Three Compelling Crime Thrillers Hit the Shelves
Three new crime novels have arrived, each offering a distinct and gripping exploration of darkness, deception, and suspense. From a serial killer's chilling manifesto to a celebrated author's hidden past and an art fraud detective's perilous pursuit, these books promise to captivate readers with their intricate plots and compelling characters.
How to Get Away with Murder: A Serial Killer's Guide
How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson (Bantam £16.99, 368pp) introduces Denver Brady, a serial killer whose success lies in his ability to remain utterly unknown. Brady has decided to reveal his methods to the world by publishing a book that serves as a comprehensive guide for aspiring killers. The book details everything from selecting victims and evading detection to outsmarting the detectives on his trail.
DI Samantha Hansen, who has been on leave following a traumatic incident with a male colleague, forces herself back to work to investigate Brady's identity through the pages of his book. As she delves deeper, Hansen discovers a disturbing connection between herself and the killer. Is Brady stalking her, and if so, what are his motives? This debut novel from Durham-based businesswoman Rebecca Philipson, who turned to writing after the pandemic, is both creepy and accomplished, marking her as a promising new voice in the thriller genre.
Based on a True Story: The Dark Side of a Golden Reputation
Based on a True Story by Sarah Vaughan (Simon & Schuster £16.99, 416pp) follows Dame Eleanor Kingman, Britain's best-selling children's author, whose life appears idyllic. A millionairess celebrating her 70th birthday in a luxurious Cornish cliffside mansion, she is surrounded by her three adult daughters: Rachel and Gilly, who work for her, and Delia, a globe-trotting influencer.
However, this serene facade masks a reality filled with secrets and darkness. Eleanor has concealed her past to protect her pristine reputation, while her daughters harbor their own hidden troubles, which begin to emerge in the days leading up to the celebration. This novel is Sarah Vaughan's sixth and solidifies her reputation as one of the finest thriller writers today, skillfully blending family drama with suspense.
Sacrifice: Art Fraud and Moral Ambiguity
Sacrifice by Lynda La Plante (Zaffre £22, 400pp) features ambitious DS Jack Warr, a former murder squad detective now leading a small art fraud unit at Scotland Yard. His team includes a former IT specialist and an ex-convict who served time for forging a Picasso. Warr aims to build his unit's reputation by tracking down a forged Basquiat painting worth a fortune.
The investigation takes a dark turn when Warr's key informant is murdered, driving him into an obsessive quest for justice. Warr navigates a morally gray area, often treading both sides of the law to secure his financial future. Set against an exotic backdrop, this final installment in the Warr series showcases Lynda La Plante's trademark energy and pace, delivering a story that fans of Line Of Duty will appreciate for its tension and complexity.
