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PREMIUM
An Old Man’s Game
The character of the unassuming retired PI will appeal to fans of Naomi Hirahara’s “Mas Arai” mysteries, another series with an elderly investigator. The quiet story puts an interesting spin on Jewish history.
PREMIUM
The Other People
The latest page-turner from Tudor (The Hiding Place) contains elements of the supernatural within a thriller, but the true mystery lies in dark secrets kept and the lengths that some will go for justice and revenge. Plot twists and revelations will keep readers guessing to the last page. [See Prepub Alert, 7/8/19.]
PREMIUM
Wolves at the Door
Although this 20th “Varg Veum” mystery (after Wolves in the Dark), only some of which are available in English, stands alone, reading the backstory from its predecessor would be helpful. Action takes place primarily in the denouement, but the series’ signature strengths of well-developed characters and a engaging story line are on full display.
Australian author Gentill’s seventh installment featuring Rowland Sinclair (after A Murder Unmentioned) is as fun and consuming as her previous novels. The writing is superb, providing fascinating historical context as well as depth in her characters. Highly recommended for fans of the series and historical crime mysteries.
PREMIUM
Now You See Them
The fifth in Griffiths’s “Magic Men” series (The Vanishing Box) is written with a lighter touch and quirkier characters than her “Ruth Galloway” archaeological mysteries. Nevertheless, it’s a highly entertaining read with a spot-on portrayal of the manners and mores of the 1960s. [See Prepub Alert, 3/25/19.]
PREMIUM
Lost Tomorrows
Coyle’s sixth “Rick Cahill” novel (following Wrong Light) will please noir enthusiasts with its staccato prose, evocative descriptions, and hard-nosed protagonist. Readers new to the series can still enjoy this book as a compelling stand-alone mystery, and enticingly vague references to previous books make a strong case for checking out Rick’s past adventures.
PREMIUM
The Missing American
This promising series debut from the acclaimed Quartey (“Darko Dawson” mysteries) introduces the formidable Emma, and most important, the culture and politics of Ghana. Recommended for readers of mystery, African American and African fiction, and international crime/mystery. [See Prepub Alert, 7/8/19.]
PREMIUM
If She Were Dead
For readers seeking an unsympathetic portrayal of “the other woman,” but with the ample offerings of domestic thrillers available, this is an optional purchase.
PREMIUM
Good Girls Lie
Ellison (Tear Me Apart) has created a complex, convoluted plot that mystery fans will savor.
Pinter’s (The Darkness) outstanding series launch is a deft combination of domestic suspense and police procedural that recalls the works of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay. Both an unstoppable force of nature and painfully human, Rachel is a heroine readers will not soon forget.
PREMIUM
Bryant & May: The Lonely Hour
Fowler’s 17th installment in the series (following Hall of Mirrors) has all the idiosyncrasies and dark humor of its predecessors but stands alone well. Perfect for fans of police procedurals with nontraditional, especially older, detectives.
PREMIUM
Pretty As a Picture
Little (Dear Daughter) once again delivers a dark, witty thriller. Movie fans will be delighted with the behind-the-scenes setting and the numerous cinematic references. While there are some twists, this character-driven whodunit is mainly propelled by Marissa, an intelligent, charming protagonist whose neurodiversity is well portrayed. Recommended for mystery fans drawn to amateur sleuths and quirky, realistic protagonists.
Solomon incorporates many historically accurate events, details, and characters into this engaging story, based on an actual incident. Historical mystery fans who relish rich period details will be eager to see Hay again.
PREMIUM
How the Dead Speak
The 11th in McDermid’s series (Insidious Intent) is chock-full of crime and yet not as compelling as past installments. Regardless, fans and newcomers to the series will enjoy the twists and turns.
Another exceptional installment in the “Orphan X” series, full of action, excitement, and adventure. A must-read for thriller fans. [See Prepub Alert, 7/8/19.]
PREMIUM
Murder in Rat Alley
The seventh “Sam Blackman” mystery (Hidden Scars) has the right amount of action, humor, and intrigue. Fans of the humor of Robert B. Parker’s “Spenser” series with some North Carolina history thrown in will enjoy Sam’s relentless pursuit of the truth.
