Reading Radar - The Best crime Novels Right Now
Discover gripping true crime stories, locked room mysteries & devious plots with my recommended reading list of the best crime novels available right now
In celebration of our book club's current theme, Murder Most Mysterious, I’ve handpicked a collection of thrilling reads that will satisfy the sleuth within you. From spine-tingling mysteries and classic whodunits to emotionally charged true crime tales, this list offers something for every crime lover.
For those who crave stories that delve deep into the shadows of human nature, examining the intricacies of desire, power, and identity, this selection is a must.
Explore some of this years more talked about novels including, Stuart Turton’s The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, where reality twists with each new layer of the puzzle, Lix Moore’s The God of the Woods, which explores the eerie and enigmatic forces lurking in the wilderness, and Elon Green’s Last Call, a gripping true crime account that shines a light on a killer hiding in plain sight.
These books are perfect companions for those who enjoy dark narratives and complex secrets to unravel. Whether you're drawn to the eerie beauty of a locked-room mystery, the haunting secrets of a true crime, or the dark allure of the unknown, this list is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat, page after page.
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The Umbrella Murder By Ulrik Skotte
A captivating mystery that transports readers to a world where secrets are hidden in plain sight and danger lurks behind every corner. When a seemingly ordinary umbrella becomes the key to unraveling a web of deceit, one detective must navigate through layers of intrigue, betrayal, and unexpected twists. Skotte masterfully weaves a tale that will keep you guessing until the very last page, making The Umbrella Murder an unmissable read for any fan of the spy novel genre.
‘London, September 1978: exiled Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov is murdered in broad daylight on Waterloo Bridge with what appears to be a poison-tipped umbrella. It would become the most infamous unsolved killing of the Cold War.
Many years later, young journalist Ulrik Skotte is approached with explosive new information about a man alleged to be responsible for Markov’s death – a spy code-named Piccadilly who worked for the Bulgarian secret service. This meeting launched Skotte into a hunt for the killer lasting more than a quarter of a century, bringing him face to face with eccentric conspiracy theorists, a washed-up former dictator, ageing Danish spooks – and, ultimately, with Agent Piccadilly himself.
Drawing on an incredible cache of original documents, interviews and archive material, The Umbrella Murder provides jaw-dropping answers to questions that have persisted for nearly five decades: who killed Georgi Markov? And who has been protecting the assassin ever since?’
Purchase The Umbrella Murder By Ulrik Skotte and add it to your #tbr list here
The Red Parts By Maggie Nelson
A poignant and gripping memoir that delves into the aftermath of an unsolved murder in 1969. Decades later, when new evidence reopens the case, Nelson confronts the trauma and complexities surrounding her family's history. Blending true crime with personal reflection, the book explores themes of grief, justice, and the impact of violence on those left behind. Through lyrical prose and unflinching honesty, Nelson examines the emotional and psychological toll of living in the shadow of a brutal crime.
‘In 1969, Jane Mixer, a first-year law student at the University of Michigan, posted a note on a student noticeboard to share a lift back to her hometown of Muskegon for spring break. She never made it: she was brutally murdered, her body found a few miles from campus the following day.
The Red Parts is Maggie Nelson’s singular account of her aunt Jane’s death, and the trial that took place some 35 years afterward. Officially unsolved for decades, the case was reopened in 2004 after a DNA match identified a new suspect, who would soon be arrested and tried. In 2005, Nelson found herself attending the trial, and reflecting with fresh urgency on our relentless obsession with violence, particularly against women.
Resurrecting her interior world during the trial – in all its horror, grief, obsession, recklessness, scepticism and downright confusion – Maggie Nelson has produced a work of profound integrity and, in its subtle indeterminacy, deadly moral’
Purchase The Red Parts By Maggie Nelson and add it to your #tbr list here
The God Of The Woods By Liz Moore
A haunting mystery set in a small, isolated town surrounded by dense forests. The story follows a community grappling with a series of strange disappearances that locals believe are connected to an ancient, malevolent presence in the woods. As a young investigator delves deeper into the town's dark history, she uncovers buried secrets and confronts the eerie forces that have gripped the community for generations. Moore masterfully blends elements of suspense, folklore, and psychological tension, crafting a chilling narrative about fear, belief, and the unknown.
‘Some said it was tragic, what happened to the Van Laars.
Some said the family deserved it. That they never even thanked the searchers who stayed out for five nights in the freezing forest trying to help find their missing son.
Some said there was a reason it took the family so long to call for help. That they knew what happened to the boy.
Now, fifteen years later, the Van Laars' teenage daughter has gone missing in the same wilderness as her brother. Some say the two disappearances aren’t connected.
Some say they are.’
