Kellye Garrett spent 8 years working in Hollywood, including a stint writing for the CBS drama Cold Case. People were always surprised to learn what she did for a living - probably because she seemed way too happy to be brainstorming ways to murder people. A former magazine editor, Kellye holds a B.S. in magazine writing from Florida A&M and an MFA in screenwriting from USCs famed film school. Having moved back to her native New Jersey, she spends her mornings commuting to Manhattan for her job at a leading media company - while still happily brainstorming ways to commit murder. Her first novel, Hollywood Homicide was released by Midnight Ink in 2017.
The Best Little Motel in Texas (2026) Lyla Lane "The Best Little Motel in Texas is a must-read for anyone who loves amateur detective novels. Lyla Lane has crafted one of the most unique settings of any cozy I've ever read and introduces funny and well-crafted characters who will stay with you long after you reach the final, shocking resolution. I loved it and hope we see more of Cordelia and the Chickadees!"
The Midnight Taxi (2026) Yosha Gunasekera "The Midnight Taxi is one of the most fun and unique takes on a locked room mystery that I've ever read. I had a blast tagging along with Siri and Amaya as they traversed New York City trying to uncover exactly who killed Siri's late-night fare in a moving taxi cab. Yosha Gunasekera weaves enlightening-and timely-insights about her Sri Lankan culture and what it's like being an immigrant into a satisfying, well-plotted mystery. I already can't wait for book two!"
Dead First (2026) Johnny Compton "Dead First is creepy and disturbing in all the best ways. Johnny Compton has crafted a rich and complex private investigator who's as haunted by her past as she is by what she uncovers on her latest case."
Watch Us Fall (2025) Christina Kovac "No one writes about D.C. like Christina Kovac. Her latest, Watch Us Fall, is as much a poignant examination of female friendship as it is about what happened to a golden boy journalist from a Kennedy-esque political family chock full of secrets. I couldn't put it down!"
Hitwoman (2025) Elsie Marks "Hitwoman is the most fun I've had reading a thriller this year! Elsie Marks has created a fun, funny, and fast-paced romp that's pitch-perfect to take on vacation or read over a weekend spent in bed. I never thought I'd be rooting for an assassin until I was introduced to Maisie Baxter."
Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes (2025) (Savvy Summers Mysteries, book 1) Sandra Jackson-Opoku "Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is a very modern take on the traditional cozies I loved as a child, complete with a memorable cast of characters and a shocking ending I definitely didn't see coming. I'm looking forward to more adventures - and recipes - in this mouth watering new series."
Love You To Death (2025) Christina Dotson "Love You To Death is a must-read for anyone who loves the movies Thelma & Louise and Zola. The thriller is a quintessential beach read--a story of toxic friendships and literally running from your problems that'll have you laughing one chapter and yelling the next. In her debut, Christina Dotson has created two unforgettable characters in Kayla and Zorie--and established herself as a writer to watch."
History Lessons (2025) Zoe B Wallbrook "History Lessons is a fun-and funny-academic mystery that deftly takes on tough topics. Zoe B. Wallbrook uses her own college background and love of snark to create a memorable and quirky character in Daphne Ouverture. I can't wait to spend more time on campus with Daphne, her besties, and above all else, her dad."
Fog and Fury (2025) (Haven , book 1) Rachel Howzell Hall "Rachel Howzell Hall once again proves why she's one of the best crime fiction authors writing today. Fog and Fury combines whip-smart observations about race and class with a twisty mystery and cliff-hanger ending that'll have you already wanting to put the next book on your TBR list. It's a must read for noir fans, especially if you loved her Lou Norton series."
The Felons' Ball (2025) Polly Stewart "Polly Stewart's The Felons' Ball takes the best parts of small town mysteries and family dramas chock full of secrets. Featuring both moonshine and murder, the story is a throwback to some of my favorite books growing up while still feeling wonderfully modern. You'll be thinking about its shocking ending long after you've gotten to the last page."
The Great Mann (2025) Kyra Davis Lurie "The Great Mann is the perfect companion to The Great Gatsby, wrapping real-life American history in a story that's as much hopeful as it is heartbreaking - it's a must-read."
An Ethical Guide to Murder (2025) Jenny Morris "An Ethical Guide to Murder is the best type of book - one that's as entertaining as it is thought-provoking. With Thea, Jenny Morris has created one of the most interesting characters that I've read in a long time. Though you might not agree with every decision she makes, you'll be fascinated just the same. This book should be on the top of your TBR pile."
Cross My Heart (2025) Megan Collins "With her fifth novel, Megan Collins proves once again why she should be on everyone's must-read list! Cross Your Heart is the best type of psychological suspense-one that you want to immediately read again once you get to the last satisfying page. It has everything I love as a reader - an unreliable yet sympathetic narrator, cast of deliciously twisted people, razor sharp observations about relationships, and one twist after another. I read it in one night!"
