2024 was the year I rediscovered my love for reading and really indulging to the point of probably binging several books. Here are the books I would whole heartedly recommend to anyone who loves the thriller, suspense, and hope genre. I have grouped them into somewhat similar categories or authors to make it a little easier to follow. 

1) Lisa Jewell

I discovered this author at my local charity bookshop and quickly realised I loved her style of writing and how she truly captivates you to the point where you are forced to read a book in 2 days. I first read 'The Family Remains' not knowing the first book 'The Family Upstairs' existed. Nonetheless, I personally do not think you need to read them in order to understand nor enjoy them properly. I equally enjoyed reading the first book after as I already had an idea as to what was about to transpire but did not know the entire story. After scouring my local charity shop for the rest of her books I came across 'Then She Was Gone' and 'The Night She Disappeared' both of which again I could not put down and would recommend to everyone. Lastly and most definitely my favourite 'None Of This Is True' was one I kept seeing recommended online and upon reading it I quickly understood why. The way this book was written truly does make you question what you are reading constantly. 

2) Freida McFadden 

Now I know this author has been popular for quite sometime especially with 'The Housemaid' and I was a little skeptical before reading some of her books but once again I simply fell in love with her style of writing. I think for me I definitely enjoyed reading 'The Inmate' and 'Never Lie' somewhat more than 'The Housemaid' simply because of the story line as well as the build up of suspense but irrespective I definitely would recommend all of them equally. Once more, I think it spent only a day or two reading them all because that is how engrossed I was in wanting to reach the end of each book. 

3) 'Hopeful' books 

This category of books steers away from thriller and suspense but it definitely has a fews nods to those genres. I have always wanted to read 'The Alchemist' and I did not realise how short of a book it was but this one probably took me the longest to read. I am unsure why it took me a while to get into this book but once I finished it I began to understand and really appreciate the message behind the book. 'The Kite Runner', another book on my always wanted to read list and this one truly broke me a little. I think I can speak for anyone else who has read this but it truly is a story filled with grief and so much hope. Now Clare Mackintosh is one of those authors I see recommended everywhere online and after reading 'After The End' I began to understand why. This one plays to your heartstrings once more but the style of writing is what truly engaged me. 

4) Authors I want to read more from 

If you are anything like me you have an entire note in your phone dedicated to a list of books from specific authors that are currently on your 'to read' list and both Steve Cavanagh and Chris Whittaker are on mine. 'Fifty Fifty' is probably up there with being one of my favourite reads from last year and I truly am looking forward to reading more books by this author. Now 'Tall Oaks' was a book that I did not particialrly reach for straightaway and that was a mistake because I did not anticipate it ending the way it did. 

I definitely want to continue my burning desire for reading more in 2025 because it truly is a great way to discover new genres and worlds. As someone who never really read anything other than non-fiction books I thought I would struggle to get into fiction books but instead I discovered it is one of the few things I enjoy the most especially in a world where everything is so digital. 

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The first half of this month has flown by incredibly quickly. I still find it hard to believe that more than half of October has passed and we are just over two months away from 2025. Nevertheless, I am trying to be more mindful of how I choose to spend time now and so far I am loving it. Here are a few things I have been obsessing over the past month. 

1) Chloe - Mini Joan bag

Now I think I purchased this back in July and I have not stopped wearing it. Despite it being olive green, a little different from the copious amount of natural bags I own, I have managed to pair this with so many outfits. I love wearing it with dresses in the summer, or dressed up with an all-black abaya, or in autumn with knitwear and long coats. I love the unique colour and all the gold bells and whistles that come with the bag. 

2) Clare Mackintosh - After the End 

If you want a book that will have you reading and turning the pages faster than you humanly can, this is the book for you. This was a little different from what I have been reading recently, which is almost nearly every Lisa Jewell book, but I loved every bit of it. It takes you through one of the hardest decisions a couple has to make for their son. The fact that I managed to read this in a matter of days just tells you how I was consumed by it. 

3) Lancome - La vie est belle 

This is always going to be an absolute favourite for me simply because of the memory attached to it, my wedding day fragrance. The smell of this is so classic yet so enchanting and I find myself loving the scent the more I use it. The packaging is gorgeous too and I know I will be sad when I finish it. 

4) Sally Hansen - nail polish primer 

I go through phases of wanting deep burgundy and brown tones on my nails or then wanting the opposite and a super clean manicured look. For when I want something that is barely there but still looks put together I like reaching for this Sally Hansen nail primer polish. You can pair this with a French tip but personally, I love the paired-down milky nude look. 

5) Flower clips 

I adore the little flower clips, even though they are just another trend, I love the way they look in your hair. They do an amazing job of keeping your hair up and out of the way of your face whilst also looking pretty effortless. 

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 1) New job 

I recently secured a new job as a paralegal at a well known law firm and have found it fascinating how different it is compared to working for a smaller high-street firm. Nonetheless, the experience has been eye-opening and has been super beneficial. My only gripe is it has left me utterly confused as practising commercial law is looking incredibly appealing.

2) Another Secret Barrister book finished 

I have finished reading 'Nothing but the truth' by the Secret Barrister and I have to confess this might be my favourite from the trio. I began to appreciate the honesty from the author of the harsh realities faced by criminal pupil barristers as well as those who have been practising for decades. Yet, this still has not halted me as my passion for criminal law continues to grow deeper. 

3) Pupillage 1st interviews 

After applying for pupillage earlier this year, I found myself being offered 1st interviews at some of the chambers which was an amazing opportunity and it is something I will continue to be grateful for. However, when attending a networking event led by a chambers, I found myself with a group of people who were also equally befuddled as to why numerous people with outstanding experience had not been awarded pupillage. The sheer competitiveness and the absolute lack of diversity at the Bar will always be the mysterious duo that continues to weed people out of the profession. I could go on about this for an eternity, and maybe I will write up a post detailing my experience with pupillage applications this year but for now I will stop here. 

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If you are like me and you like purchasing books whether its hardback or not to simply read when you have a little time or on your commute to work then these are perfect, bearing in mind that they are most definitely law related but also provide a different perspective to the legal world as we know it. 

Firstly, 'Unlawful killings' by Her Honour Wendy Joseph QC, this I simply found when browsing through the books in WHSmith. Just flicking through this book quickly was enough to entice me to purchase it and start reading it as soon as humanly possible. With each chapter set out as a trial, unfolding horrific but mostly tragic details, the book takes you through five separate cases. 

Secondly, 'People like us' by Hashi Mohamed, this I discovered after attending an online qualifying session with Middle Temple, where he discussed his book and read a little passage from it too. It was incredibly inspiring watching a muslim barrister speak about his journey to the Bar. 

Thirdly, 'In Black and White' by Alexandra Wilson, now I am sure this book might be easily recognisable simply because of how well it was portrayed in the media. This tells the story of a young barrister's story of navigating race and class in a broken justice system, as described by herself. This truly does open your eyes in a world that is still typically male dominated despite the neverending strive for diversity at the Bar. 

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