Summer is here, and it’s bringing with it all kinds of amazing new crime fiction releases. From binge-worthy psychological thrillers to the return of CBTB-favorite crime writers to sleep-with-the-lights-on creepy suspense stories and much more, July 2020 has a little something for everyone. In today’s blog post, I’m highlighting the new releases I personally recommend this month, and the July publications that are still on my TBR list! Dive on in for the best of the best of this month’s new crime fiction, and grab yourself a new read (or two!) to add to your summer reading list.
Read MoreCBTB's July Must-Read Crime Fiction
8 Wintry Mysteries to Read over the Holiday Break
There’s nothing better than spending your winter holidays with your nose buried in a chilling mystery. Holiday breaks just seem made for crime fiction reading, and today I’m rounding up eight of my personal favorite wintry mysteries for your holiday TBR! I don’t personally read Christmas-themed mysteries, so you won’t find any of those here—but you will find books with plenty of snow, chilling atmosphere, and, of course, murder. (Because what holiday break would be complete without it, right?!) Cozy up with a blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, and settle in for a mix of Scandinavian crime, classic mysteries, police procedurals, and more - all guaranteed to make your holiday break reading list complete.
Read MoreNordic Noir Series Recommendation: The Fjällbacka Series by Camilla Läckberg
One of the trickiest things about blogging for me personally is finding time to highlight books that I loved before starting Crime by the Book. Recently, though, I’ve been feeling particularly inspired to put together a post on one of the very first Scandinavian crime series I fell in love with—so that’s exactly what I’m doing today! After reading (and loving) Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy many years ago, I found myself on a personal quest to learn as much as I could about the Nordic Noir genre. It was during this time period that I discovered Jo Nesbø, Sara Blaedel, and today’s featured author: Camilla Läckberg. In the years since, my love of Camilla Läckberg’s endearing, engrossing Fjällbacka Series has only grown. If you’re a reader who prefers mysteries that focus less on violence and more on character development, these books will be right up your alley; they are undeniably lighter novels than many of their Nordic peers, but that’s not at all a negative. Instead, think of these books as the kind of “comfort read” that you’ll want to come back to over and over, thanks to their rich atmosphere, endearing characters, and chilling (but not terrifying) mysteries. I couldn’t be more excited to finally be taking the time to share exactly why I love this series - and why I think you’ll love it, too.
Read More6 Reasons to Read Scandinavian Crime Fiction This Summer
When you think “summer reading,” what kinds of books pop into your head? Something light and feel-good, maybe an inspiring memoir, or, if you want to venture into crime, a twisty domestic suspense novel... now, I love a good “beach read” as much as the next person, but today I want to make the case for why your summer reading list needs - or, dare I say, why it deserves - a dark and gritty Scandinavian crime novel, too. With each of the six reasons listed below, I’ll also provide an accompanying book recommendation that exemplifies that particular quality!
Read MoreBook Review: THE SCENT OF ALMONDS & OTHER STORIES by Camilla Lackberg
On a recent trip to Canada, I picked up a copy of Läckberg’s short story collection THE SCENT OF ALMONDS & OTHER STORIES - a slim little book that I have yet to find in US bookstores. Comprised of four short stories, THE SCENT OF ALMONDS will make an entertaining and clever addition to Läckberg fans’ personal libraries—though it won't deliver the best introduction to Läckberg for new readers. This collection is, admittedly, not be the most groundbreaking or dark short story collection - I definitely recommend Läckberg's full-length fiction over this collection if you're after interpersonal intrigue and chilling mysteries. That being said, this collection's accessibility and familiarity (series favorites appear in these stories!) make it a fun holiday gift if you know a Läckberg fan - or if you’re a fan of hers yourself! It plays directly into series fans' nostalgia for the world Läckberg has crafted, delivering a charming - if somewhat "light" - suspense collection.
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