My Top TV & Book Recommendations

Here’s a roundup of my top recommendations to keep you entertained right now. It includes the best things I’ve watched this year so far; and also my most recent book favourites, there are also some on here that I’ve downloaded, but not yet worked my way through – but hopefully, you can at least take a couple of hours entertainment from this list.

TV Picks

The Outsider (HBO) 

I think this has to be my favourite one this year, so far. It’s based on a Stephen King novel, and is full of suspense and mystery – right up my street. It’s complete escapism; and there are a couple of scares thrown in too. I also absolultley adore the clever and artistic way in which this has been shot. A must watch, in my opinion.

The Night Of (HBO)

We actually watched this one last year, but it remains up there with one of the best shows I’ve watched. It’s a one off series, so there isn’t any commitment, and I mentioned it, as I guess you could call it a sister show to The Outsider (The Night Of came first). Another one that’s complete escapism, and will keep you up late binge watching. It’s a crime, mystery drama – and will have you hooked from the opening scene.

Flesh and Blood (ITV)

I absolutely loved this. I didn’t realise it was possible for a TV show to make me want to live the life of a glamorous pensioner! It’s an extremely gripping mini series, with a dark twist – and is filmed across the most stunning locations. It’s really easy to watch, and I really hope they bring it back for another series.

The Nest (BBC1)

This. Is. Brilliant. Bloody brilliant. It’s filmed in Glasgow, and follows a couple who are struggling to conceive a child – it’s a psychological thriller, with stunning scenery and it will grip you. I’m actually really excited for tomorrow evening to watch the next episode, is that sad?! The first episode is a little slow going, but stick with it – it gets really good.

Penance (Channel 5)

Aside from the most irritating main character ever; this one is worth a watch. It’s a three part psychological thriller (there’s a theme here), and whilst it’s not the best one I’ve watched this year – it’s still  pretty decent, and will keep you occupied for a good few hours. Hard to explain the plot, without giving the whole thing away – but I do recommend.

Cobra (Sky 1)

A five part (I think) mini series about a natural disaster that completely shakes the UK – this then follows the aftermath and the governments handling of it. It may be a little close to home with everything going on right now – so if you are feeling anxious about current events, maybe give it a miss for now – but it’s a good drama, that really highlights some key issues within our current society.

The Crown (Netflix)

Probably not new to most of you, but it is to me. We started watching this at Christmas, and then kind of lost the time to keep up (as the episodes are quite long), until now. It isn’t something I’d usually have chosen, but I was intrigued by the hype, and I have to say I’m really enjoying it. I wouldn’t say it’s gripping, but it is a nice way to escape, and you can pick it up and drop it as you need to.

Whitehouse Farm (ITV)

Another murder mystery mini series, but this one is based on true events. It can get quite dark at times, and the main character is extremely frustrating – but this adds to the suspense of the show. We binge watched this one across a weekend, and were intrigued to keep exploring what happened next.

Liar (ITV) 

I think pretty much everyone is familiar with the first series of this, and I was really excited to see it return. Again, a psychological thriller – but this series has turned into more of a “who did it”. To be fair, I’m only halfway through the latest series right now, so I can’t give it a fully rounded review – but I am enjoying it so far, even if I do find the detective highly irritating – can you please stop with your chewing gum?

The Stranger (Netflix) 

Right, this is a funny one. Usually, I wouldn’t recommend this – as I still can’t work out if it was completely griping, or complete tripe. But it will keep you entertained right now, and criticism aside, it is worth a binge watch. It’s taken from a psychological thriller book, and would read brilliantly – but on screen – I found there were lots of plot twists that seemed a bit pointless, and didn’t really go anywhere. I also found the casting of this to be completely off the mark – and didn’t really warm towards any of them – that’s kind of a must for me to be able to properly enjoy a show. I also wasn’t sure at times if it was meant to be a thriller, a bit of a rubbish attempt at comedy, or a family ITV Sunday night drama type show. Make up your own mind, and give it a go. It’s still worth the watch, and does pick up towards the end.

Book Recommendations 

The Anxiety Solution

If anyone is struggling with anxiety at the moment, I’d really recommend this one. To be fair, it seems to be aimed more at women – so I am sorry it’s not a more rounded recommendation – but I do think everyone can take something from it.

Half a World Away

A nicely written easy read, that follows the lives of two completely different women whose lives happen to intertwine. It isn’t the most uplifting read though, so bear that in mind depending on your state of mind at the moment. It is however very touching, and will really make you think.

The Silent Patient

A really good recommendation here. A page turning thriller, that is set to be made into a film, apparently. It’s intense, and a huge page turner. It will have you staying up late, desperate to find out what happens next. Entertainment at its finest!

The Upstairs Room

Ooh this one really wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought it was a psychological thriller, but it’s more of a horror plot, that delves into relationships and our flaws. At some points I actually got a bit jumpy! But I really enjoyed this one, and I think I read it in three days flat. It starts off well, but then slows down a little, but stick with it, about halfway through things really pick up and get interesting.

Nine Perfect Strangers 

Probably not my favourite read, and a little self indulgent; but nonetheless, a grippy, pacey, page turner, that will transport you from reality. It has some good twists, and suspense; and is worth a read I think.

The Suspect

A really smart and addictive thriller that you will completely devour and get lost in. You’ll probably read this one really quickly, but that’s okay, as I believe there are two more to enjoy as part of a series – this one can be read alone though. A crime thriller following two girls that go missing in Thailand.

Stillhouse Lake

A brilliant mystery thriller following a plain Jane type character, whose husband reveals himself to have a secret life as a serial killer. The book follows the aftermath of this revelation, and is full of suspense, twists and chills. Another one to completely escape in.

Something in the Water 

The last Reese Witherspoon book club pick I read was such a let down, so I was dubious about this one… but this one is good! It’s fast paced, and will keep you gripped. As the name suggests, it follows a cosmopolitan couple that find something in the water, on their dream honeymoon escape – something which completely changes their lives. It’s a very indulgent summer read, and would be perfect to take on holiday… or, entertain yourself during lockdown with.