’s hilarious reflections of the exhausting days of caring Mums, filled with daily school drop-offs and parent’ meetings followed by a glass of wine. This funny and honest novel of Gill Sims makes a perfect gift for Mums everywhere.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine — Gail Honeyman
Meet Eleanor Oliphant. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy. But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. Winner of the 2018 Costa Debut Novel Award, this beautifully written and incredibly funny story tells us about the importance of friendship and human connection.
Looking for your next cosy day in with a great a book? These novels paired up with a cup of hot chocolate and a fluffy blanket will be just the perfect combination for the cold and rainy days. Visit any Agenda Bookshop and get your copies now!
