Harrison’s 10th “Reverend Mother” mystery (following Murder in the Cathedral) is repetitive, and the details about Sir Walter Raleigh, tobacco, and Ireland tend to overshadow the mystery, making it almost secondary. Will appeal only to readers of the long-running series or historical-mystery buffs.
Slocumb’s second novel (following The Violin Conspiracy) is an improbable but fun mystery that will attract fans of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code (a lot of readers, in other words).
The first book from suspense novelist Gillian Flynn’s imprint at Zando. Sister Holiday’s violent, sexually provocative past life and her current language and behavior might be too outrageous for some readers, but the series has already been acquired for a prestige-television adaptation.
This is Lyon’s first foray into suspense, after writing mostly romance and women’s fiction (most recently contributing to The Inns of Devonshire). Consider this for purchase where the LDS community is strong, as Lyon has an audience there.
Readers who have followed the story of Mattie’s family through Mizushima’s other “Timber Creek K-9” mysteries will enjoy this fast-paced, relentlessly tense installment.
Not for the squeamish, but fans of Oyinkan Braithwaite’s My Sister the Serial Killer or of Patricia Highsmith’s Ripley novels will be equally ensnared in DeStefano’s assured literary clutches.
Berry is like a fine-tuned machine, melding historical fact and authentic locales within a complex fictional storyline. History enthusiasts will relish the intricate research behind the spy-versus-spy thriller, which challenges readers to consider historical what-ifs.
The award-winning author of the Maisie Dobbs series skillfully juggles three timelines in a riveting stand-alone about a woman whose wartime experiences overshadow her post-war retirement.
Who doesn’t enjoy a murder mystery at sea? While this seventh “Lady Sherlock” mystery (after Miss Moriarty, I Presume) does not advance the larger series plot in any way, it is still an amusing look at characters fans have grown to love. Readers of authors such as Deanna Raybourn should give these novels a try. While this could work as a stand-alone, best to start with book one to fully appreciate the skillful character development.
Siobhan and her Garda husband Macdara Flannery add humor and zest to this follow-up to Murder on an Irish Farm. Fans of competitive baking shows or Amy Patricia Meade’s cozy mysteries will enjoy it.
Byron, author of the award-winning “Cajun Country” mysteries, combines setting, vintage cookbooks, recipes, and family drama in another delectable cozy.
Fans of Megan Goldin and Hank Phillippi Ryan and those who like open endings, complex plots, stories about family dynamics, and convoluted whodunits will devour this novel.
Next to the often-contrived twists and revelations of today’s psychological suspense, Hart’s spare tale of all-consuming obsession is refreshingly straightforward. Louis Malle directed a 1992 film adaptation of the same name; a limited series for Netflix is currently underway, so anticipate demand.
Cumming’s latest, combining the best of old-fashioned Cold War intrigue with realistic situations and modern technology, will be a hit with spy-novel fans. Listeners will be eager for the next installment in this top-notch series.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
Mosley demonstrates once again why he is a master of the craft, weaving a searing look at the concepts of race and social justice into a page-turning crime novel. A complex, compelling protagonist and eclectic supporting cast deepen the pleasure of the read.
Mystery and suspense fans will be enthralled by this complex and gorgeously written tale, but readers of family drama and general fiction will also find much to love.
A mystery with warmth, humor, and many descriptions of delicious teas and foods. Recommended for fans of Sutanto and of character-driven cozy mysteries.
There are a few twists in this entertaining historical mystery, the start of a new series by the multi-pseudonymous Hastings (author of Murder of a Mail-Order Bride under the name Mimi Granger). A good accompaniment will be Mary Winters’s “Lady Agony” mystery Murder in Postscript (a March 2023 debut).
The second half of Ryan’s binge-worthy novel takes readers on a ride with a satisfying end. Seasoned suspense readers may find it predictable, but fans of domestic thrillers will enjoy.
In this sequel to Augusta Hawke, Augusta is further developed and comes into her own as an investigator, though it could have used more scenes with her friend Misaki Jones and with Detective Steve Narduzzi. For Malliet fans.
