Holiday Thrillers: 10 Books to Keep You Hooked

Ten Thrillers to Keep You on the Edge of Your Seat This Holiday Season

A curated selection of recently published thrillers promises to deliver breathtaking investigations and exciting suspense for readers seeking a captivating escape during the holidays. Published on Thursday, December 7th, these ten novels span the globe, offering diverse settings and compelling narratives.

A Global Landscape of Suspense

The current thriller landscape is remarkably international, with authors drawing inspiration from a wide range of cultures and locales. From the chilling landscapes of Iceland to the bustling streets of Seoul, these books offer more than just a mystery – they provide a glimpse into different worlds.

American Noir & Southern Justice: S.A. Cosby’s The King of Ashes

S.A. Cosby continues to solidify his position as a leading voice in the thriller genre with The King of Ashes. The author, previously celebrated for Anger and The Blood of the Innocent, returns to a small Virginia town where protagonist Roman returns following his father’s suspicious death. Cosby masterfully portrays a community grappling with poverty, drug abuse, and escalating violence, crafting what one reviewer described as a “completely stunning noir novel.” The King of Ashes is available from Sonatine and spans 405 pages.

Italian Intrigue & Feline Sleuths: Piergiorgio Pulixi’s If Cats Could Talk

For those who enjoy a lighter touch with their suspense, Piergiorgio Pulixi’s If Cats Could Talk offers a charming mystery set in Sardinia. Following the bookseller Marzio Montecristo on a cruise, the story features Inspector Caruso and a potential membership in a “Tuesday Investigators” book club as they unravel a case of a murderer convinced of their own perfection. A delightful tribute to Agatha Christie, this 330-page novel from Gallmeister is sure to appeal to mystery lovers and cat enthusiasts alike.

Icelandic Darkness: Ragnar Jónasson’s A White Calm

Ragnar Jónasson, dubbed the “master of Icelandic crime fiction,” delivers another gripping investigation with A White Calm. Continuing the series featuring Inspector Helgi, the novel centers around the disappearance of a renowned detective novelist, forcing Helgi to confront both the secrets of the victim and his own inner demons. Published by La Martinière at 366 pages, this book promises a chilling exploration of truth and deception.

Korean Crime & International Intrigue: Ian Manook’s Gangnam

Under the pseudonym Ian Manook, Patrick Manoukian transports readers to South Korea in Gangnam. Inspector Park teams up with a former mafia police officer to investigate the kidnapping of a tourist in Seoul. Known for his previous works set in Mongolia and Iceland, Manook maintains his signature caustic and slightly mocking tone in this 400-page thriller from Flammarion Quebec.

Finnish Shadows & Family Secrets: Arttu Tuominen’s The Shame

Arttu Tuominen’s The Shame blends a police investigation with a deeply personal family drama. Set in Pori, Finland, the story follows inspector Linda Toivonen as she investigates the disappearance of a teenage girl, uncovering a network of similar cases and a predator lurking online. The 419-page novel from La Martinière explores the terrifying possibility that the danger has come close to home.

Danish Deception & Twisted Games: Søren Sveistrup’s Hide and Seek

Highly recommended by Chrystine Brouillet, Søren Sveistrup’s Hide and Seek is a sprawling 700-page thriller from Albin Michel. The novel, from the creator of the series The Killing, delves into a world of disappearances, harassment, and revenge, challenging investigators Mark Hess and Naia Thulin to unravel a complex web of deceit.

Icelandic Mysteries & Lingering Ghosts: Satu Rämö’s Rosa & Björk

Satu Rämö, a Finnish-Icelandic author, introduces readers to the small town of Ísafjörður in Rosa & Björk. Inspector Hildur Rúnarsdóttir investigates the murder of a local politician while simultaneously grappling with the decades-old mystery of her sisters’ disappearance. Published by Threshold at 427 pages, this novel promises a compelling blend of suspense and personal reckoning.

Indian Realities & Social Tensions: Nilanjana S. Roy’s Black River

Nilanjana S. Roy’s Black River offers a stark and compelling look at India through the lens of a crime investigation. Inspector Ombir Singh investigates the murder of a child in a region fraught with religious tension, racing against time to prevent further injustice. Praised by The Guardian, this 409-page novel from Dawn provides a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Indian society.

Canadian Borderlands & Intertwined Destinies: Maxime Chattam’s 8.2 Seconds

Maxime Chattam’s 8.2 Seconds is described as a “very great thriller” by Libération. Set near the Canadian-American border, the story follows two women whose lives become intertwined: one seeking refuge, the other investigating a brutal assassination. This 391-page novel from Albin Michel promises a breathless and captivating read.

Italian Psychology & Supernatural Intrigue: Donato Carrisi’s The House of Silences

Donato Carrisi returns with The House of Silences, a psychological thriller that blends reality and the supernatural. Child psychologist Pietro Gerber attempts to cure a boy’s nightmares, only to discover that the boy’s visions hold the key to an unsolved crime. Published by Calmann-Lévy at 296 pages, this novel explores the dark corners of the human mind.

These ten thrillers offer a diverse range of settings, characters, and suspenseful plots, ensuring a captivating reading experience for fans of the genre this holiday season.