This dark suspense is a fine addition to LGBTQ and multicultural collections; the plot is suspenseful but the character development is weak. Overall, a moderately decent psychological thriller with a touch of the supernatural
PREMIUM
The Wives
This domestic suspense is recommended for fans of Louise Jensen’s The Surrogate or Carol Goodman’s The Other Mother. The language is edgy, but readers eager for a new thriller release will most likely snap this up.
PREMIUM
Oppo
Rosenstiel (Shining City) crafts a book that offers the double pleasure of an exciting story and new knowledge--how vetting is carried on in today’s supercharged political world. Will appeal to all lovers of quality political thrillers. [See Prepub Alert, 6/10/19.]
PREMIUM
Reputation
Shepard is very well known for her “Pretty Little Liars” series. Fans of the book and adapted television show will most likely enjoy her latest.
PREMIUM
A Madness of Sunshine
Fans of Lisa Gardner, Michael Connelly, and of both crime dramas and romantic suspense will find this novel hard to put down. [See Prepub Alert, 6/10/19.]
PREMIUM
Hi Five
With a convoluted plot that is hard to keep straight, as well as numerous overt political screeds against the current administration, Ide’s fourth IQ novel (Wrecked; Righteous) forsakes a winning cast and excellent storytelling for something less satisfying than a compelling mystery. [See Prepub Alert, 7/8/19.]
The latest "Sam Blackman" has the right amount of action, humor, and intrigue; Coyle's latest will please noir enthusiasts with its staccato prose, evocative descriptions, and hard-nosed protagonist; Ellison has crafted a complex, convoluted plot that mystery fans will savor; perfect for fans of police procedurals with nontraditional, especially older, detectives
PREMIUM
Galway Girl
For fans of the series and its protagonist, and readers who admire Jack’s devious ways of making things right.
Bradby’s journalistic and screenwriting background is fully evident, as the story is well researched, compellingly complicated, and perfectly paced. Fans of Stella Rimington and Olen Steinhauer will love this offering. [See Prepub Alert, 5/13/19.]
Charming and eclectic characters populate this Indiana Jones-esque adventure, which comes highly recommended for fans of locked-room mysteries in the manner of Agatha Christie and Elizabeth Peters.
PREMIUM
The Visitor
This could be a breakout book for Miller (A House Full of Secrets). Although the ending is a bit pat, the story still presents well-drawn characters in a tale of romantic suspense with a feminist twist.
PREMIUM
Paw of the Jungle
While part of a series, this cozy can be read as a stand-alone and will be appreciated by animal lovers. Recommended for readers of Spencer Quinn’s “Chet and Bernie” books.
PREMIUM
Brooklyn Legacies
This fifth book in the “Erica Donato” series (after Brooklyn Wars) is fascinating primarily for the history of Brooklyn aspect. Erica is not a particularly endearing character, nor is she an astute detective—she acts before she thinks and fails to see evident facts. While this installment stands on its own, the series will attract Brooklynites and those interested in its history.
PREMIUM
Tell Me No Lies
Wonderful period detail and clever humor combine with the delicious romantic tension between Phil and both Mr. X and Atkins to create a tasty recipe for fun reading. Historical mystery buffs and fans of amateur sleuths will eagerly await the next Lady Dunbridge adventure. [See Prepub Alert, 4/22/19.]
Although there are so many implausible elements, including the startling climax with a freighter and a lighthouse, fans of the cozy mystery series will be eager to pick up this latest book. [See Prepub Alert, 4/22/19.]
PREMIUM
Winter Grave
A solid purchase for collections in which Nordic noir circulates regularly, though Tursten’s novels aren’t nearly as bleak or as humorless as others in the genre. [See Prepub Alert, 6/3/19.]
PREMIUM
Blind Search
Returning readers will celebrate this sequel; those new to Mercy and Elvis will be delighted to catch a solid series in its early days. All will look forward to more.
