Flags on the Bayou by James Lee Burke
A gripping Civil War-era tale set in Louisiana, where the South faces upheaval and enslaved people begin to glimpse freedom. The story follows Hannah Laveau, a fugitive accused of murder, and Wade Lufkin, a haunted Confederate surgeon, as their lives intersect amidst chaos, danger, and unexpected love. Through vivid characters and intense action, the novel explores themes of transformation and resilience, echoing historical and modern struggles.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
This literary suspense novel unravels the life of serial killer Ansel Packer, set to be executed in twelve hours, through the perspectives of the women who shaped his story. His desperate mother, his sister-in-law Hazel, and detective Saffy confront the choices and traumas that led to tragedy. As time runs out, their stories reveal the devastating ripple effects of violence and the human need for understanding.
Five Decembers by James Kestrel
In December 1941, Honolulu detective Joe McGrady’s murder investigation pulls him across the Pacific, far from home and the woman he loves, as the attack on Pearl Harbor looms. Five Decembers is more than a crime story—it’s a sweeping tale of love, survival, and the profound human cost of World War II, leaving an unforgettable mark on readers.
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line by Deepa Anappara
Nine-year-old Jai lives in a bustling, poverty-stricken neighborhood at the edge of a glittering city, dreaming of solving crimes like the detectives on his favorite TV shows. When a classmate vanishes, Jai recruits his friends Pari and Faiz to investigate, but their search turns ominous as more children disappear. Inspired by real events, this poignant novel explores childhood, inequality, and the haunting reality of vanished lives in modern India.
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
English teacher Clare Cassidy’s expertise in Gothic literature turns chillingly real when her friend is murdered, accompanied by a quote from the writer she teaches. As suspicions swirl around those she knows, Clare confides in her diary—until an eerie message appears that isn’t hers: “Hallo, Clare. You don’t know me.” Racing to uncover the truth, Clare must confront the possibility that her favorite story has come terrifyingly to life.
Down the River Unto the Sea by Walter Mosley
Ex-cop Joe King Oliver, once framed and imprisoned by corrupt NYPD officers, now works as a private detective alongside his teenage daughter. When a woman confesses to framing him, King dives into his own case while also defending a journalist accused of killing corrupt cops. Battling dirty cops, shady lawyers, and powerful enemies, King must navigate danger to seek justice for both his client and himself.
Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke
Texas Ranger Darren Mathews returns to his home state to investigate two racially charged murders in the small town of Lark. As he uncovers the tensions simmering beneath the surface, Darren must solve the case while navigating his own conflicted ties to Texas and his precarious career. This gripping rural noir explores the volatile intersection of race, justice, and identity in America.
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
A private jet crashes into the ocean, leaving only two survivors: down-on-his-luck painter Scott Burroughs and a four-year-old boy, heir to a powerful media empire. As investigators delve into the passengers’ lives, a web of secrets and potential conspiracy emerges, while Scott grapples with sudden fame and the mystery surrounding the crash. With pulse-pounding suspense and a poignant bond between Scott and the boy, the novel explores fate, human nature, and the connections that define us.
Let Me Die in His Footsteps by Lori Roy
A suspenseful Southern tale unfolds as Annie Holleran, on the brink of womanhood, crosses forbidden boundaries on a fateful Kentucky night in 1952. Her journey stirs secrets of a long-buried family feud and awakens the shadow of her enigmatic Aunt Juna, whose dark legacy haunts the town. As Annie faces the past and the ominous promise of Juna’s return, she must uncover the truth to protect her family and herself.
Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King
A deranged killer plows a stolen car through a crowd, leaving eight dead and many injured, before vanishing. Haunted by the unsolved crime, retired cop Bill Hodges receives a taunting letter from the killer and is drawn back into action. With time running out, Hodges and his eccentric allies must stop the killer’s next plan, a horrifying attack that could claim thousands of lives.
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
In the summer of 1961, thirteen-year-old Frank Drum faces a series of tragic events that shatter his small-town innocence, plunging him into a world of secrets, lies, and loss. Told from Frank’s perspective forty years later, Ordinary Grace is a poignant coming-of-age story about the harsh truths of adulthood and the enduring power of faith and grace.