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The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle By Stuart Turton
A brilliantly complex and mind-bending mystery that blends elements of a classic whodunit with a unique twist. The novel follows Aiden Bishop, who is trapped in a time loop at Blackheath, a crumbling mansion where the same day repeats over and over. His task: to solve the murder of Evelyn Hardcastle, a young woman who dies each night. However, Aiden's challenge is complicated by the fact that he wakes up each day in the body of a different guest, experiencing the day from their perspective. As he pieces together the clues, uncovering secrets and alliances, Aiden realises that escaping Blackheath requires solving not just the mystery of Evelyn's death, but also the dark forces at play within the house. Turton's novel is a dazzling puzzle of shifting perspectives, rich in atmosphere and suspense, keeping readers on edge until its final, stunning revelation.
‘Evelyn Hardcastle will be murdered at 11:00 p.m.
There are eight days, and eight witnesses for you to inhabit.
We will only let you escape once you tell us the name of the killer.
Understood? Then let's begin . . .
Evelyn Hardcastle will die. Every day until Aiden Bishop can identify her killer and break the cycle. But every time the day begins again, Aiden wakes up in the body of a different guest. And some of his hosts are more helpful than others . . .
The most inventive debut of the year twists together a mystery of such unexpected creativity it will leave listeners guessing until the very last second.’
Purchase The Seven Deaths Of Evelyn Hardcastle By Stuart Turton and add it to your #tbr list here
The Strangers Companion By Mary Horlock
An atmospheric and gripping historical novel set on the remote island of Sark during World War II. The story follows a young woman, drawn to the island by a mysterious inheritance, who discovers a hidden diary that reveals long-buried secrets from the island's past.
As she delves into the diary's contents, she uncovers the story of a wartime romance, betrayal, and resistance, entwined with the island’s dark history under German occupation. The novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the lingering impact of war, as the protagonist grapples with the legacy of those who lived and loved in a time of great turmoil.
Horlock masterfully weaves together past and present, creating a compelling narrative that is as haunting as it is illuminating.
‘October 1933
With a population of five hundred souls, isolated Sark has a reputation for being 'the island where nothing ever happens'. Until, one day, the neatly folded clothes of an unknown man and woman are discovered abandoned at a coastal beauty spot. As the search for the missing couple catches the attention of first the local and then national newspapers, Sark finds itself front-page news.
When young islander Phyllis Carey returns to Sark from England she throws herself into solving the mystery. As Phyll digs through swirls of gossip, ghost stories and dark rumours in search of the truth, she crosses paths with Everard Hyde, a surprise visitor from her past. As press coverage builds to fever pitch, long-suppressed secrets from Phyll's and Everard's shared, shadowy history begin to surface.’
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Death At The Sign Of The Rook By Kate Atkinson
A clever and intricately plotted historical mystery set in post-war England. The story centres around a seasoned detective who is called to investigate a suspicious death at an old inn called "The Sign of the Rook." What initially appears to be a simple case soon unravels into a tangled web of secrets, lies, and long-held grudges among the inn’s residents and visitors.
As the detective digs deeper, he uncovers connections to a series of past crimes, leading him on a twisting path to the truth. Atkinson combines sharp wit, rich character development, and atmospheric detail, crafting a novel that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The book is a masterful blend of suspense and period drama, perfect for fans of traditional British mysteries with a modern edge.
‘Welcome to Rook Hall.
The stage is set. The players are ready. By night’s end, a murderer will be revealed.
Ex-detective Jackson Brodie is staving off a bad case of midlife malaise when he is called to a sleepy Yorkshire town, and the seemingly tedious matter of a stolen painting. But one theft leads to another, including the disappearance of a valuable Turner from Burton Makepeace, home to Lady Milton and her family.
Once a magnificent country house, Burton Makepeace has now partially been converted into a hotel, hosting Murder Mystery weekends. As paying guests, a vicar, an ex-army officer, impecunious aristocrats, and old friends converge, we are treated a fiendishly clever mystery; one that pays homage to the masters of the genre—from Agatha Christie to Dorothy Sayers.’
Purchase Death At The Sign Of The Rook By Kate Atkinson and add it to your #tbr list here
The Red House Mystery By A. A. Milne
A classic British whodunit set in an English country house. The story begins when Mark Ablett, the owner of the Red House, hosts a gathering of friends. The calm of the visit is shattered when Mark’s estranged brother, Robert, arrives unexpectedly and is soon found dead in a locked room.
Mark himself is nowhere to be found, raising suspicions among the guests. Enter Antony Gillingham, a clever amateur detective who, along with his friend Bill, takes it upon himself to solve the mystery. As they investigate, Antony and Bill uncover a web of secrets, false identities, and hidden motives.
Milne, best known for creating Winnie-the-Pooh, showcases his talent for crafting a light-hearted yet engaging mystery, filled with witty dialogue, charming characters, and plenty of twists to keep readers intrigued until the final reveal.
‘Milne takes readers to the Red House, a comfortable residence in the placid English countryside that is the bachelor home of Mr. Mark Ablett. While visiting this cozy retreat, amateur detective Anthony Gillingham and his chum, Bill Beverley, investigate their genial host's disappearance and its connection with a mysterious shooting. Was the victim, whose body was found after a heated exchange with the host, shot in an act of self-defense? If so, why did the host flee, and if not, what drove him to murder?
