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In Kubica’s (Local Woman Missing) twisted tale of deception and falsehoods, readers will relish the shock factor in an ending they didn’t see coming.
The White Lady by Jacqueline Winspear is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
PREMIUM
The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn
Logan’s debut novel will appeal to listeners who enjoy detailed settings and character growth, but those seeking strong mystery or suspense may want to look elsewhere.
I Will Find You by Harlan Coben is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
PREMIUM
You Shouldn’t Have Come Here
For diehard fans of Rose’s (One of Us Is Dead) novels and fans of romantic thrillers with not so many thrills.
PREMIUM
Night Flight to Paris
Black always delivers a great story featuring strong women. Buckle up and start turning the pages.
Offering this one to fans of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a no-brainer, but cozy mystery readers will also find much to love in the adventures of the indomitable detective.
In our annual crime fiction preview, LJ explores trends and presents 74 forthcoming titles to add to the collection.
Author Wesley (“Tamara Hayle PI” series) is right on trend with a cozy mystery series featuring Odessa “Dessa” Jones, a real-estate agent/caterer with a cat, a love for tea, and—oh yes, paranormal skills.
PREMIUM
The Twyford Code
Puzzle fans will undoubtedly enjoy Hallett’s bighearted thriller. While listeners’ opportunity to solve the code is somewhat lost in the audio version, Judd’s exhilarating performance more than makes up for it.
Fans of Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels will savor this mystery from “Dark Days Club” series author Goodman. Well-developed characters, a touch of romance, and cases involving social issues of the period enhance the experience.
PREMIUM
What Have We Done
This is perfect for fans of suspenseful thrillers such as those by Riley Sager.
The writing in the follow-up to Shifty’s Boys is as beautifully descriptive of the scenes in Detroit as in the Kentucky hills. Offutt’s Mick Hardin novels are powerful books that feature characters with questionable ethics.
PREMIUM
Dark Angel
While the Russia/Ukraine hacking scheme already seems historical, the second Letty Davenport thriller (after The Investigator) will satisfy Sandford’s numerous readers, with its high-octane action and gallows humor.
PREMIUM
The Ghost Goes to the Dogs
The ninth “Haunted Bookshop” mystery (following The Ghost and the Stolen Tears) is a little scattershot in the solution, but it will appeal to Jack’s fans.
PREMIUM
Hard Rain
The slow-paced, atmospheric sequel to the Tony Hillerman Award–winning Pay Dirt Road will appeal to fans of Marcie R. Rendon’s Sinister Graves, in which another young female PI searches for answers after a flood.
PREMIUM
Adrift
Give this one to suspense readers eager for a different kind of thriller, as well as fans of survival fiction.
Some questions are never fully answered in Edwards’s sequel to Viviana Valentine Gets Her Man. Sexist male attitudes toward working women are on full display in this 1950s period piece, which might only appeal to fans of the earlier book.
PREMIUM
Murder Visits a French Village
The quirky village residents make this an appealing series debut. Characters from Shea’s “French Village Murder” series also appear in this book, but that does not detract from the storyline. Recommended for those who enjoyed the author’s previous series and for fans of M.L. Longworth, Martin Walker, and Serena Kent.
A streetwise Italian Miss Marple is a shrewd amateur sleuth in this atmospheric series installment (following Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride) that leaves a hint of more Nonna Maria mysteries to come.
PREMIUM
The Last Songbird
This debut mystery has a good storyline with adequate characters. However, a plot digression and Adam’s amateurish song lyrics sprinkled throughout mar its even flow. Still, worth the read.
The 26th Faith Fairchild mystery (after The Body in the Wake) is fresh and remarkable in its ability to bring back memories of the day-to-day aspects of living through COVID. The reader and the victim are both trapped in a web in this skillful combination of mystery and pandemic story.
The viewpoints of Pryor, J.P., and Penny are featured, but it’s single-minded Penny who stands out. The author of the Andy Hayes mysteries separates his gritty rural noir from other thrillers by featuring a woman who isn’t a cop or detective as she tracks the villain in this violent novel.
PREMIUM
The Last Remains
As Griffiths teases on her Twitter feed, this is the last Ruth Galloway book “for now.” The novel has a nostalgic feel, and readers will feel satisfied with how things are wrapped up.
PREMIUM
The Chateau
While the plot in this novel from Goldis (When We Were Young) is unique, it is slow-paced and filled with clichés and unlikable characters. Avid mystery and suspense readers will be able to predict the ending, but some readers will enjoy the twists and turns.
