The best books out this month

April brings an exciting range of new releases, from gripping thrillers and historical mysteries to detective fiction and complex family dramas. Expect twists that keep you guessing, with rich settings and unforgettable characters. Whether it’s uncovering secrets in a small town or navigating the turbulence of wartime London, here’s a preview of the most anticipated titles hitting the shelves this April.

New crime books out this month:

Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
Susan Ryeland returns for a new literary mystery in Marble Hall Murders, the long-awaited third book in Anthony Horowitz’s ingenious series. Now working as a freelance editor, Susan is tasked with editing a new Atticus Pünd detective novel. But when she notices eerie parallels between the manuscript and a real-life crime – the mysterious death of a famous children’s author – Susan is pulled into another deadly puzzle. This intricate whodunnit is a must-read for mystery lovers.

Burn After Reading by Catherine Ryan Howard
Struggling author Emily is stuck on her second novel. So, when she’s offered the chance to ghostwrite the memoir of disgraced cyclist Jack Smyth, it seems like a lifeline. But Jack’s story is chilling: his wife, Kate, died in a house fire but the autopsy revealed she was dead before the flames began. As Emily unravels his version of events, the truth twists and turns in shocking ways. Tense, unpredictable, and utterly addictive, this thriller will keep you hooked from start to finish.

The Imperfect Murder by James Patterson and J.D. Barker
When true crime author Denise Morrow is found standing over her husband’s lifeless body, knife in hand, Detective Declan Shaw expects an easy conviction. But Denise isn’t just any suspect – she understands murder inside and out. As Declan digs deeper, he discovers she’s writing about a case that still haunts him. How does she know so much? This cat-and-mouse thriller sees the detective wade through secrets and lies to solve both cases.

I Know Where You Buried Your Husband by Marie O’Hare
Sharp, darkly funny, and brimming with tension, this page-turner follows five fiercely intelligent, unapologetic women who once buried a deadly secret – literally. Years after covering up a murder, an anonymous blackmailer threatens to expose them, forcing the estranged friends back together. As old loyalties clash with fresh betrayals, the stakes skyrocket. Wickedly clever and compulsively readable, this novel will keep you hooked with its razor-sharp wit and the delicious thrill of watching chaos unfold.

This Is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen
Trapped in a snowstorm on Mackinac Island, estranged grandmother and granddaughter duo Mimi and Addie must solve a locked-room murder before the killer strikes again. When wealthy socialite Jane Ireland is found dead, suspicion falls on everyone – including Mimi, who has secrets of her own. Luckily, Addie is the co-creator of Murderscape, a bestselling video game, and knows a thing or two about solving mysteries. A fun, atmospheric debut with sharp humour and classic whodunnit charm.

Strangers in Time by David Baldacci
A gripping departure from Baldacci’s usual thrillers, Strangers in Time is a heartfelt historical mystery set during the London Blitz of 1944. Amid the devastation of war, an unlikely trio – wealthy teenager Molly, resourceful orphan Charlie, and grieving bookstore owner Ignatius – forge an unbreakable bond. Each carries secrets, but together, they find hope and resilience in the darkest of times. A poignant tale of survival, friendship, and found family, Strangers in Time is perfect for fans of historical fiction.

The pick of the paperbacks

The following titles have already hit the shelves in hardback and are newly available in paperback this month.

Which books are going to the top of your to-read pile? Let us know in the comments below…