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Crime by the Book

A girl investigates crime fiction from around the world, by the book.
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  • Quick Reviews: Detective Novels & Scandi Crime
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the cbtb blog

One girl's ongoing investigation of the crime fiction genre.

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CBTB's Best Crime Books of 2017

December 17, 2017

It’s that time of the year - time for me to round up my picks for the best crime novels of 2017! This is always my favorite blog post to write, and 2017 gave me a run for my money when it came to narrowing down my list of favorites. Reflecting on this past year, my favorite reads were those that pushed the envelope, breaking new ground, providing new twists on current trends, and delivering reads that were as emotionally impactful as they were chilling and entertaining. 

To help you navigate this “Best Of” list, I’ve divided my selections into a number of categories: 

  • Crime Book of the Year
  • Best Psychological Thrillers
  • Best Nordic Noir
  • Best Serial Killer Thrillers
  • Debut of the Year

Without further ado, let’s dive in! Below you’ll find my picks for Best Crime Novels of 2017. xx A


Crime Book of the Year: 
THE THIRST by Jo Nesbø

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Picking my “Crime Book of the Year” was probably the easiest decision I had to make in 2017; in fact, I knew this book would be my favorite of the year from the moment I finished reading it in April. Jo Nesbø’s THE THIRST is exemplary of all that makes crime fiction - and Nordic Noir in particular - so widely appealing and utterly addictive: from its masterful plotting to its trademark-Nesbø grit and touch of dark drama, THE THIRST is the work of a writer at the top of his game. Readers will encounter a twisted killer hunting his victims on Tinder; the grim, moody atmosphere of Oslo; and (best of all), our favorite complex and brooding detective, Harry Hole. Nesbø’s brilliance lies in not only the vividness of his storytelling, but in his expert touch at balancing gritty procedurals with just a flair of the dramatic—in this case, a killer with (quite literally) a taste for blood. THE THIRST is the latest installment in Nesbo’s Harry Hole series, and I do recommend beginning earlier in the series; check out my Beginner's Guide to Jo Nesbo for my recommendations on where to start with this series! 

The Verdict: an outstanding addition to my favorite crime series. THE THIRST lives up to the legacy Nesbø has crafted in his Harry Hole books. // Read CBTB's Review

The Thirst: A Harry Hole Novel (Harry Hole Series)
By Jo Nesbo

Best Psychological Thrillers:

2017 was an outstanding year for psychological thrillers. We saw the continuation of the “girl thriller” trend, but readers were also treated to an assortment of books that branched out, incorporating new elements into on-trend plots.

THE GIRL BEFORE by J.P. Delaney

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An early 2017 release, THE GIRL BEFORE remained a favorite for me throughout the year. This tense thriller puts a new twist on domestic drama, centering on a house rather than one particular relationship. One Folgate is an architectural masterpiece with a mysterious, demanding owner—anyone wishing to rent this home must fill out a stringent application, and (if selected) must agree to a strict set of rules while living in it. THE GIRL BEFORE follows two women who, at different time periods, moved into this house at a moment of crisis in their personal lives. Woman number two soon discovers that the previous tenant (woman number one) met an untimely end in this house, and readers observe as her life begins to mirror that of the woman who came before her… 

The Verdict: THE GIRL BEFORE is tense and suspenseful, laced with just a hint of 50 Shades of Grey and brimming with inventive, addictive plotting. // Read CBTB's Review

The Girl Before: A Novel
By JP Delaney

I SEE YOU by Clare Mackintosh

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One of my favorite writers returned with her sophomore thriller in 2017, and it delivered in a big way. Where Mackintosh’s debut I LET YOU GO was a suspense novel that almost defied categorization, blending character study with a jaw-dropping plot twist, I SEE YOU is a more traditional psychological thriller through and through—but I think it has actually become my favorite of her books. If you’re a commuter who takes public transportation every day like I do, you will be hard pressed to read this book and not find it totally chilling. Imagine that you were on the subway one day, and, while flipping through your morning paper, spotted an ad with your image on it, advertising a dating service. Then imagine that you begin noticing other women in similar ads… and that these women begin turning up dead. So begins Mackintosh’s outstanding novel, and it just gets better from there. 

The Verdict: This is a very different kind of read from Mackintosh’s debut - don’t expect the same shocking twist as in I LET YOU GO - but I absolutely loved this new direction for her. I SEE YOU is unnerving, engaging, and pitch-perfect suspense. // Read CBTB's Review

I See You
By Clare Mackintosh

HER EVERY FEAR by Peter Swanson

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Another early-2017 release that remained a favorite for me, HER EVERY FEAR is an utterly unputdownable Hitchcockian thriller that I devoured in one sitting. When main character Kate has the opportunity to “apartment swap” with a cousin living in Boston, she jumps at the chance - a series of events in her personal life in London have left her eager for a change. But Kate’s fresh start is diverted when her new next door neighbor in Boston is found dead, and Kate’s natural curiosity in the crime soon devolves into obsession. HER EVERY FEAR is a character-driven story of quiet, steadily-building suspense; this book delves both deep into the minds of the story’s characters and deep into their pasts, weaving a web of manipulations and lies that left me with goosebumps by the story’s end. This is not an action-packed thriller; the author instead opts for steadily-building tension and a knockout ending. I quite literally read this book in one and a half sittings last year during my holiday vacation. 

