January 2025 Comfy Reading Wrap-Up
January was a strong and slightly dark start to my 2025 reading year, filled with memoirs, mysteries, romance, and plenty of suspense. I began the month with Down the Drain by Julia Fox, a raw and unconventional read, before diving into gripping mysteries like All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker and The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny.
I also found myself deep into Kelley Armstrong’s historical mystery series this month, reading A Rip Through Time, The Poisoner’s Ring, and Cocktails and Chloroform. The blend of time travel, crime, and historical detail made these fast, immersive reads. Dirty Rowdy Thing by Christina Lauren delivered a dose of romance, as always, but the standout read of the month was Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo.
Ninth House completely drew me in with its dark academia atmosphere, complex characters, and unsettling mystery. It left me wanting more the moment I turned the last page—and it’s my top recommendation from January. Here’s a quick run down of everything I read in January 2025:
January Comfy Pick of the Month: Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
Total Books Read: 8
The Books I Read
Down the Drain – Julia Fox
A raw, chaotic, and unapologetically honest memoir. Julia Fox’s voice is bold and unfiltered, making this an intense but fascinating read that won’t be for everyone—but it’s memorable and very real.
All the Colors of the Dark – Chris Whitaker
Dark, emotional, and beautifully written, this story blends mystery with deep character work. It’s the kind of book that slowly pulls you in and stays with you long after you finish.
The Brutal Telling – Louise Penny
Another solid entry in the Chief Inspector Gamache series. Thoughtful, atmospheric, and character-driven, this mystery balances crime with quiet moments of reflection and community.
A Rip Through Time – Kelley Armstrong
A clever mix of time travel and historical mystery. The concept is fresh, the pacing is strong, and the Victorian setting adds an extra layer of intrigue.
The Poisoner’s Ring – Kelley Armstrong
This sequel builds nicely on the first book, expanding the mystery while deepening the characters. A fast, engaging read that keeps the historical crime elements front and center.
Cocktails and Chloroform – Kelley Armstrong
A fun and satisfying continuation of the series. The mystery remains engaging, and the blend of modern perspective in a historical setting continues to work really well.
Dirty Rowdy Thing – Christina Lauren
A lighter, romance-filled read with strong chemistry and emotional depth. Perfect when you’re in the mood for something engaging but comforting between darker reads.
Ninth House – Leigh Bardugo is dark, atmospheric, and unapologetically brutal, pulling you into a secret Yale filled with dangerous magic and uglier truths. It’s unsettling in the best way—perfect for readers who like their fantasy sharp-edged, morally messy, and impossible to forget.