PREMIUM
Fourth Wing
A good selection for fans of Naomi Novik’s “Scholomance” series; will fly off the shelves.
PREMIUM
A Crown of Ivy and Glass
Best-selling YA author Legrand’s (Lightbringer) first novel for adults is full of high stakes for her characters and detailed fantasy worldbuilding with interesting mythology for readers. It will appeal to older teens and adults.
PREMIUM
The Archive Undying
Will appeal to readers who like their giant robots paired with explorations of emotional intimacy and moving forward after trauma. A good purchase for large SFF collections.
PREMIUM
Spring’s Arcana
There’s much to savor here for readers looking for a deeper dive into the same legends as those in The Witch and the Tsar by Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, but in a more contemporary setting. Also a good choice for readers seeking stories imbued with the sensibilities of urban fantasy, like The Book of Night by Holly Black.
Will keep audiences enthralled to the end. Highly recommended for readers of alternate history, those who enjoy re-examinations of classics, and fans of Cogman’s “Invisible Library” series.
PREMIUM
The Widowmaker
This first installment in Morrissey’s (Hello, Transcriber) “Black Harbor” series should appeal to listeners who enjoy intriguing murder mysteries, complex characters, and gripping, twisty plots.
PREMIUM
Waste of a Life
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an offbeat amateur detective story full of wit and whimsy. Recommended for fans of Denise Swanson, Jenn McKinlay, and M.C. Beaton.
PREMIUM
The Break
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking psychological suspense rife with tension and twists, and a turbulent tale of motherhood, memory loss, and murder. Recommended for fans of Gilly Macmillan, B.A. Paris, and Tarryn Fisher.
PREMIUM
Death in Heels
Wonderfully flawed and relatable Fi will charm cozy mystery fans. Listeners will be eager for the next installment in this sparkling series.
PREMIUM
No Strangers Here
Murder-mystery fans should enjoy the many twists and turns in O’Connor’s (“Home to Ireland” and “Irish Village” series) latest.
PREMIUM
Just Thieves
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a neo-noir crime fiction full of desperation and double crossing. Recommended for fans of Don Winslow, S.A. Cosby, and Craig Henderson.
PREMIUM
A Trace of Poison
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking a cozy, clever historical mystery with a lively and likable leading lady. Recommended for fans of Rhys Bowen and Nicola Upson.
Recommended to fans of Ruth Ware, Lucy Foley, and Tana French, this audiobook should be purchased for public libraries with an avid mystery fan base.
Fans of period mysteries will be clamoring for the next installment in this promising series. Share with listeners who enjoy Jane Austen, Liz Carlyle, and Dianne Freeman.
It helps that Kapoor’s novel, the first in a trilogy, is beyond outstanding with its tale of greed, violence, and discontent. Adding Athavale’s narration to this book is like hitting the jackpot. An essential purchase for all libraries.
PREMIUM
The Blue Bar
Libraries with diverse mystery collections will appreciate this Mumbai police procedural, where despite widespread corruption, there is at least one good detective above reproach.
PREMIUM
The Last Invitation
Kane’s fans as well as those seeking a thriller filled with empowered women will enjoy. This twisted, gripping listen will have listeners guessing until the end.
PREMIUM
The Photo Thief
This atmospheric audio will appeal to listeners seeking a macabre mix of suspense and the supernatural. Recommended for fans of Mary Kubica, Riley Sager, and Jennifer Fawcett.
PREMIUM
The Dollmaker
This mystery is en pointe; a riveting story that will keep listeners glued to their earbuds.
PREMIUM
Real Bad Things
This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an intense, intricate suspense built on oppressive mistrust and misguided obligation. Recommended for fans of Lisa Jewell, Katie Sise, and Janelle Brown.
PREMIUM
The Deal Goes Down
Readers may come for the crime but stay for the humor. Beinhart’s fans should enjoy this recommended listen.
Mystery fans will adore Mackintosh’s wonderfully quirky characters in this white-knuckle thriller; expect many holds on the next series installment, with hopes it will be narrated by Davies.
PREMIUM
Hide
Filled with twists and an ever-changing roster of suspects, this is a fast-paced and gripping story. Recommend to fans of Michael Connelly, Karin Slaughter, and Joe Ide, but suggest the print book over the audio.
Fans of detective and mystery novels, as well as newcomers to the genre, should find this audio an excellent diversion.
