Mystery / Thriller
Model Wave, romance, boats, and bad business in the Wisconsin Northwoods
by TK SheffieldRating: 9.75
Plot/Idea: Tower’s first date in a long time, with a sheriff nonetheless, goes south when a body turns up—a body of a waiter Mel just happened to visit with earlier in the day. Of course, Mel quickly adopts the role of a small-town sleuth, determined to get to the bottom of the murder, and sweeps her blossoming romance with Sheriff Cole Lawrence along for the journey.
Prose: Sheffield’s writing is chock full of Midwest nostalgia, with cheese curds, sun, and pontoon boats strewn throughout the energetic plot. The zippy prose keeps pace with the narrative, bouncing in and out of Mel’s thoughts while driving home a surprising ending.
Originality: The appealing characters give this novel serious lift, making the mystery sing with a curious charm—while still providing enough suspense to keep readers guessing.
Character/Execution: Mel steals the spotlight throughout, with a down-home appeal that makes her relatable and genuine. Cole is a steady, warming influence, and together the pair make the perfect addition to this cozy mystery.[
Plot/Idea: A band of strong, capable women determined to take down a child sex trafficking ring with the aid of First Nations and other mystical wisdom is a powerful combination in this important story.
Prose: Lowrie’s sweeping natural imagery gives space for readers to process difficult subject matter. A light polish with tighter pacing would further bring out this gem’s luster.
Originality: While sex trafficking is an oft-explored topic, a seldom celebrated, fierce female presence lights up this book—an antidote to its brutal truths. The infusion of spirituality and its intersection with the natural world provides an impactful additional layer of meaning.
Character/Execution: Lowrie’s characters are vibrant and easy for readers to connect to, despite populating an uncommon, strikingly realized setting. Their backgrounds are fully examined and nicely inform the events unfolding in the present.
Plot/Idea: Ross weaves a mystery that will pull readers in. With all the elements of a timeless whodunnit, the novel offers a sophisticated modern edge via its integration of social media and true crime podcasts.
Prose: Ross's prose is consistently clear and inviting, effectively propelling the storyline and keeping readers guessing until the conclusion.
Originality: Murder in the Mangroves has all the elements of a classic murder mystery, which will appeal to readers of the genre. The plot twists exhibit a great balance between simplicity and surprise.
Character/Execution: Ross populates the novel with complex and interesting characters, while Pete serves as an endearing protagonist navigating the death of a social media influencer and impending coverage of the case via a popular true crime podcast.
Blurb: When the death of a social media influencer rocks a sleepy southern town, can Pete help find the killer before the arrival of a popular true-crime podcast shakes things up even more? Find out in Angie Ross' Murder in the Mangroves: A Pete Brown Mystery.
Plot/Idea: The Dream Haunters, book one of the Witches of Maple Hollow series, is a fascinating metaphysical journey into a fantastical world full of magic spells, dreams, and spirituality. Mary's work benefits from sharp and dynamic storytelling that is gripping from start to finish.
Prose: Mary's text features an excellent level of description that emphasizes character idiosyncrasies and mannerisms, while the short chapters are fresh and addictive. The magical world of Maple Hollow is brilliantly realized, with every nook and cranny overflowing with vibrant energy and atmosphere.
Originality: The Dream Haunters is a highly inventive work, packed to the brim with surprise portals, ancient traditions, and dream worlds.
Character/Execution: Mary's central character Hannah Skye embarks on a riveting spiritual journey to the strange and alluring island of Maple Hollow. Bolstered by a plethora of intriguing side characters such as a talking cat dream guide and menacing shapeshifters, The Dream Haunters is relentlessly imaginative and enjoyable.
Blurb: A compelling metaphysical adventure story.
Plot/Idea: Draw a Hard Line is an unrelenting, hard-boiled investigative thriller that deals with issues related to racism, suicide, drug addiction, and sex trafficking. The consistently compelling storyline is expertly handled by Jimerson in an absorbing and tension-packed powder-keg of a novel.
Prose: Jimerson's text is fast-paced and gritty, his excellent use of language heightening the dramatic atmosphere. Full of carefully curated dramatic set pieces and intense stretches of dialogue, Draw a Hard Line is a powerful and engaging read.
Originality: Draw a Hard Line is a strong, well written thriller with brilliantly devised episodes of deftly orchestrated action and violence. The sharp, dynamic dialogue and excellently written characters make for a winning combination in Jimerson's impressive novel.
Character/Execution: The characters are sharply written by Jimerson, particularly E.J. Kane, who is not only dealing with the death of his son but his daughter's drug addiction too. Kane's intelligence and hard-edged attitude are the driving force of Draw a Hard Line, a bold novel that does not disappoint.
Blurb: An absorbing investigative thriller.
Plot/Idea: It’s college freshman CJ Jennings versus their university as they investigate the cover up of a missing girl. The premise would be made more powerful by exploring additional plausible theories, but Ori does a capable job of revealing CJ’s backstory.
