Serena

Ron Rash

George and Serena Pemberton are the type of people who believe that their social and economic status afford them the right to do whatever they want with no repercussions. I did not realize how affected I was by these characters until I found myself wishing that they would finally get their comeuppance. I chose this book as one of my favorites of 2008.

The Black Book of Secrets

F. E. Higgins

I was hooked on this story from the very first line and was not disappointed until the very last line, and only then because I knew there was no more to read! This debut novel is sure to please fans of Gothic fiction and the ending leaves enough room for a sequel (I hope!)

The Stand

Stephen King

The Stand is King's finest work to date. This is the book that made me a lifelong devotee. Don't let the length dissuade you: it's well worth the time.

The Shadow of the Wind

Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Beautifully written, beautifully translated. One of the most engrossing books I have read in quite a while.