Mystery/Crime/Thriller Books

Sterling is a small, ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens -- until a student enters the local high school with an arsenal of guns and starts shooting, changing the lives of everyone inside and out. The daughter of the judge sitting on the case is the state's best witness -- but she can't remember what happened in front of her own eyes. Or can she?

Chart Throb is a witty satire on the world of modern television talent shows, following a genius judge named Calvin Simms who writes the rules and always wins. However, this year the rules are changing and the real is about to be put back into reality television. With savagely hilarious deconstruction, Ben Elton exposes the cut-throat world of pop quest shows and its behind-the-scene tricks. The book is perfect for those who love sharp and dark humor and wish to see reality TV in a different light.

Gold! There are rumors that long ago a treasure was hidden in a city now buried under the Nevada desert. Nancy and her friends plan to join a dig sponsored by two colleges to hunt for the gold. Before she starts, the young sleuth receives an ancient stone tablet with petroglyphs on it. With this amazing clue, however, come a threat and danger from a thief who also wants the treasure. One harrowing adventure after another besets Nancy, Bess, George, Ned, Burt, and Dave in 102-degree temperatures as they pursue Nancy's hunches above and below ground. They are assisted by a find Indian woman and a young geology student, but both are unwilling participants in a strange plot. In the end Nancy and Ned nearly lose their lives, just after she has discovered the priceless hidden treasure of gold.

"New York Times" bestselling author Nancy Taylor Rosenberg delivers Sullivan's Justice--and plunges probation officer Carolyn Sullivan into a case that will challenge everything she holds dear while exposing the deadliest of secrets. . .. Her work for the Ventura County Probation Department brings Carolyn Sullivan face-to-face with the most depraved criminals, and serial killer Raphael Moreno is at the top of the list. But things get even darker when a single phone call propels her into a nightmare. Carolyn's brother, Neil, has discovered the body of his girlfriend floating in his swimming pool--and he's soon the prime suspect in her murder. Neil has an alibi: he was in bed with celebrity heiress Melody Asher. But when Melody refuses to back up Neil's story and the evidence against him mounts, the brother Carolyn thought she knew suddenly seems like a complete stranger. The key to everything seems to be Moreno, but getting inside his head is a dangerous game. Now Carolyn must find the courage to make the ultimate decision--whether to risk the lives of innocent people or save herself and those she loves most. . .

"Live Flesh" by Ruth Rendell is a gripping crime novel that explores themes of redemption and the struggle to escape one's past. The story follows Victor Jenner, a man who has just been released from prison and is trying to start anew. However, his past catches up with him when he reunites with the police officer he shot and the officer's girlfriend. As Victor's old habits resurface, readers are taken on a thrilling ride exploring the consequences of one's actions and the elusive nature of redemption.

This book is a must-read for fans of Cold War thrillers. With its intricate web of espionage, captivating narrative, and multi-layered characters, "Smiley's People" will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The exceptional storytelling by the author and the gripping final battle between George Smiley and his Soviet counterpart make this book a thrilling and satisfying read for anyone interested in the world of espionage and secret intelligence.

Good Neighbors is a captivating crime novel that creates an overwhelming sense of urban danger and anxiety. Inspired by a real-life murder case, the novel unveils the lives of the bystanders who witnessed the crime and chose to remain silent. This book's expertly interlocking plotlines depict a fascinating cross-section of American society and evoke the same tension and suspense as Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window. Readers seeking psychological thrillers with exceptional character depth and a captivating storyline will find this book an excellent choice.

Lisa Scottoline continues to enthrall a growing legion of critics and fans with her superb talent for creating gripping, unpredictable stories that rival the best of John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Richard North Patterson. Filled with twisting plots, unforgettable flesh-and-blood characters, and absorbing dramatic tension, her previous national bestsellers have propelled her into the top ranks of legal suspense. Now, this acclaimed author is back with Mistaken Identity, her most thoughtful, riveting, and richest novel yet. Life holds few surprises for Bennie Rosato, head of her own Philadelphia law firm. As a criminal attorney now specializing in police misconduct cases, she's seen the noblest and most deviant aspects of human nature. But nothing can prepare her for the moment she enters a maximum-security prison to meet her new client, Alice Connolly, face to face. Accused of brutally murdering her lover, a highly decorated police detective, Connolly claims the police framed her. A defendant protesting her innocence is not unusual for Bennie. What shocks her is that Connelly bears an uncanny physical resemblance to her. "Pleased to meet you. I'm your twin. Your identical twin," Connolly tells the astonished lawyer. But Bennie grew up as an only child, or so she thought. She has a law firm, a handsome young lover, and a golden retriever; she doesn't have a twin. Or does she?Connolly knows too many intimate details about Bennie's life and family for the resemblance to be just coincidental. And there is something about the woman that compels the intrigued attorney to defend her, against her better judgment. Taking the case with the trial only a week away, Bennie plunges into the mystery of the murder, as well as her own identity and her family's dark secrets. Is Connolly innocent? And is she Bennie's unknown sister? It is not until Bennie takes the case to verdict that she will finally learn the truth, which threatens to change her life.A legal thriller, a courtroom drama, and an exploration of the emotional bonds that define our lives and those we love, Mistaken Identity is a masterful achievement that takes the legal thriller to a new level as it resoundingly confirms Lisa Scottoline's place as one of the premier writers of suspense fiction today.

Cause for Alarm will keep you on the edge of your seat with its unpredictable twists and turns. Spindler's talent for creating suspenseful and intricate plots shines through in this novel. Readers who enjoy a heart-pumping thriller with a strong female protagonist will love Cause for Alarm.

Dark Hollow could be a good read for someone who enjoys dark mysteries with a haunted detective. Readers will appreciate the author's use of atmospheric settings in Maine, and the complex interplay of family history and secrets. The book has many gruesome and violent scenes, but they serve to heighten the suspense and the stakes of the narrative. Ultimately, the book is a deep exploration of grief, loss, and the lengths individuals go to seek redemption in the face of tragedy.

Recommended for fans of action-packed espionage thrillers. The main character, Salam al-Fayed ("Fade"), is a former Navy SEAL and expert in Arabic who is forced back into service by Homeland Security to take on a dangerous mission. Filled with intense covert tactics and high-stakes betrayal, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy action-packed espionage thrillers.

"Southern Cross is a thrilling crime mystery that delves into the complex issues of crime and policing in Richmond, Virginia. Set with a backdrop of teenage gangs, robbery and racial tensions, Cornwell's book dives into the challenges faced by the city's police department in arresting a gang linked with robberies. The suspense and twists keep the readers engaged till the very end, making it an excellent read for lovers of the mystery genre."

Fiddle City by Dan Kavanagh could be a great read for someone looking for a mystery novel with a unique and witty protagonist. Duffy, the ex-policeman turned private detective, is bisexual and obsessed with cleanliness, making him stand out from typical detective protagonists. The book also includes dark humor and an intriguing plot involving a smuggling ring. Readers would enjoy the witty writing style of Dan Kavanagh and the unpredictable twists and turns of the plot.

This book would be a great read for anyone who enjoys a captivating mystery with a unique setting. "Shattered" combines the suspense of a thrilling horse racing backdrop with a gripping mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. With no issues, the solid condition of the book ensures an enjoyable reading experience. Get ready for a thrilling ride!