Here are 15 of the best novels to come out in paperback over the past month (plus a few from January), as selected by the CrimeReads editors.
Alison Gaylin, We Are Watching
(William Morrow Paperbacks)
“Gaylin’s chilling tale is right on point for our disinformation-fueled times.”–Air Mail
Stephen Spotswood, Dead in the Frame
(Vintage Crime/Black Lizard)
“Morals, mores, loves and lusts swirl in dark eddies around the entire cast.”–Lavender Magazine
Megan Collins, Cross My Heart
(Atria)
“Part (possible) murder mystery, part deep dive into out-of-control social media addiction and part sleight-of-hand trick by the author … terrific.”
–The New York Times
Deon Meyer, Leo
(Atlantic Crime)
“Meyer draws from South Africa’s recent political turmoil in this eighth Benny Griessel procedural, expertly crafting parallel plots that explore binding loyalty . . . Meyer blends riveting plots at the perfect moment here: a series standout.”–Booklist
Lisa Scottoline, The Unraveling of Julia
(Grand Central)
“The mystery plot and the Italian idyl both play supporting roles in this fairy tale for grownups.”–Kirkus
Lindy Ryan, Another Fine Mess
(Minotaur)
“[An] entertaining and utterly charming horror story following a family of women who take care of their town by stopping the undead, no matter the cost.”–The Library Ladies
Joseph Finder, The Oligarch’s Daughter
(Harper Perennial)
“The excitement in The Oligarch’s Daughter comes from its ever-surprising plot, as Paul navigates a world where friends become foes, villains can be allies and the path to salvation runs through his own past.”–Wall Street Journal
Marcie R. Rendon, Broken Fields
(Soho Crime)
“Rendon has the talent to stay out of her writing and let the story tell itself through the leathery life of Cash Blackbear. She’s a character you will never forget.”–The Durango Telegraph
Sash Bischoff, Sweet Fury
(Simon & Schuster)
“A beguiling tale of abuse and ambition…Bischoff reveals one surprising secret after another, all the way until the bombshell final twist. It’s an inspired first outing.”–Publishers Weekly
Allen Eskens, The Quiet Librarian
(Mulholland)
“Superb . . . Eskens delivers carefully calibrated dual plots that give equal attention to both the legal aspects and the domestic storyline. Another Eskens novel to be savored.”–South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Sara Sligar, Vantage Point
(Picador)
“A fleet, au courant Gothic thriller.” –Joumana Khatib, The New York Times Book Review
William Boyle, Saint of the Narrows Street
(Soho)
“A shocking, surprising, and thought-provoking tale that will likely stay with readers long after they turn the final page.” –Mystery & Suspense Magazine
Deanna Raybourn, Kills Well with Others
(Berkley)
“Infused with humor, high-flying action, sharp dialogue, and engaging characters, Killers of a Certain Age is a delight for readers of any age.”–Shelf Awareness
Grady Hendrix, Witchcraft for Wayward Girls
(Berkley)
“Fantastic … Hendrix is a wizard at mixing together tropes of terror in thought-provoking ways.”–Minnesota Star Tribune
Emily Carpenter, Gothictown
(Kensington)
“Carpenter’s brisk southern gothic skillfully deploys the genre’s familiar tropes to explore the disturbing ramifications of abuses of power and societal complicity. Horror fans will find it hard to put down.” –Booklist