Block has put together an intriguing and diverse collection featuring acclaimed authors and artists. Mystery fans who enjoyed the previous collection will welcome this strong new anthology.
This amazing mix of crime novel and detective story—think Jim Thompson—is even more of a nightmare—think Kafka—stunning in its power and originality. It should entice foremost crime noir aficionados, with potential to break out to a wider audience.
PREMIUM
The Lost Are the Last To Die
Sweazy’s latest is a fast-paced story that intensifies as it careens toward tragedy. Fans of frontier mysteries will appreciate the juxtaposition of Billy’s early years with the violence of his final spree, in this atmospheric tale of a man who left a son at home pining for him, while he tried to save the prodigal.
This well-plotted addition to these award-winning mysteries (after Harvest of Secrets) will appeal to fans of the series and historical puzzles, as seen in the film National Treasure.
In the follow-up to Treacherous Is the Night, Huber focuses on characters who are struggling with postwar memories, depicting the upper-class life more typical of Downton Abbey than books by Charles Todd or Jacqueline Winspear. Readers looking for atmospheric mystery set in the period following the Great War will savor the intricate plotting and captivating details of the era.
Readers who enjoy an action-packed adventure that doesn’t neglect character development and speaks truth about the human condition will welcome this quirky, passionate, and endearingly relatable protagonist.
Eldridge introduces a quirky, passionate, and relatable protagonist in The Ninja Daughter; this atmospheric mystery set in the period following the Great War will be savored by readers looking for intricate plotting and captivating period details; should entice crime noir aficionados, with potential to break out to a wider audience; Sweazy’s latest is a fast-paced story that intensifies as it careens toward tragedy; a solid purchase for collections in which Nordic noir circulates regularly
PREMIUM
The Wrong Girl
Old Hollywood, silent film stars, the Jazz Age, and strong female characters all combine to create a solid read for crime fiction fans of all stripes.
PREMIUM
The Nanny
Macmillan (What She Knew) is a master of suspense, and this latest engrossing tale does not disappoint. Stock up on multiple copies. [See Prepub Alert, 3/11/19.]
PREMIUM
Murder Off the Page
Lehane successfully manufactures drama and intrigue and offers up plausible red herrings, surprising readers as often as bewildering them with questionable character choices, but this quick read is mostly for patrons who enjoy modern murder mysteries and can withstand some well-worn tropes and stereotypes. [See Prepub Alert, 4/22/19.]
PREMIUM
The Bodies in the Library
The heroine of this new series from Wingate (“Potting Shed” series) is a pushover for anyone with more confidence, including her daughter, her boyfriend, the secretary at the library, and the writers. Owing to her lack of knowledge and insecurity, the book feels too long. Fans of Golden Age mysteries would do better to read the authors themselves.
Fast paced and psychologically complex, this debut mystery has plenty of twists and turns that will appeal to fans of Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, and Megan Abbott.
PREMIUM
Storm of Secrets
Marion’s strong second installment in this series (after House of Ashes) will draw in readers with a penchant for mysteries with a supernatural twist and great characters cast in a fascinating setting.
Fans of this prolific author of crime dramas and either series will find this best-seller-list-bound novel hard to put down. Though it reads well as a stand-alone, this series is best read in order. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]
PREMIUM
Dead Blow: A Horseshoer Mystery
Preston’s second “Horseshoer” mystery (after The Clincher) is another refreshing change from grim mysteries about serial killers and political plots. Readers of contemporary Westerns, horse fiction, and light mysteries will like this one.
PREMIUM
The Lying Room
This well-written, psychological thriller has a gripping plot that will satisfy fans of Val McDermid and Sharon J. Bolton. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]
PREMIUM
The Stranger Inside
Readers captivated by the works of B.A. Paris and Gillian Flynn will relish this psychological thriller. [See Prepub Alert, 3/11/19.]
PREMIUM
The Art of Theft
RITA Award–winning author Thomas (The Burning Sky) weaves a masterly plot with a hint of romance and plenty of brilliance on the part of her Holmesian heroine to craft a thoroughly delightful Sherlockian novel. Well done!
