May’s hottest new releases 2016

With the typically British April showers coming to an end – we hope – it’s really beginning to feel like summer is on its way!

As we venture outside the office at lunchtime, armed with an umbrella (just in case), we can think of nothing better than sitting in the sunshine with one of the brilliant new books that are coming our way this month. From the paperback release of the phenomenal The Girl on the Train to stunning debuts like Abir Mukherjee’s A Rising Man, the month ahead is looking very bright indeed…

May’s new releases

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Trap by Melanie Raabe – 19^th May
In The Trap, Melanie Raabe uses dual storytelling to describe her protagonist’s trap to catch her sister’s murderer alongside the events of her life eleven years previously when her sister was killed. The fast-paced plot of this story keeps you guessing throughout both storylines, making for a truly brilliant read.

The Last Days of Summer by Vanessa Ronan – 5^th May
The Last Days of Summer is a fantastic tale of redemption and revenge. Vanessa Ronan’s atmospheric descriptions of the forgotten prairie town in which the novel is set serve to heighten our feelings of claustrophobia and the sense of impending doom, culminating in an unforgettable conclusion. Read a short story by Vanessa Ronan here.

A Rising Man by Abir Mukherjee – 5^th May
As the winner of the 2013 Telegraph Harvill Secker Crime Writing Competition, we’ve been early anticipating the release of Abir Mukherjee’s debut novel. With this insightful and intelligent historical police procedural starring Captain Sam Wyndham, Abir proves once again that he was a worthy recipient of the prize and is definitely one to watch. Find out more about Abir’s journey to publication here.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Hanging Club by Tony Parsons – 19^th May
DC Max Wolfe is back and better than ever in this heart-stopping and terrifyingly realistic story about a group of vigilante murderers who many believe to be heroes. As Wolfe gets deeper into the investigation, he soon begins to realise that a thirst for revenge may lie closer to home than he originally thought…

Love You Dead by Peter James – 19^th May
It’s an impressive thing when an internationally bestselling author raises the bar even higher with a new release – and that’s exactly what Peter James has done with Love You Dead, the new Roy Grace novel. It’s a witty, fun and darkly terrifying novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat and we couldn’t recommend it more.

The Swimming Pool by Louise Candlish – 5^th May
Louise Candlish, bestselling author of The Sudden Departure of the Frasers, combines a needy and naive protagonist with a dark and twisted plot in her new book to create an addictive and enchanting tale of suspicion, jealousy and the darkness that lies behind the most glittering lives. A must-read for lovers of grip-lit.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long Time Lost by Chris Ewan – 5^th May
Long Time Lost is the heart-stopping race-against-time thriller from the bestselling author of Safe House. In a year that’s packed with brilliant thrillers, Chris Ewan holds his own with this original, fast-paced, twisty novel. Find out more about Long Time Lost here.

Die of Shame by Mark Billingham – 5^th May
Die of Shame sees six people from completely different lives meet once a week to discuss their ‘shame’ – but when one of the members is killed, DI Nicola Tanner must expose the culprit while navigating the strict privacy laws surrounding the group and their therapist. Mark Billingham’s book is brilliantly written with a seriously intriguing premise. It’s not to be missed.

The Malice of Waves by Mark Douglas-Home – 19^th May
In this, the third instalment in the Sea Detective series, Cal McGill investigates the disappearance of fourteen-year-old Max Wheeler who vanished from Priest’s Island five years previously. Mark Douglas-Home has succeeded once again in creating a haunting and realistic portrayal of the wildness of the ocean and depicting the secrets of the people who reside nearby. A gripping mystery that we can’t recommend highly enough.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The Plea by Steve Cavanagh – 19^th May
From the author of The Defence comes The Plea, a must-read thriller for fans of Lee Child, John Grisham and Michael Connelly. From the explosive first chapter, Steve Cavanagh grabs his readers and refuses to let go. An exciting, twisty thrill-ride of a novel starring con-artist-turned-lawyer Eddie Flynn. We promise you won’t be able to put it down.

The Long Count by JM Gulvin – 5^th May
JM Gulvin returns to crime writing after a hiatus in non-fiction, and he’s back with a bang with this new series. Set in Texas, Gulvin’s masterful yet simple style of writing mirrors the landscape of his story, making for an atmospheric, absorbing read. A page turner and a psychological puzzle perfect for fans of Shutter Island and True Detective. Read an extract from The Long Count here.

Behind Dead Eyes by Howard Linskey – 19^th May
Howard Linskey has a skill for creating likeable yet realistic characters, and these characters of his truly shine in Behind Dead Eyes. Detective Ian Bradshaw investigates the murder of a mystery woman; journalist Helen Norton is uncovering a conspiracy; a convicted murder appeals for the help of true-crime writer Tom Carney. But what is the dark thread running through these crimes?

The Pick of the Paperbacks

These beauties have already hit the shelves in hardback and are newly available in paperback this month.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Which new releases are you desperate to read? Let us know in the comments below!