As the pages turn on another year, 2024 has already delivered a captivating array of crime novels and thrillers that have left readers breathless. From the resurgence of cozy mysteries with inventive spins to gritty, unnerving tales that delve into the darkest reaches of the human psyche, this year’s offerings showcase the immense talent and creativity within the genre.
Cozy Crimes with a Twist
The trend of cozy crime novels taking unexpected turns has been a highlight of 2024. What a Way to Go by Bella Mackie stands out as a prime example, blending a classic whodunnit with elements of metafiction and a touch of the supernatural. As universally despised hedge fund manager Anthony Wistern tries to solve his own murder from the afterlife, readers are treated to a delightful mix of humor, family drama, and clever sleuthing.
Similarly, Jonny Sweet’s debut novel The Kellerby Code takes the cozy mystery formula and infuses it with dark comedy and biting social commentary. Following the misadventures of the self-loathing Edward Jevons as he navigates the treacherous waters of his entitled university friends, Sweet crafts a tale that is as hilarious as it is unsettling.
Dark Encounters and Haunting Debuts
On the other end of the spectrum, several debut novels this year have ventured into decidedly darker territory. The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey transports readers to 1979 Yorkshire, where a 12-year-old girl takes it upon herself to hunt down the infamous Ripper. What begins as a coming-of-age story quickly evolves into a poignant examination of the far-reaching consequences of a serial killer’s actions on an entire community.
Tracy Sierra’s Nightwatching is another debut that leaves an indelible mark. When a woman and her children seek help after a terrifying home invasion, they are met with disbelief and dismissal. Sierra’s unflinching exploration of the horrors that can unfold when women’s fears are not taken seriously makes for an intense and thought-provoking read.
In an era when books are becoming ever longer, readers who value concision can do no better than the first two novels in Simon Mason’s commendably streamlined Finder series.
– The Guardian
The Return of Iconic Characters
2024 also saw the welcome return of some of the genre’s most beloved characters. John le Carré‘s iconic spy George Smiley made a triumphant comeback in Karla’s Choice, written by le Carré’s son Nick Harkaway. Set between The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, this thrilling addition to the canon sees Smiley drawn out of retirement to unravel a Soviet assassination plot.
The late Mo Hayder’s final novel Bonehead serves as a bittersweet reminder of her unparalleled ability to craft truly shocking and audacious thrillers. When police officer Alex returns to the village where she survived a deadly coach crash as a teenager, she becomes entangled in the search for the truth behind the town’s dark legends.
British Authors Making Waves
British crime authors have also made a strong showing in 2024, with several standout novels set in the United States. Abir Mukherjee’s Hunted, his first standalone work outside his 1920s India series, is a pulse-pounding thriller that follows the fallout of a suicide bombing in a California mall. Chris Whitaker’s All the Colours of the Dark is another exceptional US-set novel, tracing a decades-long search for a missing girl with haunting prose and complex, emotionally resonant characters.
Closer to home, Ian Rankin’s twenty-fifth Rebus novel Midnight and Blue proves that both he and his irascible detective are in top form, navigating the gritty streets of Edinburgh with Rankin’s signature wit and ingenuity. And for those who appreciate concise crime fiction, Simon Mason’s Finder series, beginning with Missing Person: Alice and The Case of the Lonely Accountant, offers tightly plotted mysteries starring the enigmatic ex-cop Talib as he searches for both missing persons and personal meaning.
A Year of Thrilling Reads
With its diverse array of styles, tones, and settings, 2024 has proven to be a banner year for crime and thriller enthusiasts. From the resurgence of cozy mysteries with a twist to the emergence of bold new voices unafraid to venture into dark and disturbing territory, this year’s offerings showcase the genre’s enduring ability to captivate, unsettle, and entertain. As we eagerly await the next chapter in crime fiction, one thing is certain: the future of the genre is in skilled and imaginative hands.