Already published in the UK, this haunting story was a finalist for the NBA Irish Book Awards Crime Fiction Book of the Year. Readers willing to accept the existence of ghosts will appreciate the atmospheric mystery, which seems designed for fans of Charles Todd’s “Ian Rutledge” books.
PREMIUM
Drowning with Others
This captivating page-turner will have readers wondering till the end what motivates people to do what they do.
PREMIUM
Sorry for the Dead
A challenging murder mystery, a look at the social pressures on those who were nonconformists, and a strong sense of place combine to make this a fascinating read. Fans of historical British mystery series and Tey’s books will find much to enjoy.
PREMIUM
Baby
The pace is a shade too slow in the beginning, but soon this debut develops into a troubling and tense thriller. The writing style is sparse, powerful, and effective. Although this book may not appeal to a mainstream audience, New Zealander Jochems’s startling and award-winning portrait of the postmillennial generation will cause readers to sit up and take notice.
PREMIUM
Blue Moon
Some villains are dispatched too neatly and some allies are found too rapidly, but it doesn’t matter. Reacher’s plans of attack and wry observations are what fans come for and what they get here. Child touches lightly on current issues—corrupt tech entrepreneurs, economic disparity
PREMIUM
The Books of the Dead
Bernhard’s second series mystery (after Death in Paris) is another charming amateur investigator tale. For readers for Bernhard’s previous novel and fans of Mary Kay Andrews or Laura Childs.
PREMIUM
The Body Outside the Kremlin
Solovetsky Island is where many of the techniques used in the Soviet labor camp system were developed to murderous effect. May’s writing seamlessly integrates his detailed research into this experimental prison camp with the intrigues of criminals intent on looting religious treasures. Tolya relates his terrible story years later, during Khruschev’s era of the thaw. May, the author of short fiction and reviews, has made this debut novel a masterful historical detektiv tale.
PREMIUM
One Night Gone
Laskowski addresses social inequality while providing a fast-moving plot. Both sides of the tracks, as well as the weather, take on almost personal characteristics. This is one for those who love twisty thrillers mixed with historical perspectives in striking locales.
Sallis (Drive) has a quiet way of narrating a powerful story of accidents and death. The lyrical language and ambiguous ending is reminiscent of the best of Craig Johnson’s “Longmire” stories.
PREMIUM
Tracking Game
This is a compelling and twisty mystery in a well-described location. Fans of Western mysteries as well as those featuring dogs will enjoy this latest entry in the series.
PREMIUM
A Cruel Deception
The 11th “Bess Crawford” historical mystery, following A Forgotten Place, will appeal to readers of the series and possibly fans of Jacqueline Winspear’s “Maisie Dobbs” books. However, most readers will find it slow going and plodding with little mystery. [See Prepub Alert, 2/25/19.]
PREMIUM
Beyond a Reasonable Stout
Family is an essential element in this character-driven cozy series following The Pint of No Return. While the primary mystery is solved in each book, the ongoing story line of Sloan’s search for her own family story draws readers back. Fans of Ellery Adams’s “Books by the Bay” mysteries will recognize Sloan’s need for answers.
Readers won’t be able to put this novel down. Just when they think they have figured it all out, the story twists and turns right up to the last chilling line. Highly recommended for fans of authors such as Gillian Flynn and V.C. Andrews. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]
PREMIUM
Under Occupation
This is not the master spy novelist at his finest, which may disappoint his many fans. While die-hard devotees will probably want to read it, newcomers should start with his earlier works. [See Prepub Alert, 4/28/19.]
PREMIUM
Good Man Gone Bad
Following 2000’s All the Lucky Ones Are Dead, this latest in the series brings back a dogged PI determined to find the truth. A Shamus Award winner for Fear of the Dark, the mystery that introduced Gunner, Haywood reminds readers of our complex motives and the possibility of violence always present in noir books. Tracy Clark’s readers will want to rediscover a master.
