Mystery / Thriller
Plot: Truth Truth Lie features an engaging plot that demands the attention of readers throughout its pages. When Jane's longtime best friend Lily ends up in the hospital in a coma, Jane takes it upon herself to investigate who put her there.
Prose: Both clear and concise as well as lyrical, the prose on display in this book strikes a harmonious balance.
Originality: The shifts in perspective throughout this thriller feel organic and innovative.
Character/Execution: Delay consistently keeps readers engaged and on their toes, as she slowly reveals the truths lurking below the surface of seemingly unruffled lives.
Plot/Idea: Loch crafts an evocative psychological thriller with plenty of suspense. The twisty ride starts from the first page and never slows down, throwing the characters into situations that no one wants to experience.
Prose: Once Upon a Predator spreads tension from the beginning, and Loch's prose manages to change perspectives between victims while keeping their plot lines connected at the same time. Dialogue throughout the novel is authentic, particularly "the stranger," whose mannerisms and conversation style up his creepiness.
Originality: Loch relies heavily on common thriller themes and ideas throughout the novel, but the killer is gifted with a charisma and eeriness that elevates him to the next level.
Character Development/Execution: Loch's heroine is expertly crafted, and her smart, sincere personality will draw readers in. Not to be outdone, the story's villain will elicit chills from readers—from his quirky demeanor to his terrifying actions, he is a force to be reckoned with.
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Plot: Identity Check integrates three seemingly distinct storylines into an unexpected and engaging murder mystery that ultimately leads to the White House.
Prose: Allan's prose is abundantly clear and readable. The author demonstrates a knack for pacing and creating seamless transitions between the three threads of the story. Allan deftly develops the narrative as the number of murder victims grows.
Originality: Allan combines politics, mystery, and a dash of romance for an unexpected and well-constructed thriller.
Character/Executed: Readers will feel immediately invested in learning how a series of murders connect to a young couple in love--and to the president and first lady.
Plot: Marian Greene, a white librarian in the small town of Cadence, New York, finds a mutilated body in the library stacks. She, her Black husband, Lester Greene, and their friend Enoch Shenandoah must solve a century-old mystery that threatens them in the present and connects them to their town's past evil.
Prose: Hagan’s highly readable prose is both thought-provoking and entertaining. Marion’s believable first-person narration will carry readers to the dramatic conclusion in this first installment in the Cadence Mystery series.
Originality: A grisly opening scene sets the tone for this century-spanning narrative that tackles the legacies of racism in small-town America. Spirit animals, dreams, and narratives from journals dating to the 1880s add imaginative and historical dimension to the narrative.
Character/Execution: Marian, the narrator, her husband, Lester, and their friend Enoch are all believable characters whose dynamics and personal histories complement one another and propel the story. Their collaborative amateur sleuthing in the face of the darkness at the core of the book keeps this mystery “cozy.”
Blurb: A suspenseful mystery set in the Finger Lakes region casts a present-day murder against the legacy of racism in the United States.
Plot: In this alluring thriller, PI Freddy Ferguson must hunt down the killer of the daughter of a mob boss who literally slipped from his fingers during torrential rain. As he hunts for her killer, he must also solve the mystery of his own loneliness and attraction to his colleague Claire.
Prose: Andrew Diamond’s muscular and concise prose carries readers into the story from page one and describes with equal effect the shifting settings of the murder trail.
Originality: Fans of romance and mystery alike will enjoy the parallels Kill Romeo creates between the murderous and the romantic passions, both of which require a resolution of loss and secrecy.
Character/Execution: Tough guy Ferguson is deeply relatable thanks to Diamond’s elaboration of his inner life, which matches the intrigue of the murder mystery at the heart of the story.
Blurb: In this highly readable thriller, the chase is on for Freddy Ferguson, a former boxer turned private eye, to solve the mysteries of two women, one living, one dead.
Plot/Idea: The story starts off strong but ultimately relies on coincidence and implausibility in the plot's resolution. While the bones of the story are solid, the author might want to work out a more believable means to the same end.
Prose: The author is a strong writer with excellent command of language. There is an equitable balance of action, dialogue, and description that makes for an easy and fluid read.
Originality: As the story unfolds, the reader is lulled into thinking Chase is a knight swooping in to save Mandy, a damsel in severe distress; what follows is a twisted, fast-paced story of deception and intrigue, which proves both creative and unique.
Character Development/Execution: Since this work is primarily about deception, the reader is meant to believe one thing when in reality, the opposite is true. Therefore, it's deliberately difficult for the reader to get to know what makes characters tick aside from Mandy. However, inconsistencies with lesser characters that crop up may warrant being addressed.
Plot/Idea: Gilbert delivers a straightforward mystery with a vivid setting and intriguing setup. The author enhances the storyline through its exploration of the parallels and differences between U.S. and Mexican legal systems, while the story keeps readers guessing the culprit right up until the conclusion.
Prose: The prose is generally even and clear, with some lovely descriptions.
Originality: This storyline feels quite original, as it takes place in a Mexican sauna and spans several countries and languages. The author insightfully explores and exposes systemic undercurrents of homophobia.
Character Development/Execution: Amanda is quite clearly drawn, a complex character with a big conscience. A few of the male characters are also well developed, such as Captain Gonzalez, a gruff Mexican police captain whose prejudices are authentically delved into during the course of the story.
Plot: Whitney's tense thriller explores a small town in rural Michigan as they deal with the death of a community member and the crippling impacts of the Great Depression.
Prose: Through simple dialogue and occasionally written correspondence, Whitney's writing is compelling, easily understood, and fits the pacing of the story well.
