Books
The best crime books of 2020 so far
Catching up on the best books of 2020 so far? Looking for new crime and thriller novels to add to your ever-growing reading pile? You’ve come to the right place!
Find our reviews and recommendations for the most exciting new releases of the year right here.
The best crime books out in January 2020:
The Other People by C J Tudor
23 January
If you like your crime fiction dark, creepy and atmospheric, then this new book from the author of The Chalk Man and The Taking of Annie Thorne won’t disappoint. Three years after Gabe’s daughter was taken from him right before his very eyes, he’s still trying to find her – but the people responsible will do anything they can to stop them being found. Get ready for an absorbing thrill-ride of a novel.
All the Rage by Cara Hunter
23 January
When girls start being taken from the streets of Oxford, it looks like DI Adam Fawley has a serial abductor on his hands. This latest instalment in Cara Hunter’s bestselling crime series will hook you in right from the start and refuse to let go – and once you’ve finished it, you’ll immediately want to get your hands on the next one.
Who Did You Tell? by Lesley Kara
9 January
Prepare to feel paranoid with this addictive new psychological thriller from the author of The Rumour. Moving and gripping, this is a very human, twisty, thought-provoking thriller starring a spiky but compelling lead character you’ll really root for. We promise you’ll race through it, desperate to find out what happens.
A Silent Death by Peter May
9 January
Peter May’s latest thriller unites a strong, independent Spaniard with a socially inept Scotsman, a senseless vendetta with a sense-deprived victim and a red-hot Costa Del Sol with an ice-cold killer. It’s hugely atmospheric, with vivid descriptions and fantastic characterisation that really immerse you in the story.
Three Hours by Rosamund Lupton
9 January
In rural Somerset in the middle of a blizzard, the unthinkable happens: a school is under siege. For the people inside, these hours are the most intense of their lives, where evil and terror are met by courage, love and redemption. Tense, chilling and full of darkness and light, this is one book you won’t forget in a hurry.
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
9 January
From the author of Heft comes a gritty and moving crime thriller for those who love The Wire and Line of Duty. The story follows two sisters – one a cop, one who’s ended up on the streets – in Philadelphia where there’s a serial killer targeting young women. It’s a gritty slow burner about family ties and addiction that oozes with authenticity.
Happy Ever After by C C Macdonald
23 January
Perfect for fans of Louise Doughty, Harriet Tyce and Louise Candlish, this brilliantly written debut is as suspenseful as they come. With an opening that feels terrifyingly close to home and an ending that will get under your skin, this is a real page turner that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Read an extract here.
Haven’t They Grown by Sophie Hannah
23 January
For those looking to set their little grey cells to work this month, we’d suggest trying Sophie Hannah’s excellent new standalone. It’s a clever, perplexing and thoroughly entertaining mystery full of twists and turns that will leave you scratching your head as you try to figure out the solution.
Truth Hurts by Rebecca Reid
23 January
Can we ever truly leave the past behind us? That’s the question asked by this addictive psychological suspense novel about secrets and lies. Truth Hurts is relatable, intriguing and unbelievably tense – domestic noir at its finest. Fans of Adele Parks, Claire Douglas and Jane Corry will love it and we can’t recommend it enough.
Alice Teale is Missing by Howard Linskey
23 January
Seventeen-year-old Alice Teale walked out of school at the end of a bright spring day. She’s not been seen since. This twisty, addictive missing persons thriller from the author of The Chosen Ones and The Search has a strong sense of place, a gripping, pacy plot and a great detective duo we really hope to see again.
The Driftwood Girls by Mark Douglas-Home
9 January
Two women go missing two decades apart – and there’s only one man with the skills to find them after all this time. The sea detective Cal McGill is back this month in another hugely atmospheric, suspenseful Scottish mystery. These unique thrillers have no problem standing out from the crowd; we love them and think you will too!
Blindside by James Patterson
23 January
When the daughter of the mayor of New York goes missing, there’s only one cop who can bring her home – public enemy number one, Detective Michael Bennett. Packed with action, suspense and excitement, this brilliantly crafted thriller is a real treat for anyone yet to discover this gripping series.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in February 2020:
The Memory Wood by Sam Lloyd
out 20 February
It’s remarkably easy to lose yourself in the pages of The Memory Wood – an absorbing new book that will hook you in right from the beginning and refuse to let go. This cat-and-mouse story about a young girl who must use her intellect to outwit and outmaneuver her captor is chilling, eerie and atmospheric, and both thrilling and moving in equal measure. Read an extract here.
