Booklist, a journal that I read monthly, has recently published a list of what they consider the year's best crime novels. The list is pulled from crime novels reviewed from May 1, 2012 until April 15, 2013. It is a interesting selection of titles and I agree with most and many I've previously mentioned here. Alphabetically by title they are:
The Andalucian Friend by Alexander Soderberg. This is the first of a Scandinavian crime trilogy. Do you watch Dexter or Breaking Bad? Do you find yourself sometimes routing for the supposed 'bad' guy? This tale will sweep you along at a fast pace. Sophie Brinkmann, a nurse and single mother, finds herself falling for a patient in the hospital. Only after he is out does she discovers that he is the head of a crime ring and she is in the middle of a gang war.
The Beautiful Mystery by Louise Penny. The winner of the Agatha for best novel appears on this list too. Chief Inspector Armand Gamache looking for the killer among a group of silent monks. Those who like Penny, LOVE Penny. Plot is good and characters are usually complex. There is less action but more thinking in my opinion.
Ghostman by Roger Hobbs. Jack White lives off the grid but specializes in cleaning up messes and evidences of heists. When one heist goes awry, the organizer wants Jack dead and he finds himself in the middle of a deadly mess. Hobbs is a debut author who sold this novel to a publisher on the first 50 pages when he was 22 and right out of college.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Once again, the title has been talked about too much this year. It was really good - really, really good but let's get on to the next best thing. A story of a dysfunctional couple. If you haven't read it yet, you probably won't.
Live by Night by Dennis Lehane. This one won the Edgar for Best Novel for 2012. This is Lehane's tale of gangsters in the 1920 and the son of a prominent police captain. It has some weighty things to say about violence and fathers and sons.
The Rage by Gene Kerrigan. Kerrigan is an Irish author and generally writes of Dublin, corruption, crime and the economy. this title won the Crime Writer's Association Gold Dagger Award for Best Crime Novel of the Year. It is a police procedural that follows Detective Sergeant Bob Tidey in his investigation of ' the perfect crime' which turns out to be less than perfect. Dark and violent, Kerrigan is sometimes compared to Lee Child.
Shatter the Bones by Stuart MacBride. . This title is the 7th in the Scottish Logan McRae series. The mother and daughter singing duo who are about to win 'Britian's Next Big Star' are kidnapped and a public demand is made by the kidnappers that everyone needs to contribute if they want to see the duo alive. Violent and dark but with humor. Recommended for those who like British mysteries.
Suspect by Robert Crais. LAPD officer Scott James is experiencing PTSD after a brutal attack that killed his partner and seriously injured him. Back at work, he requests K-9 duty because he doesn't want to be paired with another person. His new partner, Maggie is a military working dog who is also experiencing a dog form of PTSD after the death of her person. Together, they go on the hunt for James' partner's killer. A stand alone and some people think it is one of his best.
What Comes Next by John Katzenbach. A retired college professor attempts to find a young woman he witnessed being kidnapped after the police come up empty. The couple who kidnapped her are putting their torture of her up on the Internet for public display. Not for the squeamish but an interesting take on today's digital society.
All titles are available at you Chattahoochee Library.
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