As 2024 draws to a close and the world becomes ever more crackers, it’s a good time to turn to comforting things such as murder, mayhem and the odd well-planned heist. From historical crime fiction to cosy mysteries and everything in between, the five novels that were highlights of the year for me showcase the richness and versatility of the genre, shining a light into the dark corners of literature and exposing the dangers that lurk all around.
5 – Black Storms by Teresa Solana
Teresa Solana’s Black Storms, translated by Peter Bush, is a gripping crime novel set in 2009 Barcelona, blending historical depth with contemporary intrigue. The story begins with the chilling murder of a historian, and while the killer’s identity is revealed early, the mystery lies in the motive, which ties back to Spain’s unresolved Civil War trauma. Deputy Inspector Norma Forester leads the investigation, balancing the case with her chaotic family life and personal struggles. Solana weaves humour and quirky characters into the narrative, notably Forester’s eccentric family, while exploring themes of betrayal, intergenerational trauma and the enduring scars of Franco’s regime. The detailed portrayal of Barcelona, along with its cultural and political tensions, enriches the plot, making Black Storms a compelling, human-centred work of crime fiction that marks an excellent start to a planned trilogy.
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4 – We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
In We Solve Murders, Richard Osman introduces a new set of engaging characters, primarily Steve Wheeler, a retired police officer turned private investigator, and his globe-trotting daughter-in-law, Amy, a close protection agent. Things kick off when Amy becomes entangled in a series of murders linked to her assignments, with someone seemingly framing her for the killings. As Amy goes on the run with her current client, bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio, she calls on Steve for help. The story transports readers around the globe, blending action-packed sequences with Osman’s signature humour and heart. While Steve is methodical and observant, Amy’s fast-paced, action-oriented approach brings excitement to the narrative. With an eclectic mix of high-tech crimes, complex characters and international intrigue, We Solve Murders balances suspense and wit. It’s a charming and fun-filled mystery built around familial bonds and unlikely partnerships.
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3 – The Dead Friend Project by Joanna Wallace
The Dead Friend Project by Joanna Wallace blends dark humour with a gripping mystery, following Beth, a grieving alcoholic who begins to suspect that her best friend Charlotte’s death – initially ruled an accident – might have been something more sinister. Charlotte, a beloved supermom, died after being hit by a car during a nighttime run, but Beth uncovers disturbing details that make her question the circumstances of the death. As Beth embarks on an amateur investigation, navigating her own memory lapses due to drinking, she unearths a web of secrets within her suburban community, where the perfect façade hides darker truths. Wallace’s portrayal of Beth’s unreliable narration adds uncertainty and intrigue to the mystery, blending tension with sharp social commentary on the pressures of middle-class life, motherhood and grief. The unique blend of absurdity, suspense and disorientation creates an atmospheric and unpredictable read.
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2 – Helle & Death by Oskar Jensen
Helle & Death by Oskar Jensen is a clever modern take on the classic country house mystery, combining elements of Golden Age detective fiction with a twist of Nordic noir. The story follows Torben Helle, a Danish art historian who attends a reunion with old friends from Oxford at the isolated Bastle House in Northumberland. When one of the guests, tech mogul Anthony, is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Torben suspects murder rather than suicide, despite evidence to the contrary. As the group is trapped by snow, tensions rise and Torben must navigate a hangover, troublesome romantic feelings and love for classic detective stories to uncover the truth. Jensen skilfully blends a homage to the likes of Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers with modern storytelling, creating an engaging, macabre mystery filled with unexpected twists and sharp character insights.
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1 – The Examiner by Janice Hallett
In Janice Hallett’s The Examiner, a diverse group of students at Royal Hastings University are thrust into a high-stakes multimedia art course, although tensions quickly rise as egos clash and rivalries brew. The story unfolds through emails, messages and coursework, as an external examiner reviews their final grades and begins to suspect that something is seriously amiss, sparking a murder investigation. The students, each driven by personal ambition, are thoroughly unlikeable, and their actions create a web of deceit and betrayal. As the examiner digs deeper, the characters’ complex personalities and hidden motives come to light, creating a gripping, twist-laden narrative that keeps readers guessing until the shocking conclusion. Hallett expertly incorporates humour, intrigue and suspense, drawing readers into the students’ cutthroat world, where nothing is as it seems. With her signature epistolary style, she keeps the mystery compelling, offering unexpected revelations and a dénouement that is both satisfying and thought-provoking.
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