The Better Liar by Tanen Jones
out 6 February
When a woman conceals her sister’s death to claim their joint inheritance, her deception exposes a web of dangerous secrets in this addictive new thriller that’s impossible to put down. Full of tension and intrigue, with twists and turns at every corner, this absorbing, perfectly crafted debut makes you question who to trust throughout. Read an extract here.
Watching From the Dark by Gytha Lodge
out 6 February
DCI Jonah Sheens is back for his second outing in Watching From the Dark. When a young woman is murdered while on a video chat, Jonah finds himself wading into a circle of friends and lovers with dangerous secrets. With great plotting and compelling characters, this is a top drawer police procedural.
The House on the Lake by Nuala Ellwood
out 6 February
Perfect for fans of Claire Douglas and Rosamund Lupton, The House on the Lake is a page-turning psychological suspense novel about a young woman who seeks refuge in a dilapidated house in the wilds of Yorkshire – only to uncover a deadly secret. Fast-paced and chilling, this is one book that will grip you from start to finish.
The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths
out 6 February
When a convicted murderer tells Dr Ruth Galloway and DCI Harry Nelson about four bodies buried near a village bordering the fens, his motive is unclear. A new Ruth Galloway book is always something to celebrate here at Dead Good, and The Lantern Men doesn’t disappoint. It’s clever and tense, with delightful protagonists who keep us coming back again and again.
Into the Fire by Gregg Hurwitz
out 20 February
On the run and stalked by death, Max Merriweather meets the one man who might be able to save him: former secret government assassin Evan Smoak. Packed with edge-of-your-seat suspense, explosive action and razor-sharp plotting, Into the Fire is an adrenaline-fulled must-read for fans of David Baldacci, James Patterson and Harlan Coben.
Little Friends by Jane Shemilt
out 20 February
Little Friends explores what can happen when you look the other way for what seems like just a moment – how evil can creep into a safe little world and how easy it is for every parent’s biggest nightmare to come true. If you love Fiona Neill, Sarah Vaughan and Liane Moriarty, this is the book for you.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
out 20 February
A wedding celebration turns dark and deadly in this suspenseful, atmospheric thriller from the author of The Hunting Party. With a premise reminiscent of Agatha Christie and brilliant characterisation, this engrossing whodunnit is guaranteed to keep you guessing right to the very end.
When You See Me by Lisa Gardner
out 20 February
Lisa Gardner unites three of her most loved characters – Detective D D Warren, Flora Dane, and FBI Special Agent Kimberly Quincy – in a twisty new thriller that sees past and present intertwine when they investigate a mysterious murder that points to a dangerous and chilling new crime. It’s a tense, edge-of-your-seat page turner that we can’t recommend enough.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in March 2020:
The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben
out 19 March
Already binged The Stranger and Safe on Netflix? Get your next Harlan Coben fix with The Boy from the Woods, the gripping new thriller from the king of twists and turns. This is a first class must-read that’s guaranteed to keep you guessing from start to finish, and we cannot recommend it enough. Read an extract here.
The Recovery of Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel
out 5 March
Rose Gold Watts believed she was sick for eighteen years. Turns out her mother was just a really good liar. If you loved Lullaby, Good Me Bad Me and Sharp Objects, this chilling debut about a toxic mother-daughter relationship is for you. It’s a creepy, unsettling tale of reconciliation and revenge and we promise you’ll struggle to put it down. Find out how Munchausen syndrome by proxy inspired the book.
Keeper by Jessica Moor
out 19 March
When Katie Straw’s body is pulled from the waters of the local suicide spot, the police think she must have taken her own life. But the residents at the women’s refuge where Katie worked disagree – they know this was murder. Told in alternating chapters by the case detective, the women piecing together the mystery and Katie herself, this is an addictive, powerful read from a fresh new voice in crime fiction.
20th Victim by James Patterson
out 5 March
The Women’s Murder Club face the fight of their lives against what appears to be a band of vigilante serial killers in the latest thriller in this unmissable series. This is a fast-paced, entertaining, roller coaster read full of twists you won’t see coming. Prepare to be reading this one long into the night!
Keep Him Close by Emily Koch
out 19 March
In this page-turning psychological thriller about love, hate and forgiveness, Alice keeps her identity secret when she befriends the mother of her son’s killer – with dramatic consequences. It’s a rich, multi-layered story told through quality writing, and if, like us, you loved Emily’s debut If I Die Before I Wake, you won’t want to miss this. Read an extract from the book here.