PREMIUM
Takes One To Know One
Isaacs’s (Compromising Positions) latest suburban novel starts out as a low-key story of a wife looking for a diversionary project for herself and her father, a retired cop, then escalates into action requiring all of her skills as a trained FBI agent. For fans of Kate White and the movie True Lies. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]
Sandford’s readers will welcome the 12th book in the best-selling “Virgil Flowers” series, following Holy Ghost. The irreverent humor and language is perfect for the unconventional law officer in the darkly entertaining series. [See Prepub Alert, 4/8/19.]
PREMIUM
The Off-Islander
This atmospheric debut mystery details Massachusetts in the fall and a soldier’s life in Vietnam. And while there might be too many road signs and in-depth directions, Roark’s case should appeal to fans of the early works of Dennis Lehane and Robert B. Parker.
This powerful, unforgettable crime novel is a coming-of-age book to rival some of the best, such as William Kent Krueger’s Ordinary Grace or Larry Watson’s Montana 1948. While Eskens’s books are not part of a series, his readers will recognize Boady as an adult character in two of his earlier books, including the award-winning The Life We Bury. This timely stand-alone is a must-read for followers of the best in crime fiction.
April showers must be bone-chilling enough, as there’s not a huge sweep of mysteries for the month, but what’s coming ranges nicely from Sara Paretsky’s Dead Land to Jeri Westerson’s Sword of Shadows.
Recommended for readers of psychological mysteries and thrillers as well as genre aficionados seeking the standout stories of the year.
There’s a strong sense of place, history, and Maori culture in Johnson's compelling debut novel; Steiner is strongly recommended for all readers interested in this era or in a free press; Archer’s numerous fans will appreciate another dramatic, character-driven mystery; fans of psychological thrillers and the author’s previous books will love this; readers looking for a fresh, offbeat voice in the mystery genre will find it here
PREMIUM
Blood Sugar
Neither horror nor noir but an eye-opening look at what some have to do to survive. Recommended for larger collections.
Obvious comparisons to Charles Todd’s Bess Crawford and Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs are warranted, but this novel also hearkens back to Helen MacInnes’s classic spy thrillers and Mary Stewart’s romantic suspense novels. At turns heartbreaking and action-packed, this gripping and superbly written story proves Perry still has what it takes. [See Prepub Alert, 2/25/19.]
PREMIUM
Ain’t Nobody Nobody
This debut novel is most notable for Ellett’s supremely witty prose and the oddball but deeply relatable characters. Readers looking for a fresh, offbeat voice in the mystery genre will find it here.
Director and author Meyer puts his own stamp on the Holmes and Watson tradition, basing his story on historic events with contemporary relevance, as lies become accepted as truth by means of willful ignorance. Holmes enthusiasts will relish this well-crafted novel.
PREMIUM
Iced in Paradise
Featuring family loyalties, surfing, and a distinct lifestyle, this character-driven, atmospheric mystery may appeal to new adults and those readers interested in Hawaiian culture.
PREMIUM
A Bitter Feast
This superbly entertaining crime novel will delight mystery fans who crave character-rich, classically composed mysteries in the style and manner of those written by the late, great P.D. James. [See Prepub Alert, 3/25/19.]
The tenth Monkeewrench novel is as intense and fast paced as its predecessor, The Guilty Dead, and includes the best elements for crime fiction readers: an intricate plot weaving multiple story lines. Though the backstory is disturbing, fans of the compelling series will appreciate the focus on Roadrunner and a glimpse of his past.
PREMIUM
The Man That Got Away
The precise wordplay and convoluted crime plot of this 1950s British blackish comedy will please fans and attract more readers to the series.
PREMIUM
Remembering the Dead
With a mystery involving a poet’s chair and Irish Travelers, the award-winning author of Murder on the Hour focuses on the culture of Wales in her latest cozy. The charming characters will appeal to Jane K. Cleland’s readers.
PREMIUM
Pretty Guilty Women
Readers searching for their next binge read or book club selection will want to seek out this title from “Hex Files” series author LaManna.
