Thrilling December Reads: Four New Crime Novels to Keep You Up at Night
December 2025 promises a captivating escape for crime fiction enthusiasts, with a slate of new releases spanning espionage, psychological suspense, and Nordic noir. As the days grow shorter and the festive season approaches, these novels offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in dark and compelling worlds.
A Cozy Season for Crime
When the winter winds blow and the holidays draw near, there’s a unique appeal to losing oneself in a gripping thriller. This December, four standout novels are poised to deliver just that, each offering a distinct atmosphere and a promise of suspense until the very last page. Readers looking for autumn crime recommendations can also explore previously highlighted tips.
“Bad Actors” – Mick Herron Returns with Espionage and Intrigue
British author Mick Herron, recently honored with the CWA Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in 2025, continues his acclaimed Slow Horses series with “Bad Actors.” The plot centers around the disappearance of a key Prime Minister aide, prompting former MI5 head Claude Whelan to investigate. His pursuit quickly leads him back to headquarters and into the orbit of the ever-chaotic Jackson Lamb. Herron’s work, celebrated for its “funny situations and brilliant dialogues,” is set to be released by Diogenes Verlag on December 10, 2025, translated by Stefanie Schäfer. Fans of the genre will recognize echoes of John le Carré’s “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,” often considered the definitive spy novel.
As one source noted, the Slow Horses series is known for its “incomparable mix of deep black humor, nerdy narcissism and chaos,” shaking up the established order with each installment.
Mick Herron “Bad Actors”
► Translated by Stefanie Schäfer
► 2025 Diogenes, ISBN-13 978-3-257-30114-4
► Price: €19, 464 pages
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“Sophie L.” – Matthew Blake Explores the Fragility of Memory
Matthew Blake, author of the bestselling “Anna O.,” presents a sophisticated psychological thriller in “Sophie L.” The novel delves into the unsettling question of memory’s reliability. Olivia Finn, a memory expert, receives a perplexing call from Paris: her grandmother, Josephine, claims to be someone else – Sophie – and alleges a decades-old murder at the Hotel Lutetia.
The narrative explores the chilling possibility of a life built on false recollections. What happens when a memory itself becomes a threat? “Sophie L.” will be available for pre-order and published by Joke in 2025, translated by Andrea Fischer.
Matthew Blake “Sophie L.”
► Translated by Andrea Fischer
► 2025 Joke, ISBN-13 978-3-651-00127-5
► Price: pre-order €18, 384 pages
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“A Quiet Girl” – Karin Fossum Delivers Nordic Noir at its Finest
Norwegian author Karin Fossum, a master of Nordic noir, introduces the second installment in the Inspector Eddie Feber series with “A Quiet Girl.” The novel explores the depths of human suffering as six-year-old Kandis finds herself lost and frightened in the Norwegian forest, accompanied by a mysterious man.
Fossum’s work is renowned for its precise understanding of human psychology and its ability to confront difficult themes. Published by Saga Egmont in December 2025 and translated by Roland Hoffmann, “A Quiet Girl” promises a chilling and thought-provoking read.
Karin Fossum “A Quiet Girl”
► Translated by Roland Hoffmann
► 2025 Saga Egmont, ISBN-13 978-3-987-50086-2
► Price: €13.99, 320 pages
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“The Puppet Master” – Sam Holland’s Major Crimes Unit Returns
Sam Holland, following the success of “The Twenty,” continues her Major Crimes Unit series with “The Puppet Master.” DCI Cara Elliott investigates a series of apparent suicides, quickly suspecting a more sinister force at play. The novel, the second in the series to be published by dtv in December 2025 (though the third in the UK), translated by Susanne Seidita, promises a gripping investigation into a web of manipulation and control.
Sam Holland “The Puppet Master” (Major Crimes Unit Band 2)
► Translated by Susanne Seidita
► 2025 dtv, ISBN-13 978-3-423-22124-5
► Price: €13, 448 pages
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Readers seeking further inspiration can explore interviews with bestselling authors like Sebastian Fitzek, Arne Dahl, and Alexa Henning von Lange. Stay informed about the latest book releases and news by subscribing to our newsletter [here](link to newsletter).