Cormoran Strike (what a perfect name for a PI) and his intrepid assistant Robin are targeted by a serial killer in this 3rd book in the CS series, which keep on improving. In addition to the serial killing, this book has some disturbing content about amputations. The Strike/Robin relationship is ever-complicated and a real treat to watch unfold.
Category: Mystery
Broken Monsters by Lauren Beukes
Beukes wrote the masterful mystery Shining Girls, and her latest mystery is also excellent: crime in the age of social media. This is a gritty story set in Detroit, sort of M. Connelly/H. Bosch meets Stephen King to make for a fascinating story.
The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins
This is a cracking good mystery, with misinterpreted observations, deceit and lies (intentional and unintentional). The writing is reminiscent of Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl, et al) with two time lines that precede and follow an apparent crime. The main character in this novel is delightfully flawed, a real train wreck.
Broken Harbour by Tana French
This is a brilliant mystery; all of French’s books are a treat to read. There is very little place: the first half of the books is all procedural because a veteran homicide detective is training a novice partner, and then the psychological emphasis begins, the “why” of a horrific crime and unexplored secrets in the mind of the crime investigators.
Another French novel I read this month (The Secret Place) is set in a Dublin boarding school for girls: the 16-17 year old girls are secretive and manipulative with lies, deceit and gleeful bitchiness that confound the investigation into a murder. In other words, the mysteries of young adult female minds is explored wonderfully.
Saints of the Shadow Bible by Ian Rankin
Vintage Rebus: two stories, a 30 year-old cold case and a contemporary crime. Rebus actually works with Malcom Fox from The Complaints which is a trying experience for all. The Scottish atmosphere (pubs, etc) is perfect.
Tatiana by Martin Cruz Smith
Another brilliant book about Inspector Arkay Renko in the depths of a Russian mystery: missing people, murder, corruption. The context of modern Russia in winter is perfect. Smith’s first Renko book is Gorky Park; Red Square is also brilliant as is Three Stations but it is worth reading the whole list, in sequence.
I’d Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippam
A psychological mystery thriller by (for me) a new author. A serial killer abducts a 15 year old girl and keeps her for 39 days but does not kill her. The question of why, in other words classic survivor guilt, plagues her in her adult life. This was better than “After I’m Gone” which is a cold case mystery but both are worthwhile mystery books.
The Silkworm – Robert Galbraith (aka JK Rowling)
This is the second book about Cormoran Strike, a hard-boiled private investigator in the Mickey Spillane mode. This book is set in the vicious world of publishing. Excellent plot with ongoing development of the relationship between Cormoran and his trusty secretary, Robin. The story takes place in London, and you can feel the cold of an English winter.
A Tap On The Window by Linwood Barclay
A very good mystery by a Canadian author (chosen from the CBC List of 100 Authors who make us proud to be a Canadian). This is a plot-driven mystery, so not much description of place. An intrepid private eye solves several murders, with the usual corrupt police force. There is a good surprise at the ending!
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16072980-a-tap-on-the-window
What David Read 