Stuart Turton’s novel, The Last Murder at the End of the World, is available for purchase at a price of £20 from the publisher Raven. The story takes place during a murder at the end of the world.
Turton’s third book delves into the themes of existence, mortality and the value of life. It is a dystopian mystery, where time is of the essence and our main character must uncover the truth before it’s too late. The story takes place 90 years after a deadly fog has wiped out the world, leaving only a small Greek island and its surrounding sea. The island is home to three scientists who have managed to extend their lives through advanced technology, and 122 villagers. Abi, a strange AI with the ability to read minds, maintains peace on the island and ensures that the villagers, except for one curious woman named Emory, do not question their existence. However, when one of the scientists is murdered and the island’s defenses shut down, Emory must use her limited time of 92 hours to solve the crime and save humanity. This is a thought-provoking and captivating novel where nothing is as it seems.
Reworded: “Moral Injuries”, written by Christie Watson and published by W&N for £16.99.
In this gripping medical thriller by former nurse Watson, the mistakes of the past haunt the present as Laura, Olivia, and Anjali, all successful doctors who went to medical school together, are forced to confront a shared tragedy from their student days. As they navigate their careers and personal lives, secrets are exposed and loyalties are tested, ultimately leading to a dangerous pact with dire consequences. Through a shifting narrative between 1999 and the present, the story delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, moral responsibility, and the complexities of personal and professional ethics.
The Hunter by Tana French (Viking, £18.99)
In the follow-up to The Searcher, former American police officer Cal Hooper remains in a remote Irish village in the west. He has taken on a parental role for teenage Trey Reddy, whom he helped find her missing brother Brendan. But trouble arises when Trey’s unreliable biological father, Johnny, returns with a stranger claiming to have ties to the village. Their plan for quick riches causes chaos in the community. Cal’s suspicions about Johnny and the stranger are confirmed when a dangerous game of deceit leads to deadly consequences. Trey, who is unable to forgive Johnny for leaving their family or the village for what happened to Brendan, becomes entangled in a murder investigation as she pursues her own agenda. Like its predecessor, The Hunter has a slow start, but as with all of French’s books, it is beautifully written. The interactions between the villagers, Johnny, and the stranger are especially well done as each side tries to outmaneuver the others. Overall, it is an engrossing and immersive read.
Instructions for Solving Your Own Murder, written by Kristen Perrin and published by Quercus at a price of £16.99.
Perrin’s first novel has a unique take on the concept of a secretive village. Annie Adams is summoned by her great-aunt’s lawyers to discuss her inheritance, but upon arriving in Castle Knoll, she discovers her relative’s suspicious death. In 1965, Frances, who was only 17 years old at the time, was given a cryptic prophecy by a fortune teller that ultimately influenced the course of her life. Annie soon learns that in order to inherit the considerable fortune, she must follow in Frances’s footsteps and solve the murder within one week. The story features intriguing main characters and plenty of plot twists to keep readers engaged, although the supporting characters are underdeveloped and the dialogue can be lacking at times. Overall, it is an enjoyable read for fans of cozy crime who are willing to overlook some flaws.
The novel Every Move You Make, written by CL Taylor and published by Avon, costs £14.99.
Taylor’s latest psychological thriller explores themes of bad choices, moral responsibility, unhealthy relationships, and questionable intentions. The story follows four members of a support group for stalking victims: Alex, Lucy, River, and Bridget. When their fifth member Nat is killed by her stalker, the remaining four are given a warning that one of them will be killed in 10 days. In a desperate attempt to protect themselves, they turn the tables and begin stalking their own stalkers. However, their plan quickly falls apart and they begin to question each other’s trustworthiness. With expertly crafted tension and an escalating sense of paranoia, Taylor delivers a captivating and gripping read.
Source: theguardian.com