Live by Night by Dennis Lehane
Set in the Prohibition era, Live by Night follows Joe Coughlin, the rebellious son of a Boston police captain, as he rises through the ranks of organized crime. From the speakeasies of Boston to the sultry streets of Cuba, Joe navigates a dangerous world of betrayal, revenge, and forbidden love. This epic tale captures an era where ambition, vice, and survival ruled, painting a vivid portrait of loyalty, power, and the cost of living on the edge.
Gone by Mo Hayder
In the West Country, Detective Jack Caffery faces a chilling case when an eleven-year-old girl is abducted during a violent carjacking. As the perpetrator taunts the police and threatens to strike again, Caffery races against time, knowing the kidnapper always seems one step ahead. With instincts put to the test, Caffery must unravel the mystery before another child is taken.
The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton
Eighteen-year-old Michael, silent since a childhood trauma, has a remarkable but dangerous gift: he can open any lock, from doors to safes. His talent draws the attention of criminals, pulling him into a life he never wanted. As he risks everything to escape and return to the one person he loves, Michael must confront the secret that has kept him silent for a decade.
The Last Child by John Hart
Thirteen-year-old Johnny Merrimon’s life shatters when his twin sister, Alyssa, vanishes, leaving him determined to find her despite being abandoned by those he once trusted. As Johnny dives into the dark secrets of his hometown, aided by Detective Clyde Hunt and his best friend, his search uncovers dangerous truths and a mysterious figure that will change everything he believes. The Last Child is a gripping tale of loss, faith, and the journey from innocence to hard-earned wisdom.
The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin
In 1836 Istanbul, as the Ottoman Empire faces the pressures of modernization, a series of murders threatens the sultan’s plans for reform. Enter Yashim, a eunuch detective with unconventional allies, who navigates the opulence of the palace and the bustling streets of the city to uncover the truth. In The Janissary Tree, Yashim must unravel a conspiracy tied to the empire’s elite Janissary soldiers, long thought destroyed, before chaos engulfs Istanbul.
Citizen Vince by Jess Walter
Eight days before the 1980 presidential election, Vince Camden, a small-time crook in witness protection, juggles donuts, stolen credit cards, and a chaotic life in Spokane, Washington. When his past catches up to him, Vince embarks on a wild journey filled with mobsters, cops, and a surprising quest for redemption. In Citizen Vince, his pursuit of a second chance leads him to an unexpected place: the voting booth.
California Girl by T. Jefferson Parker
In 1960s Orange County, California, the Becker brothers find their lives upended when the brutal murder of Janelle Vonn, a girl tied to their past, shocks their community. As Nick, Andy, and David pursue their respective paths as a cop, reporter, and minister, the crime entangles them in ways they never expected. This haunting tale explores the bonds of family and the devastating impact of violence on a changing world.
Resurrection Men by Ian Rankin
Sent to a reform program for disgraced cops, Inspector John Rebus joins a covert operation targeting corrupt classmates while investigating an unsolved murder linked to his past mistakes. Meanwhile, Detective Sergeant Siobhan Clarke’s probe into an art dealer’s death intersects with Rebus’s case, revealing a far-reaching conspiracy with deadly implications. In Resurrection Men, Ian Rankin crafts a gripping tale of corruption, betrayal, and complex alliances across Scotland.
Winter and Night by SJ Rozan
When private detective Bill Smith’s teenage nephew Gary is arrested by the NYPD and then vanishes, Bill and his partner, Lydia Chin, race to find him. Their search uncovers a connection between Gary and a classmate’s recent murder, eerily mirroring a decades-old crime. As Bill confronts buried secrets and his own past, the stakes escalate, putting Gary’s future—and his life—on the line.
Silent Joe by T. Jefferson Parker
Joe Trona, scarred by a childhood tragedy, was rescued from an orphanage by his adoptive father, Will Trona, an influential Orange County politician. After Will’s murder, Joe plunges into a dangerous investigation, uncovering secrets about his father’s life and the many enemies he made. As Joe delves deeper, two leads—an abducted girl and a partnership between rival gangs—emerge, intertwining in a mystery that forces Joe to confront both his father’s dark past and his own troubled childhood.
