We’ve got a curious collection of novels for you this week, nonetheless one full of originality and sparkling with different takes on the genre. Four of our books are indie publications – starting with The Heart is a Cruel Hunter, by Simon Marlowe and set in Amsterdam. Other destinations include Humberside and the Tower of London in Britain, and Spain. But don’t miss Kotaro Isaka’s new book, with Ladybug back in the thick of the action.
Have you seen the shortlists for the Crime Fiction Lover Awards 2024? Find out more here and vote on your top picks.
The Heart is a Cruel Hunter by Simon Marlowe
We’re reached the final part of Simon Marlowe’s Mason Made trilogy, and as The Heart is a Cruel Hunter opens Steven Mason is at rock bottom. He’s living a life fuelled by drugs and debauchery on the mean streets of Amsterdam, not caring about anyone else and happy to exist in his own private hell. But when the pandemic arrives, it brings myriad opportunities to reestablish his criminal career. Then along comes a chance that could make or break Mason – will he join the ruthless Bloodaxe gang, knee-deep in dealing and drug trafficking, or finally head for the light? Grab your copy on 26 November and find out.
Order now on Amazon or Bookshop.org
After the Bridge by Andrew Field
Two strangers meet on the Humber Bridge near Hull. Both are intent on suicide, but instead of jumping to their deaths they decide to band together and make money from a honey trap scheme. Which brings failed actor Owen and traumatised Ukrainian refugee Becky to Manchester, where a chance meeting with a blackmailer is destined to change their lives forever – and not in a good way. Just how far along the road to criminality is this mismatched pair prepared to go? Or could it be time to cut and run? After the Bridge by Andrew Field is already out in hardback and arrives for Kindle on 22 November.
Order now on Amazon or Bookshop.org
Hotel Lucky Seven by Kotaro Isaka
Assassin Nanao, AKA Ladybug is back, and his luck doesn’t appear to have changed much since Kotaro Isaka’s Bullet Train, which was adapted for screen with Brad Pitt as its star. He’s sent by his portrait painter daughter to deliver her latest work of art to the sitter at his hotel. But the man, who clearly isn’t the person in the painting, attacks Ladybug and soon the man is lying dead. Ladybug had one simple job – and now he’s in trouble. Especially when he discovers that the hotel is home to several killers, all taking an unhealthy interest in a young woman with a photographic memory, hiding out on one of the 20 floors. Gulp! Already out in the UK, Hotel Lucky Seven is release in the US on 19 November.
Order now on Amazon or Bookshop.org
Mountain of Light by Jena Bowers
Inspired by the controversial Koh-i-Noor diamond, part of England’s crown jewels since 1849, Jena Bowers’ debut novel Mountain of Light arrives for Kindle on 29 November. On the eve of the coronation of King William V, thieves with a conscience have hatched the perfect plan for a heist. Their target? The Mountain of Light – the most infamous diamond in the world – which is still owned by the British Royal Family. In a daring piece of art repatriation, the gang plans to return the gem to its rightful owner but first they have to get into the Tower of London – and navigate their way through centuries-old secrets and transgressions.
Order now on Amazon
You Complete the Masterpiece by Guy Mankowski
Millennial Jude has never managed to reach the dizzy heights of fame to which he aspires – until he’s given an award by Alberto Valdez, the highly controversial surrealist Spanish author who first inspired him to write. Why him? Jude isn’t sure and he can’t ask Valdez because the man has mysteriously disappeared, leaving instructions that the young writer should complete his unfinished masterpiece. Is Jude up to the job? Part jet-setting thriller, part literary puzzle, You Complete the Masterpiece by Guy Mankowski is published on 26 November.
Order now on Amazon or Bookshop.org