The Verdict: a voyeuristic suspense novel laced with tension and a chill-inducing final revelation. A Hitchcockian thriller in every sense. // Read CBTB's Review

Her Every Fear: A Novel
By Peter Swanson

THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS by Michael Robotham

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Friendship takes a deadly turn in Robotham’s outstanding psychological suspense novel of obsession and betrayal. Grocery store clerk Agatha feels a bit lost in her life: she’s not satisfied with her job, and is pregnant by an absent boyfriend. But Agatha soon begins to notice Meghan, a woman who seems to have it all: a loving, beautiful family, a successful parenting blog, and her own baby on the way as well. Agatha determines that she wants to get to know Meghan, and sets about inserting herself into Meghan’s life... with devastating consequences. Pick this book up for its on-trend title and book jacket—stay for its hair-raising plot, gut-punch twists, and richly-developed characters. Told in dual narratives, Robotham has crafted a crime novel that's a bit like watching two trains barreling head-on towards one another: you know the outcome can only be disaster, but you just can't look away. 

The Verdict: Readers looking for not just an on-trend psychological thriller, but for a story that is superbly plotted and genuinely shocking, will find an outstanding read in THE SECRETS SHE KEEPS. // Read CBTB's Review

The Secrets She Keeps: A Novel
By Michael Robotham

THE WEIGHT OF LIES by Emily Carpenter

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In this engaging, fast-paced psychological suspense novel, author Emily Carpenter blends the best of psychological thrillers with a unique touch of horror nostalgia. Readers follow the daughter of an infamous horror novelist as she unpacks the inspiration - and possible truth - behind her mother’s bestselling novel. THE WEIGHT OF LIES isn't a horror novel itself, but its cultural references and moments of cinematic suspense feel straight from the big screen. Love classic horror movies like Friday the 13th and Halloween, but want to read something a little less dark and gory? This recommendation is for you. THE WEIGHT OF LIES serves up a welcome dose of nostalgia for those horror classics, wrapped up in a contemporary psychological thriller package. This book is just plain fun to read, from its horror references to its atmospheric setting.

The Verdict: THE WEIGHT OF LIES might not be gory or very dark, but it serves up just the right balance of fast-paced, binge-worthy writing with lighter suspense and tension. This was the perfect summer read for me this year! // Read CBTB's Review

The Weight of Lies: A Novel
By Emily Carpenter

WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins

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Every so often, readers will come across a book that’s just the right kind of offbeat—something unexpected, envelope-pushing, and perfect in its oddities. WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins was exactly that kind of read for me. This is a psychological thriller that marches to the beat of its own drum: twisted, shocking, quirky, and addictive, WHITE BODIES is an utterly unputdownable story of the blurred line between obsession and love. While this won’t be the right choice for readers looking for a crime novel grounded wholly in reality, the drama of this thriller is part of its undeniable (and disturbing) charm. Readers follow twin sisters Callie and Tilda; Tilda, an aspiring actress and social butterfly, and Callie, a more introverted young woman. When Tilda begins dating a charming - but controlling - man, Callie sets out to save her sister in a Strangers on a Train-inspired plot. 

The Verdict: From its disarming first pages to its shocking conclusion, WHITE BODIES is original, inventive, and brimming with personality - a breath of fresh air in a crowded genre, and a 2017 must-read. // Read CBTB's Review

White Bodies: An Addictive Psychological Thriller
By Jane Robins

Best Nordic Noir:

My Nordic Noir reading list in 2017 was outstanding, incorporating new reads from longtime favorite authors and one absolutely stellar new-to-me author. As always, Scandinavian crime continues to deliver my favorite crime fiction—the books listed below are must-reads.

THE THIRST by Jo Nesbø

*See above! This is an outstanding Nordic crime novel that is my pick for “Crime Book of 2017" - but of course, I couldn't not mention it here, too!

The Thirst: A Harry Hole Novel (Harry Hole Series)
By Jo Nesbo

THE DEVIL’S WEDDING RING by Vidar Sundstøl

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Scandinavian crime fiction readers, listen up: THE DEVIL'S WEDDING RING by Vidar Sundstøl is the must-read you haven't heard of yet. One of the most fresh and original takes on the Nordic Noir genre I've read in ages, Sundstøl's exceptional standalone crime novel weaves together ancient folklore and a modern investigation to brilliant effect. Atmospheric and laced with menace, the story's small-town setting is a character unto itself, while the story's human characters are equally complex and engaging. Hearing of the death of a former colleague and friend, private investigator Max Fjellanger returns to the Telemark region of Norway to pay his respects. But Max soon suspects that his friend’s death wasn’t an accident, and teams up with a local detective-novel loving librarian to look into this case. What follows is an immersive, atmospheric, and chilling exploration of Nordic folklore and modern-day procedural. 

The Verdict: THE DEVIL'S WEDDING RING is masterfully written, intricately plotted, and wholly immersive; in short, it's a must-read for Nordic Noir fans. // Read CBTB's Review

The Devil's Wedding Ring
By Vidar Sundstøl

THE UNDESIRED by Yrsa Sigurdardottir

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THE UNDESIRED is an outstanding standalone thriller from Iceland’s Queen of Crime—a great choice for readers looking for a bridge between a Nordic thriller and a horror story. It’s not overtly violent or graphic, but I found it completely chilling. Every step along the way of this atmospheric and slow-burning stunner is fraught with tension. In THE UNDESIRED, readers are drawn into a dual narrative exploring the history of a juvenile detention center in rural Iceland. In the present day, a government employee is tasked with investigating allegations of abuse at the center; in the past, a young woman working at the center begins to experience bizarre and menacing happenings there. Sigurdardottir has a dark and inventive imagination, and THE UNDESIRED delivers a chilling thriller that I couldn’t get enough of.

