These books are absolutely stunning! I wish I could go back and read them again for the first time. The storytelling is intelligent and truly masterful, with intricate, complex, and captivating plots. The character development is exceptional, and the pacing is perfect. These books are at the top of my recommendation list . . . there’s something magical about the way a good cup of coffee can awaken the senses and set the stage for a journey through the pages of an amazing book.
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NOS4A2
Read more: NOS4A2My rating: 5/5 stars. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill is a dark, immersive novel that sits squarely in the realms of horror and dark fantasy. This was my first Joe Hill book, and although I don’t often read these genres, I found it almost impossible to put down. I had originally planned to reread Stephen King’s…
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To Love A Liar
Read more: To Love A LiarMy rating: 5/5 stars. To Love A Liar by L. V. Matthews is a terrific thriller that’s hard to pin down to just one genre. It’s part psychological thriller, part crime story, part love story, with a touch of police procedural thrown in. Matthews blends these elements seamlessly, creating a layered and emotionally charged read…
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Watching You
Read more: Watching YouMy rating: 5/5 stars. Watching You is another gripping addition to Helen Fields’ impressive catalogue of crime fiction. Part of the Connie Woolwine series, this novel pulled me in from page one and didn’t let go. As a longtime fan of Fields and someone who’s read most of her backlist, I was excited to dive…
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The Crow Girl
Read more: The Crow GirlMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Crow Girl is a dark and disturbing Nordic Noir crime fiction/psychological thriller novel by Erik Axl Sund, the pen name of Swedish author duo Jerker Eriksson and Hakan Axlander Sundquist. Originally published in Sweden as a trilogy (The Crow Girl in 2010, Hunger Fire in 2011, and Pythia’s Instructions in…
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Human Remains – Kat & Lock #3
Read more: Human Remains – Kat & Lock #3My rating: 5/5 stars. Human Remains by Jo Callaghan, is the third installment in the exceptional Kat & Lock series. This gripping crime procedural goes far beyond the typical whodunit, tackling themes of grief, loyalty, the double-edged sword of social media, and the exciting and unnerving potential of AI. Callaghan skillfully weaves these elements together,…
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The Cracked Mirror
Read more: The Cracked MirrorMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Cracked Mirror by Chris Brookmyre is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and action thriller, and I absolutely loved it! Brookmyre’s sharp wit and clever storytelling were completely addictive, and I breezed through this hefty novel in just two days. In the hands of a less capable writer, this multi-layered…
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We Are All Guilty Here – North Falls #1
Read more: We Are All Guilty Here – North Falls #1My rating: 5/5 stars. We Are All Guilty Here is the first novel in the new North Falls series by Karin Slaughter. Slaughter’s writing is precise and deliberate, and every word is chosen with care to drive the narrative forward. As a longtime fan of her work, I was thrilled to dive into this new…
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The Ghostwriter
Read more: The GhostwriterMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark is an emotional, character-driven mystery that lingers long after you turn the last page. Clark’s storytelling shines, bringing deeply human characters to life in a haunting and twisty tale. This book isn’t just about the mystery. It weaves in a powerful, dysfunctional family drama that adds…
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The Last Flight
Read more: The Last FlightMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Last Flight by Julie Clark is more than a mystery or thriller. The narrative is an emotional, thought provoking, and moving story that blends suspense with powerful women’s fiction. What really made this one stand out for me was the way Clark brought the characters to life. They are believable…
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You Killed Me First
Read more: You Killed Me FirstMy rating: 5/5 stars. You Killed Me First is a psychological thriller by John Marrs that immediately caught my attention with its intriguing title and striking cover. After reading the blurb, I knew I had to dive in over the weekend. And wow, this was one of those “just one more chapter” reads that kept…
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The Glass Man – Asker Series #2
Read more: The Glass Man – Asker Series #2My rating: 5/5 stars. The Glass Man by Anders de la Motte is the second installment in the Asker series and a gripping Nordic Noir crime novel. After finishing The Mountain King, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one and it definitely didn’t disappoint. This narrative weaves together two compelling storylines, and de la…
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The Dark Corners Of The Night – UNSUB #2
Read more: The Dark Corners Of The Night – UNSUB #2My rating: 5/5 stars. The Dark Corners Of The Night is the third installment in the UNSUB series and another top-notch police procedural crime fiction novel by Meg Gardiner. She’s a brilliant writer, and this one is easily my favorite in the series so far. Gardiner’s writing is sharp, gritty, and smart, and the police…
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Presumed Guilty
Read more: Presumed GuiltyMy rating: 5/5 stars. Presumed Guilty by Scott Turow is a brilliant legal thriller that really showcases his talent for the genre. The story is layered, immersive, and feels incredibly real. The plot is so well put together, the characters are compelling, and there’s a strong sense of authenticity throughout. I was completely drawn into…
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The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels
Read more: The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton AngelsMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett is a gripping crime fiction suspense novel that took me by surprise in all the best ways. With its intricate plot, complex layers, multiple timelines, and a cast of compelling characters, it presents a tantalizing puzzle waiting to be unraveled. Hallett…
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Nuclear War
Read more: Nuclear WarMy rating: 5/5 stars. Nuclear War is absolutely terrifying! Jacobsen makes it clear—there’s no such thing as a limited or winnable nuclear war. Just one misunderstanding, one malfunction, one madman, or one mistake could trigger the end. While I’m glad I read it, this is a story that will haunt me for a long time.
