My Top 3 August 2025 Reads

I read nine books in August, thanks to a long month and the motivation of the 20 Books of Summer 2025 reading challenge (although I still fell short of the target I set myself). Although it was a cracking month overall, here are the three books I enjoyed the most. Links from each title will take you to my review.

Check out all the books I’ve read so far in 2025 here. If we’re not already friends on Goodreads, send me a friend request or follow my reviews.

My thanks to Head of Zeus and Viking for copies of Lion Hearts and Evil in High Places via NetGalley.

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The Mirror & the Light by Hilary Mantel (4th Estate) – The final book in the author’s trilogy chronicling the life of Thomas Cromwell. A brilliant work of historical fiction, well worth the investment of time. (A shout out to Ben Miles, narrator of the audiobook.)

Lion Hearts by Dan Jones (Head of Zeus) – The gripping, authentic and action-packed third book in the Essex Dogs series, set in the Hundred Years’ War.

Evil in High Places by Rory Clements (Viking) – Set in 1936 Munich, a terrific historical thriller with a satisfyingly twisty plot, a constant sense of jeopardy and plenty of drama.

What were the best books you read last month? Have you read any of my picks?