We all know how much I love a dark, disturbing crime novel—but sometimes, even I need something lighter and more escapist. Enter what I like to call “popcorn thrillers.” Binge-worthy as a bowl of popcorn and brimming with as much entertainment value as your favorite movie, a “popcorn thriller” is one of those irresistible, lighter suspense novels that make for the perfect escapist, one-sitting read. This is an entirely arbitrary category of thriller, but it’s one that you’ve probably heard me refer to a lot here on CBTB—and it’s a category that (based on conversations I’ve had with folks in this community!) so many of you seem to really enjoy. Today’s blog post is exactly what its title says: a place for me to collect my recommendations for “popcorn thrillers,” and a resource for you to return to when you’re looking for your next read in this category! I’m keeping this blog post simple: there aren’t any bells & whistles here, simply a running list of “popcorn thrillers” that I personally love. Under each book’s listing, you’ll find the publisher-provided descriptive copy for the book, and a buy link so you can check it out for yourself.
Read MoreCBTB'S RECOMMENDED "POPCORN THRILLERS"
CBTB's Best Crime Books of January 2022
It’s hard to believe we’re already more than a month into 2022—where has the time gone?! The first month of this year may have flown by, but it brought with it some outstanding new crime novels that deserve a moment of our time before we turn our attention fully to February. To that end, in today’s blog post, I’m rounding up my personal picks for best new crime books published in January 2022! From epistolary mysteries to dark Nordic serial killer thrillers and more, this month brought with it a terrific lineup of new crime stories for us to devour—and you can learn more about my four personal favorites in this post! Without further ado, let’s dive on in. Happy reading!
Read MoreHalloween Reading List: Ania Ahlborn Guest Post
Happy, Happy October!! Halloween is just around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time to stock up on spooky reads to get you in the Halloween spirit! While the majority of books I read and review here on Crime by the Book could work for your Halloween TBR, I decided to turn to the experts for advice. I’m delighted to share a fantastic Halloween guest post from Ania Ahlborn, queen of all things Halloween and horror, recommending her top Halloween reads for your TBR!
Read MoreFall 2017 Nordic Noir Reading List
There’s nothing better than a good Scandinavian crime novel. The genre’s grit, moody atmosphere, sharp social commentary, and complex characters never fail to deliver my favorite crime fiction reads—and this fall is going to be a huge one for new Scandinavian crime releases! Organized by month, CBTB’s Fall 2017 Nordic Noir Reading List is your guide to all the upcoming releases that will be on my TBR—and that should be on your list too.
Read MoreReading List: Non-Traditional Nordic Noir
Today I’m sharing a reading list of 3 non-traditional Nordic crime stories: stories that are more lyrical and less violent than your standard Nordic Noir fare, but just as chilling and engrossing as their police procedural counterparts.
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