The Best Recent Crime and Thrillers: A Roundup of Gripping New Novels
In the ever-evolving world of crime and thriller fiction, several new releases stand out for their compelling narratives and atmospheric depth. This review roundup delves into five notable books that promise to captivate readers with intricate plots and rich character development.
The Keeper by Tana French
The Keeper by Tana French, published by Viking at £16.99, marks the conclusion of the Cal Hooper trilogy. The story follows retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper, who has settled in the small Irish town of Ardnakelty. Engaged to local widow Lena and mentoring 16-year-old Trey, Hooper becomes entangled in a power struggle when the body of Rachel Holohan is found in the river. While most believe it's suicide, Trey persuades Hooper to investigate, uncovering tensions with local bigshot Tommy Moynihan over town plans. This immersive, slow-burn novel explores the changing nature of Irish rural life, blending crime-solving with themes of time and community. It's a dense, compelling read with a superbly atmospheric setting.
The Kindness of Strangers by Emma Garman
The Kindness of Strangers by Emma Garman, released by Virago at £20, is a debut novel set in a Chelsea boarding house in 1953. It opens with Jimmy Sullivan bleeding to death under the watchful eyes of the landlady and lodgers. The house, run by bohemian literary widow Honor Wilson, hosts a diverse group including a fallen debutante, an aspiring writer, a cinema usher, and a Jewish poet escaping Hitler's regime. All harbor secrets, especially Honor, and Jimmy's arrival, claiming to be the son of an old family retainer, threatens to unravel them. Beyond being an excellent mystery, this book evocatively portrays post-war displacement, with 1950s London's moral and topographical landscape rendered in superb detail.
Mrs Shim Is a Killer by Kang Jiyoung
Mrs Shim Is a Killer by Kang Jiyoung, translated by Paige Morris and published by Doubleday at £14.99, is a droll thriller from a Korean bestseller. The episodic plot revolves around two rival detective agencies, Smile and Happy, which offer drastic solutions to clients' problems. The unassuming middle-aged widow Mrs Shim, after losing her job at a butcher's shop, uses her knife skills to become a contract killer for Smile Agency, sparking competition. Told through various characters, including her son who also turns to murder-for-hire for university funds, it explores conflicting loyalties. While the large cast can be hard to track and emotional connection is limited, it's a bizarre, fascinating read with puzzle pieces locking together for a spectacular final standoff.
A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmad
A Killer in the Family by Amin Ahmad, from Hutchinson Heinemann at £16.99, is a debut novel that begins in Mumbai. Dreamy Ali Azeem's family arranges his marriage to Maryam, daughter of wealthy New York developer Abbas Khan. However, Ali is more attracted to Maryam's older sister, Farhan, and the feeling is mutual. Moving to New York, Ali, an innocent abroad, misses red flags about the Khan family's dangerous secrets, including potential links to a serial killer and mysterious postcards. The narrative alternates between Ali and Farhan, creating a propulsive thriller with a side of social satire, exploring themes of innocence, deception, and family dynamics.
The Drowning Place by Sarah Hilary
The Drowning Place by Sarah Hilary, published by Harvill at £16.99, is set in a fictitious Peak District town haunted by trauma. Detective Sergeant Joseph Ashe, sole survivor of a school bus crash that drowned 12 people 17 years ago, still communicates with his dead best friend. The town experiences a paranormal social contagion, with residents sensing the dead children, including newly transferred DI Laurie Bower, who sees flashes of her dead sister. Physical dangers, like a concealed crossbow in a former victim's home, add to the mystery. When a young couple is found shot, Ashe and Bower investigate, delving into PTSD, guilt, and grief. Hilary excels in creating compelling mysteries and psychological depth, promising an excellent new series.
