Happy New Year to all crime fiction lovers! We’re starting 2026 with a batch of fascinating, original and beguiling crime novels – some from authors we know, and some from writers new to our site. It all bodes well for the coming months…
A Killer in Paradise by Tom Hindle
Forget about the weather outside, let’s head to the Costa Rican rainforest, courtesy of Tom Hindle and his latest book A Killer in Paradise, out 15 January. Five old friends jump at the chance when they’re invited to join Abigail Blythe at the launch of her luxury hotel. The six were last together 10 years ago when they explored Central America as backpackers, so a week in paradise sounds too good to miss. But something bad happened back then, and it soon becomes clear that somebody wants to keep it under wraps – and will go to any lengths to do so. After a body is discovered, suddenly paradise doesn’t seem quite so appealing…
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On the Trail by Kerry J Donovan
Fans of action thrillers will be delighted to hear that Ryan Kaine is back for a 14th outing. On the Trail by Kerry J Donovan goes on sale on 15 January, and finds our hero in the thick of it when a car crash kills a woman and leaves her husband in hospital. The police think the man is to blame, but he’s one of The 83 and it’s up to Kaine to prove his innocence. To do that, he will need to unravel a web of lies and intimidation that leads straight to a violent crime family who will do anything to bury the truth. A tough ask, because Kaine is working alone and in danger, but if anyone can get to the heart of the matter, it’s him!
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Murder Your Darlings by Jenna Blum
Best known for her historical novels, Jenna Blum turns to crime with psychological thriller Murder Your Darlings out on 13 January. Novelist Simone ‘Sam’ Vetiver is on a tour desperately trying to promote her latest book while searching for inspiration for her next one when a fan letter from best-selling author William Corwyn brings a little light into her harried days. The pair meet and are soon in a relationship, but things are not as rosy and romantic as they first appear. And when writers start turning up dead, William goes on the run, convinced he is next on the list. Is Sam right to trust her new love, or has she been blinded by her feelings for him?
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Jackson Alone by Jose Ando
Translated by Kalau Almony, Jackson Alone marks the debut of Japanese author Jose Ando and comes out on 15 January. The enigmatic Jackson works as a massage therapist at the corporate offices of Athletius Japan. It is rumoured that he used to work as a model. He likes to party, is mixed race and might be gay – and the gossip mill goes into overdrive when a violent pornographic video featuring a man who looks like a lot like Jackson surfaces. When he meets three other mixed race queer men who have been targeted in the same way, Jackson and his new friends concoct a plan to catch the culprit and get their revenge.
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The Grapples of Wrath by Alice Bell
If “read more cosy crime” is at the top of your resolutions list you’re in luck, because The Grapples of Wrath by Alice Bell is out now. It features medium turned private investigator Claire Hendricks, whose first official case involves a pro-wrestling manager who is convinced that his late father is haunting the gym and show venue in Brighton. Right up Claire’s alley, then – and with her ghost best friend, Sophie, in tow she’s soon chatting away to Eddie, who is adamant he did not die of natural causes. Claire and Sophie determine to get to the truth, but in a world where fakery is king can they slice through the lies and find a killer?
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