When Mimi Went Missing (2024) Suja Sukumar "When Mimi Went Missing had me up all night missing sleep, but I had to find out what happened to Tanvi and her cousin. It's a fast-paced, heart pounding, character driven story that's perfect for thriller lovers. It's hard to believe this is Suja Sukumar's debut novel. A much needed addition to the YA crime fiction genre, she's already been added to my must-read author list!"
What You Leave Behind (2024) Wanda M Morris "With an engrossing plot that evokes the work of John Grisham, What You Leave Behind cements Wanda M. Morris as one of the most exciting thriller writers working today. You can't help but root for Deena as she deals with personal issues, professional struggles, and a haunting encounter with a stranger that sends her down a dangerous path. What You Leave Behind is the perfect mix of mesmerizing thriller and emotional exploration of the question if you can ever go home again."
Off the Air (2024) (Jolene Garcia Mysteries, book 1) Christina Estes "In her exhilarating debut Off the Air, Christina Estes uses her years of experience as a broadcast journalist to make us feel like we're side by side with Phoenix reporter Jolene Garcia as she doggedly investigates the death of a controversial talk show host. Chock full of insider info about TV news, the story is as timely as it is fun. I couldn't stop reading!"
Hurt Mountain (2024) Angela Crook "Hurt Mountain is the type of story that grabs you from the first page and will have you reading long past your bedtime. Angela Crook establishes herself as a writer to watch by seamlessly blending a haunting mystery, unforgettable characters, and a plot that goes from slow burn to five-alarm blaze. I already can't wait for her next book."
One of the Good Guys (2024) Araminta Hall "Araminta Hall's latest, One of the Good Guys, is both a scintillating thriller and a scorching condemnation of how differently society treats men versus women, especially in the social media age. Cole and Lennie are flawed, complex characters who will stick with you long after you reach its shocking conclusion. Their relationship will make you reexamine your idea of fear, perception, and public opinion."
Mother-Daughter Murder Night (2023) Nina Simon "Mother-Daughter Murder Night is the perfect mix of family drama and murder mystery. Nina Simon's debut is a spot-on look at the complicated relationship between parents and their children. I can't wait to spend even more nights with her characters. Simon is a writer to watch."
Final Cut (2023) (Hollywood Mystery, book 1) Marjorie McCown "Marjorie McCown's Final Cut is both an insider look at what it's like to work on Hollywood's biggest blockbuster and a surprising, timely mystery about a murder on the set. Readers will love all the name dropping, the glamor, and the colorful cast of characters led by key costumer Joey Jessop. The story is a pop culture lover's dream. I'm already lining up for the sequel."
The Revenge List (2023) Hannah Mary McKinnon "Well worth the sleepless night. With The Revenge List, Hannah Mary McKinnon once again proves herself to be a master of the suspense genre."
Killing Me (2023) (Amber Jamison, book 1) Michelle Gagnon "If Dexter teamed up with Stephanie Plum, the result would be Killing Me. At the story's center is Amber Jamison, whose luck somehow manages to only get worse when surviving one serial killer just puts her in the crosshairs of another. The result is an unforgettable, laugh out loud wild ride with an irresistible cast of characters. Murder has no business being this funny."
The Golden Spoon (2023) Jessa Maxwell "The Golden Spoon is as addictive as bingeing your favorite culinary competition and as satisfying as a piece of your favorite cake. It's a complex, layered mystery featuring an unforgettable cast of characters who could be either America's next great baker or its next most famous cold-blooded killer. Jessa Maxwell has crafted a debut that's mouth wateringly good."
Time's Undoing (2023) Cheryl A Head "Time's Undoing is time well spent - a heartbreaking dual timeline tale about the murder of a Black man in 1929 Birmingham and his great-granddaughter's dogged attempts to find out what happened 90 years later. Cheryl Head uses her own grandfather's murder at the hands of the local police to craft an unforgettable novel that's a compelling mix of historical family drama, well-plotted mystery, and searing social commentary."
The Blue Bar (2023) (Blue Mumbai, book 1) Damyanti Biswas "This Mumbai-set story is simply gripping. It's about a detective who realizes his lover - who went missing over a decade ago wearing a blue sequined dress - might be the victim of a serial killer. I read it in one day."
Kismet (2022) Amina Akhtar "Kismet is funny, sharp, twisty, and spot on. Whether she's dealing with toxic relationships or everyday racism, Ronnie Khan is a character that you can't help but root for. I can't remember the last time I had this much fun reading a novel. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is going to be talking about those ravens."
Acts of Violet (2022) Margarita Montimore "Montimore brilliantly combines first person narrative, podcast transcripts, personal letters, and more to create a story that's impossible to put down. Much like one of Violet's magic tricks, you'll find yourself in awe until the final reveal."