The Verdict: This unnerving, atmospheric Icelandic novel completely got under my skin, from its in-your-face opening to its utterly chilling final sentence. THE UNDESIRED might just be the perfect winter thriller. // Read CBTB's Review

The Undesired: A Thriller
By Yrsa Sigurdardottir

SNOWBLIND by Ragnar Jonasson

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Sweeping Nordic landscapes, snowstorm-induced claustrophobia, and a cast of characters reminiscent of Agatha Christie: Ragnar Jónasson's debut mystery meets all my requirements for a moody, engrossing Nordic Noir read. Jonasson’s Dark Iceland series has taken the UK by storm, and Book 1 in the series (SNOWBLIND) was released in the US in early 2017 to stellar reviews. Readers looking for Nordic Noir that isn’t as dark or violent as some of the genre’s standard fare will love Jonasson’s classic crime-inspired take on the genre. Similarly, fans of Agatha Christie will find a lot to love in SNOWBLIND. SNOWBLIND introduces readers to Ari Thor Arason, a young police officer who accepts a new post in the northern coastal town of Siglufjordur, Iceland. When a blizzard cuts off the one road connecting Siglufjordur to the rest of Iceland, Ari Thor feels the claustrophobia of winter setting in… which is only made worse when a murder occurs in the town, and Ari Thor (and the town’s residents) are isolated with a killer. 

The Verdict: I completely fell in love with the landscape Ragnar so deftly describes in SNOWBLIND, and I was equally drawn in by his ability as a storyteller. The Dark Iceland series are a personal favorite for me, and this is a standout series launch. // Read CBTB's Review

Snowblind: A Thriller
By Ragnar Jonasson

ORDEAL by Jorn Lier Horst

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Jorn Lier Horst’s William Wisting series has achieved massive popularity in his native Norway, and his newest US series installment ORDEAL is well worth a read for fans of slow-burning, detail-oriented police procedurals. It's important to note that this book is different in style and tone than Lier Horst's Nordic peers—readers looking for fast-paced, gritty crime fiction should dip into Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series. But there's also so much to love about the kind of crime fiction Lier Horst writes. In a crowded genre, Lier Horst stands out for his commitment to writing crime fiction grounded in reality, both in its portrayal of police investigations and in the very human characters he writes. In ORDEAL, readers focus in on Line Wisting, a journalist and the daughter of the series protagonist, William Wisting. When one of Line’s friends finds a locked safe in the home she inherited from her deceased grandfather, Line’s journalistic instincts lead her to begin investigating the circumstances around the man’s death. 

The Verdict: ORDEAL is without a doubt my favorite Jorn Lier Horst book I've read thus far—its complex plotting and endearing characters make for a compelling and engaging read. The king of the Nordic Noir procedural, Jorn Lier Horst has crafted an impeccable slow-burn crime novel in ORDEAL. // Read CBTB's Review

Ordeal: A Mystery
By Jorn Lier Horst

Best Serial Killer Thrillers:

If you're anything like I am, sometimes you just want to read a really dark, shocking serial killer thriller. Serial killers are a common theme in many subgenres of crime fiction; certainly, they factor into many of my selections listed above. But there are also crime books that are best qualified as exactly that: serial killer thrillers. Below are two standouts that I absolutely loved reading in 2017! 

THE FOURTH MONKEY by J.D. Barker

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Sometimes you just need a seriously twisted and totally engaging serial killer thriller—and THE FOURTH MONKEY is that book. Gripping, violent, and inventive, this book pits a dutiful police officer against a truly sick killer who has crafted a game just for the police—a game that ends in the chance to save the life of the killer’s next victim. Author J.D. Barker serves up a twisty and original take on the classic cop vs. serial killer thriller in THE FOURTH MONKEY. Fans of Se7en and The Silence of the Lambs: listen up, this one’s for you. When the Four Monkey Killer is found dead, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver a final message - a message indicating that he has kidnapped another victim, one who may still be alive. The police find a diary on the killer’s body, and delve into the killer’s twisted personal history in hopes of finding his latest victim before it’s too late. 

The Verdict: If you love thrillers that center around high-stakes police investigations, and want to be drawn into the mind and backstory of a truly disturbed killer, you will love THE FOURTH MONKEY. This book is gorgy, disturbing, and over the top in the best possible way. // Read CBTB's Review

The Fourth Monkey (A 4MK Thriller)
By J. D. Barker

HIDE AND SEEK by M.J. Arlidge

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Arlidge's gripping crime series has been a favorite of mine ever since I first dove into Book 1 (EENY MEENY) nearly two years ago. Somehow, Arlidge manages to just get better and better; with each new series installment, he ups the ante, delivering more insight into Helen's complicated character and higher stakes for the crimes she must solve. True to form, Arlidge has outdone himself yet again with HIDE AND SEEK: this superb thriller reads like a cross between a locked room mystery and an episode of Criminal Minds, serving up one of my favorite reads of the series so far. In HIDE AND SEEK, Detective Inspector Helen Grace is incarcerated following the events of the previous book in the series, LITTLE BOY BLUE. Grace finds herself locked up with the criminals she herself has put away, leaving her isolated and friendless in prison - and to make matters worse, her fellow inmates start turning up dead. Grace realizes that a serial killer is at work within the hospital, and sets out to uncover the killer’s identity before they come for her. 