Prose: While dialogue-heavy, Ori’s writing is strong and impactful. Readers may benefit from being better oriented to the circumstances early in the novel.
Originality: A college freshman, podcaster, and trauma survivor crusading for vulnerable kids is a winning and modern combo.
Character/Execution: Ori’s characters are rich, though their personalities and characteristics are somewhat slow to develop.
Plot/Idea: Charlie Goode returns home to regroup after a breakup when her school friend is murdered, kickstarting a long line of local small-town sleuths—including Charlie herself—who are all convinced they can successfully connect the dots and solve the whodunnit. The story is immediately appealing, and Comer deftly combines provincial conspiracies with humor, relatable interplay among old friends, and a healthy dose of suspense that make this a success.
Prose: Comer’s writing is polished and convincing, drawing readers into the story and keeping their attention until its thrilling conclusion.
Originality: The idea of too many amateur sleuths tripping up the main character freshens this murder mystery, transforming it into a sophisticated, riveting read.
Character/Execution: Comer has a masterful grasp of subtle character development, particularly in Charlie, who is likable, clever, and bolstered by an appealing supporting cast.
Plot/Idea: This harrowing, tension-filled plot takes off with a bang, maintaining a breakneck pace throughout. Chavez delivers plenty of twists—and gritty details, like the monsters who are stalking the mining base—that keep attention while conveying their fair share of shock value. The story’s confined space adds to the anxiety, as the characters have to survive their work, the unnamed terror killing them one by one, and, eventually, each other, all set in an isolated, wintry pocket of the world.
Prose: Smooth, crisp prose is interrupted with a few staccato transitions that ruffle the pace, but overall Chavez is a skilled storyteller, capable of building sharp tension with minimal scene setting.
Originality: Aside from the story’s bleak, near-future setting, Chavez’s skill at crafting a dark edginess makes this raging thrill ride stand out.
Character/Execution: Chavez’s characters serve to advance the plot, though their development is minimal and occurs later in the story, as the action ratchets up. Despite that, readers will quickly feel connected to them, given the sheer scope of the odds they’re up against. There are no particular standouts, but the transport crew, as a group, is engaging—and Ava’s story intrigues.
Plot/Idea: This is an intricate, meaty work that mystery lovers will relish. Isaak offers depth and layers of intrigue, alongside a good old-fashioned mystery, with plenty of twists to keep readers invested and on their toes.
Prose: Isaak's writing is top notch—concise, impactful, and tight—with a narrative that is both fast and even, allowing readers to ride shotgun on Walker's mission to find answers.
Originality: Things Unseen is immensely original, melding gripping plot elements with memorable characters. The setting is brought to vivid life, delivering a distinctive backdrop for this riveting story.
Character/Execution: Isaak excels at characterization, especially with Walker, who undergoes a metamorphosis of sorts as he searches for clues about his sister's murder. In the process of uncovering the truth, Isaak also gifts readers with deep insight into the character of Walker's sister.
Plot/Idea: Escape is the dynamic retelling of L.A. Davenport's debut novel, this time from the perspective of grief-stricken trauma doctor John Hunter. A powerful psychological thriller with well realized characters and a gripping plot, Escape is an absorbing and enthralling read.
Prose: Davenport's text is tense, involving, and well orchestrated with short, sharp chapters that pack a hefty punch. The author's keen eye for detail and acute observations really allow the reader to get deep inside Hunter's thought processes and state of mind.
Originality: Escape is a well observed psychological thriller with short, well-written chapters that are accessible and effective. Interspersed with captivating dream sequences, Davenport masterfully transports the reader into the tortured psyche of her self-destructive protagonist.
Character/Execution: John Hunter is a well rounded and convincing protagonist, with Davenport providing an intense, psychological character study. Hunter's descent into madness is coupled with believable, naturalistic dialogue to create a compelling and commendable read.
Blurb: A neatly observed psychological thriller.
Plot/Idea: Incident at Devil's Finger is a fantastic mystery thriller full of interesting, dynamic characters and a streamlined plot. The storytelling is succinct and convincing, masterfully combining art-world expertise, military insights and technological espionage with aplomb.
Prose: Witham's text is brilliantly realized with an excellent level of detail that enhances the drama and atmosphere of proceedings. His beautifully written language not only emphasizes the dramatic, sweeping Arizona landscapes, but also helps accentuate an excellent level of character depth.
Originality: Incident at Devil's Finger is a well orchestrated mystery thriller that is consistently gripping and dynamic. Witham's very accomplished and confident writing style displays great assurance and promise for future Julian Peale adventures.
Character/Execution: The central character of Julian Peale is brilliantly realized as he navigates the LA art scene and the San Francisco tech world. Peale is bolstered by a vast array of intriguing supporting characters including art patrons, gamblers, hackers, mobsters, millionaires and hippies in an all-encompassing and extremely worthwhile romp.
Blurb: An absorbing mystery thriller.
Plot/Idea: Blood and Mascara is a tense and gripping crime thriller focusing on two brilliantly named protagonists, Bronze Goldberg and Iris Margaryan. Well paced and engrossing, the contrast between Bronze's crime-riddled world and Margaryan's realm of romantic fiction proves to be a winning combination.