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The Gone World
Read more: The Gone WorldMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch is a mesmerizing, addictive, extraordinary story that very successfully blends elements of science fiction, crime fiction, and apocalyptic genres. The storyline is intricate and so mind-bending that at times, it felt like a challenge to fully wrap my mind around it. The book left me…
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All The Colors Of The Dark
Read more: All The Colors Of The DarkMy rating: 5/5 stars. All The Colors Of The Dark by Chris Whitaker is a remarkable and beautifully crafted story that spans decades. It weaves a tale of love, loss, courage, determination, sacrifice, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of passion and justice. Rather than delivering a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat experience, this novel offers a nuanced, character-driven…
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The God Of The Woods
Read more: The God Of The WoodsMy rating: 5/5 stars. God Of The Woods by Liz Moore is an exceptional, emotionally charged, character-driven story that masterfully weaves elements of crime fiction and police procedural into the narrative. While the plot revolves around two central mysteries, it’s not what I’d categorize as a thriller. If you’re expecting an intense, edge-of-your-seat experience, you…
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Razorblade Tears
Read more: Razorblade TearsMy rating: 5/5 stars. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby is an exceptional crime thriller that stands out as one of the top five books I’ve read this year. Cosby crafts a powerful, high-octane Southern thriller that shouldn’t be missed. Set in Virginia, the novel explores themes of fatherhood, family, race, and homophobia, while also exploring…
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All The Sinners Bleed
Read more: All The Sinners BleedMy rating: 5/5 stars. All The Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby is a fantastic crime thriller! This novel is a provocative and riveting journey, showcasing Cosby’s talent for storytelling right from the first page. With powerful writing, an intriguing plot, and compelling characters, All The Sinners Bleed delivers a gritty and intense story that…
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The Border – The Cartel Trilogy #3
Read more: The Border – The Cartel Trilogy #3My rating: 5/5 stars. Wow! The Border is the stunning conclusion to the brilliant Cartel trilogy by Don Winslow. Thank you, Mr. Winslow for using fiction to tell this important, horrifying, and powerful story. It was endlessly engaging and one of the most exciting, disturbing, and informative reads for me this year. The Border is…
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The Cartel – The Cartel Trilogy #2
Read more: The Cartel – The Cartel Trilogy #2My rating: 5/5 stars. The Cartel by Don Winslow is extraordinary! Winslow’s sustained effort of imagination, research, and outstanding writing skills is unparalleled in crime fiction. While undeniably a crime thriller, The Cartel transcends the genre to offer a thought-provoking and harrowing exploration of the War on Drugs. Using fiction as his tool, Winslow masterfully…
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The Power of the Dog – The Cartel Trilogy #1
Read more: The Power of the Dog – The Cartel Trilogy #1My rating: 5/5 stars. The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow is crime fiction at its best! I’ve read that although Winslow initially didn’t plan to write a trilogy, the ongoing atrocities related to the War on Drugs compelled him to continue, resulting in the acclaimed Cartel Trilogy. Winslow is a brilliant storyteller and…
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The Force
Read more: The ForceMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Force by Don Winslow is crime fiction at its best! Winslow is a brilliant storyteller and his writing is absolutely addictive. The Force is a gritty, dark, complex story of a New York City police detective’s descent into corruption, exploring moral decay within the police department, judicial system, and city…
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Killing Moon – Harry Hole Series #13
Read more: Killing Moon – Harry Hole Series #13My rating: 5/5 stars. Nesbø’s long-running Harry Hole series has kept me intrigued since I stumbled upon it a few years ago. Nesbø crafts masterful, immersive, and unforgettable stories that have kept me thoroughly entertained and fully invested across 13 novels. Thank you, Mr. Nesbø, for an unforgettable reading experience!
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Knife – Harry Hole Series #12
Read more: Knife – Harry Hole Series #12My rating: 5/5 stars. Knife is the 12th installment in the Harry Hole series, and demonstrates why Nesbø is a master Nordic Noir storyteller. It surpasses the complexity of the previous two novels and mirrors the scope and scale of The Redbreast, Nesbø’s third book in the series and my personal favorite.
