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Top 5 Crime Fiction 2022

16/12/2022

Links to the full reviews in the book covers.

Devil House by John Darnielle
John Darnielle takes on and deeply investigates the true crime genre in a thematically rich series of nested tales to explore the question of why we tell stories
Black River by Matthew Spencer
Matthew Spencer’s debut is a tight, stripped back Australian crime debut refereshingly set in the city that hits the sweet spot of character, place. plot and theme.
Better the Blood by Michael Bennett
Another crime fiction debut, this one from New Zealand. Michael Bennett uses the genre to expore the ongoing impacts of New Zealand’s violent colonial past.
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
Danya Kukafya’s second novel explores the ripple effects of violence as it focuses on the three women around the life of a serial killer facing the death penalty.
The Darkest Sin by DV Bishop
The second book in DV Bishop’s Cesare Aldo crime series set in Renaissance Florence once again delivers a clever, page-turning crime novel in a well-realised historical setting.

Honourable Mentions

Wake by Shelley Burr
Shelley Burr finds a unique angle in the crowded Australian rural crime market. Pitched around a cold case and two very damaged characters, Wake explores the role of the media and social media in high profile crime cases.
Paper Cage by Tom Baragwanath
Tom Bagwarnath’s debut also deals witht the legacy or colonialism in New Zealand and is centred around an unlikley crime fiction protagonist.

City on Fire by Don Winslow
Crime fiction master Don Winsolw riffs on The Iliad in the first book of a new series set in the 1980s and centring on Irish and Italian organised crime gangs in North Eastern US.
Lying Beside You by Michael Robotham
The third entry in Michael Robotham’s Cyrus Haven/ Evie Cormack series shoes this series continuing to be a must read for crime fiction lovers.

The Tilt by Chris Hammer
Chris Hammer takes readers to Australia’s river red gum forests for a multi-generational mystery being investigated by an engaging (and somewhat involved) young detective.

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