Mystery / Thriller
Plot/Idea: Starting with an intriguing prologue, Santorelli establishes a captivating set of circumstances: a catastrophic event devastates Earth and a portal serves as the only escape from future cataclysm. Santorelli integrates timely discussions of environmental threats, global pandemics, and social discord, while offering believable sci-fi worldbuilding.
Prose: Santorelli's writing style is immediately engrossing. Despite the complexity of the events, the author blends thoughtfully presented exposition with character interactions. Readers will become quickly acclimated to the 'new normal' she explores.
Originality: While some aspects of the story pay homage to past works of sci-fi, The Reformed Man distinguishes itself through its unique setup and relatable conflicts.
Character/Execution: Santorelli introduces a broad cast of characters--from the morally dubious central figure hailed as a visionary hero, to the young men faced with an uncertain future, or none at all. Though the shifts between characters' viewpoints can be somewhat disorienting, the various perspectives effectively coalesce.
Plot/Idea: Always Remember the Names takes off with a bang, escalating immediately into explosive territory and never slowing down. The author weaves an intricate plot (corruption, violence, and drugs) that will keep readers invested until the last page.
Prose: Tech-heavy prose will require fans to be familiar with the genre, but the author writes clearly and balances action scenes with plenty of buildup to deliver a fully rounded thriller.
Originality: The author crafts a unique spin on the genre, with a satisfying twist to the story’s bombings and attacks that will resonate with readers. Protagonist Craft’s profound character development adds a deeper element to the novel.
Character/Execution: Main character Craft’s desperate attempts to outrun the past are reflected in his choices and self-loathing behaviors. He’s the classic definition of a loose cannon, but by the end of the novel his methods prove fruitful, if unconventional. Supporting characters are gripping, with believable backstories that drive Craft’s race for answers.
Plot/Idea: Down the Well kicks off with a chilling premise. In the aftermath of a devastating event that left dozens of corpses buried with soil in their stomachs, a lawyer notates a diary full of bizarre ramblings left amidst the bodies. The work alternates between the continued investigation into the happening and surreal passages from the diary.
Prose: The bulk of the diary is written in a potent, jarring style filled with disjointed musings, irreverent observations, and violent descriptions, fitting for the voice of the mysterious author in question. Readers may find the reading experience to be disorienting, but they are ultimately rewarded by the conclusion.
Originality: Down the Well has a uniquely creepy storyline that will immediately capture the reader's interest. The integration of a diary left behind at the scene of what may or may not be mass murder or a supernatural event, allows readers to feel as though they are active participants in the unfolding story.
Character/Execution: The central characters emerge in relationship to the diary itself, so they aren't afforded full interiority on their own terms; instead, they become extensions of the mystery at-hand. Fans of horror who enjoy being kept in the dark along with the protagonists will relish this outing.
Plot/Idea: When a neuropharmacologist creates a drug that can make any food into a highly addictive substance, warring interests fight to secure its access. Filled with lively action and adventure, Attack of the Food Zombies is a well-constructed, humorous, and highly readable mystery-thriller.
Prose: Meredith's outstanding prose shines in this novel, elevating what might have been a banal, overly allegorical thriller into a captivating piece. The author's writing pulls readers in and propels readers forward page after page.
Originality: While the plot is fairly predictable in some parts, and the analogy to today's world of over-processed foods, additives, and unhealthy eating habits is a bit over-wrought, the story remains smartly developed and thought-provoking.
Character/Execution: The characters in Attack of the Food Zombies are another highlight: they are complex, well-developed, and have quirks that endear them to readers. The romance between Lou and Chef Nonny is particularly charming, while Kane's development as he witnesses his invention transform into a Frankenstein's monster, is spot-on.
Blurb: When strange eating habits -- and bodies -- start piling up in Las Vegas, an unlikely trio of investigators team up to figure out what is happening. Fast paced and action-packed, Attack of the Food Zombies will captivate readers.
Plot/Idea: The third novel in the Nick Tanner series sees the fish and wildlife service special agent tracking down a major figure in a reptile bootlegging scam.
Prose: The prose sets the stage with lively and visceral descriptions, while snappy, impactful dialogue drives character interactions. Cox capably builds conflict and tension, and the novel's focus on animals lends the story enormous heart.
