As a crime fiction reader, what could be better than finding a psychological thriller that is so effective and immersive in its portrayal of an unhinged mindset that it actually makes you start to feel just a bit unhinged yourself? Finding a book that does this effectively is never easy, but today’s featured title does it in spades. IN THE VINES by Shannon Kirk will make for twisted, page-turning summer reading - a shocking and purely entertaining psychological suspense novel for the reader who doesn’t want to just see the deterioration of the story’s main characters, but wants to feel it, too. Kirk has written an immersive, addictive story of toxic family secrets and the fallout of their surfacing. From its atmospheric backdrop (a seaside New England estate, now falling into disrepair) to its vivid, impactful writing and (let’s not forget) genuinely twisted central mystery, IN THE VINES delivers the total package - and makes for the perfect addition to your summer reading list.
Read MoreAuthor Q&A: Simone St. James, THE BROKEN GIRLS
I recently read - and loved! - Simone St. James’ propulsive suspense novel THE BROKEN GIRLS—a mystery with a ghost story twist, set against the backdrop of an all-girls boarding school in rural Vermont. There’s a little something for everyone to love here: from interpersonal secrets to a richly atmospheric locale to a genuinely chilling (yet tastefully done) supernatural component. THE BROKEN GIRLS releases today (March 20th, 2018) from Berkley - and I’m delighted to celebrate its publication by welcoming Simone St. James to CBTB to talk about her brand-new release!
Read MoreRecommended Weekend Binge-Reads
It’s Friday, which can only mean one thing: it’s time to set your weekend reading list! If you’re like me, weekends are the perfect time to get cozy and bury your nose in a totally addictive, genuinely unputdownable read. Thankfully, crime fiction has (in my humble - and totally biased) opinion, some of the most accessible, most entertaining binge-reads out there - and today, I’m rounding up a few of them for your weekend TBR!
Read MoreAuthor Q&A: Clare Mackintosh, LET ME LIE
Clare Mackintosh’s books have been a staple of Crime by the Book ever since I first started this blog - her debut novel I LET YOU GO was actually one of the first books I ever received for review on CBTB! I can’t help but be in a constant state of looking forward to the next Mackintosh release - and this week, the wait is over... at least for the time being! Clare’s newest book LET ME LIE releases in the US this week, and today I’m delighted to share a Q&A with Clare herself to discuss her new book, her career as a police officer (!!), and a whole lot more.
Read MoreBook Review: THE GIRL IN THE ICE by Robert Bryndza
THE GIRL IN THE ICE by Robert Bryndza (Grand Central; 4/24/18) was a comfort read for me - and I mean that in the best possible way. From its compelling female lead to its breezy pacing and addictive tension, Bryndza’s police procedural struck exactly the right chord for this reader. Fans of M.J. Arlidge will find Bryndza’s work right up their alley - THE GIRL IN THE ICE has a similar tone to Arlidge’s DI Helen Grace books, which, if you know me, you’ll know I mean as a high compliment. Pick this one up for a weekend binge-read - you'll find Bryndza's world instantly-accessible, his characters compelling and endearing, and his story's central mystery wholly engrossing.
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