Read This Next with Emily Darlow

If you’re the kind of reader who loves racing through “just one more chapter” before bed, this month’s new releases are packed with everything you could ask for. From spies and serial killers to remote mountain mysteries and long-buried secrets, these six thrillers deliver plenty of twists, high stakes and unforgettable characters. Whether you prefer Australian crime, international espionage or psychological suspense, there’s something here to keep you guessing until the very last page.

Hero by Patricia Wolf
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Detective Sergeant Lucas Walker returns to rural Queensland hoping for a fresh start, but peace is short-lived when the apparent suicide of a young man raises troubling questions. Before long, another brutal murder rocks the community, this time claiming a beloved Australian cricket star and sparking a media storm. As the investigation uncovers links between multiple deaths, Walker finds himself pushed aside by Brisbane Homicide and forced to pursue the truth on his own, all while his personal life begins to unravel. Patricia Wolf once again combines atmospheric Australian settings with tightly woven crime and compelling characters.

Verdict: A gripping Australian crime novel packed with twists, corruption and outback intrigue.

Contest by Matthew Reilly
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Thirty years after it first launched Matthew Reilly’s career, Contest returns in a special anniversary edition complete with new material from the author. Doctor Stephen Swain’s visit to the New York Public Library with his young daughter becomes a nightmare when the historic building is transformed into the arena for a deadly contest. Seven contestants enter, but only one will survive. Fast-paced, relentless and packed with Reilly’s trademark action, this remains one of Australia’s most iconic thrillers.

Verdict: An adrenaline-fuelled survival thriller that’s just as exhilarating today as it was three decades ago.

Ransom by Daniel Silva
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Master spy Gabriel Allon thought he’d left his dangerous former life behind, but when the glamorous wife of a wealthy British businessman disappears during a holiday, he is drawn back into a world of deception, corruption and international intrigue. As Allon follows the trail across Europe, he uncovers a web of deception, financial intrigue and dangerous enemies that reaches far beyond a simple kidnapping. Daniel Silva once again delivers the sophisticated espionage, intricate plotting and globe-trotting suspense his readers have come to expect.

Verdict: Intelligent, fast-paced spy fiction with plenty of twists and a hero who never disappoints.

Cold River by Margaret Hickey
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Senior Constable Sally White knows Victoria’s High Country can be unforgiving, but the disappearance of a young journalist investigating the illegal tobacco trade doesn’t sit right with her. When she uncovers striking similarities to the earlier disappearance of a young lawyer, Sally begins to suspect both cases are connected. Set against the rugged beauty of the mountains, Margaret Hickey crafts an atmospheric mystery where every clue leads deeper into dangerous territory.

Verdict: A compelling Australian mystery with a vivid sense of place and a mystery that keeps building to the final pages.

The Rising by Whitney Fitzsimmons
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After devastating floods rip through the rural town of Birradurra, the skeletal remains of a baby are uncovered from the mud, reopening a long-forgotten cold case. Journalist Bec Carter throws herself into uncovering the truth, but when her friend Harry disappears after a violent attack, she suddenly finds herself the prime suspect. Forced to clear her own name, Bec races to uncover the truth before another flood arrives and more secrets are washed away. Atmospheric and packed with tension, this impressive debut blends crime, mystery and emotional depth.

Verdict: A confident debut that delivers suspense, strong characters and plenty of unexpected twists.

Older Than Ghosts by Brandon White
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When the past refuses to stay buried, its shadows can become impossible to escape. In Older Than Ghosts, Brandon White weaves an unsettling story of memory, loss and the secrets that shape our lives. Rich in atmosphere and emotional depth, the novel gradually reveals the lingering impact of past events, creating a compelling mystery that is as reflective as it is suspenseful. Thoughtful and beautifully written, it’s a story that lingers long after the final page.

Verdict: An atmospheric and emotionally resonant novel that blends suspense with a thoughtful exploration of the past.

Whether you enjoy classic spy adventures, gritty Australian crime or edge-of-your-seat suspense, these six new releases prove there’s no shortage of compelling thrillers arriving on bookshelves this month. Just don’t expect to get much sleep once you start reading.