The Bottoms by Joe R. Lansdale
11-year-old Harry Collins recounts his childhood in 1933 Texas, where his life is forever altered when he discovers the gruesome body of a young black woman, the first of a series of murders by a traveling serial killer. As the investigation unfolds, racial tensions rise, and a wrongful lynching occurs, but the true killer remains at large, continuing to haunt the town. Lansdale paints a vivid picture of Depression-era Texas, capturing the harsh realities and divided community with humor, precision, and a deep sense of authenticity.
Bones by Jan Burke
Vicious serial killer Nicholas Parrish agrees to reveal the location of a missing woman’s body in exchange for a deal that spares him the death penalty, trapping journalist Irene Kelly with him in the remote wilderness.
Mr. White’s Confession by Robert Clark
In 1939 St. Paul, Minnesota, Police Lieutenant Wesley Horner investigates the murder of a dime-a-dance girl, with his chief suspect being Herbert White, an eccentric recluse and hobby photographer. As Horner delves deeper into White’s detailed journal entries and scrapbooks, Mr. White’s Confession explores the blurred lines between truth, fiction, faith, and memory. The novel won the 1999 Edgar Award for Best Novel.
Cimarron Rose by James Lee Burke
Texas attorney and former Ranger Billy Bob Holland is forced to confront his dark past when his illegitimate son, Lucas, is arrested for murder. As Billy Bob defends him in court, he realizes that saving Lucas will require personal sacrifice and inflict harm on both of them. In doing so, he makes powerful enemies more dangerous than any he encountered during his time as a Texas Ranger.
The Chatham School Affair by Thomas H. Cook
On a summer day, a young woman arrives in the small Cape Cod village of Chatham, settling in a cottage by the dark waters of Black Pond. Unaware of the catastrophe she will unknowingly set in motion, her actions will shatter lives, including her own, and forever change the town. Seventy years later, only one person knows the truth behind the event that altered everything.
Come to Grief by Dick Francis
Sid Halley, a former champion jockey turned investigator, faces his toughest challenge yet when several horses are brutally mutilated, shocking the public. As he digs into the case, the evidence leads him in an unexpected direction, forcing him to follow his head over his heart. Drawn into a dangerous web of conspiracy, Sid must rely on his legendary wits and cunning to escape.
The Red Scream by Mary Willis Walker
Texas crime reporter Molly Cates, having just published a book about serial killer Louie Bronk, plans to witness his execution and write a final piece on his story. However, her boss and Charlie McFarland, whose wife was Bronk’s most famous victim, strongly discourage her. As Molly uncovers disturbing evidence suggesting Louie may not have killed his victims, including a new murder that follows his M.O., her investigation puts her own life in jeopardy, threatening her career and personal safety.
The Sculptress by Minette Walters
In prison, Olive Martin is known as the Sculptress for the eerie figurines she carves, representing the brutal murders of her mother and sister. Sullen and menacing, Olive is burned-out journalist Rosalind Leigh’s last chance at a book deal. But as Roz interviews Olive, she uncovers inconsistencies in her confession and becomes obsessed with unraveling the twisted truth, despite mounting dangers and her growing attraction to a volatile ex-policeman. As the investigation deepens, Roz must confront the chilling possibility of what might happen if Olive is set free.
Bootlegger’s Daughter by Margaret Maron
Attorney Deborah Knott is asked to investigate the unsolved murder of her friend Gayle Whitehead’s mother, Janie, who died when Gayle was an infant. Known for her deep knowledge of the region’s history, Deb uncovers Janie’s troubled past and dark secrets, but it isn’t until another murder occurs that she uncovers the truth behind Janie’s death.
A Dance at the Slaughterhouse by Lawrence Block
Matt Scudder, an ex-cop and unlicensed private investigator, believes that no amount of money, power, or status exempts anyone from morality and the law. Hired to prove that socialite Richard Thurman masterminded the brutal murder of his pregnant wife, Scudder finds himself delving into New York’s dark and depraved sex-for-sale underworld, where innocence is exploited and destroyed. This case is more harrowing and destructive than anything Scudder faced during his troubled years in the city’s depths.