The Verdict: Readers looking for crime fiction with major entertainment value, plenty of chills, and binge-worthy pacing will find their perfect match in M.J. Arldige’s Helen Grace books. I do recommend reading this series from the beginning; if nothing else, read LITTLE BOY BLUE before diving into HIDE AND SEEK. // Read CBTB's Review

Hide and Seek (A Helen Grace Thriller)
By M. J. Arlidge

Debut of the Year:
SIX STORIES by Matt Wesolowski

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2017 was a superb year for crime fiction debuts, but perhaps no single debut had quite the same impact on my year in books as did Matt Wesolowski’s stellar SIX STORIES. Published by Orenda Books, this podcast-inspired thriller delivered a fiercely original and innovative debut that took the book blogging world by storm and earned Wesolowski a legion of devoted fans.  SIX STORIES is based around a true crime podcast, and the author has structured it to mirror such a show: its plot is divided into six separate “interviews” with individuals with knowledge of the story’s central crime. Elusive investigative journalist Scott King uses his podcast to delve into a 20 year-old crime: the discovery of a teenager’s body in Scarclaw Fell, a remote campground in the woods. If you love podcasts like Serial or Sword & Scale, you’ll feel right at home in the world of SIX STORIES—but really, this is a book for every crime fiction reader looking to be swept up in a story that’s as addictive as it is unsettling.

The Verdict: SIX STORIES is simply a stunning debut crime novel. Its plotting, pacing, and unique content make it one of the most impressive books I’ve read recently. Wesolowski is a major new talent in crime fiction, and I cannot wait to see what he does next. // Read CBTB's Review

Six Stories: A Thriller (Six Stories Series)
By Matt Wesolowski

Thank You!

And with that, another year comes to a close! I'm so thankful for all the opportunities that 2017 afforded me; from traveling around Scandinavia to meeting new bookish friends to attending my first Bouchercon, I have so much to be thankful for as we say farewell to this year. At the top of my list of things I'm thankful for: you, the wonderful readers who make this blog possible! Thank you for reading along with my year in books, and for all of your support. I'm so excited to see what the new year has in store for us. Thank you for a wonderful year, and I can't wait for 2018! xx A

Featured
Feb 15, 2019
Q&A: Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Author of THE RECKONING
Feb 15, 2019

No one writes crime fiction quite like Yrsa Sigurdardottir. Dark and gritty, layered and complex, Yrsa’s exceptional crime novels are must-reads for any fan of the Nordic Noir genre - or any reader who just wants a great procedural to sink their teeth into. In 2018, Yrsa launched her new series (the Children’s House series) in the U.S. with The Legacy - and this week, she’s back with book two, THE RECKONING - and it’s every bit as good as its predecessor. The Children’s House series is quickly becoming one of my personal favorites; these books are unflinching in their examination of the lasting legacy of childhood trauma, exploring difficult themes with sensitivity and thoughtfulness. And beyond that, they’re just fantastic crime reading, filled with all the atmosphere and intrigue of the best mysteries. I’m thrilled to welcome Yrsa to Crime by the Book today to give us the inside scoop on her newest release, THE RECKONING! In this Q&A, Yrsa touches on everything from her series’ two protagonists to her writing process to how dangerous Iceland really is. Read on for more details on THE RECKONING, and for my Q&A with Yrsa!

Feb 15, 2019
Feb 14, 2019
Book Review: THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths
Feb 14, 2019

How is this the first time I’ve read a book by Elly Griffiths? There’s no other way to say it: I’ve been missing out. Griffiths’ exceptional standalone THE STRANGER DIARIES is a spring 2019 must-read. Layered and immersive, atmospheric and authentic, this brilliant twist on Gothic suspense will captivate the reader. Following Clare Cassidy, a teacher who specializes in Gothic literature, THE STRANGER DIARIES takes readers into a bookish mystery with sinister undertones. When one of Clare’s closest colleagues is found murdered, Clare is grief-stricken—but things take an ominous turn when a clue is discovered on the corpse that tie the gruesome crime to the work of a Gothic writer who happens to be one of Clare’s favorites. Could life be imitating art? As Clare ventures into the dark heart of the goings on at her place of employment, it begins to appear that this work of fiction is playing out in the real world—to deadly end. In THE STRANGER DIARIES, Griffiths masterfully blends Gothic influence with modern-day suspense sensibility, and the result is effortless, spine-tingling, page-turning fun. Masterfully blurring the lines between reality and fiction, Elly Griffiths has crafted an exceptional bookish mystery that is both an ode to Gothic literature and an effective work of Gothic suspense unto itself.

