Love, Life, & Beyond

This year, for my reading challenge, I wanted to read mystery and suspense books from around the world. What started with just a handful of books snowballed into a more extensive collection of different story-telling techniques and subject matter within the same genre. 

Do check out the first article in the series: The Thrilling World of Mystery: Exploring the Best Thriller Novels from Around the Globe (Oceania)

As the pages turned and plot twists unfolded, each mystery and thriller book became a gripping escape into a fast-paced world of suspense and intrigue. In this post, I’ve listed all the heart-racing page-turners I’ve read this year.

This is just one of three posts on my 2023 Reading Challenge. My other posts list Biographies and Fiction/Non-Fiction books I read in 2023.

A Man Lay Dead / Enter a Murderer / The Nursing Home Murder 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.

The Secret in Their Eyes by Eduardo Sacheri:

Benjamin Chaparro is called to investigate the murder of a woman at her own home. He narrates the events that follow as if he were writing his own book. He also is in love with a woman he cannot have. The story spans around 30 years, and each time you think the plot is winding down, it takes a new turn instead. In the background is Argentina in the 1970s, with all its political turmoil and how that affected its people and establishments. The ending makes you think about what you would have done if you were any of the characters. When justice doesn’t seem enough, do you seek revenge or move on?

The Blue Bar by Damyanti Biswas:

A fast-paced murder investigation that unveils the dirty underbelly of Mumbai—gangsters, politicians, movie stars, police, and the ones getting used by them all. We follow Inspector Arnav as he investigates a series of gruesome murders of women. But then, as influential people get involved, there’s pressure from his own bosses to ignore the case. Whom can he trust that hasn’t been lured in by corruption? Meanwhile, his lost love, Tara, is back in town and is unknowingly tied to his case. It was an exciting read, although if I were to sit and poke holes, there were a few loopholes (Who has a phone without a password, that too a mafia soldier?).

An Eye for an Eye by Carol Wyer:

A female protagonist, a murder mystery, a twist in the tale, and a lead-in to keep you glued to the next book in the series—this book has it all. Kate has been asked to cut short her break to recover from mental trauma and investigate the murder of a high-profile man. As she navigates the murky details of the gruesome murders, she also has an inkling that her bosses are withholding crucial information from her. It is a fast-paced book, and you’re eager to uncover the person and reason behind the murders. The writing style keeps you on edge even though the author drops plenty of friendly hints before the main reveal. By the end of the book, you’re looking forward to the next installment to see if she can expose the ‘bad apples’ in her department.

The Girl Who Died by Ragnar Jonasson:

I could envision this televised version playing out as I read it. The isolated town of Skalar at the edge of the world with just 10 inhabitants would be a dreaded location in itself. Add to it a haunted house and secrets no one wants to divulge; it becomes a place any newcomer would flee within days. Una accepted the offer to teach two young girls for the winter because she needed a change. But she got more than she signed up for. She decides to stick around despite the ominous events till she finds out the truth. If you’ve watched any Nordic crime shows, you’ll love this book’s vibe.

Mother Dear by Nova Lee Maier:

When you know how the murder was committed and by whom within the first few chapters, you know something more sinister is in store. With its short chapters that end in cliffhangers, the book kept me reading till the end. Helen, a wife and mom of teenagers is trying to form a closer bond with her husband and kids since everyone has a busy life of their own. When a murder is thrown into the mix, she is even more alert. Meanwhile, Ralf is just another misunderstood teenager who is trying to find his way in the world of adults who don’t trust him. Their paths cross in an unexpected way, leading to a slightly predictable but exciting end. 

Attack in the Library by George Arion:

Writing a murder mystery while depicting the failures of the government of the time and making sure to evade the censorship of said government makes for great reading. Set during Romania’s austerity measures in the 1980s, at first glance, the book is your regular murder in the library of a journalist who, instead of reporting it to the police, tries to cover it up. His reflections and efforts are humorous at times. But if you read between the lines (or the footnotes by the translator), it will reveal the city’s failures in terms of power blackouts, water and food shortages, and a corrupt police force. All these details are skillfully integrated into the storyline so that they are allowed to be published by the government censors.

Stone Maidens by Lloyd Devereux Richards:

This thrilling crime novel follows Chief Forensic Anthropologist Prusik as she investigates a series of gruesome murders of young women. With a ‘too weird to be true’ twist at the end, this book is a great weekend or beach read. While the story at times could have picked up the pace, the build-up was well-written, and the reader can’t help but root for Prusik against her condescending male bosses.

As I had already read another book with a similar premise last year, the suspense aspect felt somewhat diluted to me.

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote:

This is for the fans of true crime. Capote chronicles the brutal murder of the Clutter family in rural Kansas in 1959 with haunting precision. The book is a captivating character study, delving into the lives and motivations of both the victims and the killers. The empathetic writing humanises the murderers in a thought-provoking way. He researched and interviewed people involved in the case to draw out each character’s personality and the events as they would have most likely happened. The victims and the villains are made clear to the reader at the start, and the book progresses as the investigation is carried on in reality till the final convictions and their aftermath. The story remains interesting as we discover the whys and the hows of the case. 

Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey:

Nicole’s past comes back to haunt her in the worst possible way, where she fears for her newborn baby’s life. She feels that the only way to protect her baby is to give her away. However, the woman she chooses for this role, Morgan, is dealing with her own past and is suddenly thrust into the centre of a dangerous plot where she cannot trust anybody. Morgan takes it upon herself to figure out who is behind all the threats before someone gets killed. The shifting perspectives of the narrative add to the suspense, as the reader is never quite sure who to trust. I liked the book’s exploration of motherhood, grief, and mental illness themes. Bailey weaves these elements into the story with sensitivity and nuance, creating a layered, thought-provoking novel.