Rules for Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson
out 5 March
Crime fiction fans will adore this entertaining, fun mystery about a series of unsolved murders that bear an eerie resemblance to crimes in classic mystery novels – from The ABC Murders to Strangers on a Train. It’s hugely clever and suspenseful and you’ll find yourself racing through it glued firmly to the edge of your seat.
Without A Trace by Mari Hannah
out 19 March
When DCI Kate Daniels finds out the love of her life was onboard a transatlantic flight that disappeared out of the sky, she won’t rest until she uncovers what happened – unaware that there are some very dangerous people watching her. With tension that builds and builds, Mari’s latest page turner balances action and emotion perfectly, resulting in a hugely compelling read.
The Second Wife by Rebecca Fleet
out 5 March
In this dark, menacing thriller, Rebecca Fleet shows us a suspenseful, twisty yet emotionally devastating portrait of a family in turmoil. With a plot that propels you through at record pace and tension that grips you from the start, this is one that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page. Read an extract from the book here.
Black River by Will Dean
out 12 March
Relentless reporter Tuva Moodyson returns in Will Dean’s third dark, atmospheric and absorbing novel. Set in Sweden and following on from Dark Pines and Red Snow, Black River is a brilliantly crafted mystery complete with a cast of sinister characters and wonderful descriptions that you’ll want to savour.
Trace Elements by Donna Leon
out 5 March
A woman’s cryptic dying words in a Venetian hospice lead Guido Brunetti to uncover a threat to the entire region in Donna Leon’s haunting new novel. Complex and thought-provoking, this is an intricate tale expertly told, and it won’t fail to transport you to the streets of Venice. Meet the unforgettable characters in Donna Leon’s Brunetti books here.
Victim 2117 by Jussi Adler-Olsen
out 5 March
In the latest Department Q novel, the death of a refugee sets off a chain of events that throws Copenhagen’s cold cases division into a deeply dangerous – and personal – investigation. Packed with action, Victim 2117 is a well-plotted, moving and entertaining thriller that pulls you in slowly but surely and then refuses to let go.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
out 31 March
My Dark Vanessa is a disturbing, uncomfortable and seriously gripping story about manipulation, grooming and victimhood. Exploring the damage and trauma that haunts Vanessa following a toxic relationship in her youth, this is certainly not a book for the faint-hearted – but it’s one that you’ll want to discuss with everyone you know once you’ve finished it.
The pick of the paperbacks
One Way Out by A A Dhand
The best crime books out in April 2020:
Three Perfect Liars by Heidi Perks
out 30 April
When a body is pulled out of an office fire, three women are first in line for questioning – all three with reasons for wanting revenge against the company’s CEO. Now You See Her and Come Back For Me author Heidi Perks returns with her third addictive psychological suspense novel perfect for fans of Shari Lapena, Lisa Jewell and Fiona Barton. We promise you’ll race through it. Read a chapter here.
He Started It by Samantha Downing
out 30 April
Samantha Downing’s debut, My Lovely Wife gripped us from start to finish, so we can’t wait for her second book to hit shelves later this month. It’s a twisty, surprising, claustrophobic slow burner of a novel that will keep you guessing right up to its shocking ending. We can’t recommend it enough.
The Wrong Move by Jennifer Savin
out 23 April
The Wrong Move is a twisty domestic thriller following Jessie, who thinks she’s found the perfect new flatshare – but when she learns that the previous flatmate disappeared in suspicious circumstances, she starts to doubt if she can trust these strangers after all. If you love mysteries that hit close to home like I Invited Her In and Our House then this will prove a must-read. Read a chapter here.
Strangers by C L Taylor
out 2 April
When three strangers’ lives unexpectedly collide, there’s only one thing for it: they have to stick together – or else one of them will die. With a tension that builds and builds, Strangers is a psychological thriller that really keeps you on the edge of your seat and gets you turning those pages, racing to find out what happens.
The Mist by Ragnar Jonasson
out 30 April
Ragnar’s clever Hidden Iceland trilogy draws to a close this month with the release of this haunting, atmospheric new novel. Perfect for fans of Peter May, Ann Cleeves and Agatha Christie, The Mist takes us back to the beginning of heroine Detective Hulda Hermannsdóttir‘s story, drawing the beautifully crafted mystery to its brilliant and wonderfully satisfying conclusion.