Feb 14, 2019
Feb 12, 2019
Q&A: Lucy Foley, Author of THE HUNTING PARTY
Feb 12, 2019

Fans of Agatha Christie and Ruth Ware, listen up: today’s featured book is for you! I’m thrilled to welcome Lucy Foley to Crime by the Book today to discuss her brand-new suspense novel, THE HUNTING PARTY - available today, February 12th! This stylish, atmospheric suspense novel takes the concept of the “locked room mystery” and applies it to a luxurious hunting lodge in the Scottish highlands, where a group of friends find themselves snowed in during a blizzard. Part ode to classic crime in the style of Agatha Christie, part modern story of psychological suspense, THE HUNTING PARTY is seriously entertaining and appealing on so many levels. From its claustrophobic premise to its swoon-worthy locale and juicy interpersonal secrets, THE HUNTING PARTY is a fantastic choice for winter reading. Fans of Ruth Ware - and readers who just plain love a fun, engaging suspense read - will find Lucy Foley’s newest release right up their alley.

Feb 12, 2019
Feb 6, 2019
Q&A: C.J. Tudor, Author of THE HIDING PLACE
Feb 6, 2019

C.J. Tudor has quickly established herself as one of my favorite crime writers. Her debut novel THE CHALK MAN blew me away; her sophomore novel THE HIDING PLACE - released this week - is even better. Tudor is a fierce talent: a writer who blurs genre lines, pushes the envelope, and delivers stories as smart as they are creepy. I’m thrilled to welcome C.J. Tudor to CBTB today to discuss her brand-new release, THE HIDING PLACE! (Note: In the U.K., this book is titled The Taking of Annie Thorne.) Read on for the book’s plot details, a snippet from my review of THE HIDING PLACE, and a fantastic conversation with C.J. Tudor herself!

Feb 6, 2019
Feb 5, 2019
New Release Tuesday: February 5th, 2019
Feb 5, 2019

Clear your TBR list: today’s newly-released crime fiction begs to be read immediately. Today, Tuesday, February 5th, marks the release of not one, not two, not three, but four exciting new crime fiction releases—and this blog post will give you a quick rundown of each! From a debut psychological suspense novel to a new Nordic Noir release from one of Scandinavia’s bestselling authors, there’s a fantastic variety of stellar crime fiction on sale today. Read on for my picks for this week’s new crime fiction!

Feb 5, 2019
Jan 29, 2019
Excerpt: THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths
Jan 29, 2019

A modern take on Gothic suspense with a literary twist? Sign me up. I first learned of Griffiths’ forthcoming standalone suspense novel THE STRANGER DIARIES at Bouchercon this past fall, and have been eagerly anticipating its release ever since. In THE STRANGER DIARIES, Griffiths (best known for her Ruth Galloway series) crafts a suspense novel centered around a teacher of Gothic literature, who finds the plot of one of the books she uses in her courses playing out in real life… to potentially deadly end. From its stunning cover to its bookish plot and Gothic-inspired touches, THE STRANGER DIARIES has all the makings of an instant-favorite for me - and I couldn’t be more excited to give you the inside scoop on this book today! Thanks to the team at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, I’m thrilled to share with CBTB readers an early excerpt of the book’s first chapter. THE STRANGER DIARIES releases in the US in March, but you can get a taste of Griffiths’ captivating writing right here. And let me just say: I’m currently reading THE STRANGER DIARIES, and have found it to be absolutely gripping from page one. So far, it’s exceeding all my expectations, and I can’t wait for you to give it a read, too! Read on for plot details, a selection of the incredible early praise the book is already receiving, links to pre-order, and (of course!) the excerpt itself.

Jan 29, 2019
Jan 27, 2019
Book Review: RED SNOW by Will Dean
Jan 27, 2019

In 2018, Will Dean captured the attention of crime readers around the world with his chilling debut, DARK PINES. Now, he’s back—and his sophomore novel is even better than his first. In RED SNOW, readers return to the fictional town of Gavrik, Sweden, and to all its glorious quirkiness and personality. But there’s something sinister happening in this quiet town. First, a suicide; then, a gruesome, almost ritualistic murder—what could be next? Rejoining series protagonist Tuva Moodyson, a reporter for the town’s local newspaper, readers will go down the rabbit hole and into the twisting, turning case of “the Ferryman,” a killer so named due to the licorice coins he placed over the eyes of his victim. RED SNOW is, as expected, a highly atmospheric and chilling thriller. But even better is what I didn’t expect this story to be, and that is a touch zany and brimming with personality. Dean masterfully laces his crime novel with quirks and quiet jokes galore; this isn’t a comic novel by any stretch of the imagination, but it is a crime novel with a dark, eccentric sense of humor. (Fans of Twin Peaks, this one’s for you.) RED SNOW is a fresh take on northern crime fiction, guaranteed to deliver thrills and a few laughs along the way.

Jan 27, 2019
Jan 23, 2019
Your Early 2019 Nordic Noir Reading List
Jan 23, 2019

Nothing beats a great Scandinavian crime novel in the chilly winter months, and this winter is brimming with fantastic Nordic Noir for you to devour. Whether you’re a fan of paperbacks or hardcovers, series installments or standalones, there’s a Nordic crime novel for you releasing this winter—and you’ll find my personal picks for highly-anticipated early 2019 releases right here! In this post, I’m rounding up the most exciting Scandinavian crime fiction releasing from January 2019 through March 2019. Some of these titles are paperback releases of hardcovers I’ve already read (and loved!), some are brand-new hardcovers that I haven’t even read yet—but they’re all highly-anticipated releases that I’m so excited to share with you! If you’re looking for a new Nordic Noir release (or two!) to devour this winter, look no further: your early 2019 Nordic Noir reading list is right here.

