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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.
PREMIUM
Broken Summer
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.
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.
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.
PREMIUM
Invitation to a Killer
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.
PREMIUM
Of Mushrooms and Matrimony
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.
PREMIUM
Collateral Damage
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.
PREMIUM
Encore in Death
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 speculative masterpiece that will resonate with fans of Emily St. John Mandel, Kazuo Ishiguro, and Jeff VanderMeer.
PREMIUM
The Panacea Project
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.
PREMIUM
Last Seen in Lapaz
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.
PREMIUM
Deaf Row
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.
PREMIUM
Bones Under the Ice
A new series perfect for fans of J.A. Jance and Craig Johnson or anyone who likes small-town settings, small-town secrets, and lots of characters.
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.
PREMIUM
Killing Me
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.
PREMIUM
The Registration
Though listeners may be hooked by the interesting plot, the unappealing narration disappoints. An optional purchase for most libraries.
Sisters on the run from racists, senior assassins dodging bullets, and a photographer plagued by ghosts featured in the best crime fiction of 2022.
PREMIUM
Death in Irish Accents
With a whiny amateur sleuth, this fourth in a series will be of interest primarily where book three, Death of an Irish Mummy, was popular.
PREMIUM
The Maltese Iguana
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.
PREMIUM
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng
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”
PREMIUM
Death and Croissants
The charming mystery, released in 2021 in the UK, is a fast-paced, witty story for those who enjoy dry British humor.
This is excellent writing for a debut author and is a must-read for fans of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl or Lisa Unger’s Confessions on the 7:45.
PREMIUM
Murder by Definition
Lehane’s complex follow-up to Murder Off the Page will interest fans of the bleak series and readers who enjoy cold-case stories.
With meticulous plotting and the grand backdrop of a country home, this is a thoroughly entertaining, well-crafted read. Highly recommended for all mystery collections and for those who appreciate an ensemble cast in their whodunits.
Agatha Christie meets cozy mystery in this fun tale from Cambridge (“Phyllida Bright” mysteries). Historical fiction readers and fans of cozy suspense will want to add this mystery to their to-be-read pile.
Readers will race through the pages of this serpentine psychological thriller only to find a shocking, dramatic conclusion no one saw coming.
PREMIUM
Blown by the Same Wind
This book could serve as a stand-alone novel, but readers who enjoyed the first three novels in the series will like catching up with Ellie, Slip, and the other unusual characters in Cold Storage.
PREMIUM
The Kind Worth Saving
Psychological thriller fanatics will scramble to complete this satisfyingly twisty novel.
PREMIUM
A Wealth of Deception
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 best-selling author of Killers of a Certain Age brings her trademark humor to this compelling historical mystery.
PREMIUM
Vinyl Resting Place
Will appeal to cozy mystery readers, fans of family-centered small-town mysteries, and music lovers.
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.
PREMIUM
Three Can Keep a Secret
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.
PREMIUM
Lost in Paris
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.
PREMIUM
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun
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.
A thoroughly entertaining, loving riff on familiar pulp characters that raises compelling questions about their viability in a rapidly changing world.
PREMIUM
Super Spy
A tightly plotted, high-stakes masterwork about the terrible cost of life in the shadows.
PREMIUM
Shadow Sister
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.
PREMIUM
A Dreadful Splendor
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.
PREMIUM
Good Husbands
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.
PREMIUM
The Darkness of Others
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.
PREMIUM
The Sleepless
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.
PREMIUM
The Lunar Housewife
A winner for readers of thriller fiction and those interested in a different sort of spy story.
PREMIUM
Girl, Forgotten
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.
PREMIUM
Hokuloa Road
This chilling listen is recommended for fans of Peter Heller’s The Guide or Abby Geni’s The Lightkeepers.
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.
PREMIUM
The Sweet Goodbye
Readers of crime fiction will enjoy this book. A great next-read for fans of Paul Doiron, C.J. Box, and Nevada Barr.
PREMIUM
The Darkest Place
Recommended for Margolin fans and readers of courtroom dramas from authors such as John Grisham and Michael Connelly.
PREMIUM
Rising Tiger
A winner for Scot Harvath fans, and engaging enough that new listeners may also enjoy following Scot’s dangerous and exciting exploits.
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.
PREMIUM
The Disinvited Guest
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.
PREMIUM
Cold, Cold Bones
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.
PREMIUM
Death at the Savoy
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.
PREMIUM
Babysitter
Fans of the author and of twisted suspense will not be able to stop listening to this tense and horrifying mystery.
PREMIUM
The Last To Vanish
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.
PREMIUM
Dark Music
While the ending is a bit anti-climactic, fans of the “Millennium” series will be anxious for more of this promising series.
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