Originality: Cox integrates familiar procedural elements, but the swampy Mississippi setting, focus on animal trafficking, and dynamic lead, set the tale apart.
Character/Execution: In his third outing, Nick Tanner is as charmingly rugged, candid, and principled as ever. Cox populates the novel with nefarious characters whose sinister motives are realistically conveyed.
Plot/Idea: In The Big Tilt, Flanigan delivers a layered and fully immersive mystery. Private investigator Peter O'Keefe's work becomes personal when an old high school flame emerges with accusations against a mutual acquaintance and aspiring politician--and then dies of a suspicious overdose. Meanwhile, O'Keefe is being pursued by thugs bent on vengeance.
Prose: Despite some of the weighty material--sexual assault, drug addiction--the prose maintains a comfortable warmth and readability. Flanigan handedly establishes the circumstances with in-scene development, tense action sequences, dialogue, and effective exposition.
Originality: Flanigan uplifts familiar mystery elements with authentic characterization and a well-spun storyline with threads that gratifyingly coalesce.
Character/Execution: Flanigan brings the novel's characters to life. Though Peter O'Keefe's history of addiction and troubled relationships may first come across as a trope, the author explores his complexity in a manner that enhances his character. Readers will feel for Beverly--a victim and addict who's not fully defined by her affliction--and for Peter as he reflects on the changes the years have wrought.
Plot/Idea: Turner’s debut is a technothriller centered around characters with complicated intentions and versatile skills, where alliances are questionable and manipulation is a powerful tool. Told in alternating perspectives between Evan and Lydia, circumstances throughout are challenging but lead to a satisfying ending.
Prose: Alternating character viewpoints helps readers track the complex relationships and maneuvering that happens throughout the novel. Turner's prose is easy to understand and draws readers in slowly, while capturing attention with the story's intrigue.
Originality: Mixing technology with people who have ill intentions creates tension and uncomfortable situations that will appeal to readers.
Character/Execution: Conniving characters with wavering alliances take center stage in this technothriller. Turner's characters think for themselves and are driven by external forces and will appeal to the emotions of readers as they attempt to break the system.
Plot/Idea: Pote continues the Ethan Cain series with another tense and action-filled mystery/thriller. Break Glass centers around an ancient scroll and the ensuing international struggles to claim it and unravel its meanings, though the storyline takes readers far beyond the expected.
Prose: Pote has a taut and efficient prose style that capably launches the layered plot forward. Readers will become quickly immersed in Pote's storytelling and far-flung settings, from the International Space Station to below the ocean's surface.
Originality: The author capably weaves together elements of archaeological mystery with international thriller to riveting, cinematic effect.
Character/Execution: The cast of characters is expansive and collectively contribute to the work's degree of verisimilitude, despite the extraordinary events. Ethan Cain is a formidable hero whose adventures--and the intriguing history introduced along the way--will leave a lasting impact on readers.
Plot/Idea: The adventure starts from the first pages in False Horizon and never lets up. The story's settings vary widely, but Pote avoids confusion by orienting readers to noteworthy locations at the start of certain chapters.
Prose: Pote's ability to describe the action is spot on, and his prose incorporates the necessary tech speak for the genre without slowing the story's pace.
Originality: The action in False Horizon takes place in several unusual locales—including Antarctica—that give the mystery an added edge.
Character/Execution: Ethan Cain is an intriguing character who keeps action moving at a breakneck speed. Secondary characters are well-developed and equally compelling, and their interactions are nuanced, with natural dialogue and engaging dynamics.
Plot/Idea: The author has crafted a fast but evenly paced work which captivates the reader right out of the gate. This is a well-planned thriller that combines danger, adventure, and artificial intelligence.
Prose: The prose here is top notch. The author is able to skillfully intersperse technology with mystery and action to keep readers at the edge of their seats. The reader cannot help but get sucked into Adrian's story.
Originality: Concerns about AI are widespread, making this novel--while not entirely unique--highly timely and prescient.
Character/Execution: Adrian Pryor is a nuanced character who, despite his exceptional skills, remains relatable. Readers will appreciate the humanity and vulnerability he displays throughout the novel as he finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes hunt for stolen technology.
Plot/Idea: The Tailor of Riga tells an explosive tale of a family of Jewish assassins throughout history, shifting from one generation’s adventurous exploits to the next.
