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Crime by the Book

A girl investigates crime fiction from around the world, by the book.
  • Blog
  • Quick Reviews
  • Nordic Noir
    • Introduction
    • Background
    • Book Recommendations
    • By Country
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Features
  • #ReadWithCBTB
  • Features
  • Reading Lists
  • Events
  • Go-to Book Recs
  • As Seen In
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the cbtb blog

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

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Excerpt: WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins

August 23, 2017

Psychological thriller fans, mark your calendars: WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins releases in less than one month—and it’s a must-read. If you've already read my review of this offbeat and twisted story, you’ll know how much I loved it. WHITE BODIES is a breath of fresh air in the crime genre: it’s quirky, shocking, and genuinely addictive. Readers will be swept up in the story of Callie and Tilda, twin sisters with an unbreakable bond. But don’t just take my word for it: thanks to the publisher, you can read an excerpt of the book’s introduction and first chapter in this post! Read on for a plot summary and excerpt from WHITE BODIES by Jane Robins, on sale 9/19/17.

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In Excerpt Tags Excerpt, Psychological Thriller, Book Recommendation
2 Comments
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Author Q&A: Vidar Sundstøl, THE DEVIL'S WEDDING RING

August 21, 2017

I’m absolutely thrilled to share a Q&A with Norwegian crime writer Vidar Sundstøl, whose forthcoming crime book THE DEVIL’S WEDDING RING was an instant hit for me! Sundstøl is a masterful writer, and I can highly recommend THE DEVIL’S WEDDING RING for Scandinavian crime fiction fans looking to embrace something a little bit different, and totally engrossing. In this Q&A, Sundstøl covers everything from the inspiration for THE DEVIL’S WEDDING RING to his deep connection to his home, to the crime-solving librarian who plays a significant role in this outstanding crime read. 

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In Author Q&A, Scandinavian Crime Tags Author Q&A, Nordic Noir, Scandinavian Crime Fiction
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Book Review: BEST DAY EVER by Kaira Rouda

August 20, 2017

There's nothing more disappointing as a reader than picking up a book you're excited about, and strongly disliking the read. Unfortunately, my experience with BEST DAY EVER was not one I'd wish to repeat. What seemed intended to deliver a twisty domestic thriller with an unreliable narrator turned out to be dissatisfying at best, and at worst a simplistic and forced attempt at the psychological complexity a crime novel can offer. Newcomers to crime fiction might be, through no fault of their own, convinced that this kind of read is exemplary of the genre; I would welcome the opportunity to steer them in another direction. Crime fiction can offer readers true insight into human nature and the capacity for evil we all carry within us—BEST DAY EVER attempts, and fails, to achieve this. 

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In Book Review Tags Book Review, Psychological Thriller
1 Comment

Throwback Thursday Pick: ENDLESS NIGHT by Agatha Christie

August 16, 2017

While on vacation last weekend, I decided I was long overdue for a re-read of my favorite Agatha Christie novel, ENDLESS NIGHT. After posting about this book on Instagram, I was thrilled to hear from so many readers who had never heard of this book before! This Throwback Thursday, I want to take the opportunity to share with you why I consider ENDLESS NIGHT my favorite book written by the Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie.

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In Throwback Thursday, Book Recommendation Tags Throwback Thursday, Agatha Christie, Book Recommendation
4 Comments

Bloody Scotland Q&A: Bob McDevitt

August 15, 2017

I’m eagerly counting down the days until I make my first trip to Scotland for Bloody Scotland 2017! I’ll be packing my bags and hitting the road for this festival in early September, and I can’t wait to cover the festival on CBTB. In preparation for Bloody Scotland 2017, I’m thrilled to share a Q&A with Bob McDevitt, Director of the festival! In our Q&A, Bob shares a bit of background information about Bloody Scotland, recommends Scottish crime fiction authors, and much more. Many thanks to Bob for graciously taking the time to answer my questions! 

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In Crime Book Festival, Event Tags Crime Book Festival, Q&A, Event Preview
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September 6, 2023
Book Review: THE SEPTEMBER HOUSE by Carissa Orlando
September 6, 2023

Home ownership feel like a distant dream? Zillow listings have you convinced you’ll be renting for the rest of your life? The woman at the heart of Carissa Orlando’s debut The September House feels your pain—and she’s prepared to put up with a lot if it means she and her husband can finally have a place to call their own. In this case, that might just mean living in a house that’s haunted. Playful and irreverent, spine-tingling and spooky, The September House puts a fresh spin on the classic haunted house story, delivering an immersive tale about the secrets lurking within one building’s walls, and within the lives of its inhabitants.

