5 Must-Read Crime Novels for Thrills, Chills, and Armchair Travels

Explore the gripping world of five new thrillers set in vivid locations from rural England to an eerie Madrid and an intrigue-filled China. Let’s embark on this thrilling journey, starting with an intriguing conclusion:

“The Comfort of Ghosts” by Jacqueline Winspear

The 18th installment of Maisie Dobbs’ adventures also marks the end of the series. Jacqueline Winspear reveals that she has accomplished all she intended with Maisie, a character that debuted around World War I and has since navigated through peace, another world war, marriages, widowhood, and more. While Maisie’s perfection has started to feel a bit Mary Poppins-esque, Winspear ensures she receives a deserving farewell.

Set post-World War II, Maisie is tasked with solving the murder of a wealthy Nazi sympathizer and helping four children left homeless by the Blitz, who have suspicious knowledge of wartime tactics. Fans will appreciate the frequent recaps that allow “The Comfort of Ghosts” to stand alone, though these moments sometimes slow the pace. Despite hints that Winspear may return to Maisie’s story in the future, for now, it’s a fitting conclusion.

“Look in the Mirror” by Catherine Steadman

Among the most surprising—and eventually disappointing—entries is this puzzler set in the British Virgin Islands. British professor Nina discovers that her father left her a luxurious, unknown island getaway, re-shaping her perception of him. The house is a modern marvel with elements reminiscent of a haunted house and a deadly escape room.

Steadman’s tale keeps readers entertained with its puzzling premise, but the rushed conclusion falls short compared to her other works, such as “The Family Game.” While intriguing at first, the story loses momentum as it progresses.

“Shanghai” by Joseph Kanon

Joseph Kanon, known for casting characters into pivotal moments of 20th-century espionage, sets his latest tale in Japan-occupied China in 1939. The protagonist, Daniel Lohr, a Jewish man fleeing Germany, arrives in Shanghai and takes up dubious jobs—assisting his crooked uncle with a casino and feeding gossip to a shady columnist. Unsurprisingly, this lands him in dangerous situations, including gunfights.

Daniel’s pursuit of a femme fatale he met aboard the ship complicates his mission in a land where survival is tough and women are marginalized. While the book could offer a stronger sense of place, Kanon’s knack for hardboiled dialogue and historic intrigue keeps readers engaged.

“Black Wolf” by Juan Gómez-Jurado

To fully appreciate “Black Wolf,” consider reading the first book in the series, “The Red Queen.” The story dives into a whirlwind of violent gangsters, corrupt cops, and a brilliant female criminal mastermind. Central to the narrative are detective Jon Gutiérrez, who is openly gay, witty, and perpetually at odds with his bosses, and Antonia Scott, a genius haunted by tragedy and reliant on a mysterious pill to amplify her intellect.

The duo is dispatched to Madrid to investigate a missing person case, but their past from “Red Queen” soon catches up with them. This high-octane series forms the basis for the Amazon Prime series “Reina Roja.”

“Trust Her” by Flynn Berry

Flynn Berry, often compared to Tana French, once again sets her narrative in Ireland and England, offering profound insights. Her debut, “Under the Harrow,” was a twisty thriller about a woman uncovering her sister’s secrets. “Trust Her,” a sequel to “Northern Spy,” focuses on sisters Tessa and Marian grappling with the Irish Republican Army’s threats.

In “Spy,” Marian’s involvement with the IRA and Tessa’s efforts to help her escape lead to fresh lives in Dublin. But their peace is shattered when the IRA tracks them down. “Trust Her” combines page-turning suspense with heartfelt moments, like Tessa’s touching memory of her newborn’s first bath, making it a compelling read.

Source: Associated Press