Home > Hank Phillippi Ryan
261 followers
731 books added
731 books added
Hank Phillippi Ryan
Hank Phillippi Ryan is the on-air investigative reporter for Boston's NBC affiliate. She's won 30 EMMYs, 12 Edward R. Murrow awards and dozens of other honors for her ground-breaking journalism. A bestselling author of mystery novels, Ryan has won multiple prestigious awards for her crime fiction. She's on the national board of Mystery Writers of America and 2013 president of national Sisters in Crime.
Awards: Edgar (2026), Anthony (2022), Agatha (2015), Macavity (2010) see all
Genres: Mystery
New and upcoming books
Series
Charlotte McNally Mystery
1. Prime Time (2007)
2. Face Time (2007)
3. Air Time (2009)
4. Drive Time (2010)
1. Prime Time (2007)
2. Face Time (2007)
3. Air Time (2009)
4. Drive Time (2010)
Jane Ryland
1. The Other Woman (2012)
2. The Wrong Girl (2013)
3. Truth Be Told (2014)
4. What You See (2015)
5. Say No More (2016)
1. The Other Woman (2012)
2. The Wrong Girl (2013)
3. Truth Be Told (2014)
4. What You See (2015)
5. Say No More (2016)
Novels
Trust Me (2018)
The Murder List (2019)
The First to Lie (2020)
Her Perfect Life (2021)
The House Guest (2023)
One Wrong Word (2024)
All This Could Be Yours (2025)
Mother Daughter Sister Stranger (2026)
The Murder List (2019)
The First to Lie (2020)
Her Perfect Life (2021)
The House Guest (2023)
One Wrong Word (2024)
All This Could Be Yours (2025)
Mother Daughter Sister Stranger (2026)
Collections
Novellas and Short Stories
Books containing stories by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Echoes of Sherlock Holmes (2016)
(Stories Inspired by the Holmes Canon, book 2)
edited by
Laurie R King and Leslie S Klinger
Katherine Hall Page Presents Malice Domestic 11 (2016)
Murder Most Conventional
(Malice Domestic, book 11)
edited by
Barb Goffman, Rita Owen, Katherine Hall Page and Verena Rose
Quarry (2009)
Crime Stories By New England Writers
edited by
Kate Flora, Ruth McCarty and Susan Oleksiw
More books
Awards
|
Award nominations
Hank Phillippi Ryan recommends
The Enigma Challenge (2026)
S C Godfrey
"Completely captivating and absolutely irresistible! This clever contemporary thriller is Romancing the Stone meets The DaVinci Code, and it will have you turning the pages as fast as you can. What a joy to read a novel that is so wonderfully cinematic, full of authentic emotion and supremely high stakes. You'll find mile-a-minute pacing, Tracy-and-Hepburn chemistry with a dash of spice, and a twist around every corner. The talented S.C. Godfrey has given us exactly what we want: a smart action-packed adventure with fascinating settings, irresistible characters, and nonstop entertainment. Do not miss this!"
What Remains of You (2026)
Kimberly Hensle Lowrance
"Attention, all book clubs: What Remains of You should be your next fabulous choice. Would you want to know the terrible truth about someone you truly love? What if it made you stop loving them? Might it be better to keep it in the past? Or would you do what Diana does, relentlessly following the trail of your husband's past no matter where it leads? Emotionally wrenching, heartbreakingly insightful, and gorgeously written, this page-turner is a total-immersion exploration into love, marriage, responsibility...and redemption. I cheered for Diana on every page - and so will you. Do not miss this!"
The Mortons (2026)
Justine Larbalestier and Scott Westerfeld
"Dark academia has never been so dark, nor family legacy so beguilingly treacherous! Sinister, shocking, and tantalizingly possible, The Secret History meets Succession in this epic and utterly chilling family saga. What makes us who we are, and how can our moral codes be twisted to into cold and ruthless alliance? Identity, loyalty, and the power of personal decision all teeter on the precipice in this tour de force of storytelling - and I held my breath through the entire book. Call your book club and settle in - you will never be the same after you meet the Mortons."
The Dead Room (2026)
Catriona McPherson
"What an absolute treasure - and a joy to read. Completely engrossing - Catriona McPherson is a genius with dialogue and ingenious with suspense, and her deeply emotional and utterly relatable story made me neglect my own responsibilities - I could not wait to get back to the pages. Haunting, cinematic, clever, and wholly original - and beautifully written - you'll be captivated from the first page to the perfect conclusion."