PREMIUM
Missing Person
Lotz’s (The White Road) clever novel includes a judicious use of formats such as messaging transcripts and web comments to move along the plot while providing insights into the Missing-Linc.com crew. Suggested for fans of authors such as Ruth Ware, Jennifer McMahon, Gillian Flynn, and Nic Joseph.
Fans of psychological thrillers and the author’s previous books will love this. Warning: it might leave some readers a bit uncomfortable next time they enter an elevator. [See Prepub Alert, 3/11/19.]
PREMIUM
A Legacy of Murder
The serious tone of the mystery is alleviated by the humor of an ongoing feud among local pubs in this second “Kate Hamilton” mystery (A Dream of Death). Readers will appreciate Kate’s growth as a character in this atmospheric story. Fans of Jane K. Cleland’s books featuring another antiques dealer involved with a police officer will want to try this series.
PREMIUM
Murder at Whitby Abbey
Although set centuries apart, Clark’s tenth medieval mystery (following Murder at Meaux) and Cora Harrison’s 1920s-set “Reverend Mother” series share similarly rich details of religious and political life. Readers who favor the political tensions and historical aspects of Ellis Peters’s “Brother Cadfael” mysteries will further appreciate this leisurely paced story.
Following the success of the historical “Clifton Chronicles,” Archer launches a series set in the 1980s. As he says, it’s the story of a detective, not a detective story. Archer’s numerous fans will appreciate another dramatic, character-driven mystery set in the world of art, police work, and court trials. [See Prepub Alert, 3/17/19.]
There’s a strong sense of place, history, and Maori culture in this compelling debut novel. The mystery combines forensic investigation with the rich details of a fascinating culture. Fans of Kathy Reichs’s mysteries will appreciate the forensics, while Jane Harper’s readers will enjoy the rich culture.
Sveistrup creates a plot so intricately woven that even a seasoned crime reader won’t guess the ending. This book is the best kind of terrifying.
Strongly recommended for all readers interested in this era or in a free press. Fans of Rebecca Cantrell’s “Hannah Vogel” series will recognize the bleak atmosphere.
PREMIUM
Death of a Gigolo
There’s a solid mystery buried in the over-the-top humor in this sequel to Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge. Fans of Mary Daheim and Tamar Myers will appreciate the comedy.
PREMIUM
Murder at Kensington Palace
Penrose deftly intertwines the politics of navigating Regency-era society, scientific progress, and the deepening relationship between the protagonists. Series fans will enjoy revisiting the lively cast of characters, while historical fiction readers will be satisfied by the immersive, richly detailed mystery.
PREMIUM
When Hell Struck Twelve
The action starts on the first page and doesn’t slow down, unfortunately sacrificing backstory in the process. Readers of World War II fiction and those who enjoy plot-driven stories will find much to love; however, Benn assumes a level of war knowledge that might leave some readers frustrated and confused. Purchase where previous volumes circulate, but new readers should start with the first in the series, Billy Boyle.
Top picks come from Jussi Adler-Olsen, who folds our current refugee crisis into his latest mystery, and Donna Leon, whose visits to Venice with Comissario Guido Brunetti will never grow stale. In addition, check out sure-to-be-popular mysteries ranging from Christi Daugherty’s Revolver Road to Daniel Friedman’s Running Out of Road, plus works by Tom Bouman, Jude Deveraux, Deanna Raybourn, and others.
PREMIUM
Under the Water
This twisted tale of infidelity and revenge demonstrates how fragile family life can be. An optional purchase best for fans of racy suspense novels.
PREMIUM
Buried in the Stacks
Brook follows Read and Gone with another mystery focused on the library, the resident cat, and library issues, but emotionally insecure Carrie puts herself in jeopardy too often. Fans of library-set mysteries may prefer books by Jenn McKinlay or Dean James.
Former Moscow correspondent for the BBC and award-winning author Sebastian (Exit Berlin; Saviour’s Gate) delivers a gripping spy thriller. Fans of Clive Cussler, Tom Clancy, Charles Cumming, and John LeCarré will enjoy the well-developed characters and riveting twists that keep the pages turning.
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