Read This Next with Emily Darlow
There is nothing quite like a well told crime novel to sweep you up and refuse to let go. Whether it’s locked room puzzles, psychological suspense, international intrigue or warm voice detectives with sharp instincts, the best crime stories keep you guessing while gradually revealing the people at the heart of the mystery.
Below are six gripping crime reads that have been keeping readers hooked. Some are twisty thrillers, others are character driven investigations, but all deliver tension, clever plotting and the kind of endings that make you say just one more chapter.
A Killer in Paradise by Tom Hindle
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In A Killer in Paradise a tranquil coastal retreat descends into terror when a body is discovered in a holiday hotspot. What begins as a seemingly simple case soon reveals a tangle of secrets, jealousies and old resentments buried beneath the postcard perfect façade. As the investigation unfolds, the lines between visitor and suspect blur, and the detective leading the case must navigate shifting alibis and community tensions to piece together the truth. The sense of place, sun drenched beaches, narrow lanes and holiday homes teeming with strangers heightens the suspense and makes the story feel immediate. If you enjoy atmospheric crime with a strong sense of setting and a plot that keeps unravelling long after the first twist, this debut is a standout. It moves at a compelling pace and delivers surprises without sacrificing emotional depth.
Total Control by David Baldacci
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David Baldacci brings his trademark blend of action, politics and tight plotting to Total Control, a high stakes thriller that sits at the intersection of power and corruption. When a crime implicates figures at the highest echelons of authority, the resulting investigation threatens to expose dangerous truths that certain people will do anything to keep buried. Baldacci excels at layering multiple plot threads into a cohesive whole, balancing intrigue with real world stakes that feel current and urgent. As the protagonists dig deeper, alliances shift and motivations are questioned, making it impossible to predict who is truly in control.
This book is perfect for readers who like their crime mixed with political nuance and a complex web of motives. Expect fast pacing, multiple revelations and a finale that rewards careful reading.
The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave
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The First Time I Saw Him blends psychological suspense with emotional complexity. The story centres on a woman forced to confront her past after reading about the arrest of a man she once knew, a relationship that shaped her youth and whose implications she never fully understood. As she revisits long buried memories and begins to question everything, she thought she knew, the narrative shifts between past and present, deepening the mystery and peeling back the psychology of memory, regret and identity. The crime itself becomes a lens through which personal history and consequence are examined. Laura Dave writes with emotional insight as well as suspense, making this an excellent pick for readers who enjoy psychological crime that lingers in the mind long after you’ve finished the last page.
Deadman’s Pool by Kate Rhodes
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In Deadman’s Pool, detective novelist Kate Rhodes blends tension and atmosphere to create a richly textured mystery set in a community shaped by the past. When a body is found in a remote reservoir, the investigation quickly raises questions about local history, buried betrayal and what people are willing to protect.
Rhodes draws the landscape into the story beautifully, using setting to elevate mood and deepen the sense of unease. Her characters are rendered with nuance, and the detective at the centre of the case carries his own shadows, making the pursuit of answers as much about inner reckoning as external deduction.
This is a satisfying, thoughtful thriller for readers who like their crime anchored in place and the complexities of human nature rather than just pulse pounding action.
The Dogwalker’s Detective Agency by Michael Hogan
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This title brings a slightly different flavour to the crime genre. The Dogwalker’s Detective Agency introduces a sleuth who solves mysteries in the everyday world, where ordinary routines intersect with compelling puzzles. Whether it’s a missing pet, a suspicious neighbour or something more serious lurking beneath friendly neighbourhood façades, the narrative is warm, witty and clever. Hogan’s protagonist is relatable and observant, with a quiet tenacity that makes the investigations feel grounded yet engrossing. The tone balances humour and insight without ever undercutting the stakes, making this a pleasure to read from start to finish. If you like crime that feels personable, character driven and delightfully offbeat, this is a refreshing change of pace from more intense thrillers.
A Dangerous Train of Thought by Faith Martin
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Faith Martin’s A Dangerous Train of Thought delivers classic detective storytelling with a crisp, compelling plot. When a seemingly random act of violence triggers an investigation, the detective leading the case finds that nothing is quite as it appears, and hidden motives are woven through the community like a spider’s web. Martin is adept at blending sharp procedural detail with human complexity, giving equal weight to the mechanics of the investigation and the emotional currents that drive people to desperation. The result is a crime novel with both pace and depth, one that rewards readers who enjoy unravelling clues alongside the detective. This is a strong pick for fans of traditional mystery formats with modern resonance, delivering twists, tension and plenty of thoughtful deduction.
Great crime fiction does more than just plot twists. It invites you inside motives, consequences and the human choices that lead ordinary people into extraordinary situations. Whether you are drawn to atmospheric mysteries, psychological suspense, high stakes thrillers or character driven investigations, there is something here to keep you turning pages well into the night. Add a couple of these to your reading list and let the sleuthing begin.