List
2018 Staff Picks: Mystery and Thriller
Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
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The Word Is Murder: A Novel
2018 by Horowitz, AnthonyGet this itemA highly unique mystery where the author is a character in the book. At first, I was confused if it was a novel or a memoir, but as it continued, I no longer cared—I got so immersed in the plot. Recommended by Cecilia.
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Mr. Flood's Last Resort: A Novel
2018 by Kidd, JessGet this itemBeautifully written, contemporary, British mystery with a little bit of Daphne du Maurier's foreboding and darkness and Gail Honeyman's (Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine) awkward charm and whimsy. Recommended by Megan.
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Under A Dark Sky: A Novel
2018 by Rader-Day, LoriGet this itemI stayed up all night to figure out who the murderer was in this disturbing and twisty Agatha Christie-like story set in a dark sky park in Upper Michigan. If you like atmospheric, surprising, well-written mysteries set in original locations, this book is for you. Recommended by Megan.
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Sunburn: A Novel
2018 by Lippman, LauraGet this itemBoth a masterful homage to James M. Cain and a great story of relationships, revenge, and damaged people, I loved every second of this psychological thriller. Polly is right up there with Amazing Amy (Gone Girl) for her complexity, wit, and charm. Lippman is at the top of her game with this standalone novel. Recommended by Lynnanne.
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Give Me your Hand
2018 by Abbott, MeganGet this itemLike her contemporary Gillian Flynn, Abbott understands female rage, female friendships, and the bad choices of desperate people. She builds the tension slowly until the surprising twist. Abbott is a must read for me and I loved this one. Recommended by Lynnanne.
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The Wife Between Us
2018 by Hendricks, GreerGet this itemThis book fools you repeatedly into making assumptions about the characters. The author manages to pull the rug out from under you repeatedly while avoiding leaving you with the feeling of being tricked. I found this book so compelling I lost sleep because I had to finish it in one day. Recommended by Katy.
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