This week, Jeff Popple reviews three thrilling new crime novels. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
Black Wolf by Juan Gómez-Jurado
Macmillan, $34.99
Juan Gómez-Jurado’s Black Wolf is the thrilling sequel to his bestselling Red Queen, which is currently screening on Amazon Prime.
It features Spanish detective extraordinaire Antonia Scott, who is part of a secret investigation unit designed to solve the most devious and dangerous crimes. Sent to Malaga to find the wife of a recently murdered mafia figure, Antonia becomes caught up in something much darker when a shipping container arrives in Spain with the corpses of nine women. This is a fast paced and unpredictable thriller that builds to a tough and bloody climax, and the hint of a further book. Terrific!
Listen For The Lie by Amy Tintera
Bantam, $34.99
Five years ago, Lucy was found wandering the rural back streets of a small Texas town with a head wound and covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood. Everyone was quick to assume that she had murdered Savvy, but the police could not find enough evidence to convict her, and Lucy can’t remember anything about that night. Lucy now lives in LA but is drawn back to her hometown when an infamous podcaster decides to do a show on Savvy’s murder.
This is an enjoyably edgy crime novel with a modern feel to it and a quirky set of characters. Highly recommended.
The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill
Ultimo Press, $34.99
Sulari Gentill’s The Mystery Writer is a cleverly concocted and original novel that gently plays with the conventions of the crime genre, while providing a good dose of mystery and suspense. I think that it is Sulari’s best novel to date.
The story revolves around Australian Theo Benton who heads to America on a whim to pursue her dream of becoming a bestselling author. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she befriends a famous author, Dan Murdoch, at a local bar and becomes the key suspect in his murder. Twist follows twist as Theo tries to clear her name. Good fun!
