From historical crime fiction through to psychological thrillers, adventuresome crime solving and even a puzzle novel, this week’s new books will hopefully tide you over – especially if you’re pinned down by the latest COVID restrictions. Crime fiction is certainly infectious, but we think it’s what you need to survive the pandemic…
The Webs We Weave by Michelle Morgan
A love triangle emerges with very sharp points to it in The Webs We Weave by Michelle Morgan, which is out now. It all revolves around Craig. He left Jenny for Helena. That was five years ago and Jenny should be over it by now, but Helena has been in touch because it seems Craig is moving on to a younger woman. Who is this mystery woman? Jenny sees the chance to get revenge on Craig, but at the same time she doesn’t really know Helena and soon there are clues that Helena might not be what she seems. Knuckle down for a domestic psychological thriller that tears at the heart.
Buy now on Amazon
The Fuhrer’s Orphans by Peter Laws
Wartime Munich, and 27 children are hiding from the Gestapo. A teacher called Claudia Kellner has risked her own safety by taking two of the children in, but things are further complicated when British spy Peter Chesham, on a mission in Third Reich territory, discovers the orphans and is faced with a dilemma. Should he complete his mission, or should he help save the children? The Fuhrer’s Orphans by Peter Laws is out 21 October.
Pre-order now on Amazon
Betrayal by Lilja Sigurdardottir
Plenty of crime novels begin with a detective moving to a quiet place hoping to destress – a move which invariably leads to a murder. Here Icelandic author Lilja Sigurdardottir twists that trope. The lead character in Betrayal is aid worker Ursula, who is worn out after seeing terrible things on projects around the world. A nice cushty government job back in Iceland should do the trick, but straight away she’s approached by a woman whose daughter has been raped by a policeman. And, it seems she’s being stalked by a homeless person. As Ursula delves into what appears to be corruption, memories flood back of her father’s death… in police custody. It’s out now.
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The Book of Lamps and Banners by Elizabeth Hand
Nobody in their right mind should miss out on the chance to read a new Cass Neary novel. They don’t come around that often but the punk rock photographer from New York is back and she’s stuck in London with Covid outbreaks left right and centre. She’s using pills and booze to keep herself sane when a friend asks for her help in selling The Book of Lamps and Banners – an ancient illuminated manuscript. Sounds like easy money until the book is stolen and Cass hooks up with her old flame Quinn – damaged goods alert – to try and track it down and seal the deal. In their way is the greedy world of antiquarian book dealers, tech moguls and far right nationalists.
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Extraordinary Investigations: The Morgan File by Rod Gillies
This puzzle novel by Rod Gillies presents a more interactive form of storytelling. In addition to the book, which consists chapters made up of case files that include notes, photos, documents, maps and newspaper articles, you will also go online to find further clues and solve the puzzles within. The objective is to solve the disappearance of researcher Louis Morgan who was searching for a cache of lost Nazi gold. Espionage, deceit, murder and puzzles – plenty of puzzles – await.
Buy now on Amazon