I find podcast ads are actually a decent way to hear about new psychological suspense. An author was interviewed on 'Once Upon a Crime' about their new book, 'The Child in the Photo'. It's about a true-crime podcaster who realizes a vintage photo in her own home is connected to an unsolved case. The suspense is split between the historical mystery and the podcaster's own unraveling obsession. Sounded great, added it to my list.
Has anyone read that new one making the rounds on BookTok, 'The Housemaid'? I’m seeing it everywhere. The premise sounds like a rehash of a million 'woman sees something she shouldn’t in a rich person’s house' stories. Is the execution actually good, or is it just savvy marketing? The cover is definitely eye-catching, I’ll give it that.
My contribution is for the Nordic Noir fans: 'The Last Hunt' by J.M. Dalgliesh is a new procedural in a series, but works well enough on its own. A body found in a remote coastal cave in Norfolk forces a detective to unravel a cold case with ties to a notorious local smuggling ring. The strength here is the bleak, windswept setting that feels like a character itself. The investigation is detailed and procedural, focusing on forensic clues and dogged police work. It's a gritty, no-frills mystery for readers who like their crime fiction atmospheric and focused on the methodical grind of solving a case. The twist is earned and surprising.
this month has some absolute gems. 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides has been making waves with its gripping plot and unexpected twists. It's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Another standout is 'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley, which combines a murder mystery with a secluded island setting, creating a tense and atmospheric read.
For those who enjoy historical thrillers, 'The Paris Apartment' by Lucy Foley offers a blend of suspense and rich historical detail. If you're into more action-packed mysteries, 'The Night Fire' by Michael Connelly delivers a fast-paced story with complex characters. Each of these books brings something unique to the table, whether it's the setting, the characters, or the plot twists. I highly recommend checking them out if you're a fan of the genre.
The new Stephen King, 'Holly,' is technically a thriller and selling huge. It’s gripping in a slower-burn, character-driven way. You’re following Holly Gibney piecing together a horrifying mystery. If you want relentless action, look elsewhere. But if you want to be utterly absorbed in King’s storytelling and feel genuine dread, this is your book this week.