Jan 23, 2019
Jan 20, 2019
Book Review: THE BONE KEEPER by Luca Veste
Jan 20, 2019

Luca Veste’s chilling standalone crime novel THE BONE KEEPER will add a welcome dose of spine-tingling fun to your early-2019 TBR. Part police procedural, part urban legend, THE BONE KEEPER reads like the creepiest story kids in your neighborhood used to tell to scare each other… only this time, it’s all grown up, and it might just be real. In his newest work, Veste slyly weaves together a detail-oriented police procedural with a story of suspense that’s the stuff of nightmares—and the result is the twisted, engrossing THE BONE KEEPER. The ideal reader for THE BONE KEEPER will be one who loves an immersive, layered police procedural, replete with all the details of a police investigation, but who also looks for books with a unique edge and personality—all qualities that THE BONE KEEPER has in spades. This slow-burning crime novel will best suit readers who love a traditional police procedural structure; if you fall into that category, you will find THE BONE KEEPER to be a highly original - and highly creepy - winter read.

Jan 20, 2019
Jan 18, 2019
CBTB's Weekend Checklist - 1/18/19
Jan 18, 2019

Happy Friday, reader! With a long weekend ahead of us in the U.S., I thought this would be the perfect moment to share my first “Weekend Checklist” of 2019! If you’re a new CBTB reader, my “weekend checklists” are every-so-often features that I share, in which I round up all the different crime fiction entertainment I’m recommending - and enjoying myself! - over the weekend. In this post, you’ll find recommendations for a weekend binge-read, a TV show I’m personally watching myself, a true crime podcast, and more. These posts are always such fun to put together, and I hope you’ll love reading this Weekend Checklist as much as I loved writing it! Without further ado, let’s dive right in. Happy reading!

Jan 18, 2019
In Crime Books of the Year Tags Best Crime Books of 2017, Jo Nesbo, Clare Mackintosh, JP Delaney, MJ Arlidge, Matt Wesolowski, Ragnar Jonasson, Peter Swanson, Michael Robotham, Emily Carpenter
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Hunting Game (An Embla Nyström Investigation)
By Helene Tursten

