A Year of Twisted Plots and Intriguing Characters: The Best Crime Fiction of 2024
2024 has been a remarkable year for crime fiction, with a surge of captivating novels shaking up the genre. From ghosts solving their own murders to iconic characters returning in gripping new adventures, readers have been treated to a diverse and compelling selection.
Bella Mackie, author of the acclaimed "How to Kill Your Family," returned with the darkly humorous "What a Way To Go" (Borough). This swirling mystery follows the aftermath of hedge fund titan Anthony Wistern’s untimely demise. A cast of suspicious characters – including his widow, Olivia, and a dedicated crime blogger named Sleuth – try to unravel the truth. Adding a unique twist is the voice of Anthony himself, trapped in a bureaucratic "processing center" for the deceased, who must solve his own murder to achieve peace. This blend of whodunnit, family drama à la "Succession," and witty social satire makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience.
For readers craving darkly funny characters, Jonny Sweet’s debut "The Kellerby Code" (Faber) offers a satirical masterpiece. We meet Edward Jevons, a self-deprecating university grad hopelessly in love with the enigmatic Stanza. When he discovers Stanza and his object of desire, Robert, are an item, Edward’s already fragile mental state spirals. As events at Stanza’s ancestral home take a sinister turn, Sweet weaves a darkly humorous tale reminiscent of the acclaimed “Saltburn.”
Jennie Godfrey’s charming "The List of Suspicious Things" (Hutchinson Heinemann) takes us back to 1979 amidst the Yorkshire Ripper’s reign of terror. Twelve-year-old Miv, determined to find the monster, creates a list of suspects in her small Yorkshire town. As her investigation unfolds, she uncovers mysteries closer to home in this poignant coming-of-age story that also sheds light on the devastating impact of violence on a community.
American author Tracy Sierra chills readers with "Nightwatching" (Viking). The novel opens with a terrified mother and her young children hiding from an unseen intruder. Even when they escape, no one believes her chilling account. Sierra’s heart-wrenching story powerfully explores the tendency to dismiss women’s voices and experiences.
Spy intrigue returns with a vengeance in IS Berry’s debut, "The Peacock and the Sparrow" (No Exit). This captivating novel sets its story during the Arab Spring in Bahrain, where aging CIA spy Shane Collins navigates a web of international espionage. Berry, a former CIA agent herself, imbues the story with authentic detail and suspense, reminiscent of both John le Carré and Graham Greene.
Fans of legendary spymaster John le Carré will find themselves enthralled by son Nick Harkaway’s "Karla’s Choice" (Viking). Set in the world of Cold War espionage, this tale continues the legacy of Le Carré’s iconic characters. When a Soviet assassin arrives in London with the order to kill Hungarian publisher Laszlo Banati, he changes his mind.
But Banati is missing, and the legendary spy George Smiley is drawn out of retirement to uncover the truth. Harkaway captures his father’s narrative style with impeccable precision, creating an exciting addition to the spy fiction canon.
Mo Hayder, the celebrated author known for their dark and provocative novels, left a final chilling masterpiece with "Bonehead" (Hodder & Stoughton).
This unsettling story revolves around police officer Alex, haunted by a childhood bus crash that claimed the lives of six classmates. When she returns to the village where the tragedy occurred, seeking answers, she uncovers a web of secrets and encounters the chilling legend of the faceless, mummified woman who roams the nearby woods.
Abir Mukherjee, best known for his historical series set in 1920s India, ventures into modern-day America with his first standalone novel, "Hunted" (Harvill Secker). A suicide bomber unleashes terror in a California shopping mall, igniting a national emergency. Mukherjee expertly weaves multiple storylines, crafting a suspenseful thriller with breakneck pacing.
Chris Whitaker’s moving "All The Colours of The Dark" (Orion) also explores the complexities of a crime across the American landscape.
The story follows Joseph Macauley, who years after escaping from a kidnapper alongside a young girl named Grace, dedicates his life to finding her. Whitaker creates a deeply emotional and compelling narrative, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and hope.
Ian Rankin, master storyteller and creator of the iconic detective John Rebus, recently reminded everyone that excellence doesn’t always require length.
His 25th Rebus novel, "Midnight and Blue" (Orion), is a testament to the beauty of concision in storytelling.
Simon Mason embraces this philosophy in his crisp "Finder" series, exemplified by the first two installments: "Missing Person: Alice" and "The Case of the Lonely Accountant" (Riverrun).
Former police detective Talib navigates investigations with quiet intensity, wrestling with existential questions as he unravels complex cases.
Mason’s clever use of contrasting literary references within the narrative casts a unique and thought-provoking lens on Talib’s pursuit of the truth.
2024 rewarded crime fiction readers with a tapestry of thrills, chills, and thought-provoking narratives. From historical mysteries to contemporary thrillers, the year’s offerings showcased the genre’s remarkable versatility.
