View image in fullscreenFair Playby Louise Hegarty (Picador, £16.99)Award-winning short-story writer Hegarty’s debut opens with guests arriving at an Irish Airbnb country house for a murder mystery-themed birthday party. Abigail has organised the celebration for her brother Benjamin, and old friends, including his former fiancee, are invited, as well as his colleague Barbara – but the morning after the festivities, he is found dead in his locked bedroom. So far, so run-of-the-mill, but the book then splits into competing storylines, with the action oscillating between a metatextual golden age narrative, complete with butler, gardener, maid and esteemed amateur detective, and a naturalistic and sometimes heartbreaking account of grief. With plenty of in-jokes for golden age aficionados and a remarkably assured handling of the necessary tonal shifts, this engaging, ingenious Möbius strip of a book is undoubtedly the most original crime novel you’ll read all year.View image in fullscreenAll the Other Mothers Hate Meby Sarah Harman (4th Estate, £16.99)Harman’s debut novel is set around west London private school St Angeles, where parents rich enough to be unperturbed by the imposition of VAT on fees fork out hefty sums for their little darlings’ primary education. Ageing party girl and failed singer Florence Grimes is very much the odd mum out in this glossy milieu, but when her 10-year-old son’s classmate Alfie, an entitled bully who is the heir to a frozen food empire, goes missing on a school trip and young Dylan becomes a person of interest to the police, she gets on the case. Whether you warm to this hot-mess-turns-amateur-sleuth tale rather depends on whether you find Florence enraging or endearing, with her habit of asking a neighbour to listen out for Dylan while she goes out for hook-ups, and a preternatural talent not only for self-sabotage, but also for landing other people in it up to their necks. That said, it’s funny, pacy and very readable, with the social satire absolutely on point.View image in fullscreenThis Is Not a Gameby Kelly Mullen (Century, £16.99)Mullen’s first novel is set on Mackinac Island in Michigan’s Lake Huron, where feisty septuagenarian Mimi and her granddaughter Addie team up to investigate a murder in a Cluedo-style house that functions as a character in itself. Addie, co-designer of the video game Murderscape, is recovering from a breakup with fiance Brian, who is claiming all the credit and financial reward for their joint invention, when she reluctantly agrees to accompany her grandmother to a charity auction. The invitation has been issued by socialite Jane who, it appears, is not above blackmailing Mimi into paying over the odds for an item she doesn’t want. When Jane is found stabbed to death, and a snowstorm shuts down all channels of communication as well as any means of travel, Mimi and Addie set to work to discover whodunnit. They question suspects, find secret passages and trapdoors, and apply both gaming skills and golden-age mystery knowledge. The result is fabulous, over-the-top fun.View image in fullscreenThe Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionneby Ron Currie (Atlantic, £17.99)Set in an area of Waterville, Maine, known as Little Canada for its Quebecer roots, Currie’s latest novel is a tale of generational trauma, guilt and family loyalty. Babs Dionne is a matriarch who tries to shore up her community’s dying Francophone culture while controlling the supply of drugs with the help of the police and the female friends she’s known since childhood. However, her world starts to crumble when a rival drug baron sends an enforcer to take over her patch and her younger daughter goes missing, leaving her grandson at the mercy of his alcoholic father. Elder daughter Lori, a military veteran struggling to control her PTSD with opioids, is sent to find her but fails, and Babs’s desire for vengeance knows no bounds … Leavened by a surprising amount of humour and empathy, this is the vivid, tragic and violent story of people trying to do their best against insurmountable odds: a tour de force.View image in fullscreenDeath and Other Occupational Hazardsby Veronika Dapunt (Bantam, £16.99)There are shades of Terry Pratchett in Dapunt’s debut novel, a crime/fantasy mashup in which Death – currently in human form, enjoying a spot of well-earned R&R in London – has a turbulent relationship with her sister, Life. God, AKA the Boss, has sanctioned sabbatical cover but not pay, so Life finds Death, now named Delara, a job as a paralegal. She’s just getting settled in when an unscheduled demise occurs, forcing her to find out who is trying to buck the divine system. The mystery element is provided by a serviceable plotline featuring the mafia and contaminated food, as well as some metaphysical office politics involving Death’s temporary replacement and Satan, AKA the VP for Pandemonium & Perdition; there’s a spot of romantic suspense as well when Death, rather to her surprise, finds herself falling for a mortal man. An entertaining page-turner with plenty of metaphysical fun and games as well as earthly intrigue.