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Feb 15, 2019
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Feb 15, 2019
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Book Review: THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths
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Q&A: Lucy Foley, Author of THE HUNTING PARTY
Feb 12, 2019
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⚡️ FLASH INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY! ⚡️
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It’s Friday & I feel like we could use a pick me up. 😉 SO I want to give one of you a copy of one of these awesome crime reads!! 🕵🏻‍♀️ I’ve been feeling so lucky lately with how stellar my 2019 reads have been so far, so this giveaway will help spread the love 😍 One lucky winner will receive a copy of one of these reads - winner gets to choose the book! 🤓❤️ •
A quick summary of these books: 🔎 THE STRANGER DIARIES: A modern take on Gothic suspense, with a “book within a book” component! 🤓
🔎 THE HIDING PLACE: spine-tingling suspense with horror touches (think Stephen King) 😱
🔎 THE BONE KEEPER: a procedural-meets-serial killer novel with some horror inspired elements 🕵🏻‍♀️
🔎 HUNTING GAME: a mystery that reads like a classic crime novel, set in rural Sweden. 🙌🏻
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GIVEAWAY RULES: 🔎 International entrants! Just make sure BookDepository ships to your country, please! 🔎 Giveaway closes Monday, 2/25
TO ENTER: 🔎 Follow @crimebythebook 🔎 Tag 2 friends in the comments
🔎 For one extra entry, share in the comments! 🔎 Reminder: Giveaway not affiliated with or sponsored by Instagram. 
GOOD LUCK! 🕵🏻‍♀️
These NYC views never get old. ♡ Snapped this photo in Madison Square Park! 📸 •
Now, I realize this is a VERY good problem to have: but does anyone else ever feel like there are just *too* many great books coming out to keep up with?! 😳 I’m normally SUCH a mood reader, but I’ve got so many books on my to-read list that I’ve had to get a bit more organized to make time for all of them. 😂 A great problem, to be sure - but something I’m trying to stay very much on top of. 🤓
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SO to that end... I’m so excited bc next on my TBR is the newest read from a CBTB favorite!!!🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 Sara Blaedel has the 2nd book in her Family Secrets trilogy releasing in March - it’s called HER FATHER’S SECRET, and it releases March 5th! Blaedel first came on my radar years & years ago with her Louise Rick procedurals, and I’ve been a fan of hers ever since. 🙌🏻 While the Family Secrets Trilogy is VERY different from the Louise Rick series, both have endearing characters who I just love spending time with. 👌🏻 The Family Secrets books are definitely a lighter brand of suspense than Blaedel’s Louise Rick books: if you love gritty police procedurals, the Louise Rick books will be more your speed. BUT I’m currently in the mood for something a bit gentler & more cozy - and that’s exactly the kind of read the Family Secrets books deliver. 🤓 I’ll share more info on the plot for HER FATHER’S SECRET - plus my early reading thoughts - soon!!🖤 •
Do you have a set TBR that you read from? Or are you a mood reader?!
No bookish lunch break for me today, but I’m daydreaming that I’m back in this perfect reading spot 👆🏻 with that gorgeous latte 😍☕️
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I realized (thanks to Facebook 😂) that today is my 1 year anniversary at my job!!!😱 Time flies. It feels like just yesterday I was sharing with you guys all about my new opportunity, & now here we are. It’s been an incredible 1 year at Knopf, working with some of the best crime writers in the world, and I cannot wait to see what year 2 has in store. 🕵🏻‍♀️❤️ Even though CBTB is totally separate from my job in book publishing, I’ve loved getting to share little bits of my work life with you guys over this past year - thank you so much for going on this adventure with me!!😍❤️ In honor of the 1 year anniversary, I’ll be opening up a little bit about my “work life” in the comments - please feel free to ask any questions you have!!! (Background info for those of you new to CBTB: I work in book publicity!) I’ll be answering questions tonight! 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤
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In reading news, I’ve picked out my next read & it’s one I’m SO excited about bc it’s from an author I’ve been reading for years & years now!!! I’ll be sharing more about my next read tomorrow or maybe in my IG stories tonight if I can tear myself away from blogging in time to get some stories up. 😉 Stay tuned!!🤓❤️
May this cute little bear latte art brighten your day as much as it brightened mine. 🥰🙌🏻 •
So... guess who finished her latest read in just about 2 sittings...?! 🤔 It’s been just about forever since I binge-read a book quite as quickly as I did HUNTING GAME by Helene Tursten. And the greatest irony of all? I thought this was going to be a really slow-burning read that would take me a little while to get through. 😂 Here’s the thing: HUNTING GAME *is* a slow-burner of a story, but it’s also delightfully readable. This is a quiet sort of mystery; it’s grounded in reality and focused more on atmosphere-building & character development than flashy twists or gory violence. It’s got a fantastic premise that feels inspired by the “locked room mystery”: a group of hunters in rural Sweden are struck by tragedy when two of their own go missing, and suspicion falls on the group. 🔎 Tursten does a fantastic job crafting an immersive mystery that will keep you engaged with steady pacing, spare prose, and compact chapters. If you’re a fan of classic detective novels, it will be RIGHT up your alley. 👌🏻 •
Who here loves a good classic detective story?! 🕵🏻‍♀️ What are some of your favorites?
Wintry Nordic mystery with a strong female protagonist? Sign me up. 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 Many thanks to Soho Press for my review copy of Helene Tursten’s HUNTING GAME, on sale February 26th! 🔎
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One of the questions I get most often is “don’t you ever get tired of reading crime novels?!” And the answer is, invariably, no - because the crime genre encompasses SO much. 🙌🏻 My personal trick that helps keep things fresh for me as a reader = I mix up the sub-genres I’m reading back to back. SO because my last read (THE WOMAN IN THE DARK) was a fast-paced psychological suspense novel, I’m opting to make my next read something more atmospheric & slow-burning - and Helene Tursten’s HUNTING GAME looks just the thing to suit my mood. 👌🏻🖤
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A little backstory: Helene Tursten is best known for her Irene Huss series, which has been translated into 18 languages (!) *and* adapted into a television series. BUT with her new book, HUNTING GAME, she launches a brand-new series featuring a totally new protagonist: Detective Inspector Embla Nyström. 🕵🏻‍♀️
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Embla Nyström is a 28-year old detective working for the police in Gothenburg, Sweden. Plagued by chronic nightmares and anxiety for as long as she can remember, Embla has learned to channel her emotions and anxious energy into her work, and into sports - she is both a talented hunter and a prize-winning welterweight boxer. 💪🏻 When readers meet her in HUNTING GAME, Embla is taking a vacation from her high-stress job, traveling to her uncle’s cabin in the countryside with a group of fellow hunters. But when a string of unsettling incidents occur, culminating in the disappearance of two of the group, Embla takes charge, delving into the dark past of her traveling companions in search of a killer. 🔎
