I’m always on the look-out for new crime fiction – books, movies or TV – and thought I’d share a couple of good novels, as well as a TV series with lots of potential.
Although he has been writing for years, I just discovered Michael Koryta. How did I find him? I’m a big fan of Harry Bosch, the character created by Michael Connelly. A lot of writers have blogs, and Connelly’s included a list of current reading. He had high praise for Koryta, so I gave it a whirl.
I just read Koryta’s most recent novel, If She Wakes. It’s about a college student injured in an accident. They think she’s in a vegetative state, but she’s actually got it all going on inside. However, she can’t speak or move. Bad guys are worried she will wake for real and talk about what happened during that accident. There’s a great female detective with some bad-ass driving skills trying to put it all together.
Loved it! Now I’m going through his catalog.
Another writer I enjoy is Attica Locke. I just finished Heaven, My Home. This is the second novel featuring Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger. Bluebird, Bluebird was the first in the series, and it won the 2018 Edgar award for best novel. The writer confronts racism head-on, and sometimes it’s hard to read, but she’s a great story teller, and Darren is a complex and flawed man – which always sucks me in.
About TV. I’ve set my DVD to record USA Network’s new series, Dare Me. It starts tonight, so you’d better get cracking if you want to see it from the beginning. I have no idea if it will be any good, but the series is based on a book by Megan Abbott, who I’ve been reading for years. Among my favorites are Die a Little and Bury Me Deep. But Dare Me is by far the best.
Dare Me is about cheerleaders. Snarky ones. Oh, and a murder, along with a suspicious cheerleading coach who is seemingly perfect, but alas, things are not as they seem.
If someone had told me I’d enjoy a book about cheerleaders, I would have said they were nuts. But this is great stuff. I’m hopeful the TV series will capture the dark weirdness of Megan Abbott’s writing.
Next on the docket is Bearskin by James A. McLaughlin. I found this one listed among the best debut novels of 2018 on CrimeReads. I haven’t started it yet, but it’s set in the mountains of Virginia, where a dude with a secret past goes to hide from bad guys. However, he runs into poachers, and everything changes.
As you know, I’m not much on planning, but since I retired, I started keeping a spreadsheet of books I want to read, and then I reserve them at the library. A series will always bring out my OCD tendencies, so I list them in order on my spreadsheet and go about it methodically.
I am too (looking for good crime fiction)! I love the Harry Bosch books. I am currently working my way through Peter Robinson’s Inspector Banks novels – they are a new fave. Have you read any of Louise Penny’s books about Chief Inspector Gamache? Those are great reads too.
Thanks for giving me two more authors to look up, Donna.
Deb
I was never a fan of the British crime novels, but you and others have recommended them to me, so I’m going to give it another try. I will add these to the spreadsheet!
It’s mildly tough slogging at times, trying to understand the British slang and colloquialisms, but I think it’s worth the effort, for the Inspector Banks books. Louise Penny (Canadian author) writes about crime in the province of Quebec. It’s her quirky characters that live in the village of Three Pines that keep me coming back. Peter Robinson lives in Toronto – not sure if he is Canadian or Brit – and his novels are set in England.
Deb
Good to hear you haven’t abandoned spreadsheets.
I’m reading the Roxane Weary series on your recommendation. Thanks for doing all the homework for me.
My favorite is the writing of Jussi Adler-Olsen, the Department Q series. You have to be prepared for the dark hard-hitting style of Scandinavian writers.
I read one of the Harry Hole novels by Jo Nesbo and liked it. I will give Department Q a try. I’ve added them (in order) to the spreadsheet! Glad you’re checking out Roxane Weary. I think you would like Megan Abbott, if you haven’t read any of her stuff yet. The Song is You, Die a Little and Queenpin. Also check out Christa Faust.
I loved the Harry Bosch books. I’ll have to check out your book recommendations. Thanks for sharing the list.
It’s sad to know I’ve read them all — that’s why I’m always on the look-out for others! If you haven’t seen Bosch on Amazon, I urge you to give it a try. They do a really good job. The guy who plays Harry is perfect.
I agree… the guy who plays Bosch is perfect for the part. I’ve watched all the Harry Bosch on Amazon. I love his house in the Amazon series.
Oh, that house! I’d be terrified to live up there, but it is pretty cool.
There are just too many books to read!! Thanks for introducing me to some new authors. I haven’t read any of them. I too keep a spreadsheet of my books, but only the ones I’ve read or already purchased. I use Goodreads to keep track of those I want to read. It’s a little bit of double counting but if you haven’t figured it out by now, I’m a little anal when it comes to keeping track of things!!
Happy New Year!!
Too many books, but lots of time to read them!
You’d think so but I’m doing too many other things. Lately, most of my reading has been at night when I can’t sleep which is kind of sad. 😌
Thank you for the suggestions. Perfect time of the year here in the mid south to curl up with a book. Happy New Year to you!
Happy New Year to you, too!
Love getting book recommendations. I’m one of those who loves British crime fiction. Just discovered a new author, Cara Hunter, who writes a complex plot with lots of twists. Just finished a Bosch/Ballard book. I like that Connelly brought in a female detective. Hoping the new Amazon season of Bosch starts soon.
I just did a quick scan of the Cara Hunter books, and they look great. Thanks! I’m also looking forward to the new season of Bosch.