Seven Lies by Elizabeth Kay
out 16 April
Unpicking the lies and secrets festering below the surface of a seemingly perfect relationship between two inseparable best friends, Seven Lies is a sinister, complex and well-plotted novel with brilliant characterisation and unrelenting tension from an author who’s guaranteed to be one to watch. Prepare to be intrigued!
The Black Art of Killing by Matthew Hall
out 2 April
If you love Frank Gardner and James Swallow, this action-packed thriller from Keeping Faith screenwriter Matthew Hall is for you. The book introduces Dr Leo Black, a lecturer at Oxford University who served in the SAS for twenty years but soon finds himself being drawn back into the world he’s put behind him. Expect both brains and brawn in this absorbing roller coaster thriller.
Little Disasters by Sarah Vaughan
out 2 April
We’ve been excited to get our hands on the next Sarah Vaughan novel since we turned the final page of Anatomy of A Scandal, and Little Disasters certainly doesn’t disappoint. It’s a well written, thought-provoking family drama about motherhood, guilt closely guarded secrets and how well you know those closest to you – and yourself.
All In Her Head by Nikki Smith
out 2 April
Alison feels like she’s losing her mind. She thinks she’s being followed and knows she has a good reason to be afraid, but she just can’t remember why. All In Her Head is a psychological thriller with a difference. It’s a surprising, clever tale of misdirection that will take you on a moving and emotional journey you won’t see coming.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in May 2020:
I Made A Mistake by Jane Corry
out 22nd May in eBook and 28th May in paperback
Jane Corry is back this month with a heart-in-mouth psychological thriller about a woman driven to extremes after one mistake threatens to destroy everything she holds dear. Dark and addictive, with twists and turns a’plenty, this is the perfect way to escape the real world for a good few hours. We think it’s Jane’s best book yet.
Double Agent by Tom Bradby
out 28th May
It was supposed to be a weekend away in Venice, but for senior MI6 officer Kate Henderson a routine family trip is about to be become a personal nightmare as her professional and private lives collide with painful force. Perfect for fans of Bodyguard and Line of Duty, Double Agent is an unmissable, gripping and authentic thriller from ITV News Anchor Tom Bradby. We promise you’ll struggle to put it down.
Camino Winds by John Grisham
out 28th May
Transport yourself to Camino Island this month, where thriller author Nelson Kerr has just received suffered several suspicious blows to the head. His friend and bookshop owner Bruce Cable soon begins to wonder if the shady characters in Nelson’s novels might be more real than fictional.
The Glass House by Eve Chase
out 14th May
Family secrets and lies collide in this haunting and atmospheric new novel from Eve Chase. Switching between past and present, city and country, this is a mystery you’ll want to savour – one that will grip and delight in equal measure and stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Fair Warning by Michael Connelly
out 26th May
Jack McEvoy, the journalist who never backs down, faces a criminal mind unlike any he’s ever encountered in Michael Connelly’s latest, which sees him tracking a serial killer who’s been operating completely under the radar. It’s a pacy, original read that’s difficult to put down and as thrilling as they come.
Remain Silent by Susie Steiner
out 28th May
DI Manon Bradshaw investigates when the body of a young man is found hanging from a tree in Cambridgeshire. Was it murder or suicide – or was he driven to end his own life? Brilliantly plotted, with great characterisation and a main character who really shines, this is a stellar addition to the series.
The Winter Agent by Gareth Rubin
out 28th May
Set in occupied France, this dramatic WWII spy thriller tells the story of a man operating in the darkest of circumstances and the sacrifices war demands of those who fight it, based on a shocking historical conspiracy that reached the very top of the British establishment. If you’re a fan of Robert Harris or Rory Clements, this tense, intriguing book from the author of Liberation Square is for you.
Dear Child by Romy Hausmann
out 14th May
Gone Girl meets Room in this page-turning German thriller which sees a woman manage to flee her captor of fourteen years, only to find that her escape raises more questions than it answered. Dear Child is a thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat novel with well-crafted characters and lots of twists that will keep you guessing to the very end.
Just My Luck by Adele Parks
out 14th May
What if winning the lottery meant losing everything? What seems like a dream come true quickly turns sour in the latest release by Lies Lies Lies author Adele Parks. Unpredictable, with twists you won’t see coming, Just My Luck is a dark, compulsive story about greed and betrayal that won’t disappoint.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in June 2020:
To Tell You the Truth by Gilly Macmillan
out 25th June
From the author of Richard and Judy book club pick The Nanny comes a second addictive psychological thriller perfect for those who loved The Couple Next Door and The Child. This is a dark, unpredictable novel full of secrets, lies and characters who are not to be trusted, and we think you’ll find it gripping from start to finish. Read the first chapter here.