Prose: The characters' speech suitably reflects the novel's era and local dialect, and Harries's prose elevates the story with a clear picture of time and place.
Originality: This generational tale of assassins stretching back 70 generations places its characters in some of history’s most eventful times and is filled with copious amounts of intrigue, adventure, history, and romance.
Character/Execution: Abram Isakowitsch, the eldest Isakowitsch family member, is a clever, fascinating individual whose traits are passed down through the generations. Villains like Jack the Ripper prove difficult opponents, even for this immensely skilled family of assassins.
Blurb: This action-packed, globe-trotting tale following several generations of a family of Jewish assassins will keep readers spellbound until the last page.
Plot/Idea: In this well-researched work, the author has tackled two areas of interest: the Russian mafia and art. The plot is packed with action from the first page. Balter has worked hard to keep the action sequences smooth and even, blending into the unfolding narrative rather than disrupting it. Ending with a precarious situation, the work makes it clear there is more to come.
Prose: A strong voice paired with authentic dialogue is the strength of this novel. Dialogue and expressed thoughts are witty and engaging, resulting in characters that feel real on the page. The banter between the two best friends is especially genuine.
Originality: The mafia is a familiar area of focus for mysteries and thrillers. The book's concentration on the art world provides an intriguing dimension, while the integration of these two arenas makes for a fresh work of fiction.
Character/Execution: Characters range from evil, and entitled, to cunning and witty. They remain consistent in their actions, while also believably evolving from start to finish.
Plot/Idea: Phillips’s novel is quickly paced and very meticulously plotted. A seamless storyline depicts the devious machinations of a criminal set against a beautiful Northern California backdrop.
Prose: The prose is at once beautifully crafted and, when necessary, blunt and suspenseful. Main character Rocky’s first-person narration captures the character extremely well.
Originality: A classic murder mystery unfolds, but readers find an unconventional protagonist in the 55-year-old female boxer Raquel “Rocky” Nelson. This paired with the beautiful atmosphere and tension closing in from different parts of Rocky’s life set the novel apart.
Character/Execution: The characters in A Deadly Combo are memorable and convincing. Readers will find Rocky to be a clever yet flawed protagonist, and find the seemingly uncatchable murderer to be a villain to reckon with. Secondary characters serve the tale extremely well, coming across as essential puzzle pieces to the narrative.
Blurb: A compulsively page-turning mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Plot/Idea: The Russian Woman kicks off a multilayered thriller series that seamlessly integrates espionage, international conflicts, and romance.
Prose: The prose text is eminently readable and immersive, with a graceful blend of exposition, in-scene development, dialogue, and character development.
Originality: While the political turmoil at the center of the novel is familiar territory, Lukeman crafts realistic scenarios with fast-paced action and a clear sense of the humanity at stake.
Character/Execution: While the number of characters may overwhelm readers, Lukeman capably blends characters' personal and biographical details with their broader political and social alliances. Michael Thorne emerges as a formidable character with enough complexity to keep readers invested. While the relationship between Michael and Anya unfolds somewhat hastily, readers are still likely to be swept up in their romantic tension.
Plot/Idea: Fade to Blue, a breakneck medical thriller, offers readers a compelling setup following biotech researcher Sarah and her unorthodox methods to end Alzheimer's. The storyline is interesting and engaging, and the plot unfolds at an even, steady pace.
Prose: Scheer is an accomplished writer, able to craft tension that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story's pacing is on point, and the prose flows smoothly throughout.
Originality: Scheer's thriller stands out for the capable tension he builds through intricate scene setting and believable events.
Character/Execution: The central characters serve the storyline well, particularly Sarah, as she struggles to come to terms with her dangerous new circumstances—while trying to find a way out.
Plot/Idea: Keith delivers a dramatic plot with some unforeseen twists at the end that will gratify thriller fans. There are intense trigger scenes, but they’re developed with care and give the protagonist complexity farther along in the novel.
Prose: Keith writes with precision, particularly when crafting tense scenes between characters. Metaphors are well placed and help advance the plot.
Originality: Black Iris boasts an intriguing plot that grasps attention from the start, and the interplay between characters gives this thriller remarkable depth.
Character/Execution: Jules Morrissey, the antithesis of her creation—enigmatic artist Black Iris—is a strongly developed female lead with deep interiority. Her painful experiences resonate, as does her challenging, but relatable, relationship with her brother Mason.