PREMIUM
All Dressed Up
A delightful romp of a mystery, à la Knives Out. Mystery and relationship fans who played Clue as children will be entranced.
PREMIUM
Welcome to the Game
This action-packed crime story should appeal to fans of Steve Hamilton’s The Second Life of Nick Mason or Ronald Colby’s Night Driver.
PREMIUM
Before You Knew My Name
This sensitively narrated story, which examines universal questions about death and what comes after, is not to be missed.
PREMIUM
The Family Game
While many thrillers introduce themes of marrying into families with deeply held secrets, Steadman’s gripping tale will keep listeners guessing. Share with fans of Riley Sager, Ruth Ware, and Lucy Foley.
PREMIUM
Blackwater Falls
Pasha’s thoughtful and fluent narration adds depth to Khan’s complex and troubling mystery. Recommended for mystery fans looking for a strong police drama that delves into contemporary social issues.
Devotees of the series will enjoy this gripping entry, and the new Amazon Prime series, Three Pines, should attract even more readers to Penny’s already-large fan base.
PREMIUM
Her Sister’s Death
A disturbing but neatly plotted mystery that would be a welcome addition to any public library collection.
With nods to classic mysteries as well as cutting-edge financial, legal, and police procedural elements, this brilliantly narrated metafictional thriller should please nearly all mystery fans.
PREMIUM
River Woman, River Demon
Interwoven with magic of both Mexican and Indigenous origins, this haunting tale will sweep up listeners. Recommended for fans of Rudy Ruiz and Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
PREMIUM
Hidden in Snow
A perfect recommendation for readers of Scandi noir. Share with fans of Karin Fossum and Sara Blaedel.
Storm Watch by C.J. Box is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
PREMIUM
Everybody Knows
Hard-bitten, up-to-the-minute dialogue, lovingly written neighborhood-by-neighborhood ride-alongs, and a perfect dose of paranoia and despair fill the pages of this latest from TV producer and writer (Hightown; Gotham) Harper. If readers like James Ellroy, Michael Connelly, T. Jefferson Parker, and really crackin’ neo-noirs, Harper’s latest novel (after The King of California) will delight and amaze them..
3 Days To Live by James Patterson is the top holds title of the week. LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book.
PREMIUM
The Dig
Burt’s (My Father Married Your Mother) humdrum mystery never builds up enough steam to keep readers involved.
PREMIUM
The Deadly Weed
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.
PREMIUM
Symphony of Secrets
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).
PREMIUM
Scorched Grace
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.
PREMIUM
Just One More
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.
PREMIUM
Standing Dead
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.
Armstrong’s intriguing and atmospheric time-travel mystery will appeal to readers who enjoy historical detail.
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.
PREMIUM
The Last Kingdom
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.
PREMIUM
A Tempest at Sea
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.
PREMIUM
Chalice of Darkness
The author of the Phineas Fox mysteries launches a series featuring a family of thieves, beginning with this dramatic gothic mystery.
PREMIUM
Judas 62
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.
PREMIUM
Damage
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.
PREMIUM
The Deep Sky
Readers will be engaged by the mystery and suspense and find familiarity and connection in the humanity of Asuka and the journey of The Phoenix.
PREMIUM
Sisters of the Lost Nation
Though the Takoda tribe is not a real one, the author has based it on existing Indigenous nations, and the crimes against Indigenous women in the book are sadly realistic. But it’s the importance of stories, and who gets to keep and tell them, that’s at the heart of Medina’s gothic mystery.
A gritty, dystopian story and an all too real and possible exploration of the dangers of continuous surveillance and the spread of disinformation.
Pochoda’s evocation of the Old West with a couple of desperados on the run is flawlessly executed with each gritty page in this contemporary thriller, but she goes a step further in allowing the rage of her female protagonists to take center stage.
PREMIUM
The Ice Sings Back
Jackson’s eco-thriller conveys the claustrophobia and power of the wilderness in which Amelia is lost and creates a creeping dread as each woman picks through her piece of the puzzle.
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.
A mystery with warmth, humor, and many descriptions of delicious teas and foods. Recommended for fans of Sutanto and of character-driven cozy mysteries.
PREMIUM
Before I Sleep
Harrod-Eagles follows Dying Fall with another delightful mystery for fans of unconventional police teams, witty dialogue, and excellent procedurals.
PREMIUM
Of Manners and Murder
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).
Part psychological thriller and part police procedural, this novel reads like a TV series worth recording so as not to miss an episode.
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