Safe by S K Barnett
out 11th June
Imagine your child went missing when she was six years old. Now imagine that twelve years later, she’s knocking on your door – but without the answers to all your questions. That’s what happens in this twisty, shocking thriller that’s truly difficult to put down. If you like a book that keeps you guessing, this one’s for you.
The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish
out 25th June
Clever and complex, The Other Passengers is a well-crafted, finely-plotted new read that’s guaranteed not to disappoint Louise Candlish fans when it hits shelves later this month. Full of unlikeable three-dimensional characters, it’s difficult to know who to believe in this double-crossing psychological thriller.
Liar by Lesley Pearse
out 25th June
Amelia dreams of being a reporter. The closest she’s come is selling advertising in the local paper – until the fateful day she stumbles on a shocking scoop: the body of a murder victim. With twists and turns a’plenty, this is this a brilliant, suspenseful book that’ll keep your reading long into the night. The very definition of a page turner!
The Summer House by James Patterson
out 8th June
Major Jeremiah Cook must prove that recent crimes are part of a larger mystery when the site of an old, dilapidated luxury lake house becomes the scene of a horrific mass murder in The Summer House – a fast-paced, action-packed standalone thriller from James Patterson. Absorbing and compulsive, this is a great way to escape for a few hours this summer.
The House Guest by Mark Edwards
out 3rd June
Dead Good Reader Award winner Mark Edwards is back with another surprising, entertaining read this month. With a chilling premise and an intriguing plot with a pace that doesn’t let up, The House Guest will take you on a real roller coaster of a ride – so make sure you hang on to the edge of your seat.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in July 2020:
The End of Her by Shari Lapena
out 23 July
With whistle-stop pace and corkscrew turns, the queen of the one-sit read shows the complexity of married life put under unimaginable strain in her brand new book. We can’t get enough of Shari’s absorbing thrillers, and The End of Her is truly as gripping as they come. We think you’ll love it.
The Shadow Friend by Alex North
out 9 July
From the author of Richard and Judy smash-hit The Whisper Man comes another wonderfully creepy, dark psychological suspense novel. It’s a real page turner, with thrills and chills a’plenty and an emotional depth that pulls you in and sends a shiver down your spine.
Find Them Dead by Peter James
out 9 July
Detective Superintendent Roy Grace unearths a powerful criminal network in Peter James’ new crime novel which hits shelves this month. Part police procedural, part courtroom drama, Find Them Dead stands out for its great storytelling, interesting characters and plot that keeps you guessing.
How to Disappear by Gillian McAllister
out 9 July
Perfect for fans of Louise Candlish, Clare Mackintosh and Jodi Picoult, How to Disappear is a clever psychological thriller with heart, exploring what it means to go into witness protection and tear your family apart. Gripping, twisty and suspenseful, this is a hugely satisfying read that won’t disappoint.
Dark Waters by G R Halliday
out 16 July
DI Monica Kennedy is on the hunt for a serial killer in the Scottish Highlands in G R Halliday’s spectacular new police procedural. Dark, tense and atmospheric, with shades of Stephen King’s Misery, this is a novel guaranteed to keep you up all night. Read a chapter from the book here.
Cry Baby by Mark Billingham
out 23 July
Set in 1996, Cry Baby, the new prequel to Mark Billingham’s debut, takes us back to where it all began for the iconic Tom Thorne – to a case that would shape the rest of his career. It’s a hugely enjoyable and entertaining read and provides the perfect backstory to one of our best-loved detectives.
Don’t Turn Around by Jessica Barry
out 30 July
Look For Me author Jessica Barry’s new book is a fast-paced, high concept chase thriller following two women on the run from their pasts. It’s a surprising read that oozes with mystery and intrigue and drip feeds clues and red herrings page by page. Read a chapter from the book here.
One White Lie by Leah Konen
out 23 July
If one white lie made all your problems disappear, you’d do it, wouldn’t you? Combining outstanding pace, ever-tightening tension and a stunning setting on the edge of the American wilderness, One White Lie is packed with twists you won’t see coming.
