This week, Michael Popple highlights outstanding new novels from three major authors. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.com
Never Flinch by Stephen King
Hodder & Stoughton, $34.99
When the Buckeye City Police Department receives details of a dark plan to murder multiple people in the name of ‘justice’, investigator Holly Gibney is asked to consult. However, Holly is distracted, protecting a women’s rights activist from a stalker. Caught between two disturbed hunters, Holly will need all her unique insights to uncover their identities before more people are killed. This is another exceptional read from King, whose recent forays into crime fiction have been very impressive. Never Flinch is one of King’s best Holly Gibney books yet, and you will find yourself deeply riveted by its elaborate story.
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie
Gollancz, $34.99
In medieval Europe, the greatest threat humanity faces is elves. To bolster Europe’s defences before an elvish invasion, the church plots to install a thief as empress of Troy and calls upon their devils to keep her alive. Led by a hapless monk, the devils are imprisoned monsters bound to complete their mission by any means. Let the bloodshed begin! The master of grim, dark fiction sets forth another exceedingly entertaining novel that you won’t be able to stop reading. Perfectly combining complex characters, brutal action and outrageous humour, The Devils is a terrific novel and one of the best fantasy releases of 2025.
Nightshade by Michael Connelly
Allen & Unwin, $34.99
Detective Stillwell has been banished, moved from the LA homicide desk to a post on picturesque Catalina Island. However, Stillwell’s new career handling unruly tourists is disrupted when a body is found dumped at the bottom of the harbour. Determined to find the killer, Stillwell will cross all his professional lines to investigate, while also uncovering the dark secrets of his supposed island paradise. Michael Connelly introduces a cool new protagonist with this gripping crime fiction read. A brilliant murder mystery that makes full use of its distinctive setting, Nightshade is Connelly at his finest and comes highly recommended.
