This week, Jeff Popple reviews three new crime thrillers. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com

A Heart Full of Headstones by Ian Rankin

Orion, $32.99

A new Rebus novel by Ian Rankin is always a delight, and his latest once again demonstrates why he is one of the best crime novelists around. The book opens with the former Edinburgh police detective about to face trial for an unspecified crime. Has John Rebus’ history of “bending rules and crossing lines” to achieve justice finally caught up with him, or is he the scapegoat for the actions of others? This well-crafted mystery contains the usual Rankin trademarks of clever plotting, sharp social commentary, gritty characters, and a wry sense of humour. Quality crime fiction that grips to the end.

The Tilt by Chris Hammer

Allen & Unwin, $32.99

Canberra author Chis Hammer drew world-wide acclaim for his debut novel Scrublands, and he has consolidated his standing with a good trio of follow-up books. In The Tilt, jaded homicide detective Ivan Lucic, and his newly promoted colleague, Nell Buchanan, head to a small town on the New South Wales and Victorian border to investigate the discovery of an old corpse in a recently drained reservoir. Nell comes from the region, and she soon finds herself caught up in old crimes, family secrets and modern-day terrorist threats. This richly described novel once more highlights Hammer’s strong storytelling ability. Highly recommended.

The Invisible by Peter Papathanasiou

MacLehose Press, $32.99

Another Canberra author making a name for himself in the international crime fiction scene is Peter Papathanasiou. His first book, The Stoning, was very well received and his latest, The Invisible, is just as good. Burnt out from policework and unnecessary deaths, Australian detective George Manolis heads to Greece for a holiday and to visit the remote northern area where his father came from. Once there, he becomes caught up in the search for a local man without any official identity, who has disappeared in suspicious circumstances. An intriguing and tense thriller with a strong sense of place and well-drawn characters.