Lost Souls by Jonathan and Jesse Kellerman
out 23 July
The bestselling father and son writing duo return with a new thriller that sees Deputy Coroner Clay Edison investigating a seemingly impossible case that will unearth a web of violence, secrets and betrayal. Brilliantly plotted and full of twists and turns, this is one book that’s impossible to put down.
Night Falls, Still Missing by Helen Callaghan
out 23 July
Set on the beautifully atmospheric and isolated island of Orkney, Night Falls, Still Missing is sure to transport you from the comfort of your armchair this summer. Tense and unpredictable, with true character and originality, this is one for fans of Susie Steiner, Ruth Ware and Sabine Durrant.
1st Case by James Patterson
out 9 July
When a young tech genius is offered a dream internship with the FBI, she’s thrown straight into her first brutal murder case. Following a determined female lead as she tracks down an elusive serial killer, this is an intriguing thriller that Karin Slaughter and Robert Bryndza readers will race through.
Finders Keepers by Sabine Durrant
out 9 July
If you liked Lie With Me and Take Me In, you’ll love Sabine Durrant’s latest slow burning psychological thriller about obsession, secrets and manipulation. It’s clever and creepy, with a tension that builds and builds and characters who can’t be trusted. Don’t miss it.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in August 2020:
Invisible Girl by Lisa Jewell
out 6 August
Lisa Jewell fans, get excited. Invisible Girl is everything we hoped it would be and more: a perfectly plotted, expertly paced read-in-one-sitting kind of book that will hook you in from the very first chapters and refuse to let go. We think you’ll love it. Read the first chapter here.
Moonflower Murders by Anthony Horowitz
out 20 August
Featuring his famous literary detective Atticus Pund and former publisher Susan Ryeland, hero of Magpie Murders, this is a wonderful mystery that’s as engaging and and compelling as it is cunning and complex. It won’t fail to delight. Read the first chapter here.
Eight Detectives by Alex Pavesi
out 20 August
Former bookseller Alex Pavesi’s ingenious debut is a refreshing and original novel that fans of the crime fiction genre will adore. Eight Detectives picks apart the traditional murder mystery through a dazzlingly clever battle of wits, resulting in a hugely entertaining, irresistible read.
Final Cut by S J Watson
out 6 August
When film-maker Alex arrives in Blackwood Bay to shoot her new documentary, she finds the seaside town will do anything to protect the secrets of a lifetime. Transporting us to an intensely claustrophobic small-town community, this is a story packed with layers of psychological intrigue.
The Less Dead by Denise Mina
out 20 August
Inspired by a series of real murder cases that took place in Glasgow in the 1990s, Denise Mina’s topical and poignant new thriller follows Margo as she tries to find her birth mother’s killer. It’s dark, gritty and atmospheric, spinning reality into fiction to brilliant effect once again.
Still Life by Val McDermid
out 20 August
Val McDermid is back with the sixth gripping DCI Karen Pirie novel this month. Beautifully crafted, with first class characterisation, this series is as compelling as they come and keeps us turning the pages time and time again. Don’t miss it.
Knife Edge by Simon Mayo
out 20 August
Perfect for fans of Gregg Hurwitz, John Grisham and Peter James, Simon Mayo’s contemporary thriller comes ripped from the headlines, delivering a killer opening, pacy, clever plotting and characters that readers will love. We can’t recommend it enough.
We Are All the Same in the Dark by Julia Heaberlin
out 6 August
The bestselling author of Black-Eyed Susans returns with an atmospheric, slow-burning Texan thriller that sees young cop Odette Tucker try to unearth the truth about a town’s most notorious cold case. It’s chilling, suspenseful and twisted, and a first class psychological thriller.
The Killings at Kingfisher Hill by Sophie Hannah
out 20 August
Hercule Poirot is back in Sophie Hannah’s latest continuation novel, where she marries Golden Age tropes with contemporary plotting and clever twists. It’s a fun and thoroughly enjoyable novel and the perfect way to escape the real world this summer.
The Search Party by Simon Lelic
out 20 August
Five friends go into the woods to find a missing girl – but one will not return. This is a sinister, pulse-pounding thriller about a group of friends, the secrets they harbour, and the lengths they will go to protect them. Prepare to find yourself on the edge of your seat.
A Good Marriage by Kimberly McCreight
out 6 August
A Good Marriage, soon to be an Amazon Prime series produced by Nicole Kidman, is gripping domestic thriller perfect for fans of Liane Moriarty and Shari Lapena. Penned by a former lawyer, it combines legal expertise with emotional drama to produce a twisty, authentic, page-turning read.
