A crime thriller is a synthesis of the crime genre and the thriller genre. Crime novels traditionally focus on a criminal who apprehends-often by law or justice. Thematically, the best crime books often circle theme of good vs. evil and the notion that wrong deeds must be avenged. It all started with Senecan drama of revenge- tragedy and also with some of the nail biting dramas of Shakespeare. Thriller novels devote most of their focus in creating suspense. The antagonist is established early on, and the protagonist must work to stop them from doing evil.
WhatOn brings some of the nail biting books which you cannot miss. The fear, and the mystery drives us through the fog of the plot and at the end there is plot revelation.
‘The Vacation’ by John Marrs****
How far woulf you go to get away from your past? Venice Beach in LA is heaven on earth, with tourists glore flocking to the ocean and Hollywood promise. But for eight strangers staying at a beach-front hotel, a holiday is not the first thing on their minds. All of them are on the run, and all have secrets they would murder to keep. The Vacation is a gripping, holiday-set thriller from John Marrs.
‘Into the Dark’ by Fiona Cummins****
In a gorgeous art deco home looking out to the bay of Midtown-on Sea, a terrible crime has come to light. An entire family- Pipe and Gray and their two teenage children have vanished. Cue to the arrival of DS Saul Anguish, brilliant detective with a difficult past. As he begins to untangle the painful story of the disappearance, he must face his own demons.
‘The Murder at Fleat House’ by Lucinda Riley ****
The sudde death of a pupil in Fleat House at St Stephen’s is a shocking event. But the local police cannot rule out foul play and the case prompts the return of high flying detective inspector Jazmine ‘Jazz’. Classics master provide Jazz with important leads, but as snow covers the landscape and another suspect goes missing. Jazz must also confront her personal demons.
‘Out of her Depth’ by Lizzy Barber***
Rachel is a modest young woman from a sleepy London suburb. She has a summer job at the stunning Villa Medici in the Tuscan hills, surrounded by hedonistic teenagers, whose partying goes too far one night. This is a simmering summer thriller about teenage antics on the edge of reason, with more than a dash of Patricia Highsmith in its tense unfolding.
‘State of Terror’ by Hillary Rodham Clinton****
State of Terror follows a novice Secretary of state who has joined the administration of her rival. A series of terrorist attacks throws the global order into disarray, and the secretary is tasked with assembling a team to unravel the deadly conspiracy. A scheme carefully designed to take advantage of an American government dangerously out of touch and out of power in places where it counts the most. This high stake thriller of international intrigue features behind-the scenes global drama informed by details only an insider could know.
