This has been the year of the audio-book for me, but more on that later. I did actually read some books, and here are my Top 4 out of all them.

[amazon_link id=”0553418025″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]#1. The Martian by Andy Weir

This was without doubt the Best Book of 2014, and I knew it as I was reading it. It is that fantastic; I didn’t want to do anything else save read that book, until it was finished. “The Martian” dethrones my favorite sci-fi novel of all time “Ender’s Game” from the top spot.

This book is now being made into a film starring Matt Damon – and that is well-cast, because I can see Damon as a fine Mark Watney. The film releases November 2015, and I do hope that director Scott Ridley won’t mess it up, like they often do (the film version of “Ender’s Game” was a disaster).

[amazon_link id=”0670026328″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]According to IMDB, Chwiwetel Ejiofor is playing the character of Venkat Kapoor. Ejiofor is a great actor, but they couldn’t find an Indian guy for the role? Sendhil Ramamurthy (Heroes, Shor In The City) would have made an excellent Venkat Kapoor.

Anyway, the point is – you MUST read this book. The audiobook is supposed to be quite good too.

#2. Safe Harbor by Tana French

French is quite marvelous. And dependable. You know you are getting a nice psychological mystery out of her books. Always. The proof is in the pudding/writing. If you haven’t read her previous books (Faithful Place, Broken Harbor, The Likeness), get to it. Please.

And yes, I can’t link to the full review because I haven’t reviewed it yet. But I will, I will. Soon.

[amazon_link id=”0812985338″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link][amazon_link id=”0765375869″ target=”_blank” container=”” container_class=”” ][/amazon_link]#3. The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh

This is McHugh’s debut, and what a debut it is. This sinister haunting novel set in rural Missouri will stay with you for a long time. It is a mesmerizing book; it pulls you in and keeps you there.

#4. Lock In by John Scalzi

Lock-In was my first Scalzi, and a very good book. Two of my Top 4 books are sci-fi books. I must like sci-fi very much. And the other two are dark, psychological mysteries. Ergo, I must … Ah well!