Just Like the Other Girls by Claire Douglas
out 6 August
Una’s new life as a live-in companion is nothing she hoped for and everything she feared after discovering the mysterious deaths of the two girls who came before her. This tale of jealousy, lies and betrayal is absorbing, thrilling and guaranteed to keep the heart racing.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in September 2020:
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
out 3 September
From one of TV’s best-loved presenters and producers comes one of the most exciting, refreshing and fun new crime series that we’ve seen in some time. This is a contemporary crime novel with a classic and quintessentially British twist, penned by a true crime fan – and it doesn’t fail to delight.
The Kingdom by Jo Nesbo
out 17 September
With unexpected twists, hugely compelling characters and an ever growing body count, The Kingdom is a tense and atmospheric standalone thriller about two brothers bound together by dark secrets. It’s an unmissable read from one of our all-time favourite crime authors, and we think you’ll love it.
The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves
out 3 September
We’re reunited with our old friend DCI Vera Stanhope this month in Ann Cleeves’ latest mystery set in the North East. It’s perfectly crafted and full to the brim with intrigue, resulting in a hugely absorbing, highly entertaining and wonderfully satisfying crime novel.
V2 by Robert Harris
out 17 September
Fatherland and Munich author Robert Harris returns to WWII for his brilliant, intricately plotted new thriller about a German rocket engineer, a former actress turned British spy, and the V2 missile program. It’s a real powerhouse of a novel from a master storyteller – and we can’t recommend it enough.
The Heatwave by Kate Riordan
out 3 September
Transport yourself to the sunny south of France in this slow-burning psychological suspense novel from Kate Riordan. Following a family as they confront a dark and mysterious secret long thought buried, this dark summer thriller is perfect for fans of Harriet Tyce and Adele Parks.
Private Moscow by James Patterson
out 3 September
Jack Morgan is battling to uncover a conspiracy that leads him all the way to Russia in the heart-stopping new thriller in James Patterson’s bestselling Private series. With a pace that doesn’t let up, and action and thrills on every page, Private Moscow kept us on the edge of our seats.
Keep Her Quiet by Emma Curtis
out 17 September
How far would you go for the life you think you deserve? That’s the question One Little Mistake author Emma Curtis asks in her latest fast-paced, addictive domestic drama. It’s a real page turner that you’ll race through in one sitting, desperate to find out what happens. Find out more about the book here.
One Step Behind by Lauren North
out 3 September
This gripping, emotionally driven psychological suspense novel about a cat-and-mouse game between stalker and victim is as chilling as they come. Full of twists that keep you on your toes and flawed characters you’ll love to hate, One Step Behind is perfect for readers of B A Paris and Clare Mackintosh.
Fifty-Fifty by Steve Cavanagh
out 3 September
Two sisters are on trial for murder, both accusing each other. Who do you believe? Lawyer Eddie Flynn is on the case in Steve Cavanagh’s suspenseful new courtroom thriller that will keep you guessing right up until the very end. A seriously compulsive read.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in October 2020:
The Sentinel by Lee Child and Andrew Child
out 27 October
Here’s the book we’ve all been waiting for – the new edge-of-your-seat, heart-in-mouth Jack Reacher thriller, and the first that sees Lee Child join forces with his brother Andrew. This action-packed instalment sees our hero doing what he does best: righting wrongs – like only he can. Read a chapter here.
The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
out 1 October
The Stranger Diaries‘ DS Harbinder Kaur returns this month in Elly Griffiths’s absorbing new murder mystery where a natural death doesn’t look so unsuspicious after all. With a cast of compelling characters and a clever puzzle to solve, this is a hugely entertaining read for colder, darker nights.
The Devil and the Dark Water by Stuart Turton
out 1 October
If you loved The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle as much as we did, you’ll be desperate to get your hands on Stuart Turton’s second book – a complex, atmospheric and quirky tale that’s part epic adventure, part detective novel, putting a spin on the traditional Holmes and Watson duo. Don’t miss it.
Lost by Leona Deakin
out 29 October
How can you solve a crime if you can’t remember the clues? With missing people, explosions and a global mystery, Dr Augusta Bloom returns in the follow up to Gone. Perfect for fans of M J Arlidge, Cara Hunter and Fiona Barton, this authentic thriller is as intriguing and gripping as they come.
