Books
Debut crime novels to watch out for in 2024
It’s a new year, which means plenty of new crime novels are on the horizon. But if you’re looking to branch out of your comfort zone this year, why not try a novel from a brand-new voice?
We’ve rounded up the books from debut crime authors that we’re most looking forward to in 2024. Whether you love a psychological suspense, domestic thriller, or a legal drama, there’s something for everyone on our list below.
8 of the best debut crime novels coming our way in 2024
The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini
The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini
out 4 January
When Tate steps onto the roof terrace at her Christmas party, she meets Helen, a woman contemplating suicide. Tate manages to talk her down but, the next day, she is arrested for her murder. What really happened, and what is Tate hiding? This psychological thriller is full of twists and turns, with a shocking ending you won’t see coming.
Perfect for fans of: Lisa Jewell, Paula Hawkins.
Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin
Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin
out 1 February
When a chef takes a job at an exclusive cookery school in Belgravia, the last thing he expects is murder. But now, with a dead body found on the premises, he’s the police’s prime suspect. To protect his reputation – and the lives of his students – this chef will need to find the real culprit…
Perfect for fans of: Richard Osman, Knives Out, MasterChef.
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
out 8 February
A mother is home alone with her two young children when she hears a noise. There’s a man in the house. But how can she keep her children safe, with no access to a phone or the internet, and no weapons at hand? This spine-tingling thriller has all the tension of a horror film, and you won’t be able to put it down.
Perfect for fans of: Shirley Jackson, Stephen King, horror films.
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
out 15 February
Yorkshire, 1979. Women are being murdered by the Yorkshire Ripper and locals are scared to leave their homes at night. Best friends Miv and Sharon decide to take the case into their own hands – by investigating suspicious events in their area. This is a surprisingly heart-warming novel that’s perfect for true crime obsessives.
Perfect for fans of: Happy Valley, Rob Rinder.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
out 14 March
Five years ago, Lucy was found walking down a road, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood. She had no memory of what happened or how Savvy died. Five years later, thanks to a true crime podcast, most of America believes she’s guilty. But when she meets the podcaster who’s ruining her life, they team up to uncover the truth. This addictive read is best enjoyed in one sitting.
Perfect for fans of: True crime podcasts, Harlan Coben, The Girl on the Train.
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
Prima Facie by Suzie Miller
out 14 March
The Olivier Award-winning play, initially starring Jodie Comer, has now been transformed into a novel by its playwright Suzie Miller. It follows Tessa, a brilliant criminal defence barrister who believes in the justice system and enjoys getting her clients acquitted. But when a date with a charismatic colleague goes wrong, she starts to question everything she ever believed in. A page-turning, thought-provoking legal drama.
Perfect for fans of: Karin Slaughter, legal thrillers.
When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips
When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips
out 2 May
Lou was an outsider when she attended Highfield Manor, Dublin’s most exclusive private school. But what her classmates – including new friend Shauna – don’t know is that she is on a mission to expose a scandal. Thirty years later, Lou is haunted by what she uncovered, and the events of a particular night. When Shauna’s brother asks her to testify in a case against the school, Lou must figure out how to keep her own secret…
Perfect for fans of: My Dark Vanessa, Anatomy of a Scandal, Girl A.
The Switch by Lily Samson
The Switch by Lily Samson
out 6 June
Elena and Adam are house-sitting in a wealthy neighbourhood, when they befriend their new neighbours Sophia and Finn. It starts out innocent enough, until Sophia suggests she and Elena secretly swap partners for a night. Elena is swept off her feet by the affair, but little does she know, Sophia has her own sinister motives. This dark, sultry thriller takes the domestic suspense genre to a whole new level.
Perfect for fans of: The Couple Next Door, Liane Moriarty, Shari Lapena.
Did we miss any off our list? Let us know in the comments below…
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