In the Dark We Forget (2022) Sandra SG Wong "With In the Dark We Forget, the wonderfully talented Sandra SG Wong gives us everything a book lover could want-brutally honest social commentary, rich cultural details, deft psychological suspense, and often heartbreaking family dynamics. The result is a story that will stay with you long after you get to the last word. I couldn't stop reading."
Complicit (2022) Winnie M Li "COMPLICIT is a must read for anyone who's sat in a movie theater, watched an entertainment show, or followed their favorite celebrity on social media. It's a harrowing explanation of how powerful men are able to get away with so much for so long - as seen through the eyes of an unforgettable heroine whose dreams to make movies becomes a nightmare. You'll never look at the film industry the same again."
An Eternal Lei (2022) (Leilani Santiago Mystery, book 2) Naomi Hirahara "The next best thing to actually going to Hawai'i."
Her Name is Knight (2021) (Nena Knight, book 1) Yasmin Angoe "It’s hard to believe that Her Name Is Knight is Yasmin Angoe’s debut novel. This dual timeline story about a highly trained Miami-based assassin who learns to reclaim her power after having her entire life ripped from her as a teenager in Ghana is equal parts love story, social commentary, and action thriller. Nena Knight will stay with you long after you’ve read the last word, and this is a must-read for fans of Lee Child and S. A. Cosby. I found myself crying in one chapter and cheering in the next. I couldn’t put it down!"
The Darkest Flower (2021) (Allison Barton, book 1) Kristin Wright "The Darkest Flower is as much a riveting legal thriller as it is an exploration of modern-day motherhood and privilege. The story shows exactly what happens when the much-feared queen of the PTA gets accused of attempted murder. I couldn’t stop reading."
Arsenic and Adobo (2021) (Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mystery, book 1) Mia P Manansala "A much welcome entry into the culinary cozy genre, packed full of mouth-watering food and jaw-dropping reveals. I can't wait to see what's next for Lila Macapagal and the unforgettable characters of Shady Palms. It's guaranteed to be your next favorite cozy series. Just don't read it on an empty stomach!"
The Conductors (2021) (Murder and Magic, book 1) Nicole Glover "With The Conductors, Nicole Glover creates a fascinating world where even magic is segregated. She effortlessly weaves both the constellation-based magical system and the real life struggles of being Black in post–Civil War America. The characters, led by former Underground Railroad conductors Hetty and Benjy Rhodes, are as intriguing as the mystery. It’s hard to believe this is Glover’s first book. I found it as enchanting as one of Hetty's spells."
They're Gone (2020) E A Barres "A great, succinct style...expertly capture[s] the grief of unexpectedly using a loved one."
For the Best (2020) Vanessa Lillie "In just two books, Vanessa Lillie has already earned a reputation for creating beautifully flawed and complicated characters who won’t let past trauma get in the way of their present—especially when it involves solving a murder. For the Best has all the things I fell in love with in Lillie’s debut: the idyllic Rhode Island setting, the layered character studies, and the unexpected reveals. And all while introducing a new main character still desperate for justice, but this time for herself. Lillie remains a writer to watch!"
Derailed (2020) (Kelly Pruett Mystery, book 1) Mary Keliikoa "With Derailed, debut author Mary Keliikoa introduces us to single mom and second generation Portland PI Kelly Pruett on her very first murder investigation. The story is straight from the Kinsey Millhone school of private investigation yet still manages to create a unique and complex main character reeling from the recent death of her father and a demanding ex-husband. Kelly must decide if following her father's wishes by pursuing this case is worth possibly losing her daughter. It's that perfect blend of personal and professional that makes Derailed a welcome addition to the genre. I can't wait to follow both Kelly and Keliikoa's careers."
Dead as a Door Knocker (2019) (House-Flipper Mystery, book 1) Diane Kelly "When Nashville property manager Whitney Whitaker attempt to flip her first house and instead finds a dead body, it seems everything goes wrong except for the renovations. With Dead as a Door Knocker, Diane Kelly introduces a heroine who is as good with a hammer as she is with a one-liner. Whitney and her adorable scaredy-cat Sawdust are a welcome addition to your home and bookshelf."
Travellin' Shoes (2017) (RJ Franklin Mystery, book 1) V M Burns "Travellin' Shoes introduces the world of RJ Franklin, an Indiana police detective who returns from leave to look into the murder of his church's new choir director. RJ's investigation takes him--and us--into the places that serve as the backbone of the urban community--the churches, the hair salons and, perhaps most importantly, the dinner table of the beloved local church women who know any- and everything. Throughout it all, Burns flawlessly mixes the best elements of both cozy mystery and police procedural before reaching a pitch-perfect crescendo worthy of a Sunday morning gospel choir."