The Coast-to-Coast Murders by James Patterson
out 1 October
A detective and FBI agent join forces on a manhunt for a cold-blooded serial killer in this intense psychological thriller from master storyteller James Patterson. It’s a sharp, suspenseful read that will see fans of of Gillian Flynn, Alex Michaelides and A J Finn glued firmly to the edge of their seat.
A Song for the Dark Times by Ian Rankin
out 1 October
Rebus may be retired, but when trouble strikes close to home it’s up to him to unearth the truth in a small town with big secrets. As gritty and brilliantly crafted as ever, weaving expertly in and out of two separate cases, this is a book you’re guaranteed to race through.
A Time for Mercy by John Grisham
out 13 October
Starring A Time to Kill‘s hero, defence lawyer Jake Brigance, A Time for Mercy certainly won’t disappoint John Grisham fans. Coupling fascinating legal insights with fast-paced, suspenseful writing, it’s an unputdownable, twisty courtroom drama.
The Sicilian Method by Andrea Camilleri
out 15 October
Transport yourself to Sicily this October and fall under the spell of our dear friend Inspector Montalbano. With a wonderful, vivid setting and characters you’ll fall in love with, this charming, beautifully written mystery doesn’t fail to delight.
I Follow You by Peter James
out 1 October
Set in Jersey, the new standalone thriller from Roy Grace author Peter James tells a chilling tale of stalking and obsession. It’s a nail-biting, nerve-shredding, read-in-one-sitting kind of book that’ll have you desperate to find out what happens next.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best books out in November 2020:
One by One by Ruth Ware
out 12 November
Ruth’s gripping new thriller finds a group of colleagues trapped by snow in a chalet in the Alps – with deadly consequences. With a creeping sense of claustrophobia and tension that builds and builds, this contemporary locked room mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat. Read a chapter here.
The Searcher by Tana French
out 5 November
If you loved The Wych Elm as much as we did, you won’t want to miss this tale of breathtaking suspense where even in the most idyllic small town secrets lie hidden and people aren’t always what they seem. Expertly crafted, The Searcher is a gritty slow burner with a main character you’ll really root for.
Deadly Cross by James Patterson
out 26 November
A scandalous double homicide in the nation’s capital opens the psychological case files on Alex Cross in the new instalment in Patterson’s bestselling series. Full of twists guaranteed to keep you turning the pages, this is a book that doesn’t disappoint. We can’t recommend it enough!
The Inner Darkness by Jorn Lier Horst
out 26 November
Chief Inspector William Wisting must track down an escaped killer in the chilling new novel from Norwegian superstar Jørn Lier Horst. This is Nordic Noir at its spine-tingling best, and if you can’t get enough of BBC Four’s Wisting then now is the perfect time to discover the books behind the show.
Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff
out 5 November
It’s Christmas at Westbury Manor and amateur detective Hugh Gaveston finds himself attempting to unravel a fiendish mystery in this wonderfully atmospheric, brilliantly plotted and hugely witty novel perfect for readers of Agatha Christie, Gladys Mitchell and James Runcie.
The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly
out 10 November
The stakes are higher than ever for Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller in Michael Connelly’s new thriller. Framed for murder, Mickey chooses to defend himself and must work out who’s plotting to destroy his life from the confines of his jail cell. It’s a must-read courtroom drama that’s as compelling as they come.
The pick of the paperbacks
The best crime books out in December 2020:
Out For Blood by Deborah Masson
out 10 December
DI Eve Hunter is back in a new edge-of-your-seat detective thriller from the winner of the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year. Perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride, Cara Hunter and Helen Fields, Deborah combines gripping storytelling, dark plots and a complex, relatable main character to create a truly unputdownable read.
Winterkill by Ragnar Jonasson
out 10 December
Icelandic superstar Ragnar Jonasson concludes the Dark Iceland series this month with his chilling, unsettling new novel Winterkill. This mystery is as atmospheric and claustrophobic as they come, with suspense that builds and builds. We guarantee it’ll stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
NYPD Red 6 by James Patterson
out 31 December
At the wedding of the century in New York City, a brazen kidnapper steals the show – by making the bride disappear. Detective Kylie MacDonald of NYPD Red, already at the scene as a plus-one, investigates, with no A-list celebrity above suspicion. Twisty and compelling, this is a perfect book to escape with for a few hours.
The pick of the paperbacks
These beauties have already hit the shelves in hardback and are newly available in paperback this month.
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