Those who read Krista Davis’s “Domestic Diva” mysteries for the close-knit cast will enjoy the supportive group of friends in Meade’s charming follow-up to From Ladle to Grave.
Jance’s 17th Ali Reynolds title (following Unfinished Business) is a fast-paced thriller. It combines a police procedural with robotic research in a tale of vigilante vengeance on overdrive.
The latest in the Eve Dallas series (after Desperation in Death) includes Roarke and other beloved characters and won’t disappoint its myriad of fans. The celebrity culture of fanaticism and stalkers is handled beautifully in this solid, skillfully written procedural.
After almost six years since his last novel, Since We Fell, Lehane’s (Mystic River; Shutter Island) latest is inspired by a childhood experience when his family was caught up in the violence of the anti-busing riots. Pair this powerful, unforgettable story with S.A. Cosby’s Razorblade Tears, another remarkable novel about racism, violence, and parental vengeance.
A gripping medical thriller that may feel all too real in in an age when politics influence medical research and debate rages over vaccines and women’s right to control their own bodies.
Since book one, The Missing American, Emma’s character development has progressed to create a more dimensional heroine worth rooting for. Good for fans of African fiction and crime fiction.
Though hampered by some redundant humor and unexplored plot points, this is a solid mystery that will keep readers rooting for Bell and his band of retirees as they investigate a series of murders. For fans of Craig Johnson, C.J. Box, and Meg Gardiner.
The charming and eccentric Katie will captivate readers with her wry sense of humor and self-deprecating asides. With a delicious blend of suspense and madcap humor, Chern’s standout debut is guaranteed to delight fans of Lisa Lutz, Alan Bradley, and readers who enjoy witty, fast-paced mysteries.
Veteran novelist Gagnon (The Tunnels) offers up a fun, quirky thriller with a flawed yet likable main character surrounded by a wacky supporting cast. For readers who enjoy a bit of dark humor, like in Jeff Lindsay’s “Dexter” series.
Connelly writes an atmospheric, character-driven debut that’s amusing at times, with a quirky, spirited cast. It has a strong sense of place that should appeal to fans of Carlene O’Connor’s Irish mysteries.
There’s an audience for Dorsey’s 26 Serge A. Storms novels, but this one is only for series fans. Coleman and the seniors are high throughout the book, and the combination of Honduras, bunnies, fake militia, and the CIA turn the story into a disorganized caper.
This dual timeline tale will appeal to fans of police procedurals, historicals, and magical realism, and those intrigued by quantum mechanics. But beware the dreaded words “to be continued”
Esden’s background in and extensive knowledge of antiques is evident in the follow-up to The Art of the Decoy. The complex story will appeal to fans of Jane K. Cleland’s “Josie Prescott Antiques” mysteries.
Ellison (Her Dark Lies) spotlights the issue of infertility, based on her own experiences, then adds betrayal, obsession, and familial ties that bind to create a tension-filled story with an intriguing theme. Readers will race through the pages to an end they didn’t see coming.
The series protagonist is a wonderfully complex and likable character, as are the supporting cast. Tracy’s ability to weave multiple plots into a satisfying story makes this a must-read for mystery lovers.
Collins avoids the sophomore slump with her second novel, a big win that positions her as an up-and-coming author with more tech-savvy stories to tell.
The atmosphere of Victorian London with its class differences are essential elements in this delightful character-driven historical mystery for fans of Katharine Schellman or Dianne Freeman.
Readers who enjoy the library and community connections in Victoria Gilbert’s “Blue Ridge Library” mysteries will want to try this mystery that hints at future answers to the ongoing story line of the murder of Greer’s husband.
The compelling story, filled with actual artists, models and writers, will appeal to readers who enjoy fact-based mysteries involving history, racism, and conditions in post-war Paris.
The plot moves fast, with lots of action and moments where readers will wonder how a situation will end. This book is the third in a series and relies a lot on the events of previous books. Readers who love fast-paced, action-packed mysteries should pick this up.