Between games of billiards and bowls, the taking of tea, and other genteel pursuits, Gillingham and Beverley explore the possibilities in a light-hearted series of capers involving secret passageways, underwater evidence, and other atmospheric devices.
Sparkling with witty dialogue, deft plotting, and an intriguing cast of characters, this rare gem will charm mystery lovers, Anglophiles, and general readers alike.’
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Death And Croissants By Ian Moore
A delightful and humorous cosy mystery set in the picturesque Loire Valley of France. The story follows Richard Ainsworth, a middle-aged Englishman running a quiet bed and breakfast, who suddenly finds himself entangled in a murder investigation. When one of his guests goes missing, leaving behind only a bloody handprint and a pair of broken glasses, Richard’s tranquil life is upended.
Reluctantly teaming up with the enigmatic and glamorous Valérie d'Orçay, a guest with a knack for sleuthing, Richard embarks on an unexpected adventure filled with eccentric characters, secrets, and twists. Combining witty dialogue with a charming setting, Death and Croissants is a light-hearted mystery that offers plenty of laughs and suspense, making it a perfect read for fans of cosy, comedic crime fiction.
‘Richard is a middle-aged Englishman who runs a B&B in the fictional Val de Follet in the Loire Valley. Nothing ever happens to Richard, and really that’s the way he likes it.
One day, however, one of his older guests disappears, leaving behind a bloody handprint on the wallpaper. Another guest, the enigmatic Valérie, persuades a reluctant Richard to join her in investigating the disappearance.
Then things become really serious and someone murders Ava Gardner, one of his beloved hens. The disappearance of a guest is one thing, but you don’t mess with a fellow’s hens!’
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The Aosawa Murders By Riku Onda
A haunting and intricately layered psychological mystery set in 1970s Japan. The novel revolves around the shocking mass poisoning of seventeen people during a family gathering at the Aosawa family's villa. The only survivor is the blind daughter, Hisako Aosawa, who becomes the focus of the investigation.
As different perspectives unfold through interviews, memoirs, and recollections, the truth about the crime becomes increasingly elusive. The novel explores themes of memory, perception, and the nature of evil, gradually revealing the complex web of relationships and secrets that led to the tragedy. Riku Onda masterfully crafts a story that blurs the lines between victim and perpetrator, leaving readers with a chilling sense of ambiguity and a deep psychological impact.
‘On a stormy summer day the Aosawa’s, owners of a prominent local hospital, host a large birthday party. The occasion turns into tragedy when 17 people die from cyanide in their drinks. The only surviving links to what might have happened are a cryptic verse that could be the killer's, and the physician's bewitching blind daughter, Hisako, the only person spared injury. But the youth who emerges as the prime suspect commits suicide that October, effectively sealing his guilt while consigning his motives to mystery.
The police are convinced that Hisako had a role in the crime, as are many in the town, including the author of a bestselling book about the murders written a decade after the incident, who was herself a childhood friend of Hisako' and witness to the discovery of the murders. The truth is revealed through a skilful juggling of testimony by different voices: family members, witnesses and neighbours, police investigators and of course the mesmerising Hisako herself.
The Aosawa Murders takes the classic elements of the mystery genre but steers away from putting them together in the usual way, instead providing a multi-voiced insight into the psychology of contemporary Japan, with its rituals, pervasive envy and ever so polite hypocrisy. But it's also about the nature of evil and the resonance and unreliability of memory.
Part Kurasawa's Rashomon, part Capote's In Cold Blood.’
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Last Call By Elon Green
Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York by Elon Green is a gripping true crime narrative that delves into a series of chilling murders that plagued New York City in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The book focuses on a spree of killings targeting gay men, and it meticulously examines the case of a serial killer who was elusive and dangerous, leaving a trail of fear and unanswered questions. Through in-depth research and compelling storytelling, Green sheds light on the victims' lives, the police investigation, and the social dynamics of the LGBTQ+ community during this tumultuous period.
Last Call combines elements of true crime with a broader exploration of societal issues, making it both a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
‘The gripping true story, told here for the first time, of the Last Call Killer and the gay community of New York City that he preyed upon.
The Townhouse Bar, midtown, July 1992: The piano player seems to know every song ever written, the crowd belts out the lyrics to their favorites, and a man standing nearby is drinking a Scotch and water. The man strikes the piano player as forgettable.
He looks bland and inconspicuous. Not at all what you think a serial killer looks like. But that's what he is, and tonight, he has his sights set on a gray haired man. He will not be his first victim.
Nor will he be his last.
The Last Call Killer preyed upon gay men in New York in the '80s and '90s and had all the hallmarks of the most notorious serial killers. Yet because of the sexuality of his victims, the skyhigh murder rates, and the AIDS epidemic, his murders have been almost entirely forgotten.
This gripping true-crime narrative tells the story of the Last Call Killer and the decades-long chase to find him. And at the same time, it paints a portrait of his victims and a vibrant community navigating threat and resilience.’
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