Jeff Popple reviews three new exciting crime novels. More of Jeff’s reviews can be found on his blog: murdermayhemandlongdogs.com
The Night Fire by Michael Connelly
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
Harry Bosch is back in another well-crafted crime novel by crime maestro, Michael Connelly. When Bosch attends the funeral of his former mentor, John Jack Thompson, he is given an old police murder file by Thompson’s widow. The murder book relates to the unsolved killing 20 years before of a young man in a notorious drug alley. Determined to find out why Thompson had held onto the murder book, Bosch teams up with LA detective Renée Ballard to track down what really happened back in that alley. A clever and engaging crime novel that builds to a surprising ending. Highly recommended.
The House of Brides by Jane Cockram
HQ, $29.99
This enjoyable debut by Melbourne author, Jane Cockram, brings a modern age sensibility to the traditional gothic novel. Failed social media influencer Miranda has long lived in the shadow of her mother, Tessa Summer, the bestselling author of The House of Brides. Miranda was captivated by her deceased mother’s account of the brides of the notorious Summer family and their lavish residence at Barnsley House in England. Long estranged from her mother’s family back in England, Miranda keenly accepts an invitation to visit Barnsley House in disguise as a nanny, but she soon finds herself caught up in family mysteries and danger. Good fun.
You Don’t Know Me by Sara Foster
Simon & Schuster, $32.99
Australian author, Sara Foster, adds to her growing reputation as a skilled practitioner of the crime writer’s arts with her latest thriller. When Noah Carruso and Alice Pryce meet in Thailand, they are both trying to flee from crises in their lives back in Australia. For Noah it is the looming coronial inquest into the disappearance of his brother’s girlfriend a decade ago. Noah knows more about it than he lets on and is dreading his return to Australia. But Alice also has secrets which could pull them apart. Foster skilfully manipulates familiar domestic thriller tropes into a clever and emotionally charged story with an unexpected conclusion.
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