Love, Life, & Beyond

Since I realised how limited my reading scope has been, I have been trying to read books from all over the world. There is such richness and diversity of ideas in these books; astonishingly, I had missed out on them for so long. 

This year, I’ve been reading suspense/thrillers from all around the world. From Scandinavian noir’s unhurried chilling mysteries and complex Japanese intrigues to America’s fast-paced thrillers, I’ve explored different styles and themes of mystery potboilers from around the globe.

Come with me to explore this fascinating world and dive into the intricate plotlines, gripping characters, and captivating settings that make these novels so popular. Whether you’re a fan of classic detective stories or prefer the heart-pounding suspense of modern thrillers, you’re sure to find something that’ll have your heart racing.

Check my article on Mystery and Suspense from North America and South Asia.

So sit back, relax, and let’s explore the world of suspense and mystery together!

A Man Lay Dead by Ngaio Marsh:

This series of whodunits is in the same vein as the classic Hercule Poirot mysteries. Set in the early 1900s, the stories feature Inspector Alleyn, a charming detective who tackles murder cases in the backdrop of London. Despite the author’s New Zealand origins, her novels unfold in the heart of London, offering readers a glimpse into the society of that era. Inspector Alleyn and his friend Nigel meticulously unravel the motives behind each murder. In a unique twist, he concludes his investigations by asking all the involved parties to reenact the critical scene, adding a distinctive element to the storytelling.

Author: Ngaio Marsh was a renowned New Zealand-born author celebrated for her contributions to the detective and mystery genres. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades for her work and was considered one of the four “Queens of Crime”. 

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty:

A murder, a tragic accident, or perhaps parents straying from the norm? What remains indisputable is that a life has been extinguished. In the journey to find out what happened, we meet some strong characters: Madeline, who is quick-witted and unforgiving; Celeste, who seems perfect, yet her facade of perfection exacts a toll; and Jane, who is the new arrival in town and a young single mother. These three women stand at different life crossroads, but their lives converge in a startling event.

The narrative keeps you in its unrelenting grip, and you can’t help but keep turning the pages. I loved the characters and the underlying drama in each of their lives. The story candidly addresses grave subjects like domestic violence and school bullying. 

Author: Liane Moriarty was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She is celebrated for her engaging and character-driven contemporary fiction novels, often exploring complex human relationships, secrets, and the dynamics of family and friendships. 

The Survivors by Jane Harper:

This book has a small-town feel where you walk most places and know almost everyone. Kieran and Mia have returned to where they witnessed tragedy many years ago, only to be confronted with it again. They can’t help but notice some similarities and how the attitudes of people they’ve known all their lives have changed over time. It also talks about the lives of people who have to live on after someone whom they loved has died before their time.

I liked the introduction to the characters and setting. The mystery of past events is not long drawn out, so the reader has some idea of what everyone is talking about. I have to admit I did not suspect who the killer turned out to be, which made the ending exciting for me.

Author: Jane Harper is an Australian author best known for her crime fiction novels. Her writing is known for its atmospheric descriptions of the Australian landscape and compelling characters. Harper has won several literary awards for her work, including the Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction, the Australian Book Industry Award for General Fiction Book of the Year, and the CWA Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel. Before becoming a full-time writer, Harper worked as a journalist for several years.

Death on Paradise Island by B.M. Allsopp

This is the first instalment in a series of novels set in Fiji, introducing Inspector Josefa Horseman and Sergeant Susila Singh of the Fiji Police Force. Horseman, a local hero known for his rugby skills, returns to his big family immersed in cultural traditions, only to have their celebrations interrupted by the death of a young girl near a resort on the coral reef. 

Horseman leads the investigation, aided by his new partner, Sergeant Singh, in a case that quickly becomes complex. The story balances the plot, character, and setting with a suspenseful narrative, richly executed main characters, and a vivid portrayal of Fiji’s tropical climate and laid-back lifestyle, creating an immersive and believable reading experience.

Author: B.M. Allsopp is the author of the Fiji Islands Mysteries series. An Australian, she lived in the South Pacific islands for fourteen years, including four in Fiji, where she worked at the University of the South Pacific in Suva. She now lives in Sydney with her husband and tabby cat.

A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao

Set in the colonial era, the story gives us an insight into the plight of the indentured plantation workers, mostly of Indian origin. When an Indian woman goes missing, no one bats an eye until a priest asks questions. Akal, the only Indian officer in the city, is assigned to put the case to rest without any fuss. He uncovers some dark secrets while working on the case that make him confront his own prejudices and feelings towards his fellow country folks.

Author: Nilima Rao is a Fijian Indian Australian author. Born in Fiji to parents whose ancestry traces back to sugar cane plantation workers, Nilima draws inspiration from this rich background for her debut novel. When not writing, she navigates the world of data in her day job.

After the Fall by Charity Norman

A family drama that starts with a child falling off a balcony in a rural New Zealand town and being airlifted to the nearest hospital. Once there, some suspicions are raised about how he fell. Everything is not as innocent as it seems. We delve into the family history as we uncover what really happened that night. 

The family drama is riveting, and the moral dilemma the mother is presented with at different points in her journey is interesting. Could she have made different choices? I enjoyed the book more after getting halfway through; it’s when things started getting intriguing.

Author: Charity Norman was born in Uganda and raised in England and New Zealand. Her diverse cultural background has often influenced her writing. She is renowned for her emotionally engaging and thought-provoking novels that often explore complex family dynamics and moral dilemmas.

Catching Teller Crow by Ambelin and Ezekiel Kwaymullina

Written in collaboration with his sister Ambelin, Ezekiel has portrayed the heartbreak of losing a child beautifully. Beth has died in an accident and has decided to stay on with her father to lessen his sadness. He can see and talk to her but cannot touch and feel. On one of his assignments as a police officer, he is asked to investigate a fire at a children’s home. One of the witnesses he meets can not only see his daughter’s ghost, but also has a wild tale of her own to tell. At first glance, it seems to be a fantastical, supernatural adventure, but as we near the end, the whole picture is revealed. It is beautifully narrated and has a heart-breaking history enmeshed with the Indigenous people of the land.

Author: Ezekiel Kwaymullina is an Australian author known for his work in children’s and young adult literature. He is of Aboriginal Australian descent and belongs to the Palyku people. His Indigenous heritage has significantly influenced his writing, allowing him to bring unique perspectives to his stories.

Ghost Bird by Lisa Fuller

The story begins when one part of mirror twin sisters goes missing, and the twin that is left behind, Stacey, starts to get flashes of where her sister might be in her vivid dreams. As the community searches for her, Stacey conducts her own search and learns of a similar abduction that had happened years before they were even born. She needs to find her sister before it is too late. The stark difference in attitudes towards Native peoples and White residents gets exposed, and the brutal history of the land leaves a permanent mark in the minds of people who live there. The book is a reminder of the effects of colonialism that the colonizers want to sweep under the rug.

Author: Lisa Fuller is a Wuilli Wuilli woman from Eidsvold, Queensland, and is also descended from Gooreng Gooreng and Wakka Wakka peoples. She is an editor and publishing consultant, and is passionate about culturally appropriate writing and publishing. She won a 2019 black&write! Writing Fellowship, the 2017 David Unaipon Award for an Unpublished Indigenous Writer, the 2018 Varuna Eleanor Dark Flagship Fellowship, and was a joint winner of the 2018 Copyright Agency Fellowships for First Nations Writers.

Note: Some links are part of an affiliate program, which means that if you click on a link and buy something, I might receive a percentage of the sale, at no extra cost to you.