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I’ve been loving the resurgence of “locked room” style mysteries we’ve been seeing lately - and HUNTING GAME sounds like it might have some similar structures to it!! 👌🏻 I’m excited to give this one a read. 🤓 What do you think: does this sound up your alley?! 🔎
🕵🏻‍♀️ FRIDAY GIVEAWAY 🕵🏻‍♀️ I’m so excited to team up with @Minotaur_Books to give away 5 hardcover copies of THE RECKONING, the brilliant new book by Yrsa Sigurdardottir! 🔎
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Yrsa Sigurdardottir (aka Iceland’s Queen of Crime 🇮🇸) is one of my favorite authors. 👌🏻 If you’re a fan of Nordic Noir, her books belong on your TBR! 🤓 This week, Yrsa’s newest book THE RECKONING went on sale in the US, & today on the blog I’m sharing a Q&A with Yrsa giving you a behind-the-scenes peek into the read! 🔎 In our Q&A, you can learn about the characters central to this story, the inspiration behind the book, how dangerous Iceland *really* is, & a whole lot more!! Direct link in my IG profile 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤
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SO to celebrate this book’s release, I’m teaming up with Minotaur to give 5 lucky readers a copy! 🤓 Enter below! •
GIVEAWAY RULES: 🔎 Giveaway closes 2/22
🔎 US entrants only 
TO ENTER:
🔎 Follow @minotaur_books & @crimebythebook 🔎 Like this photo & tag 2 friends in the comments 🔎 For one extra entry, share in your stories! 🔎 Reminder: giveaway not affiliated with or sponsored by Instagram. 
GOOD LUCK! 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤
PSA to my future Valentine: I really only want books for Valentine’s Day. 😉❤️ (Or a trip back to Iceland to visit this gorgeous bookstore would work, too! 😂) •
If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day today, I hope you’re having a wonderful day!! If, like me, you’re celebrating another Thriller Thursday filled with good books, I hope you’re having a great day too 😉🤓 BUT speaking of things to love: today on my blog I’m sharing a full review of THE STRANGER DIARIES by Elly Griffiths, available in the US on March 5th! I absolutely adored this bookish mystery & its Gothic touches, and can’t wait for you guys to get your hands on it. 👌🏻🙌🏻 Direct link to my review in my IG profile! 🕵🏻‍♀️
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My plans tonight will involve making progress in my current read (THE WOMAN IN THE DARK by Vanessa Savage) annnd probably watching a horror movie with my roomie. 😂 I’m just about done with THE WOMAN IN THE DARK, and I’m definitely enjoying a good deal about it... but I’m still just not 100% sold. 🤔 I will say, though, that this book has improved quite significantly the more it’s progressed - it’s definitely becoming creepier & creepier, which I’m loving. 👌🏻 Full review to come on this one soon! •
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day... Who are some of your favorite “book boyfriends” and/or “book girlfriends”?! My fave book boyfriend is (obviously😂) Harry Hole, from Jo Nesbø’s series!🕵🏻‍♀️
Halfway through the week & halfway through my current read 🕵🏻‍♀️, both thanks to coffee. 😉☕️
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In case you missed it: yesterday on the blog I shared a Q&A with Lucy Foley, author of THE HUNTING PARTY - which went on sale in the US yesterday!! 🎉 I absolutely *loved* learning more about this fantastic atmospheric locked room mystery from its very talented author ♡ head to my website via the link in my IG profile to read the Q&A! 🤓
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In reading news... I’m happy to report my experience with my current read (THE WOMAN IN THE DARK by Vanessa Savage, on sale in March) has improved quite a bit!! 👌🏻 This story definitely got off to a rocky start, with rushed pacing & abrupt character introductions. But the more time I spend reading it, the more I’m getting into the flow of the story. It has a VERY creepy atmosphere, which I’m loving: a house known as the “Murder House”, aka a home where a terrible crime was committed. 😳 It’s definitely quite chilling, which I’m enjoying!! So far, I’m leaning towards making this one a book I’d recommend you borrow from your library, rather than spend $$ buying - but I’ll keep you guys posted as I reach the book’s conclusion! 👍🏻
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It’s the middle of the week, so let’s do some cheerleading for ourselves! What’s one thing you’ve accomplished so far this week that you’re particularly excited about?! For me, I’m excited because I *finally* feel on top of my content plans for my website - which was no small task. 😂
Wishing I could be at this pretty little coffee shop this afternoon with my current read ♡ •
I’m about 70-ish pages into THE WOMAN IN THE DARK by Vanessa Savage, and so far I’m having some mixed feelings. I love the concept behind this book: it’s totally creepy & chilling, and reminds me of a scary movie, which I love. 😉👌🏻 It’s also got a nice gloomy, chilling sense of place in the seaside town where the “Murder House” is - not to mention I love stories that center around buildings with dark histories! BUT so far my experience has been that it’s a bit abrupt somehow. 🤔 As in, I felt like I was dropped into the story without much introduction, and then the story has pretty quickly forward without enough time spent setting the scene/establishing the personalities and stories of each character. I’m definitely going to continue reading with an open mind - I’m just hoping I get a bit more backstory & depth of character development as the book progresses! I’ll keep you guys posted! •
What kind of settings do you find most compelling in a crime story?! Personally, I’m always drawn to stories that center around creepy houses with bizarre histories, psychiatric institutions, and/or Scandinavian cities/towns!! 😉🖤
Headed back to NYC & ready to dig into my next read, courtesy of @GrandCentralPub 🕵🏻‍♀️ THE WOMAN IN THE DARK by Vanessa Savage is available March 12th, & sounds all kinds of creepy 👌🏻 sign me up! •
Who here loves all things horror?! 🙋🏻‍♀️ I’m a HUGE horror movie fan, and I love crime novels that incorporate horror-inspired touches. 👌🏻 (E.g. FINAL GIRLS by Riley Sager, THE WEIGHT OF LIES by Emily Carpenter, & THE HIDING PLACE by C.J. Tudor, to name a few!) If this describes you, too, then my next read is one to keep your eye on. 🤓 The plot of this book makes me think of Season 1 of American Horror Story - anyone else?! (Read on for plot info!)
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THE WOMAN IN THE DARK follows a married couple whose life is shattered by the passing of wife Sarah’s mother. Mired in grief and depression at the loss of her mother, Sarah begins to lose a grip on her life. Her husband, Patrick, is desperate to help his wife process her grief and find her footing again. To give the family a fresh start, he moves them to the idyllic beachside home where he grew up. The only problem? The house has stood empty for 15 years, ever since the previous occupants were murdered within its walls. Patrick has faith this can be their dream home... but with the locals whispering that the house is haunted, Sarah can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. Not with the house, not with the town, and not even with her beloved husband, whose stories of his childhood aren’t adding up... can Sarah uncover the secrets of the Murder House before another family is destroyed? 😳
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I’m totally here for thrillers that have horror touches to them, and this book sure sounds like it does!! I’m hoping this will be a creepy & spine-tingling read - I’ll keep you guys posted. 🕵🏻‍♀️ What do you think: does this sound up your alley?!

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