This week, Jeff Popple reviews three twisty crime novels from around the world. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog, murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

The Instruments Of Darkness by John Connolly

Hodder & Stoughton, $32.99

In Maine, Colleen Clark stands accused of the worst crime a mother can commit: the abduction and possible murder of her child. There is little initial evidence, but the town is convinced that she is guilty. The only people on her side are her extravagant lawyer, Moxie Castin, and his haunted private investigator Charlie Parker, who also enlists the help of a disgraced psychic.

This is another beautifully written and darkly compelling crime novel by Connolly, which goes to the heart of contemporary America, while also providing the necessary thrills and twists expected of the genre. First class.

Think Twice by Harlan Coben

Century, $34.99

Harlan Coben can always be relied upon to provide good entertainment, whether it is a novel or one of his Netflix adaptations. Think Twice returns readers to the world of his popular hero, sports agent Myron Bolitar.  The FBI have come to Myron looking for his former client Greg Downing, whose DNA has been found a murder scene. The only problem is that Myron attended Greg’s funeral three years ago. The FBI are disbelieving, and he soon becomes caught up in the race to find Downing. This is a typically fast-paced, enjoyable tale by Coben, with plenty of twists and turns and unexpected detours. Recommended.

Return To Blood by Michael Bennett

Simon & Schuster, $34.99

Kiwi author Michael Bennett made an impressive entry into the world’s crime writing ranks with his first novel about Auckland police detective Hana Westerman Better The Blood. His second book opens with Hana resigned from the police and living a quieter life in a small coastal town. The discovery in the sand dunes of the remains of a young Māori woman, however, raises questions about an earlier killing and sets Hana on a collision course with a killer. This is a very impressive piece of crime fiction. Well plotted, with sharp eyed observations on culture and New Zealand society, it is a ‘must read’.