As October unfolds, a wave of highly anticipated new crime and thriller books is set to captivate readers, featuring acclaimed authors like Val McDermid, Peter James, and John Grisham. This month also introduces unexpected collaborations such as Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben’s psychological thriller, along with Nicholas Sparks and M Night Shyamalan’s supernatural mystery, reports BritPanorama.
Silent Bones by Val McDermid
In a gripping plot twist, a landslide uncovers a corpse buried in tarmac for 11 years, prompting DCI Karen Pirie to navigate a cold case filled with deep-seated secrets. McDermid skillfully intertwines procedural suspense with the eerie ambiance of rural isolation.
Sphere, £22
The Last Death of the Year by Sophie Hannah
Set in 1932, the classic detective Hercule Poirot and Inspector Catchpool travel to a Greek island for New Year’s Eve, where a murder during a seemingly innocent party game sets off a chain of events. This mystery adeptly preserves Christie’s legacy.
HarperCollins, £22
The Hawk is Dead by Peter James
During a royal train journey to a charity event, Queen Camilla is caught in a derailment, thrusting DSI Roy Grace into a perilous investigation. James delivers a gripping narrative, ensuring that readers are fully engaged as the plot unfolds.
Macmillan, £22
The Widow by John Grisham
When lawyer Simon takes on a wealthy new client, her sudden hospitalization reveals murky truths. This twist-laden saga of greed and deception highlights Grisham’s mastery in courtroom drama.
Hodder & Stoughton, £22
The Killing Stones by Ann Cleeves
Detective Jimmy Perez returns to Orkney, embroiled in a murder linked to the island’s ancient history. Cleeves excels in crafting atmosphere, blending folklore with a nuanced investigation.
Macmillan, £22
Quantum of Menace by Vaseem Khan
Exploring a new narrative avenue, Khan reinvents the character of Q in an entertaining cozy crime series, with the endorsement of Ian Fleming’s estate, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar territory.
Zaffre, £20
Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben
In this ambitious collaboration, Maggie confronts the repercussions of a conspiracy that endangers her life. The narrative promises to propel into the realms of paranoia and intrigue, suggesting potential for a cinematic adaptation.
Century, £22
The Long Shoe by Bob Mortimer
In a tale steeped in unexpected twists, Matt’s life unravels as job offers with dubious benefits arise, leading him to question his ex-girlfriend’s departure. Mortimer masterfully incorporates a sense of impending danger into a quirky storyline.
Gallery, £22
Other People’s Fun by Harriet Lane
Ruth’s former acquaintance, Sookie, aims to reconnect, prompting an unsettling turn of events. Lane’s latest novel sharply observes themes of class and social media, enveloped in a pervasive dread.
Weidenfeld & Nicolson, £20
Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M Night Shyamalan
A grieving architect’s encounter with a mysterious woman unfolds a narrative rich in love and eerie secrets, showcasing the artistry of two notable storytellers in their crossover collaboration.
Sphere, £22
The Murder at World’s End by Ross Montgomery
In this debut novel, which fuses elements of classic mysteries with contemporary humor, a butler and an elderly genius team up to unravel a manor-house murder—a nod to both Downton Abbey and Knives Out.
Viking, £16.99
Sharp Force by Patricia Cornwell
Chief medical examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta faces off against a high-tech serial killer who preys on victims using holograms, thrusting Scarpetta into a chillingly modern confrontation that is being adapted for Prime.
Sphere, £22
The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
Inspector Gamache grapples with a faceless antagonist orchestrating chaos from the shadows. Penny’s latest work juxtaposes serene village life with approaching disaster, delivering thrilling cat-and-mouse excitement.
Hodder & Stoughton, £20
Lucky Thing by Tom Baragwanath
In his follow-up to the award-winning debut Paper Cage, Baragwanath explores themes of crime and community within the small-town backdrop of New Zealand, providing a poignant and realistic noir narrative.
Baskerville, £22