It’s a fast-paced thriller with an expected ending, but it keeps you on the edge until you get there.

Still Life by Louise Penny:

This book was a nice break from the edge-of-the-seat mysteries. It combines a cosy setting with a gripping murder mystery. The author takes her time to introduce the setting and the characters in the tiny town of Three Pines. The story follows Chief Inspector Gamache as he investigates the murder of a beloved resident and artist, Jane Neal, in the sleepy community.

The characters are well-drawn and memorable, with their own secrets and motivations that add depth to the story. The plot has plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the very end. The book explores the darker side of human nature and the hidden secrets that lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic communities. I will surely be reading more books in this series.

No Home for Killers by E.A. Aymar: 

This book is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that follows two sisters, Melinda and Emily, as they try to find out how their brother was murdered. The whole family is estranged from each other, but they need to try and navigate those feelings if they want to solve the case. As the past of each sibling is revealed, we learn there’s a lot more hidden than meets the eye. The book explores themes such as loyalty, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The subject matter deals with human trafficking and domestic violence, which are not easy topics to deal with, but Aymar handles it well.

The Vanishing Girls by Callie Browning:

I read Callie’s debut book, The Girl with the Hazel Eyes, and found it intriguing. Having read both books by this author, I find that her characters develop wonderfully over the course of the books. Both of her books can be read independently, but I love how it all connects in the end. Holden has inherited a mortuary and is looking for an assistant who won’t faint at the sight of dead bodies. Eileen comes into his life at the right time but has secrets of her own. When they have to bury the bodies of young women found brutally murdered in cane fields, they feel the need to seek out the serial killer instead of waiting on the underfunded and overworked police force. The author manages to hold onto the suspense till the end.

Her Name Is Knight by Yasmin Angoe:

This book is the origin story of Nena Knight, who is a trained assassin for The Tribe. It details atrocities and violence against women, so it might not be for everyone, but the stories ring true. Nena is trying to get over her past, but it catches up to her and now might endanger her present. The unexpected twist at the end is heart wrenching. You can feel her longing, fear, and guilt throughout the book. I look forward to reading the series and seeing how her character develops. I’m sure this will make a brilliant movie franchise in the right hands.

The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns

This is one of those cosy mysteries you can read by the windowsill on a lazy afternoon. Throw in a sassy grandmom with her army of enterprising ladies, and you’ve got a team of sleuths ready to solve any mystery. Samantha has recently lost her husband but has gone ahead with their dream of owning a mystery bookstore. Then someone she didn’t like is found dead on her front lawn, and she is a suspect unless she can prove otherwise. Since Samantha is also an aspiring mystery writer, we get a Regency mystery story within a story.

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby:

The novel follows Ike and Buddy Lee, two ex-convicts and estranged fathers of a gay couple who were brutally murdered. Frustrated with the lack of progress in the police investigation, they take it upon themselves to find their sons’ killers. 

Despite their own struggles with accepting their sons’ sexuality, they are driven by guilt and a desire for redemption. As they delve deeper into the case, their long-suppressed anger and violent tendencies resurface. As the story progresses, they begin to understand each other better and confront their own prejudices and biases.

Throughout the novel, important themes such as race, gender and sexual identity, mental health, and redemption are explored through meaningful discussions and thought-provoking moments. The novel is filled with suspense and emotional depth.

Murder Under a Red Moon by Harini Nagendra:

This is one of those soft mystery books that take you on a journey while investigating a crime. This is the second installment in the series, and it, too, delivers on all fronts. It’s a cosy mystery set in pre-independence India, with Kaveri now a more established detective and more determined to right all wrongs she sees.

I like the beautiful descriptions of the places and that so many of society’s issues regarding women are mentioned (most are still happening in the present). All this while dealing with the death of a prominent businessman and the realisation that someone wants Kaveri out of their way. I’m loving the series. Looking forward to more of Kaveri and her girl gang!

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.

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.

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.

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

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 a fantastical, supernatural adventure, but as we near the end, the whole picture is revealed. It is beautifully narrated and has a heartbreaking history enmeshed with the Indigenous people of the land. 

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 colonists want to sweep under the rug.

Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York by Elon Green:

This is a gripping and meticulously researched true-crime book about the case of the “Last Call Killer” and the impact it had on the LGBTQ+ community in New York City during the 1980s and 1990s. The book sheds light on the lives of the victims, their shared experiences, and the systemic failures that allowed the killer to remain at large for so long. Some of the details are gruesome, but what was more heart-wrenching was how gay men had to hide in plain sight and live acceptably as straight men while devising ways to meet up with other men secretly. The author also touches upon issues such as homophobia, discrimination, and the AIDS crisis.

Istanbul Noir by Mustafa Ziyalan and Amy Spangler (Editors):

It is a nice collection of short stories ranging from morbid and gruesome to thought-provoking and different perspectives. Each tale has a twist at the end. Some are murder mysteries; while others are dark scenarios the author pulls us into.

The vivid descriptions of the city and the Bosphorus, political and social issues, human nature, and philosophy are some of the themes that connect all the stories, even though they differ in style and content. It makes for a good read or listen during a flight or as an in-between books book.

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