6 Criminally Overlooked Crime Fiction Must-Reads

This story revolves around David Sarac, an effective and ruthless handler in the Stockholm Police's Intelligence Unit, skilled in manipulating sources to fight organized crime. He gains success through his top informant, Janus. However, after a stroke and car crash erase two years of his memory, David struggles to recall crucial details about Janus and his work. He must reconnect with Janus to safeguard himself and his network against external threats, relying on his friends and colleagues, whose true intentions may be uncertain. MEMORANDOM is a spooky, twisty story that had me second-guessing my own judgment as a reader. Who is Janus? Whom can Sarac trust? Can we even trust Sarac? These questions propelled me through the end of the book at breakneck speeds and I can’t recommend it enough.

Teenagers Nell and Jude discover the body of an unidentified young woman, later dubbed the Brighton Mermaid. Just three weeks later, Jude vanishes, never to be seen again. Fast forward twenty-five years, Nell, unable to let go of the past, quits her job to uncover the identity of the Brighton Mermaid and unravel the fate of her best friend.

Dorothy Koomson’s thrillers are pretty much always a safe bet, and this one is no different. It’s a propulsive, just-one-more-chapter-style read that checks all the boxes. And honestly, this one is worth the read for Nell alone. If you like a strong, self-assured, fiercely independent main character that you just can’t help but root for, you will love this book!

Set in 1875 in Philadelphia, MURDER BY DEGREES follows Dr. Lydia Weston, a professor and anatomist who is pulled into a mystery when her patient Anna Ward is found dead in the Schuylkill River. Though the death is officially deemed a suicide, Lydia suspects foul play. She teams up with two detectives, diving into a world of cryptic diary clues and hidden secrets. It's a fantastic blend of historical fiction and mystery, with yet another strong female lead who's not afraid to challenge the norms of her time. The story is packed with surprisingly engaging medical descriptions and concepts that really bring the mystery to life. My only criticism of this book is that I wish there were more of it! At a scant 304 pages, it’s a swift read and a fabulous way to spend a weekend.

This one is for my fellow dark thriller girlies. ALL OF US ARE BROKEN is an intense, brutal thriller set in the Scottish Highlands, where Christine Hardwicke's much-needed family holiday intersects with notorious couple Missy and Fox’s deadly crime spree. Detective Saul Anguish, alongside his partner Blue, races to stop the modern-day Bonnie and Clyde while grappling with his own dark past. The book brilliantly juxtaposes the serene beauty of Scotland with the harrowing darkness of the unfolding crimes. It's a magnetic read that’s full of unrelenting tension and packs a serious emotional punch. It’s both a crime story and a deep dive into the psyche of its characters, both the hunters and the hunted. All in all, it’s a brilliantly written, heart-wrenching read that will stay with you long after the final page.

THE WILD INSIDE is a haunting crime novel set against the backdrop of Glacier National Park. The story follows Special Agent Ted Systead, haunted by a childhood trauma involving a bear attack that killed his father. Decades later, Ted returns to investigate a chillingly similar crime: a man tied to a tree and left for a bear. Alongside Park Officer Monty, Ted delves into a world where nature's beauty masks the sinister secrets of the locals. Christine Carbo's writing is rich and atmospheric, capturing the essence of both the rugged wilderness and its complex inhabitants. This novel is a great fit for those who like a slow-burn mystery that’s more of an exploration of human nature and past traumas than it is a high-octane thriller. It’s really a profound study of the impact of our past and the relentless force of nature, both wild and human.

GOOD GIRL, BAD GIRL tells the story of a mysterious girl with a haunting past and the unique ability to detect lies. Six years after being found in a secret room after a gruesome crime, she, now known as Evie Cormac, seeks freedom from her sheltered life. Forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven enters the picture to assess her readiness and, haunted by his own family tragedy, finds himself caught in Evie's enigmatic world.

The plot thickens when Cyrus is drawn into the investigation of Jodie Sheehan, a figure-skating champion with a hidden life, whose murder ties mysteriously to Evie. The narrative masterfully intertwines the two cases, leading to an explosive conclusion that leaves you reeling. Reading Michael Robotham's work is like absorbing adrenaline through your eyeballs, and yet the intense suspense doesn’t detract from the emotional depth he’s able to cultivate. This book is an unputdownable read, filled with twists and turns that will have you barely hanging on to the edge of your seat. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good psychological thriller with excellent characters so real they leap off the page.