7 Captivating Books to Snuggle Up With This Winter

7 Captivating Books to Snuggle Up With This Winter

As the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book. From gripping thrillers to inspiring non-fiction, we’ve rounded up seven must-read books that will keep you captivated all season long.

1. Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz

Genre: Thriller, Mystery

If there were an award for literature’s most compelling character, Alice Lee would undoubtedly win. This remarkable debut by Kiwi author Jacqueline Bublitz introduces us to Alice, an 18-year-old with a tragic past and a spirit that refuses to be silenced even in death.

Alice and Ruby, two women from vastly different backgrounds, arrive in New York City on the same day. Alice, with a stolen camera and a pocketful of cash, is escaping her abusive past. Ruby, a 36-year-old Australian, is fleeing from an engaged lover who won’t let her go. Their lives become intertwined when Ruby discovers Alice’s body during a morning run.

Bublitz’s vivid portrayal of New York City life is so authentic you’ll be surprised to learn she’s based in New Plymouth. Her sensitive handling of tough subjects makes this a standout novel. Be prepared to clear your schedule, as this book is impossible to put down.

2. The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

Genre: General Fiction, Historical

Set in the 1970s, this debut novel tells the story of an unlikely musical duo: Nev, a ginger-haired British musician, and Opal, a black American singer with a powerful voice and a fiery spirit. Their rise to fame is cut short by a racially charged incident, and their story is revisited in 2016 by a music journalist uncovering long-buried secrets.

3. Inspiring New Zealand Women by Wendy Gillespie

Genre: Non-Fiction

Wendy Gillespie, a Tauranga-based writer and artist, shares the incredible stories of ten amazing New Zealand women in this uplifting book. From a woman who started an apprenticeship at 68 to another who taught herself to walk after a severe beating, these stories are sure to inspire and motivate.

4. Tall Bones by Anna Bailey

Genre: Crime, Mystery

Set in the small Colorado town of Whistling Ridge, this crime novel follows 17-year-old Abigail (Abi) Blake as she navigates the complexities of small-town life. When Abi disappears after a party, her best friend Emma is consumed by guilt and sets out to uncover the truth. Along the way, she uncovers secrets that many in the town would rather keep hidden.

British author Anna Bailey draws on her experiences living in small-town USA to create a compelling narrative that tackles tough topics like racism, homophobia, and abuse. Her silky smooth writing keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

5. The End of Men by Christina Sweeney-Baird

Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi

In this dystopian novel, a virulent pandemic sweeps across the globe, decimating the male population. Told through the eyes of various women, from the UK to Sweden, this story explores what the world might look like if women were in charge. With thrilling storylines and plenty of twists, this debut novel by British lawyer Christina Sweeney-Baird is a gripping read.

For more book recommendations, visit Woman Magazine.