Crime Thriller Books

The best crime thriller book reviews. “Crime thriller” is a catch-all term for thriller subgenres that feature a struggle for dominance between criminals and law enforcement, such as mafia thriller, police procedural, detective fiction, true crime, serial killer fiction and others.

Where the Hurt Is, a Sensational Crime Thriller by Chris Kelsey

By

The Bottom Line: This sensational small town crime thriller is a perfect beach read. Set in 1965, Where the Hurt Is tells the story of a tough but inexperienced Oklahoma police chief who chooses to investigate a brutal murder that most would rather forget. Written from the point of view of police chief Emmett Hardy, Chris Kelsey’s novel opens on a horrendously hot Oklahoma night, […]

Where the Hurt Is, a Sensational Crime Thriller by Chris Kelsey READ MORE >

The Crooked Staircase: A Jane Hawk Novel by Dean Koontz

By

The Bottom Line: Koontz lives up to his reputation as one of the most reliable crime thriller novelists of our time. In Koontz’s latest outing, his fierce heroine Jane Hawk picks up right where she left off in The Whispering Room. That’s great news for Koontz completionists, but this won’t be a great entry point for anyone not already invested in the series. With that said, this

The Crooked Staircase: A Jane Hawk Novel by Dean Koontz READ MORE >

The Quisling, a High-Stakes Psychological Thriller by Lawrence Matrick M.D.

By

Bottom Line: High-stakes action meets psychological thrills in this satisfying tangle of cartels, star-crossed love and tested loyalties. The Quisling is chock-full of surprises. While author Lawrence Matrick juggles a large cast, The Quisling is primarily focused on three well-drawn characters: psychiatrist Dr. Zack Scarlatto, who is focused on extracting himself from the Mexican cartels in one piece; Zack’s sexy mistress, Maria, step-daughter of the

The Quisling, a High-Stakes Psychological Thriller by Lawrence Matrick M.D. READ MORE >

Gate 76, One of the Year’s Best Thrillers, by Andrew Diamond

By

The Bottom Line: One of the year’s best thrillers. 34-year-old private detective Freddy Ferguson, a man still largely defined by his former career as a prize fighter, is waiting to board a flight to Washington D.C. when he spots Anna Brook. She is attractive in a hassled sort of way, but it’s her interaction with her male companion – a knucklehead gripping her arm in

Gate 76, One of the Year’s Best Thrillers, by Andrew Diamond READ MORE >

In Your Head, a Series-Worthy Supernatural Thriller by Matthew Tamney

By

The Bottom Line: A series-worthy supernatural thriller about a gifted telepath who finds himself over his head in murder and mayhem. Expat Pete Erickson had left the U.S. for Taiwan to escape the labels he had grown up with: loner, sociopath, narcissist. But only a select few know that Peter, in fact, has a superpower: the ability to plant ideas in unsuspecting stranger’s heads (think

In Your Head, a Series-Worthy Supernatural Thriller by Matthew Tamney READ MORE >

The Bishop Burned the Lady, a Stellar Murder Mystery by Bill Percy

By

The Bottom Line: This stellar mountain murder mystery will stick with you long after turning the last page. In Bill Percy’s vivid new novel, a devastating Montana wildfire season has worn out Deputy Andi Pelton and her boyfriend, psychologist Ed Northrup. But there will be no rest anytime soon, as they are tipped off about a mysterious fire in a remote forest clearing. They discover

The Bishop Burned the Lady, a Stellar Murder Mystery by Bill Percy READ MORE >

Blowout, a Blast of Suspense, Romance and Political Thrills by Xingu Fawcett

By

The Bottom Line: A glossy blast of suspense, romance, and political thrills—all with the sultry setting of Rio to add a little spice. Readers looking for a blend of true crime and international intrigue should give Blowout a chance. Xingu Fawcett explores what may have happened when the U.S. Department of Justice investigated a corruption scheme in Brazil involving oil drilling, organized crime, and back-alley

Blowout, a Blast of Suspense, Romance and Political Thrills by Xingu Fawcett READ MORE >

Rookie Killer, a Truly Original Crime Thriller by Judi Wallower

By

The Bottom Line: A truly original approach to the serial killer genre by a promising new writer. Rookie Killer is nothing less than a terrifying descent into the mind of a serial killer. The novel begins with a global confession from 33-year-old federal inmate Randi Nolan, Ohio’s first female serial killer. First-time novelist Judi Wallower uses Nolan’s best friend and fellow inmate Jax, the product

Rookie Killer, a Truly Original Crime Thriller by Judi Wallower READ MORE >

Blind Eye, One of the Year’s Best Crime Thrillers

By

The Bottom Line: One of the year’s best thrillers so far. The riveting second Jack Bailey novel is a victory for detective fiction fans in search of a clever new series. Following her razor-sharp debut novel, Bailey’s Law, author Meg Lelvis has resurrected detective Jack Bailey for another adventure on the mean streets of Chicago. When popular parochial teacher Sister Anne is found murdered along

Blind Eye, One of the Year’s Best Crime Thrillers READ MORE >

Caught in a Web, One of the Year’s Best Conspiracy Thrillers

By

The Bottom Line: This important, nail-biting crime thriller about MS-13 sets the bar very high. One of the year’s best thrillers. When Milwaukee Detective Jamie Graff’s phone rings, he can tell by the early hour that he’s about to receive bad news. His hunch is right, as he hears that yet another kid has been found dead from an overdose of heroin and fentanyl. The

Caught in a Web, One of the Year’s Best Conspiracy Thrillers READ MORE >

Scroll to Top