Recommendations for fallen reader

[Furrylittlesweetpotatoes]

I used to read a lot but have struggled in recent years with concentration for a number of reasons. I am feeling better and desperate to get back to my old reading self. However I can’t engage well with any of the books I’ve tried and feel a bit of a failure with it.

I’m looking for an easy read but possibly more thriller than romantic and recent please.

Any ideas?!

Have you read any Lisa Jewell? Easy to read and keep you galloping along.

I too have just got back into reading. I have just read Ruth Jones By Your Side .
it is the first book that I have ever laughed out loud to. She manages to transition between laughter and lump in your throat so easily. Every character earns its place on the page.

Anna O - Matthew Blake.

Have you ever read any Chris Hammer books? He’s an Australian author. I find them a in the easy side to read but interesting as it’s a different culture.

I found Remarkably Bright Creatures intriguing but easy to read.

Jane Casey - Maeve Kerrigan series
Martina Murphy - DS Lucy Golden series
Helen Fields - DI Callanach series

I second Lisa Jewell

I third Lisa Jewell. The Family Upstairs and The Family Remains are two, but all of them are gripping.

Gillian McAllister also good.

Thank you SO much, these are all fantastic!

I did read a few Lisa Jewell back in my reading days… a great shout.

And then a load of not thought of!

I’m going away soon, kids are pre teens and more independent so can’t wait to just be a bit more lazy and get into a great book!

Thanks again! Super appreciated!

Jilly Cooper

I also like Ruth Jones. I only came across her books recently so I have lots to read.

And I also really enjoyed Remarkaby Bright Creatures.

Claire pooley really nice easy books.

frieda McFadden is very readable but hit and miss. I’d go for The Housemaid.

Douglas Kennedy writes excellent page turner thrillers, with strong female protagonists. Most are set against a distinct political/historical period. I’d start with “A Special Relationship”, “State of the Union” or “The Pursuit of Happiness” (not the same as the Will Smith film).

Another fan of Gillian McAllister.
I couldn't put these thrillers down
Three Hours Rosamund Lipton
Dead Mile Jo Furniss
In the Blink of an Eye Jo Callaghan

Louise Candelish writes in a similar style to Lisa Jewell. I recently got into Fiona Valpy books - easy read if you are struggling to get back in to reading.

I’ve just recommended A Sea Change by Veronica Henry in another thread and thought you might like it. It’s one of the Quick Reads series of books that were designed to get people back into reading so should suit you

I was/am the same as you OP. Absolutely no concentration to be able to read a book so I now listen to them on audible.

I also recommend Lisa Jewell, she can keep your attention all the way through the book. Her last book, 'Don't let him in', was excellent.

Highly recommend MJ Arlidge for gripping thriller type books. All the half hearted readers in my family haven't been able to put them down.
The first one is called Eeny Meeny

Thank you all, this thread was super helpful!

I have made a note of all the books and authors you’ve mentioned (my plan is to go through and tick them off) and I’m happy to say I have now read TWO BOOKS!!!

I am honestly dead proud of myself because reading has been very hard for me and I’d failed on many occasions.

I went for two books from the first two suggestions a Lisa Jewell - The family remains and a Ruth Jones - Love untold!

Loved them both!

Thanks again you brilliant lot, this fallen reader is now slightly less fallen!