Author King of the literary underground
The best books of 2023

This list is part of the best books of 2023.

We've asked 1,633 authors and super readers for their 3 favorite reads of the year.

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My favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of London is Dead

Joseph Ridgwell Why did I love this book?

This is my favorite crime fiction novel about London (that was written this century).

It is a fierce and gripping portrait of society’s criminal underbelly; London is Dead wields a cast of flawed but colourful characters as they cross paths and swords in the streets of the capital. A spine-tingling rip-roaring roller-coaster of a murderous read. 

By Michael Keenaghan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked London is Dead as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"Tough, urban prose from an author with a sharp, distinctive style and an ear for the language of London's naughtier characters. Keenaghan's love for his city shines through in this driven, thumping novel. Cult fiction for the 2020s."
JOHN KING, author of The Football Factory and Human Punk

Terry Hart’s straight lifestyle has got him nowhere – no money and no respect from his family. When he’s viciously robbed in his mini-cab, his self-pride hits a new low. As the temptation to return to crime bites hard, out come the demons from a brutal and tragic past. Suddenly East London…


My 2nd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of Ootlin

Joseph Ridgwell Why did I love this book?

A phenomenal memoir. It takes exceptional strength to survive the events described in this book and courage, skill and verve to write a life story, especially when this type of story is often marginalised, underrepresented, and swept under the proverbial carpet.

And if you are not in tears by the time you have finished Ootlin, then essentially you are not human.

By Jenni Fagan,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Ootlin as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'A phenomenal memoir. I am in awe' AMY LIPTROT

'Beautiful, deep, dangerous, transfixing . . . it will burn a home in your heart, it has in mine. Read every word of every page. Turn them carefully. Jenni Fagan is made of fire and spirit. From start to finish I could not put it down. Close the door. Sit down now. Read Ootlin. Read' LEMN SISSAY

'Essential reading, life changing, I couldn't stop reading once I started . . . Unbelievably brave. Beautiful , earth shattering and unforgettable. A truly rare talent' SAMANTHA MORTON

The government told a story about…


My 3rd favorite read in 2023…

Book cover of After Blood-Soaked Centuries of Supposed Progress & Advance

Joseph Ridgwell Why did I love this book?

Wallingford’s Poet Laureate (and half shaman half devil’s footman) shares poems written while tripping, breathing, working, drinking, smoking, pondering, loafing, and lying around star-gazing. Poems as postcards, thought experiments, mantras, musings, reveries, songs & plans.

Mahoney tells us what we don’t want to hear, and what we can hardly believe, and awakens the soul-searcher in all of us. 

Plus, check out my book…

The Heist And Other Tales

By Joseph Ridgwell,

Book cover of The Heist And Other Tales

What is my book about?

The Heist & Other Tales is a Ridgwell special, a mind-blowing collection of cosmic short stories and lurid yarns that will captivate and enthral any adventurous reader fortunate enough to get their hands on a copy.

And so we have tales of digit-lusting midnight Mexican gamblers, enchanting spider webs, what went down in the Hotel X, Eastend Lock-ins, Religion in a Mexican Airport, A Heist in Scotland, the mystery of the disappearing Kelpies, how to make money in prison, a human being with the highest IQ in the world, an aging hotelier with a penchant for grisly mementos, more Ronnie and Ridgwell escapades, including some murdered dogs, and a paradise island in the sun, an encounter with Madam Death, and the Legendary Herb of Humbie…

My book recommendation list