Janice Hallett, a prominent figure in contemporary crime fiction, is sharing her top five book recommendations that have inspired and captivated her, reports BritPanorama.
Hallett has gained recognition for her bestselling novels like The Appeal, The Twyford Code, and The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, distinguishing herself with clever mysteries that employ letters, transcripts, and clues. She expresses a preference for murder mysteries that engage readers beyond the typical “whodunnit” format, stating, “The stories that do more than ask ‘whodunnit?’ – they make you think about why.”
One at a Time by Will Dean
Hallett describes One at a Time, originally published as The Chamber, as the “ultimate locked-room mystery.” Set within a deep-sea compression chamber, a team of divers faces deadly circumstances as they are picked off one by one, trapped below the surface and unable to trust one another. Hallett admires the book’s clever structure, which unfolds through memory and character, delivering psychological depth and tension.
Hodder, £9.99
A Trial in Three Acts by Guy Morpuss
The story in A Trial in Three Acts unfolds with a shocking onstage murder where an actress is beheaded during a performance. Her estranged husband becomes the prime suspect as the courtroom drama intensifies. Hallett appreciates the authenticity of Morpuss’s legal scenes, noting the book’s thrilling twists and humorous elements, which are refreshing in the murder mystery genre.
Viper, £16.99
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
Hallett finds solace in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, a gentle escape from the darker mysteries she typically enjoys. Following Precious Ramotswe, a private detective in Botswana, the series offers warmth and humor, contrasting with the brutal stakes often found in crime fiction. She emphasizes the relatability and strength of Precious as a character, stating that the narratives are more about human nature than criminality.
Abacus, £9.99
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco
At the opposite end of the spectrum, Hallett identifies The Name of the Rose as a darkly immersive experience. Set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, the narrative revolves around a friar and his apprentice confronting a series of mysterious deaths while exploring theological and philosophical themes. Hallett notes its successful balance between depth and the mechanics of a compelling detective story.
Vintage Classics, £12.99
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
Hallett includes The Big Sleep in her recommendations as a quintessential representation of hardboiled crime fiction. This classic introduces private investigator Philip Marlowe, navigating a wealthy family’s complex web of deceit. Hallett highlights the sharp language and the historical significance of Chandler’s work, noting the unresolved murder within the plot and the gripping atmosphere that characterizes this genre-defining piece.
Penguin, £8.99
The Killer Question by Janice Hallett is published by Viper, £18.99