Prose: Krainin's text subtly blends mystery with poetic, lyrical and supernatural elements in a bold story of hard-boiled crime and touching romance. The acute attention to detail infuses the explosive storyline with an inspiring and magnetic intensity.
Originality: Blood and Mascara is a confidently written thriller which benefits from excellent literary description and an intriguing storyline. While not startlingly original, Krainin's text has enough chaos, drama and romance to keep readers glued to the page throughout.
Character/Execution: The protagonists of Blood and Mascara are extremely convincing; Bronze Goldberg is a grizzled private detective while Iris Margaryan is a talented romance novelist. Their singular voices complement each other well and make Krainin's storyline more rounded and enjoyable.
Blurb: An engrossing crime thriller.
Plot/Idea: Fortunate Son is a propulsive mystery suspense thriller with a densely layered and fascinating plot. Full of unexpected twists, Bridgeman's impressive novel neatly weaves a cohesive and explosive web of political intrigue and conspiracy.
Prose: Bridgeman's text is tight, fast-paced, and nuanced, featuring exquisite attention to detail and brilliant character development. Full of mystery and suspense, Bridgeman's writing style consistently impresses in a well-executed thriller that keeps readers on their toes throughout.
Originality: Fortunate Son is a confidently written crime thriller that is packed with family drama and thrilling action. Bridgeman also does an excellent job of keeping the reader enthralled with beautiful scenery descriptions and intense and absorbing plot developments.
Character/Execution: Bridgeman's well rounded protagonists include Special agent Emma Noble, a fresh FBI agent desperate to prove herself, and Ben Danvers, whose life is turned upside down by some startling revelations. The supporting cast of characters are equally impressive, rotundly enhanced by Bridgeman's effortless descriptions and dynamic passages of dialogue.
Blurb: An enthralling crime thriller.
Plot/Idea: Moira Gallagher and her sisters have formed an unusual detective agency, thanks to Moira’s ability to converse with the dead. Moira uses that skill to solve mysteries from the beyond and the present, drawing on the clues given to her by the departed souls who visit her to string clues together. Park makes the sisters’ Irish heritage pulse throughout the novel, giving their crime-solving pursuits heightened appeal.
Prose: Park writes clear, strong prose that establishes a vivid setting for the novel, interlacing the past and present with ease. Suspense is crafted naturally and smoothly, allowing readers to experience the increased tension as the characters do.
Originality: The combination of mystery and historical context makes We Are Shadows both a gripping read and a dramatic testament to the power of family and perseverance. Park resolves the central mystery in a satisfying way, with an ending that will please mystery fans.
Character/Execution: Moira’s conversations with ghosts are intriguing and entertaining, and she makes a strong female lead who is resolved to do what’s right. Her family interactions—both with ancestors who have died and with her living sisters—add support to the plot and a sense of closeness to the story.
Plot/Idea: Master of the Art of Detection is an adventurous and thrilling take on the Sherlock Holmes stories. Sherwood-Fabre's bold interpretation of an iconic literary character confidently broadens the possibilities of his unique personality and presents him with surprisingly well conceived new mysteries to solve.
Prose: Sherwood-Fabre's text is packed with humor and creativity, her magisterial attention to detail allowing her to take an intriguing look Holmes's fascinating trajectory. The storytelling oozes class, with well defined characters and intriguing mystery adventures ready to unravel.
Originality: Master of the Art of Detection is a book that is indebted to a well loved literary icon and Sherwood-Fabre pays excellent homage. She not only manages to diligently pay her respects to the works of Arthur Conan Doyle, but also expand and elaborate upon a character already rich in quality.
Character/Execution: Sherlock Holmes is one of the most celebrated detectives in literature, and here he is put to the test in a series of fascinating new adventures. Sherwood-Fabre eloquently evokes Conan Doyle's spirit while infusing the character with her own subtle flourishes.
Blurb: A brilliant homage to the Holmes universe.
Plot/Idea: Humming Bridge, a sequel to The Paper Route, is a solidly constructed mystery-thriller with confidently written characters and an immersive storyline. McDonald cleverly builds tension and drama throughout with the central relationship between Jackie and Detective Dennis Dahm being a sparkling highlight. Readers new to the series may initially wish for additional context, as the storytelling hits the ground running.
Prose: McDonald's text is instantly likable with an absorbing plot, convincing characters, and an endearingly old-fashioned sensibility. Humming Bridge is written with assurance and well-structured, although the appendix of vintage Franco-American recipes tagged on at the end is a little incongruous.
Originality: Humming Bridge is a warmhearted, mature, and captivating novel that calls to mind works of classic mystery. The Lowell, Massachusetts setting further uplifts the storytelling.
Character/Execution: The central relationship between young Jackie and her mentor, Detective Dennis Dahm, is among the most memorable features of this accomplished and captivating thriller. The dialogue is sharp and believable and there is undoubted promise here for further entries in the series.
