The CrimeReads Editors Announce Best New Fiction in Crime, Mystery, and Thrillers
The CrimeReads editors have made their picks for the best new fiction in the world of crime, mystery, and thrillers. From intense character studies to gripping investigations, these novels promise to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Angie Kim, Happiness Falls (Hogarth)
Angie Kim delivers another riveting novel with Happiness Falls. The story follows a woman whose husband mysteriously disappears, and the police are quick to suspect her nonverbal son. Kim masterfully explores the complexities of interracial marriage, Asian and biracial identity in America, and the challenges of raising a child with special needs. Readers will be captivated by Kim’s exploration of human emotions and the power of love.
Lou Berney, Dark Ride (William Morrow)
In Dark Ride, Lou Berney introduces readers to an unforgettable character: Hardly Reed, a young stoner working at an amusement park. When Hardly suspects that two children are being abused, he reluctantly decides to get involved and help them. Little does he know that his act of kindness will pit him against a dangerous drug trafficking operation led by a local lawyer. Dark Ride is a compelling and gripping novel that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Eliza Clark, Penance (Harper)
Eliza Clark’s Penance is a thought-provoking take on the infamous Slenderman case. When three high school girls murder their rival, society quickly condemns them as monsters. But as readers delve into the novel, they discover that these girls are products of their circumstances, not inherently evil. Clark’s exploration of trauma and its effects on individuals is both chilling and illuminating.
Tod Goldberg, Gangsters Don’t Die (Counterpoint)
Tod Goldberg concludes his highly acclaimed Gangsterland series with Gangsters Don’t Die. The series follows Sal Cupertino, a hitman on the run who poses as a rabbi. In this final installment, Sal makes one desperate attempt to reclaim his life. Goldberg’s original and captivating storytelling has established him as a master of crime fiction.
Laura Shepherd-Robinson, The Square of Sevens (Atria)
In The Square of Sevens, Laura Shepherd-Robinson weaves a lush gothic tale set in 18th-century Bath. The novel follows a young girl with the ability to predict fortunes who is raised in anonymity by a kind intellectual. As she unravels the mystery of her origins, she becomes entangled in a larger conspiracy that threatens her chosen family. Shepherd-Robinson’s novel is a mesmerizing blend of mystery and historical fiction.
Mick Herron, The Secret Hours (Soho Crime)
Mick Herron, known for his Slow Horses series, delivers a standalone thriller with The Secret Hours. The novel takes readers through three decades of MI5 misadventures, focusing on a scandal in 1994 Berlin that reveals the agency’s Cold War history in a new light. Herron’s writing is acerbic and illuminating, making this thriller a must-read.
Laura Picklesimer, Kill For Love (Unnamed Press)
Laura Picklesimer’s Kill For Love introduces readers to a college student with an insatiable hunger. The protagonist’s carefully controlled life takes a dark turn when she kills a man and realizes she has found an appetite she cannot suppress. Picklesimer’s novel challenges the male gaze and provides a unique perspective on desire and violence.
Juan Cárdenas (transl. Lizzie Davis), The Devil of the Provinces (Coffee House)
The Devil of the Provinces by Juan Cárdenas is a strange and meditative work that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery. The novel follows a biologist who returns to his hometown in Colombia to care for his mother and investigate his brother’s murder. Cárdenas skillfully combines a compelling crime story with contemplation on the unexplained phenomena of life.
Joyce Carol Oates (ed.), A Darker Shade of Noir (Akashic)
Edited by Joyce Carol Oates, A Darker Shade of Noir is a collection of unsettling and provocative stories. Featuring contributions from renowned authors such as Margaret Atwood, Tananarive Due, and Lisa Lim, this collection pushes the boundaries of noir fiction and offers readers a thrilling and thought-provoking experience.
Carissa Orlando, The September House (Berkley)
The September House by Carissa Orlando is a haunting exploration of abuse and the lengths people can go to ignore it. The protagonist finds solace in her home, even as she brushes off ghostly encounters and bloody walls. When her husband goes missing, she must confront the ghosts of her past. Orlando’s novel is a chilling comment on the housing market and resilience in the face of darkness.
With such a diverse range of crime, mystery, and thriller novels, readers can look forward to an exciting new lineup of captivating stories. Whether it’s uncovering the truth behind a disappearance or delving into the depths of human actions, these authors are sure to keep readers engaged until the very last page.