New Orleans Mourning by Julie Smith
During Mardi Gras in New Orleans, civic leader Chauncy St. Amant, crowned King of Carnival, is unexpectedly shot by a parade-goer dressed as Dolly Parton. As the investigation unfolds, suspicion falls on his dysfunctional family—his promiscuous daughter Marcelle, mistreated son Henry, or alcoholic wife Bitty. Rookie officer Skip Langdon, a former debutante turned cynic, dives into the mystery, navigating the city’s streets and uncovering dangerous secrets that threaten both her and the St. Amant family.
Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke
Haunted by the murder of his wife and the death of his father, ex-New Orleans cop Dave Robicheaux now runs a fish-and-tackle business. But when an old friend reappears, Robicheaux is pulled back into the violent world of Mafia criminals and cunning federal agents, spanning from the Louisiana bayou to Montana’s tribal lands. Battling personal demons, a homicide charge, and a professional killer, Robicheaux navigates a complex web of danger and intrigue.
A Cold Red Sunrise by Stuart M. Kaminsky
In an icebound Siberian naval weather station, the daughter of an exiled official dies under suspicious circumstances, and a high-ranking Commissar investigating the case is murdered with an icicle. Inspector Porfiry Rostnikov is assigned to solve the Commissar’s murder but is forbidden from probing the girl’s death, even though the two seem connected. On a fateful day, Rostnikov faces confessions, a death, a conspiracy, and a close brush with his own demise—all while under the watchful eyes of the KGB and a far more terrifying presence.
Old Bones by Aaron Elkins
When several members of a prominent Breton family die unexpectedly and a human skeleton from the 1940s is discovered, anthropologist Gideon Oliver is brought in to investigate.
A Dark-Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine
Faith Severn has lived her life under the shadow of a murder committed by her aunt Vera Hillyard, a respected woman who was convicted and hanged for the crime, but the motive died with her. Thirty years later, a persistent journalist encourages Faith to revisit the day her aunt took a knife and entered a child’s nursery. Through Faith’s quest to understand the inexplicable family tragedy, Barbara Vine weaves a tale of hidden desires, forbidden passions, and a shocking revelation, delivering a psychological suspense novel that is both masterfully crafted and deeply insightful.
The Suspect by LR Wright
RCMP Staff Sergeant Karl Alberg is introduced, along with librarian Cassandra Mitchell, as they investigate a murder in the sleepy town of Sunshine Coast, British Columbia. George Wilcox, at eighty, commits an unexpected crime, entangling himself in guilt, secrets, and a web of honor. As Alberg and Mitchell become involved, the case leads them to a solution that goes beyond mere justice.
Briar Patch by Ross Thomas
When Ben Dill’s detective sister is killed in a bombing outside her duplex, he returns to his hometown to uncover the truth. What he discovers is a tangled web of petty criminals, crooked cops, arms dealers, and corrupt politicians.
La Brava by Elmore Leonard
Photographer Joe LaBrava, who specializes in capturing the essence of Miami’s street life and has a past in doing covert government work, is called upon by his friend Maury to help with a problem involving a former film star. Joe, familiar with the city’s underworld, is more than willing to lend a hand.
Billingsgate Shoal by Rick Boyer
A fishing trawler runs aground off the Massachusetts coast, and a young scuba diver sent to investigate is found dead. Doc Adams, a friend of the diver, embarks on a dangerous journey across Cape Cod to uncover the murder, only to discover a hidden stash of illegal arms. Faking his own death to track down the killers, Doc knows one mistake could cost him his life.
Peregrine by William Bayer
A peregrine falcon, trained by a madman falconer, kills a young woman in a deadly attack above Rockefeller Center. Newscaster Pamela Barrett witnesses the slaying and becomes unknowingly entangled in the falconer’s obsessive, dangerous plot. As more murders occur, Pam finds herself drawn to him, while the police and media race to uncover the killer’s identity in this dark tale of obsession, desire, and twisted passion.
Whip Hand by Dick Francis
Sid Halley, a former champion jockey, lost his racing career and left hand in a tragic accident, which also ended his marriage. Equipped with a mechanical hand, Sid is pulled back into the world of thoroughbred racing, where he faces a battle with a ruthless aristocrat. As the stakes rise, Sid must confront his greatest fear, knowing that losing could cost him everything.
The Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett
A deadly Nazi assassin, known as “The Needle,” holds the key to the Allies’ greatest deception and the ultimate Nazi victory. The only person standing in his way is a lonely Englishwoman on an isolated island, who begins to fall in love with the killer. The suspense and intrigue escalate as their fates intertwine in a terrifying and unforgettable climax.
Catch Me: Kill Me by William H. Hallahan
Russian poet Boris Kotlikoff, a former defector to the U.S., has become a prize hostage of the Soviets, buried alive somewhere in New York City. With the U.S. government passive, three men—a determined immigration agent, a CIA hitman, and a discredited ex-agent—race against time to find him, each with their own agenda. Amid internal conflict and missed opportunities, the search becomes a deadly struggle, with Kotlikoff’s fate hanging in the balance.
Promised Land by Robert B. Parker
Cape Cod businessman Harvey Shepard hires private investigator Spenser to find his missing wife, Pam, after a shady real estate deal and loan sharks put him in a tight spot. However, Spenser discovers that Pam is not just missing—she’s suspected of being involved in a bank robbery that led to murder. Promised Land, the fourth novel in Robert B. Parker’s Spencer series, combines suspense with a gritty portrayal of Boston’s underworld.
Hopscotch by Brian Garfield
Miles Kendig, forced into retirement by the CIA, longs for the thrill of life-or-death conflict and an adversary with no rules. When tempted by a Russian offer, he sets a plan in motion to expose the espionage secrets of major powers, positioning himself as the target of an international manhunt. Now, after 25 years of espionage, Miles must prove he’s still a winner—or face death at the hands of younger enemies.
Peter’s Pence by Jon Cleary
An IRA plot to steal Vatican treasures with the help of an Irish-American journalist takes a dangerous turn when the Pope becomes the new target. As the conspiracy unfolds, Christopher Kay narrates the story of a diverse cast of characters across multiple continents, with the sound of a penny whistle and Irish drum heightening the tension in this gripping tale.
Dance Hall of the Dead by Tony Hillerman
Two Native-American boys have disappeared, leaving behind only blood, and Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn of the Navajo Tribal Police fears the worst. As he investigates the crime, he faces obstacles from an archaeological dig, a mysterious hypodermic needle, and the sacred laws of the Zuñi people, all while a murderer remains at large.
The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
The Jackal is a mysterious, highly skilled assassin hired to kill the world’s most guarded man, with a mission so secret that even his employers don’t know his name. As the countdown to the assassination ticks away, it appears there is no power that can stop him from changing the course of history.
The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjowall & Per Wahloo
A mass murderer kills nine people on a rainy Stockholm night, initially seen as a random attack. However, Superintendent Beck suspects otherwise, especially after one of his own detectives is among the victims. As Beck investigates, he uncovers a chilling connection to a long-unsolved case, leading him on a tense manhunt for the killer.
Forfeit by Dick Francis
When reporter Bert Chekov falls to his death, his colleague James Tyrone suspects foul play, especially after Chekov’s recent column on “can’t-lose” horses leads to unexpected losses. Tyrone believes Chekov’s death may be murder, but as he digs deeper, he realizes the danger he’s in, with the chilling truth that in this world, nothing is guaranteed.
A Case of Need by Jeffery Hudson. (aka Michael Crichton)
A surgical operation at a large Boston medical center goes tragically wrong, raising questions of malpractice, a breach of the Hippocratic oath, or even murder. As tensions rise, the pursuit of the truth becomes a race against time, set against the high-stakes world of medicine.
God Save the Mark by Donald E. Westlake
Fred Fitch is a hopeless mark—easily duped by every con artist in New York City. When his long-lost uncle leaves him $300,000, Fred becomes the target of grifters, murderers, and two very different women. As he navigates a chaotic mix of danger, deceit, and comedy, Fred stumbles through a wild adventure in a city full of con men, cops, and unexpected twists.
The King of the Rainy Country by Nicolas Freeling
The story that began in a rainy country ended on a dry Spanish hillside, near where Van der Valk had bled and faced a deadly Mauser bullet. A millionaire vanished with a naked girl, breaking no laws, and it fell to Van der Valk to uncover the reason.