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Dark Matter
Read more: Dark MatterMy rating: 5/5 stars. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch is a gripping science fiction novel that explores the concept of parallel universes and the nature of identity. The story follows Jason Dessen, a college professor living a seemingly ordinary life with his wife, Daniela, and their son, Charlie, in Chicago. Dessen is content with his…
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One For Sorrow – DI Callanach Series Book #7
Read more: One For Sorrow – DI Callanach Series Book #7My rating: 5/5 stars. Wow! One for Sorrow by Helen Fields is the last book in the DI Callanach series and it far exceeded my expectations. Fields excels at crafting haunting and emotionally resonant crime fiction and this one was masterful. It is an utterly gripping read and one that will stay with me for…
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The Chestnut Man
Read more: The Chestnut ManMy rating: 5/5 stars. The Chestnut Man by Soren Sveistrup is a dark and gripping thriller set in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is an absolute masterpiece of Scandinavian crime fiction, delivering a dark and atmospheric tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
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The Puppet Show – Washington Poe Series Book #1
Read more: The Puppet Show – Washington Poe Series Book #1My rating: 5/5 stars. The Puppet Show is a standout thriller that delivers on all fronts. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and atmospheric setting, it’s a must-read for fans of crime fiction. M.W. Craven has crafted a masterpiece of suspense that will keep you up late into the night, eager to uncover the truth…
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The Ferryman
Read more: The FerrymanMy rating: 5/5 stars. Wow! I couldn’t put this book down and it was one of my favorite novels of 2023! It’s an epic tale set in a seemingly utopian world where things are not as they seem. The characters are multi-dimensional and complex and I easily became wrapped up with trying to figure out…
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The Stone Sky – The Broken Earth Series Book #3
Read more: The Stone Sky – The Broken Earth Series Book #3My rating: 5/5 stars. The Stone Sky is the third and final book in N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy concluding the epic story of a world plagued by catastrophic seismic events known as Fifth Seasons. I highly recommend this award winning series and it has one of the best endings I’ve read in a long…
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The Obelisk Gate – The Broken Earth Series Book #2
Read more: The Obelisk Gate – The Broken Earth Series Book #2My rating: 5/5 stars. The Obelisk Gate is the second book in N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy and is a stunning continuation that further expands on the intricate and compelling world she has created. Jemisin’s storytelling is as masterful as ever, weaving together multiple narrative threads and complex characters to create a rich and immersive…
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The Fifth Season – The Broken Earth Series Book #1
Read more: The Fifth Season – The Broken Earth Series Book #1My rating: 5/5 stars. The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin is the first book in the Broken Earth trilogy, set in a world plagued by frequent catastrophic seismic events known as Fifth Seasons. These Seasons are natural disasters that can last for years, causing widespread destruction and death. In this unstable world, certain individuals known…
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The Fifth to Die – 4MK Series Book #2
Read more: The Fifth to Die – 4MK Series Book #2My rating: 5/5 stars. The Fifth to Die by J.D. Barker is the second book in the 4MK thriller series, following Detective Sam Porter as he continues to hunt down the elusive Four Monkey Killer (4MK). The story picks up where the first book left off, with Porter still reeling from the events of the…
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The Fourth Monkey – 4MK Series Book #1
Read more: The Fourth Monkey – 4MK Series Book #1My rating: 5/5 stars. The Fourth Monkey by J.D. Barker is a dark and twisted serial killer thriller that had me captivated from the very first page. Once I started, I couldn’t put this book down! This is not your typical thriller. Barker’s writing style is thrilling and dark, drawing the reader into a chilling…
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Phantom – Harry Hole Series #9
Read more: Phantom – Harry Hole Series #9My rating: 5/5 stars. I like dark and twisted crime thrillers, and this is one of Nesbø’s best. It is a compelling story, intricately plotted and full of shocking twists. Hole’s pursuit to prove Oleg innocence hooked me from the first pages and kept me reading late into the night. Phantom is the bleakest Harry…
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The Snowman – Harry Hole Series #7
Read more: The Snowman – Harry Hole Series #7My rating: 5/5 stars. Wow! One of Jo Nesbø’s best novels to date. The Snowman is a gripping and haunting atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing from the beginning. Nesbø’s writing style is top notch, and he does an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and unease that permeates the entire novel.
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The Redbreast – Harry Hole Series #3
Read more: The Redbreast – Harry Hole Series #3My rating: 5/5 stars. I was excited to read my first novel in the Harry Hole series and The Redbreast far exceeded my expectations! The Redbreast is a compelling and intricately crafted novel that kept me hooked from start to finish. Nesbø’s writing style is engaging, and he does a masterful job weaving together multiple…
Mugs & Manuscripts 