First book read in 2022:

According to my list up on the blog (Books Read In… tab) the first book I read this year was The Maid by Nita Prose and what a great start to the year was this quirky and delightful cosy murder mystery set in a hotel with a maid called Molly who loves to blitz dust and grime.

First (aka Second) review posted in 2022:

The first review I posted this year was the same answer as above – The Maid.  Obviously I was aiming to start the year with some good intentions and post reviews in a timely manner.  So, the second review I posted was for Rachel Hawkins Reckless Girls.  I enjoyed The Wife Upstairs but had slightly mixed feelings for this one although the author certainly succeeds in creating tension.

First (aka Second) book of 2022 by a debut author:

Well, surprisingly, would you believe the first debut I read this year was the first book I read, yep, The Maid.  This post could very soon turn into a one trick pony!  A post of firsts all about one book – that would be a first in itself.  Anyhow, I’ve again gone for the second debut book I read this year which was a thoroughly gripping, tense, psychological thriller by Stacy Willingham : A Flicker in the Dark.

First (aka ‘not the first) book of 2022 by a “new to me” author:

Yep – you know it – none other than the author of The Maid herself Nita Prose.  People, this cannot stand.  I’m going to randomly choose another ‘new to me’ author (not including Nita Prose and Stacy Willingham!)  This is a book that I loved and I will definitely be backtracking to read more from this author. The Great witch of Brittany by Louisa Morgan – so, so good.

First self-published book of 2022:

Finally a prompt that doesn’t take me back to the first book I read this year!  The first self published book that I read this year was one of the SPFBO finalists that I’m working my way through.   A book called Burn Red Skies by Kerstin Espinosa Rosero.  I don’t have a review posted for this one yet so I’ve linked to Goodreads.  Fabulous cover.

First book of 2022 that slayed me:

I’ve read some good books already this year but I think my absolute ‘runaway’ so far has to be The Justice of Kings by Richard Swan.  I loved this, it captured my attention so easily and so quickly.  Here’s my review.

First book of 2022 that I wish I could get back the time I spent reading it:

Well, I’ve read some chunky books this year (and also a few that didn’t quite live up to my expectations)  and I can’t deny that a couple of the chunky books took a good while to complete, but, fortunately, I don’t think I’ve read anything so far this year where I regret the time spent (this could also be linked to the fact that I don’t tend to complete books I’m not enjoying).

First book of 2022 from an author that you already know and love

This is an easy one.  The Paris Apartment is the third novel I’ve read by Lucy Foley and I’m just loving her books (The Hunting Party and The Guest List).  I’d like to backtrack and read one of her earlier books if I get the chance – maybe The Invitation or The Book of Lost and Found – has anybody read/recommend either of those??

What are your 2022 “firsts”?