The Quiller Memorandum by Adam Hall
Set in West Berlin 15 years after WWII, this espionage tale follows Quiller, a British agent operating without a gun, cover, or contacts. He confronts a neo-Nazi underground and its war criminal leader, uncovering a plot more perilous than any wartime crime.
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carre
British agent Alec Leamas, weary of espionage, is drawn into one last mission. Tasked with toppling East German Intelligence, he assumes the role of a disgraced spy to outwit his enemies in a world of shadowy intrigue.
The Light of Day by Eric Ambler
Arthur Abdel Simpson, a petty con man in Athens, targets tourist Harper but ends up blackmailed into smuggling a suspicious car into Turkey. Caught by police, Simpson must either spy on Harper’s gang or face a brutal Turkish prison. What unfolds is a daring scheme by jewel thieves, far from the coup the authorities suspect.
Death and the Joyful Woman by Ellis Peters
When a millionaire is murdered, Inspector Felse arrests Kitty Norris, his son Dominic’s first love. Dominic’s infatuation deepens into defiance as he champions Kitty’s cause, clashing with his father’s investigation.
Gideon’s Fire by JJ Marric
A commander of the Scotland Yard is met at the office one morning with news of a maniac on the loose and a fire in an old tenement building south of the Thames. Two separate crimes of savagery — a fourteen-year-old girl raped and murdered, and a family of seven wiped out by an arsonist.
The Progress of a Crime by Julian Symons
Young reporter Hugh Bennett witnesses a horrific crime on Guy Fawkes’ night—a man stabbed to death by a group of boys. As he tries to report the story, doubts about what he truly saw lead him into a profound moral dilemma.
The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin
Exhausted and desperate for sleep, Louise struggles with a crying baby, indifferent neighbors, and a distant husband. Her unease grows with the arrival of a new lodger who seems suspiciously close to her husband—but is it real or sleep-deprived paranoia? This reissue of Celia Fremlin’s The Hours Before Dawn remains as hauntingly relevant as when it first appeared in the 1950s.
The Eighth Circle by Stanley Ellin
Private investigator Murray Kirk, focused solely on profit, reluctantly takes on a case defending a young cop accused of bribery. Drawn in by the cop’s fiancée, Kirk is soon entangled in a murky world of corruption, gangsters, and crooked politicians, where framing an honest officer is just routine business.
Room to Swing by Ed Lacy
Toussaint Moore, a black private investigator, is framed for a white man’s murder in New York. Forced to clear his name in a small Ohio town, he faces both the crime and the prejudices of the era. Written by Len Zinberg (Lacy), it introduces Touie Moore, hailed as the first credible black detective in fiction.
A Dram of Poison by Charlotte Armstrong
Kenneth Gibson, a longtime bachelor, marries Rosemary, a young woman whose depression lifts under his care, and he falls deeply in love. But when his controlling sister Ethel moves in and stirs doubts about their relationship, Gibson’s jealousy leads him to a tragic, confused decision with poisonous consequences—though he forgets the fatal dose before it can take effect.
Beast in View by Margaret Millar
A chilling psychological mystery about Helen Clarvoe, a wealthy but isolated woman plagued by threatening prank phone calls. As she turns to the family attorney, Paul Blackshear, for help, he uncovers a nightmarish, predatory plot that reveals a far more sinister threat than he ever imagined.
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler
Terry Lennox, a down-and-out drunk, seeks help from private investigator Philip Marlowe when his millionaire wife is dead and he needs to flee LA. After Lennox’s apparent suicide in Mexico, Marlowe dives into a dark world of deception, adultery, and corruption in Idle Valley, convinced that Lennox didn’t kill his wife. As bodies pile up, Marlowe pursues the truth through the city’s tangled lies.
Beat Not the Bones by Charlotte Jay
Stella Warwick arrives in Papua to investigate her husband’s death, convinced it was not suicide. Defying local officials, she ventures into the jungle, uncovering a horrifying secret. With a chilling atmosphere and mounting tension, the mystery unravels into a terrifying revelation.
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