The best recent crime and thrillers – review roundup
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Recent Crime and Thriller Novels Offer Unique Narratives and Engaging Characters"
The Guardian
8.7
TruthLens AI Summary
The recent roundup of crime and thriller novels showcases a diverse array of intriguing narratives that blend traditional mystery elements with modern storytelling techniques. In "Fair Play" by Louise Hegarty, the plot unfolds during a murder mystery birthday party at an Irish Airbnb, where the celebrant, Benjamin, is found dead in his locked bedroom the following morning. Hegarty's storytelling deftly switches between a classic whodunit format featuring archetypal characters like the butler and amateur detective, and a poignant exploration of grief that resonates deeply with readers. This dual narrative structure, rich with in-jokes aimed at fans of golden age mysteries, establishes "Fair Play" as a standout debut that combines originality with engaging prose, making it a must-read for 2023.
In contrast, Sarah Harman’s "All the Other Mothers Hate Me" follows the chaotic life of Florence Grimes, an outlier among affluent parents at a prestigious London school. When her son Dylan becomes a suspect after the disappearance of a bullying classmate, the narrative takes a humorous yet sharp look at the pressures of parental expectations and social dynamics. The story's relatability hinges on Florence's flawed yet endearing character, which provides a comedic lens through which to view her amateur sleuthing efforts. Similarly, Kelly Mullen's "This Is Not a Game" features a grandmother-granddaughter duo investigating a murder during a snowstorm on Mackinac Island, blending elements of gaming with classic mystery tropes. Other notable entries include Ron Currie's "The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne," which tackles themes of trauma and resilience within a close-knit community, and Veronika Dapunt's "Death and Other Occupational Hazards," which mixes crime with fantasy as Death navigates her temporary human existence. Together, these novels highlight the genre's evolution, offering fresh perspectives and complex characters that captivate readers across various tastes and preferences.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights two recent crime and thriller novels, providing insights into their plots and themes. It aims to introduce readers to engaging literature within the crime genre, potentially fostering interest in the works of the featured authors. By reviewing these novels, the article contributes to the ongoing conversation about contemporary crime fiction, appealing to readers who enjoy mystery and suspense.
Purpose and Audience Perception
The intent behind this publication seems to be to promote new literary works while also engaging a readership that values crime and thriller genres. The detailed descriptions of the novels suggest a target audience that appreciates complex narratives and character development, likely consisting of book enthusiasts and literary critics. The review format aims to create excitement around these titles, guiding readers towards potential purchases.
Concealment of Broader Issues
There does not appear to be any significant attempt to obscure more serious societal issues in this article. Rather, it focuses on entertainment and literary appreciation. However, by emphasizing certain themes—such as privilege in "All the Other Mothers Hate Me"—it subtly reflects on societal structures without delving deeply into the implications.
Manipulative Elements
The review does not seem overtly manipulative, as it primarily presents the novels' plots and characteristics without biased language. It does, however, entice readers by highlighting unique aspects of the stories, which could influence consumer behavior positively towards these books.
Trustworthiness of Content
The reliability of this article lies in its descriptive analysis of the novels. As it provides clear overviews without sensationalism, it can be considered trustworthy within the context of literary reviews. The opinions expressed reflect a subjective interpretation of the works, which is common in book criticism.
Public and Economic Impact
The article's influence on society may be limited primarily to literary circles. However, a successful recommendation could lead to increased book sales, positively impacting the publishing industry. The potential economic implications are more relevant to the authors and publishers rather than broader market trends.
Community Appeal
This review likely resonates with communities of avid readers and literary aficionados, particularly those who gravitate towards crime thrillers. It aims to connect with audiences who appreciate both the intricacies of plot development and character arcs.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not directly influence stock markets or major economic trends, it could affect the performance of specific literary stocks or publishers involved in crime fiction. Increased sales from highlighted titles could lead to growth in the respective publishers' market presence.
Geopolitical Relevance
The content does not engage with pressing global issues or power dynamics, focusing instead on literary exploration. However, it indirectly reflects cultural narratives that may resonate with current societal themes, such as class dynamics.
AI Involvement in Writing
There is no clear indication that AI was utilized in crafting this article. If AI were involved, it might have impacted the writing style or structure, potentially streamlining the review process. Nonetheless, the human touch in literary criticism remains crucial for nuanced interpretations. In summary, the article serves as a promotional piece for two crime novels, engaging a specific audience while maintaining a trustworthy and straightforward approach to literary analysis.