Pile by the Bed reviews The Stranding by Kate Sawyer, a debut that follows a couple making a life for themselves in a post-apocalyptic New Zealand.

Pile by the Bed reviews Scorpion by Christian Cantrell – a technothriller with a decidedly science fiction twist.

Pile by the Bed reviews The Maidens the second psychological crime thriller by Alex Michaelides.

Pile by the Bed reviews Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon – a type of hero’s origin story which grapples with the power to confront a turbulent and violent history.

Pile by the Bed reviews Foregone by American novelist Russell Banks in which truth and fiction converge with aspects of Banks’ own life in the fictional reflections of an ageing film maker.

Pile by the Bed reviews Girl One by Sarah Flannery Murphy a high concept speculative thriller that is clever, thought provoking and engaging.

Pile by the Bed reviews Razorblade Tears by SA Cosby, the crime fiction follow up to his scorching debut (Blacktop Wasteland) about two ex-criminals searching for revenge and absolution following the deaths of their sons.

Pile by the Bed reviews Artifact Space by Miles Cameron – the first of a space opera meets military/ mercantile science fiction series full of engaging characters and anchored by an intriguing mystery.

Pile by the Bed reviews The Only One in the World, a collection of short stories featuring alternate versions of Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson edited by Narelle M Harris.

Pile by the Bed reviews The Others by Mark Brandi, a story of vulnerability, abuse of power and resilience set deep in the Australian bush.

Pile by the Bed reviews Catch Us the Foxes debut Australian crime fiction with more than a hint of gothic by Nicola West

Pile by the Bed reviews When You Are Mine by Michael Robotham a stand alone crime thriller dealing with domestic violence, corruption and obssession.

Pile by the Bed reviews The 22 Murders of Madison May as science fiction thriller involving the pursuit of a killer across multiple realities by Australian author Max Barry

Pile by the Bed reviews The Colours of Death the debut novel by Patricia Marques that effectively mixes in a speculative alternative Lisbon and a crime procedural.

Pile by the Bed reviews and recommends Chaos Gate the final book in Megan O’Keefe’s space opera Protectorate series.

Pile by the Bed reviews Sixteen Horses by Greg Buchanan – an atmospheric, gothic-styled debut crime thriller.

Pile by the Bed reviews Widowland by CJ Carey a thriller set in an alternative 1950s in which Germany rules Britain and women are second class citizens.

Pile by the Bed reviews and recommends Talk to Me by TC Boyle’s 18th novel, this one dealing compassionately and empathetically with issues of animal exploitation, experimentation and ethics.

Pile by the Bed reviews Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour a pointed, redemptive take down of the capitalist dream machine.

Pile by the Bed reviews Hades, Argentina by Daniel Loedel a magical realist trip back into the dark days of Argentine military rule.