It has been another wonderful year for readers of the crime fiction. The 2020s feel like a golden decade for the genre. Although I have enjoyed many books this year, these five books stood out for me.
5 – The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha
Through a series of flashbacks from sisters-in-law Zoe and Myra we learn that the Agarwal family has gathered at Kilbryde, a private island off the coast of Scotland. The island belongs to Myra and she has invited her family to celebrate her parents’ 40th anniversary along with the anticipated sale of the family business. Myra and her two siblings are eager to learn how the money is to be divided.
The Agarwal family have many secrets. Just when you think that you know all there is to know about them, Sakhlecha surprises you with yet another reveal. The Inheritance is a riveting domestic thriller that pays homage to Agatha Christie. The ending will have you thinking of the Agarwal family dynamics long after you finish the book. Read our review here.
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4 – The Cure by Eve Smith
The Cure is a speculative thriller that explores society’s fixation on youth and a desire for immortality. You learn through flashbacks that Ruth Sharp’s daughter, Lettie, was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition that caused premature aging. Sadly, Ruth wasn’t able to save Lettie. After Lettie’s death, Ruth developed a vaccine called ReJuve capable of repairing the gene and reversing the effects of the disease. Another scientist, motivated by greed, pushed for an early release of the vaccine and stole the formula.
It is evident that Smith put a lot of research and thought into the unintended consequences of people living longer such as over population the environmental impacts. Creating such a plausible back story to the novel gave Smith a solid foundation that allowed her imagination to go free when developing the plot.
The central plot kicks in when Ruth is 115 years old. She teams up with Mara Black, a government investigator. They have both heard rumours about a new gene therapy tied to Ruth’s former colleague who had stolen her formula. The Cure will pull you in with its compelling plot as the women search for the scientist along with information about his research. Brace yourself for some jaw-dropping twists and turns. Read our review here.
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3 – The Good Liar by Denise Mina
Denise Mina’s The Good Liar is about a possible miscarriage of justice. We meet Doctor Claudia Atkins O’Sheil as she is preparing to speak at the Royal College of Forensic Scientists. Her most famous case, the Chester Terrace murders, is the topic for the evening. A high profile couple was brutally murdered in their home. Unknown to her mentor, Lord Philip Ardmore, Claudia plans to share information about the case that will destroy both their careers and reputations.
Through a series of flashbacks, we learn why Claudia is considering this drastic step. As the time of her presentation gets closer, she begins to panic about the possible repercussions of her speech. Will she go through with her plan or take the easy route out? There is no doubt that Claudia has enjoyed the perks that came with being Philip’s protégé. Is it worth more than her professional credibility? The Good Liar is a thought-provoking novel about family, ethics and the privilege that goes along with being wealthy. Read our review here.
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2 – The Nancys and the Case of the Missing Necklace by RWR McDonald
For many of us, Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were our introduction into the crime fiction genre. That sense of nostalgia may draw you to this book, but you will fall for the charms of the engaging 11-year-old, Tippy Chan, along with her friends and family. Tippy’s uncle Pike and his boyfriend Devon have come to Riverstone to care for Tippy while her mother is on a cruise. A couple of critical events in the town lead the trio to form the Nancys. Firstly, one of Tippy’s friends ends up in a coma. Secondly, her teacher is brutally murdered.
McDonald does an excellent job in presenting the events in Riverside from Tippy’s perspective. He can have you laughing one minute at a lighthearted scene and holding back the tears on the next page when he shares a genuine moment about human connection or grief. The emotions can run deep in this novel. While being a girl detective, Tippy occasionally gains insight into her own family. These are the moments that will stay with you. Read our review here.
1 – The Black Wolf by Louise Penny
The Black Wolf is an outstanding follow-up to Louise Penny’s previous book, The Grey Wolf. Chief Inspector Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec has been reviewing a recent domestic terrorist attack. He has come to the conclusion that their investigation should not be closed. As he doesn’t know the exact level of corruption, Gamache works secretly with his trusted colleagues Jean-Guy Beauvoir and Isabelle Lacoste to tie up any loose threads.
As a Canadian reader, this political thriller resonated strongly with me. Many elements of the plot mirror events in North America. What happens when your relationship with a long-term ally suddenly sours? Is it possible that some of your elected officials are colluding with the Americans against Canada’s best interests? Surprisingly, Penny wrote this book before the current American President took office.
I found comfort in reading this absorbing book about characters with integrity fighting against disinformation and dirty politics. I suspect that I am not alone with these feelings. The Black Wolf remains at the top of Canadian best-seller lists and Louise Penny was just named Artist of the Year by the country’s national newspaper The Globe and Mail. Read our review here.
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