Recent Crime and Thriller Books to Watch
Hunted by Abir Mukherjee
Abir Mukherjee, known for his crime series set in 1920s India, shifts to contemporary America for his first standalone novel, "Hunted." The narrative unfolds during the final week of a heated presidential campaign, where a bomb explosion in a California shopping mall kills 65 people. The Sons of the Caliphate claim responsibility, but FBI agent Shreya Mistry uncovers a more complex truth. The story also follows parents Carrie and Sajid, who become fugitives while searching for their radicalized children. The novel stands out for its multiple narrators and fast-paced storyline.
Bonehead by Mo Hayder
Mo Hayder’s final novel before her untimely death, "Bonehead," reflects her distinctive dark imagination. Set in Gloucestershire years after a fatal coach crash, the story revolves around survivor Alex, now a police officer, attempting to uncover the truth behind the accident. Rumors and ghostly apparitions, including the faceless woman Bonehead, permeate the narrative. While the book's ending is considered rushed, the tension and mystery in the first half maintain Hayder’s signature unsettling style.
When We Were Silent by Fiona McPhillips
Fiona McPhillips' debut novel "When We Were Silent" is set in an elite Dublin school in 1986. The plot centers on 17-year-old Louise, who aims to avenge her friend Tina, a rape victim who committed suicide. Highfield Manor’s swimming coach Maurice McQueen is the antagonist. Years later, Louise is asked to help another victim, revealing that someone wants to keep her silent. The novel explores themes of consent and power abuse, capturing teenage anguish and the long-term impacts of predatory behavior.
The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer
Tom Spencer’s "The Mystery of the Crooked Man" is a homage to golden age detective fiction. The protagonist, Agatha Dorn, is a cantankerous archivist whose life turns chaotic after discovering a supposedly lost manuscript by fictional author Gladden Green. Disgraced when the manuscript is debunked, Agatha becomes an amateur detective following her partner's mysterious death. The character-driven story features a complex plot with elements reminiscent of Agatha Christie and Graham Greene.
These books represent a diverse range of crime and thriller themes, from political terrorism and supernatural investigations to school scandals and literary mysteries.