Mystery lovers, rejoice! Three captivating new thrillers promise to keep you on the edge of your seat with ingenious plots, unforgettable characters, and twists you won't see coming.
A.J. Finn, the mastermind behind the bestselling "The Woman in the Window," returns with "End of Story" (William Morrow). This absorbing psychological thriller delves into the enigmatic world of Sebastian Trapp, a reclusive crime fiction author shrouded in mystery. Nicky Hunter, a devoted fan yearning to write his biography, finds herself ensconced in Sebastian's San Francisco Victorian mansion, a labyrinthine space filled with rare books and hidden secrets.
Sebastian's life is steeped in intrigue. His fortune was built on a series of novels featuring a charming English detective, but tragedy struck when his wife and son vanished twenty years ago. The case remains unsolved, leaving whispers of suspicion clinging to Sebastian despite being cleared by the police. Nicky, determined to write a complete account, finds herself drawn into a web of deceit as she navigates the complexities of Sebastian's fractured family. Their interactions crackle with tension, as Sebastian, a master storyteller, regales Nicky with captivating tales, all the while deflecting questions about his missing family.
"End of Story" is a literary feast for crime fiction aficionados. Finn masterfully weaves references to classic mysteries into the narrative, keeping you guessing until the very last page. This is not a story of clear-cut heroes and villains, as Sebastian warns Nicky, "This is a story without heroes. Perhaps without villains, as well." But one thing is certain: the ending is fatal.
For a change of pace, dive into "The Framed Women of Ardemore House" by Brandy Schillace (Hanover Square). This captivating novel introduces Josephine "Jo" Jones, a New York editor with a unique neurodivergent perspective on the world. Jo inherits a dilapidated estate in England from her deceased mother, embarking on a journey of self-discovery amidst the crumbling walls of Ardemore House. The estate comes complete with a neglected garden, a shifty caretaker named Sid Randles, and a missing valuable painting. When Jo suspects Sid of pilfering the artwork, she fires him, only to find him dead with three bullets in his back the next day.
Thrust into a whirlwind of suspicion, Jo, determined to clear her name, navigates the complexities of a new country and a bewildering murder case. The local police, skeptical of her neurodivergence, offer little help. But Jo finds solace in the kindness of a cheerful innkeeper, a tech-savvy antiques dealer, and her own unwavering resolve. "She was going to make a stand, this time. Her life. Her rules. Even murder needed to know where to get off." Her unique sensory perception adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story as she unravels local secrets, past and present, in her quest for the truth. With its engaging protagonist and a plot brimming with surprises, "The Framed Women of Ardemore House" is a delightful page-turner.
For those seeking a series with recurring characters, Iris Yamashita delivers a thrilling installment in the Detective Cara Kennedy series, "Village in the Dark" (Berkeley). Detective Kennedy, still reeling from the devastating loss of her husband and son a year ago, finds herself embroiled in another heart-wrenching mystery. New evidence suggests the remains buried as her loved ones may not be theirs at all. Driven by a renewed sense of purpose, she embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth.
Cara's investigation leads her to the isolated town of Point Mettier, a community shrouded in secrecy and accessible only through a mountain tunnel. Every resident harbors hidden agendas, further complicating her search. Meanwhile, Ellie Wright, a local innkeeper grappling with the recent death of her estranged son, and Mia Upash, a young woman raised in a restrictive community, find their lives unexpectedly intertwined with Cara's pursuit. As the pieces of the puzzle fall into place, a breathtaking chase leads them to a climactic showdown in Mia's isolated hometown.
"Village in the Dark" masterfully weaves together multiple narratives, building suspense with each revelation. Yamashita offers each character a satisfying resolution while leaving the door open for future adventures in this captivating series.