Crombie is as skilled as Louise Penny or J.D. Robb in developing characters while entwining personal lives with riveting police investigations. With four years since A Bitter Feast, the previous book in the series, the author’s fans will be eager to catch up with her characters.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an engaging psychological suspense that is thrilling and chilling, a mix of mystery, murder, and the macabre. Recommended for fans of Jennifer McMahon, Rachel Hawkins, and Catriona Ward.
The amount of supernatural involvement remains unclear to the very final moments of the book, making this an excellent listen both for mystery fans and gothic suspense lovers.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a mildly suspenseful domestic drama with a narrative that is atmospheric, though not exhilarating. Recommended for fans of Greer Hendricks, B.A. Paris, and Shari Lapena.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a simmering suspense that is low on thrills but still thought-provoking. Recommended for fans of Alice Feeney, Paula Hawkins, and Megan Miranda.
A sure bet for classic-mystery lovers, this well-narrated thriller (hopefully just the first of many Ayatsuji audiobooks to come) should also appeal to adult and YA horror fans.
Science fiction, social commentary, and mystery collide in this story, perfect for fans of Blake Crouch and Sarah Gailey. Manibo is an author to watch, and his debut is a must-add for all collections.
Listeners will be so invested in the characters and the story that they may not be able to turn this compelling book off. Fans of Michael Koryta and Christi Daugherty will be captivated.
Adeptly weaving in discussions of racism and income inequality, Toyne’s latest (hopefully the start of a new series) is essential for all mystery and suspense collections.
This action-packed thriller has elements of science fiction, but is also a lesson for the present day. Fans of science fiction, thrillers, and climate fiction will be captivated.
While there are few surprises, fans of Agatha Christie, Ruth Ware, and Lucy Foley will enjoy this thriller, complete with the tropes of people stranded on a haunted island. For those who have lived through the COVID pandemic, the horror may not be the ghosts of the island but thoughts of recurring pandemics and lockdowns.
This audio will appeal to fans seeking strong female leads in a sedate historical mystery that is enjoyable, but not enthralling. Recommended for fans of Jeanne M. Dams, Ellery Adams, and Krista Davis.
With nonstop action, intricate forensic details, and top-notch suspense, it’s no wonder that readers keep returning to Reichs’s popular series. A winner for public library collections.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a swinging ’60s historical mystery full of murder and mischief. Recommended for fans of Nicola Upson, Vicki Delany, and Shelley Noble.
Listeners will be captivated by Miranda’s (Such a Quiet Place) latest, made all the more compelling by Allwine’s skillful and sympathetic characterization of Abby. Highly recommended for fans of cold-case mysteries and atmospheric psychological thrillers.
While not for everyone, fans of Isaka’s hallucinatory style will enjoy another foray into the assassins’ world and hope for more volumes to be translated.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an intricately plotted suspense full of family secrets and scandal; just when you think it’s safe to trust someone, think again. Recommended for fans of Joy Fielding, Jillian Medoff, and Tarryn Fisher.
Loneliness, assumptions, and social aspirations drive Martha to make shocking choices in this riveting tale, set in an affluent Houston suburb. A perfect next-listen for fans of Liane Moriarty and Lauren Weisberger.
Adams’s debut brims over with both supernatural and real-world terrors. A complex and strikingly told story that will appeal to fans of Jordan Peele, Octavia E. Butler, and Victor LaValle.
Listeners will be captivated by Abbie’s investigation, which reveals the layers of this murder and its impact on the members of a close-knit town. Waters’s compelling debut will be an easy sell not only to mystery readers but also to fans of history and true crime.
St. James has said in interviews that her career began when she couldn’t find the sort of books she wanted to read and realized that she would have to write them herself. Now, she’s writing books that we all want to read.
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking intricately plotted locked-room suspense with a diverse cast of characters, none of whom seem entirely trustworthy. Recommended for fans of Jennifer McMahon, Peter Swanson, and Heather Gudenkauf.
This audio will appeal to listeners looking for an intricately plotted psychological suspense where nothing is as it seems and betrayal abounds. Recommended for fans of Lisa Scottoline, Tarryn Fisher, and David Bell.