Capsule x HarperCollins
Grab a cuppa and settle in on the couch – we have six top crime novels that you will not be able to put down. Not that that’s an issue because, you know…
Over My Dead Body, by Jeffrey Archer
First of all, this title is EVERYTHING – and the plot of Jeffrey Archer’s latest twisty crime novel is up there as one of the best you’ll see in recent times. Not content with just one murder, Jeffrey weaves the details of three unsolved crimes into one book, centered on the Metropolitan Police’s new Unsolved Murders unit – basically, a fancy name for the cold case squad.
Can Detective Chief Inspector William Warwick and ex undercover operative Ross Hogan get to the bottom of all three murders and catch the killers amidst a background of revenge, betrayal and scandal?
Silver Tears, by Camilla Lackburg
I don’t know what it is but man, the Swedes know how to write a satisfying crime novel. Our July book club author Karin Slaughter raved about this book, calling it a ‘sexy sensational novel’ and I don’t know about you, but I feel like that’s just what we need right now.
Faye Adelheim deserves the life she has. After fleeing a violent marriage, she’s built her business into a global brand and is living a beautiful life in Italy with her daughter (God the DREAM).
BUT (there’s always a but) Faye’s life is turned upside down when her murderous ex-husband escapes prison, and her idyllic life is shattered when she is forced to run towards danger, lest her childhood secrets be spilled and her deepest fears come true.
The Listeners, by Jordan Tannahill
This book bills itself as ‘a masterful speculative novel exploring the fine lines between faith, conspiracy and mania in contemporary America’ and that alone has us hooked.
More of your psychological thriller with a dash of insane USA with a touch of eroticism, The Listeners goes through conspiracy theories, cults and melancholia with a frightening ease.
While lyingin bed one night, Claire Devon hears a low hum that no one else can – and it begins to cause her all kinds of strife like nosebleeds and insomnia and, frankly, intense frustration. When she discovers one her students can hear it too – as can a select group of neighbours – they form a support group that quickly turns from innocuous to, well – something far more extreme and one with far-reaching, devastating consequences.
While Justice Sleeps, by Stacey Abrams
Ok so you can look at the cover of this book and it pretty much tells you everything you need to know. A legal, political thriller from renowned activist, speaker and leader Stacey Abrams, Lee Child himself has described this novel as ‘thrilling’, which is pretty much the highest praise in the genre, one would think.
When legendary Washington judge Justice Wynn falls into a coma, his law clerk Avery assumes control of his affairs and she pretty quickly figures he’s hiding one hell of a secret. Oh and she’s also trying to hold her very complicated life together as she deals with a troubled family and the twisty, toxic halls of the US Supreme Court.
Falling, by TJ Newman
Fans of movies like Speed will appreciate this action-packed thriller with so much suspense you’ll be sorely tempted to turn to the back of the book to see what actually happens (or that could just be me, patience is not one of my better virtues).
A flight with more than 140 people has taken off from LA, but plot twist – the pilot’s family has been kidnapped, and the only way that they’ll survive is if the plane crashes.
Simple but terrifying plot? Check. But thanks to all of us being very much grounded for a while, it’s the perfect time to read TJ Newman’s debut novel. It’s one of those ones that’s rooted in human quandary and the ‘greater good’ debate – but fair warning, it takes over every iota of thought your brain has until you finish it.
The Disappearing Act, by Catherine Steadman
‘A woman has gone missing – but did she really exist?’
It’s a bold book summary but before you ponder the existential implications of such a statement, know that this book has some serious twists and turns.
A real A Simple Favour kind of vibe, Mia Eliot is a wannabe actress who has just arrived in LA for her big break, and she’s determined to make it, whatever the cost. She meets Emily at an audition, and that’s where things begin to take a dark turn. She goes missing, with Mia the last one to see her, but reappears – nothing like Mia remembers.
Grappling with her own sanity – I mean who isn’t at the moment – Mia tries to piece together the puzzle, with dangerous and far reaching implications.
Fun fact about this book – Catherine Steadman is also an actress, best known for playing Mabel, one of Lady Mary’s love rivals on Downton Abbey.
Head to harpercollins.co.nz to purchase!
