The Best Books of 2024-So Says Me!
"Fiction, Non-Fiction, Thrillers, Mysteries, Historical Fiction, Inspiration, Business, and More!"
Okay, I admit it. I am prejudiced. As founder of MunnAvenuePress.com, I’m thrilled to share our carefully curated selection of the year’s most exceptional reads. Together with my extraordinary team and 15 talented authors, we’ve brought to life 18 incredible books that span genres—from gripping thrillers to insightful non-fiction and heartwarming inspiration.
I can call them the “Best of 2024” because we are selective from the outset and will only publish books we can be proud of. Whether you're seeking page-turner fiction or life-changing non-fiction, you will find something extraordinary here.
I hope you will have a look and consider reading one or more of these amazing stories and transformative narratives.
Mysteries and Thrillers
TRUST NO ONE, PROMISE NOTHING:
A Tale of Family, Vengeance & Atonement
By Ginger Wakem
"Trust No One, Promise Nothing" is so much more than a mafia-tinged mystery. Incorporating real, unsolved underworld murders adds to the atmosphere, while the memorable characters propel the narrative.
--Scott M. Deitche, author of Cigar City Mafia
Transition: Love, Loss, Leverage, Murder
By C.L. Bluestein
“TRANSITION weaves a complex tapestry of narratives, from the devastation of natural disasters to the intimate struggles within families and the corridors of power. It is a story that questions the morality of profit over people and champions a future built on the foundations of empathy, sustainability, and collective strength.”
Mayhem on Mulberry (2 book series)
By Vincent deFilippo
"Mayhem on Mulberry is a fast-paced page-turner that readers will not soon forget, and that will appeal to fans of hard-boiled stories and more grounded crime novels alike."
—Jo Niederhoff, San Francisco Book Review
Nine Seconds
By Vincent deFilippo
“Perfect for fans of psychological thrillers like "The Informationist" by Taylor Stevens, "The Late Show" by Michael Connelly, and "UNSUB" by Meg Gardiner, this novel is a must-read for those who love a story that skillfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and raw emotion.”
Historical Fiction
Vienna on Fire: A WWII Story of Survival
By Don Gabor
"Libraries and readers seeking exceptional portraits of Jewish survivors in general and strong young women who foster different responses to escape and survival, refusing to become victims, will find Vienna on Fire absolutely captivating. It’s powered by strong characters whose perceptions and conflicts are not just realistic, but thoroughly absorbing “you are here” experiences."
--Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
A TALE OF TWO ENCLAVES:
WWII Stories and Mussolini’s Internment Camps
By Carmine Vittoria
“This book goes beyond military operations to explore the personal stories of survival, resilience, and the stark contrasts between these two worlds—a modern, urban capital recognized as a center of culture and intellectual thinking, and rural, agrarian region where everyday life had remained the same for centuries. Vittoria sheds new light on little-known facts and relationships among Nazi and Fascist leaders that influenced the war’s outcome and left lasting scars on the people caught in its wake.”
HOUSE OF OZ UNDONE: A Cautionary Tale
By EleanorTomczyk
"House of Oz Undone is a brilliant venture through today's societal themes. Setting out to find their home, heart, brain, and courage, a group of unlikely friends dissects the political and religious chaos they encounter traveling down the Yellow Brick Road. Funny, creative, and a little crazy, this book will have readers in hysterics."
—Kathryn Dare, San Francisco Book Review
Inspiration & Memoir
A Kid Grows in Brooklyn:
Memories of a Magical Time
By Art Shulman
“This isn't just any memoir – Art Shulman, author, and lively octogenarian, creates a time capsule that transports you to the most magical time and place to grow up in. Whether you're a Brooklyn native or just curious about its legendary allure, Art's journey from childhood to 18 is an adventure you can't miss. His tales are a delightful blend of humor and poignancy, crafted to keep you turning pages with a smile.”
Finding Your Kick-Ass Button:
Turning Pain Into Power
By Gin Clifton
“In Finding Your Kick-Ass Button, Gin Clifton takes readers on a raw and unforgettable journey from the depths of childhood trauma to the heights of personal power and transformation. With unflinching honesty and courage, Gin turns her painful experiences into a powerful narrative of hope, resilience, and strength—offering inspiration to anyone who has ever faced abuse, isolation, or self-doubt.”
The Geezer’s Guide to Adventure
By Donald J. Hurzeler
“Geezerdom... I began my journey 4 years ago with Don leading me to the edge of an erupting volcano, at 2:00 A.M., to learn and practice the art of astrophotography... my friends and family are amazed I did this, and I am grateful to Don for leading the way. Your life will become so much richer and interesting for following his advice. Do it!”
– Ron Elenbaas, retired Group President, Stryker/MedSurg
EMPRESS: Making the Impossible Possible
By Renata Merino
“A must-read for anyone looking to turn their life around and make their dreams a reality, Empress offers practical advice on overcoming adversity, career reinvention, personal growth and life reinvention.”
Business & Leadership
Braking Point: Decision Making
By Vincent deFilippo
"Braking Point" is more than just a book for business leaders, students, or parents; it's for anyone who faces decisions in their daily life and seeks to improve their choice-making process.
OSINT: The Authoritative Guide to Due Diligence
By Cynthia Hetherington
"This book is an absolute must-have for security and intelligence professionals... "- Angel Villegas, US Army (Retired) / Flashpoint Intelligence
Optimize Your Leadership:
An Impactful and Healthy Way to Lead in the New Age
By Dan Roberts
“Whether you're a seasoned executive navigating organizational shifts or an emerging leader striving for impact, The Optimized Leader provides the tools to lead with clarity, purpose, and balance. It's time to transcend survival mode and embrace a leadership style that enhances performance and improves your quality of life.”
Master Your Exit Plan:
Sell Your Business, Preserve Your Legacy
By Chris Vanderzyden
“The second best way to “Master Your Exit Plan” is to have one! The best way is to have a master advisor to aid you in navigating the process. Chris Vanderzyden shows you how to navigate the obstacles and come out on top with any merger or acquisition!” — Jeffrey W. Hayzlett, Chairman and Founder, C-Suite Network
Education
Ask More, Learn More: Creating a Culture of Curiosity
By Victoria Olivadoti
“Questioning by Victoria Olivadoti should be provided to every student. It contains essential information based on experience and neuroscience and how to be successful in the 21st century. As an educator, and more importantly, as a parent, I have witnessed the power of these techniques in helping the lives of children including my own, who were trained in her program.”
-Terry Burnham, Associate Professor Chapman University
Cooking
In the Kitchen With Linda:
Loving Memories, Favorite Recipes, and Handy Hints
By Linda Carsman
“Over the past thirty or so years, Linda and Jerry Carsman have hosted us for many of the terrific meals spelled out in her recent book… which has left us drooling. Her skills in the kitchen are more than worthy of this new cookbook, putting on paper dishes for all to emulate. Enjoy!” —Steve and Sherry Raffin, friends
If you would like the book you’re writing (or just dreaming about) to be a Best of 2025, let the MunnAvenuePress.com team help make your dream a reality.
Happy New Year! Charlie Levin, Publisher & Founder
PS Our Munn Avenue Muse Podcast is on holiday hiatus and will return with more exciting author interviews and how-to’s on January 13th.