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Announcing Crime by the Box!
August 12, 2023
Announcing Crime by the Box!
August 12, 2023

I am so thrilled to announce a new partnership between Crime by the Book and the amazing Murder by the Book, a crime fiction-focused independent bookstore here in Houston, TX. Starting this October, I am going to be teaming up with the bookstore to curate a book subscription service! Crime by the Box will deliver a hand-selected, newly-released hardcover mystery, thriller, or suspense novel right to your door on a monthly basis. Read on for all the details!

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August 12, 2023
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April 3, 2023
Cover Reveal + Sneak Peek: BLOOD SISTERS by Vanessa Lillie
April 3, 2023

I’m so honored to be able to reveal the cover for Vanessa Lillie’s buzz-worthy new mystery here on CBTB today! BLOOD SISTERS is a gripping mystery about a Cherokee archeologist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs who is summoned to rural Oklahoma to investigate the disappearance of two women…one of them her sister. The book has already been praised as “riveting” (Megan Miranda) and “bingeworthy” (Caroline Kepnes), and it’s sure to be one of fall’s must-read crime novels. BLOOD SISTERS will be published in September, but thanks to Vanessa and her publisher, we’re able to get an exclusive early glimpse into the book right here in today’s blog post! Read on to check out the book’s gorgeous cover, read a behind-the-scenes mini Q&A with Vanessa, and dip into the book’s first few pages! And make sure to preorder your copy of BLOOD SISTERS at your favorite bookstore while you’re at it. Huge thanks to Vanessa and her publisher for giving us this early sneak peek—I can’t wait to read BLOOD SISTERS this fall!

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April 3, 2023
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View fullsize My personal crime fiction collection 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 aka my favorite corner of my apartment. 📚🙌🏻 If anyone feels so inclined, I’d love to see what YOUR bookshelves look like! Snap a pic, share in your stories, & tag me - I’d love to
View fullsize I can never say no to a creepy read with a gorgeous black & white cover. 🕵🏻‍♀️🤍🖤 next on my TBR: THE SHADOWS by Alex North, available on my birthday, 7/7!!😉🔎 (huge thank you to @celadonbooks for this review copy!🤓) •
Thank you guy
View fullsize Being stuck at home isn’t so bad when you’ve got a massive stack of books to read. 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 What’s on your social-distancing TBR?! 📖
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I went WAY overboard with books I brought home to CT for my self-isolation TBR list. ?
View fullsize Early afternoon light & a large latte ☕️ & a gripping crime read 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 aka the perfect combination 🙌🏻
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This right here is my usual Sunday tradition 👆🏻 BUT I’ll be spending this Sunday (and this coming week, and probabl
View fullsize My last day in the city for a while calls for a lunch break coffee stop ☕️🖤 with my totally gripping current read 🕵🏻‍♀️
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Today is my last day in Manhattan for a while 😔 we’re all transitioning to working from home to try and preve
View fullsize In the midst of a crazy week, my brain needs a quick, binge-worthy read, and I think this beauty right here is just the ticket. 👌🏻🖤 NO BAD DEED by Heather Chavez is on sale now, and I can’t wait to dive in! 🕵🏻‍♀️
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Friends, I can&
View fullsize Happy Monday, friends! 🖤 Back in NYC and back to work after an amazing (if much too short) visit to Oslo 🇳🇴 annnd currently drinking a cold brew ☕️ at my desk & hoping it keeps me awake this afternoon 😂 jet lag + not enough sleep last night =
View fullsize Last looks at beautiful Oslo 🇳🇴 for this trip. ❤️ So very sad to leave, but I’m bringing wonderful memories & a suitcase stuffed with books 📚 back to NYC with me. 😉 See you soon, Oslo... you know I can’t stay away for long. 🥰❤️
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View fullsize Spent today doing all my favorite things in Oslo, so obviously a coffee stop was included. ☕️🖤 How are you spending your Saturday?! •
Okay I used to always think the phrase “living your best life” was SO cheesy but if I’m bein
View fullsize *Years* of admiring this Norwegian edition of my favorite book (THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbø) have finally resulted in this. 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 Best. Purchase. Ever. 🙌🏻
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Does anyone else collect books by a favorite author?! 📚 I don’t have

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