I read some pretty fab books in October, across a wide range of genres too. But the two highlights were both from Australian writers. Talented debut author Emma Viskic and well-established romance author Rachel Bailey, whose expertise in the genre shone through.

Resurrection Bay by Emma Viskic

Loved this book. Just loved it. A great Aussie crime novel and apparently the first in a series. Rah!

When Caleb Zelic finds a friend dead, he’s determined to uncover the killer and prove his own innocence. With business partner Frankie, Caleb sets on a dangerous path, one that leads him around the city and to his home town of Resurrection Bay. But the person they’re chasing is always one step ahead and soon Caleb doesn’t know who to trust.

What makes this book so memorable – besides the clever plotting, smart and authentic dialogue and great observations – are the characters. Caleb is profoundly deaf and determined to not let it interfere in his life. His relationships with his family and love interest are tangled and sometimes uneasy, adding even more intrigue to an already layered plot. Then we have ex-cop and recovering alcoholic Frankie, the peripheral folk of Resurrection Bay, and investigating police, all of whom seem to have secrets. Even the settings have unique personalities.

This book had drama, action, plenty of twists, humour and even a touch of romance. Highly recommended.

The Finn Factor by Rachel Bailey

If you love contemporary romances, in particular the friends to lovers trope, then this book is for you.

Convinced it’s her kissing skills – or lack thereof – that’s ruining her love life, Scarlett Logan cons her best friend and housemate Finn into giving her lessons. Finn is gorgeous and a babe magnet; he’s bound to know what she’s doing wrong and how to fix it. But their first “lesson” ignites something neither expected and something Finn definitely doesn’t want. With their precious friendship on the line, can these two control their passions? Find out!

This was sweet, fun and deliciously romantic. A book to make you feel wonderful.

Also on my list were:

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan, a young adult zombie book I’ve wanted to read for donkey’s and which is apparently going to be made into a movie. I’d definitely watch that. I thought this had some fresh takes on the zombie genre – not that I’m an officianado but I liked it a lot for its different perspective.

Way Down Dark by James P. Smythe. Another young adult but this time sci-fi and the first in a trilogy. Great premise of a heroine trying to survive in a place called Australia. Except it’s not the country but a spaceship where people took refuge to escape a dying Earth. This started out sort of Hunger Games-ish and twisted into something else. Really rolled along.

The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith. I’m a sucker for a good crime novel and with Galbraith being a pseudonym of JK Rowling how could I resist? I enjoyed it too. Fab characters, especially the war veteran hero Cormoran Strike. I’ll be fascinated to find out how his relationship with Robin progresses.

Every Breath by Ellie Marney. Book blogger 1 Girl 2 Many Books put me on to this one. Being a Holmesian style tale (and I do love me some Sherlock), I had to give it a try. What a ride it was too. Loved the set-up with country-girl Rachel finding her way in the big smoke, and hero James Mycroft was wonderfully done, plus it was fun to read a book set in my favourite Australian city, Melbourne.

What were your favourite reads of October?