Originality: This book brings together elements of historical fiction, thriller/mystery, and literary fiction to create an individual and unique story.
Character/Execution: With each chapter being written from a different vantage point, this novel allows readers to become easily invested in each of the story's characters.
Plot: Hopkins offers a highly intriguing and clever concept: a victim of domestic abuse is given the opportunity to re-live her life (although she doesn't have the full wisdom of experience) and make decisions that may thwart her tragic ending.
Prose: The prose is clear, readable, and straightforward.
Originality: The author brings a highly original framework to a story that explores domestic violence, relationships, and the small choices that can shape a life.
Character/Execution: Hopkins crafts characters with a light touch; she's especially effective in portraying the insidious nature of abuse.
Plot/Idea: White Gold takes readers on a breakneck ride raging with murder, greed, and desperation, through the eyes of embittered lawman E.J. Kane, who stumbles into danger at every turn in his quest to survive the untimely death of his son, all while trying to save his drug-addicted daughter. The tension builds quickly, and Jimerson’s plot submerses readers in action before delivering the final unexpected, but satisfyingly complete, blow.
Prose: Despite some rough transitions, Jimerson crafts easy prose that helps readers sink into the novel’s mood. Dialogue flows naturally, and the effective writing style steadies the plot’s pace, even in high stakes moments.
Originality: Though this novel boasts a gritty crime narrative with conventional whodunit hijinks, Jimerson’s smooth approach gives it somewhat of an edge; the story’s polished prose is a standout.
Character Development/Execution: This book’s main players are well-defined, albeit stereotypical at times, and their backstories help unite them in a collective web of intrigue. Savvy mystery fans may guess the perpetrator, but the process will be entertaining enough to keep them hooked until the end.
Plot/Idea: Book two of the Colorado Skies series sees protagonist Kim Jackson on the run from her former life and the crimes she was falsely accused of committing. Disparate mysteries intertwine in this propulsive thriller.
Prose: The prose is polished and well-crafted. The Durango, Colorado setting is richly conveyed, while characters are described with nuance and lyricism.
Originality: This narrative delivers an effective blend of mystery and character development in a distinctive setting.
Character Development/Execution: Both Kim and Lena are quite well-developed as individuals. Lewis deftly conveys how their pasts inform and complicate their present circumstances.
Plot/Idea: Norris delivers a solid and often riveting military mystery/thriller. The plot is solidly composed, evenly paced, and strikes a fine balance between action and character development.
Prose: The prose is polished and propulsive, while the author also excels at character descriptions.
Originality: While the story's focus on a retired detective and former Navy Seal struggling through a divorce and substance use is a familiar premise, multiple twists keep it feeling fresh.
Character Development/Execution: Keough is a clear and vividly described character. The author effectively captures his tenacity and damaged spirit as he grapples with past trauma to unravel the mystery at hand. Meanwhile, Rocco Locatelli, a 30-year-veteran of the NYPD, is well-conveyed and charismatic.
Plot/Idea: Mullen’s plot winds through different perspectives and timelines but links them together smoothly, hinting at twists and turns that will please readers. The narrative is inventive and maintains pace throughout, with a strong finish that ties up loose ends.
Prose: There are some moments of awkward prose, but Mullen’s easy style lends believability to the plot and drives the action scenes with subtle cues.
Originality: Four Cowboys delivers the right amount of chills and character-driven text, lending it originality while offering cleverly combined, distinct storylines.
Character Development/Execution: Characters are ably drawn in this compelling read, and Mullen expertly intertwines their backstories. The conclusion offers readers a satisfying finish to the conflict while leaving an opening for imagination.
Plot: Life is upended for 45-year-old Joshua Devin, a First Nations Ojibway hedge fund manager, when his friend--a Yale professor--goes missing. A sign of a struggle is apparent in his friend's hotel room, and his severed finger is left behind in the bathroom. Pill establishes an intriguing premise with a multilayered protagonist taking on the role of sleuth.
Prose: Pill shows a knack for developing tension and lays out a rich framework for a mystery that reaches dangerously close to the protagonist's front door.
Originality: Joshua's unique background--as well as that of the victim--brings a particular freshness to the story that will keep readers engaged.
Character/Execution: In addition to Joshua, side characters, including Joshua's artist wife Annie, have depth and personality that greatly enhances the storytelling.
Plot: A cow named Kyma's life forever changes after she strikes up a conversation with a chicken named Jerry, travels to the State Fair, and consumes a top-secret blue formula that gives her mutant cow powers. Taylor Kent hatches a charmingly ridiculous barnyard story that young readers will flock to.
Prose: Taylor Kent nails the comedic tone, while the illustrations provide a comic-like feel perfect for the intended readers.
Originality: It's hard to get any more ludicrous (or delightful) than a man transformed into a giant chicken or a cowboy named Cowboy Sparkleboots. Taylor Kent knows how to make kids (and adults) laugh, and does so with wild abandon.
Character/Execution: Taylor Kent introduces a menagerie of likable and ridiculous characters. Readers will eagerly look forward to the next installment.
Plot: Combining elements of classic rivalry tales and military thrillers, Clifford's War serves up a riveting storyline.
Prose: Reed's prose is even-handed, clear, and effectively serves the plot.
Originality: While perhaps not wholly original, Reed introduces a high-stakes circumstances, placing his protagonist in great peril and requiring him to rely on his military expertise and abilities to understand the enemy, in order to escape and restore order to his life.
Character/Execution: The characterization in the novel is among its strongest points. Reed takes the time and effort needed to delve into the layers of the primary characters, leading to intriguing dimensions and revelations along the way.
