Rave Reads of the Year – 2
Rave Reads of the Year – 2
Welcome to Rave Reads of the Year – 2 . This month I invite author friends to share one of their Rave Reads of 2025. Today’s choices come from Michael Wood, Penny Batchelor and Terri Nixon. #RaveReads2025
Michael Wood’s Rave Read:
A chilling and unnerving read as an emergency alert was delivered to people's mobile phones telling them a nuclear weapon was heading for England in 59 minutes. The story follows three women trying to make it home to safety as well as protect their families. Society and law and order break down immediately as people fear the end of the world and Holly captures the panic and terror and horror brilliantly. We're not simply on the journey with these women, we are these women. This book is literally everyone's worst nightmare in 2025 but it's a fascinating and gripping thriller that I could not stop reading.
Michael Wood writes the DCI Matilda Darke series and the Dr Olivia Winter psychological thrillers, plus a number of standalones. His latest book is the 13th Matilda Darke thriller, Worse Than Murder.
Penny Batchelor’s Rave Read:
I'm currently finishing writing my latest thriller and whilst doing so I prefer to read genres other than my own. Off Limits is a page-turning American Football cheerleader/player sports romance (interestingly written by a true Brit) with a heroine you'll root for. It's perfect escapist reading (spoiler alert: it does get rather fruity so you might not want to give it to your mum 🙂), which will reignite your belief in true love. Even better, there are two other romances to devour in Emma's back catalogue if Off Limits floats your boat. I've reviewed the book on Goodreads.
Penny Batchelor writes twisty domestic noir psychological thrillers, the latest being The Woman Next Door.
Terri Nixon’s Rave Read:
Through the pain towards redemption, along the Pennine Way. (June 2025). As a massive fan of Andy Kind's earlier books, particularly The Gig Delusion (if you haven't read it yet, do that first; it will deepen the impact) I was looking forward to being both deeply amused and punched in the feels (as the kids used to say.) This book does both. With extra punch. Laughs there are, and plenty of them, but just when you're beginning to relax, a single line will take you right to the brink of an emotional crevasse... Then another will gently draw you back from it, and put a hot chocolate in your hand and a blanket around your shoulders. This book reminded me how beautiful writing, and a compelling story, can change your view of the world.
Terri Nixon writes historical community sagas, and contemporary crime sagas. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Watchers-Pencarrack-Moor-Terri-Nixon-ebook/dp/B0DL2YTL85
Rave Reads of the Year - 1 Post:
#RaveReads2025