Missing Sister (2026)
Joshilyn Jackson
"Gaspingly sinister, deeply emotional, and an absolute page-turner, Missing Sister is a beautifully written exploration of the dark and powerful depths of the human heart - into sisterhood, into grief, and into terrifying revenge. Multi-layered and constantly surprising, MISSING SISTER is a master class in voice and a terrific mystery - and proves, yet again, that Joshilyn Jackson is among the premier talents writing today. Do not miss this!"
A Defiant Woman (2026)
(Modern Tudor Mystery)
Karen E Olson
"A truly engaging contemporary take on the Tudor dynasty's irresistible story. It's not only a solid twisty mystery, but this sly tale of marital deceit. manipulation, and murder is witty and clever and completely entertaining. Standing ovation for this ingenious tour de force!"
The Midnight Taxi (2026)
Yosha Gunasekera
"Standing ovation! The Midnight Taxi is a treasure. Engaging, authentic and eye-opening - with a delightful and relatable main character I instantly adored. It's fast-paced, uniquely voiced, perfectly plotted, and realistically emotional - but what makes this murder mystery a standout is its wise and heartfelt exploration of cultural identity and the search for justice. This is the beginning of your new favorite series!"
The Burning Library (2025)
Gilly MacMillan
"What a captivating book! Sophisticated, smart, and absolutely riveting. Two centuries-old secret societies battle to find a powerful manuscript--instantly a terrific idea. But the supremely talented Gilly Macmillian has created a total immersion thriller--relentlessly simmering, disturbingly plausible, and demanding you to turn the page. This is so much fun! But fair warning: You will never look at the world--or women--the same way again. Book clubs will now have their new favorite novel--this is a complete triumph of storytelling."
What About the Bodies (2025)
Ken Jaworowski
"Knife-edged heartbreaking noir, a total-immersion thriller, and an absolute master class in voice! The suffocating constraints of gritty small-town life - and the intense high-stakes struggles for personal survival - will captivate you from page one. This is a relentlessly powerful exploration of inevitability, loyalty, and the grasping hope of redemption. What About the Bodies is a complete triumph from a fiercely skilled storyteller.'"
Too Old For This (2025)
Samantha Downing
"Only the incredible Samantha Downing could create such a riveting, propulsive twisty and surprising and laugh out loud mordantly witty and inventive story! Fans of Richard Osman will howl with laughter and clamor to read this brilliant and yet heartbreaking take on a serial killer."
Bless Your Heart (2025)
Leigh Dunlap
"Audacious, wry, and darkly hilarious. This murderous mix of revealing social commentary mixed with a solid mystery is magnolia sweet and sharply mordant as only an insider's southern gimlet eye can be. Designing Women meets Big Little Lies in this witty, voicey pageturner!"
The World's Greatest Detective and Her Just Okay Assistant (2025)
(Merritt & Blunt Mystery, book 1)
Liza Tully
"Wild applause for this clever and original take on Holmes and Watson--with lead characters who are iconic and relatable from page one."
The Mudflats Murder Club (2025)
(Mudflats Murder Club Mysteries, book 1)
Brian Thiem
"Totally charming and completely relatable...I'm dubbing it Only Murders in the Mudflats! What a winner!"
Kill Your Darlings (2025)
Peter Swanson
"An incredible tour de force of structure and character and plot - from beginning to end! (Or, should I say, from end to beginning). Peter Swanson is a flat out genius, and his ingenious Kill Your Darlings is truly remarkable and utterly original. Relentlessly sinister and absolutely gripping, this contemporary noir is a masterclass in storytelling and brain-exploding writerly skill. Deeply psychological and impeccably structured, its deeply psychological underpinnings will have you holding your breath as you turn the pages--it's crushingly inevitable and completely haunting. And I honestly applauded at the ending. Standing ovation for this brilliant book!"
Jill Is Not Happy (2025)
Kaira Rouda
"Nobody does twisty revenge like Kaira Rouda-and her trademark dark humor and deviously toxic characters are always deliciously entertaining. Fans of Freida McFadden will gobble up this pacey page-turner-and hope that someone like the uniquely unhappy Jill never crosses their paths. Kaira has done it again!"
Summerhouse (2025)
Yiğit Karaahmet
"Sultry, sinister, and absolutely compelling. Summerhouse lures you in with its gorgeously evocative writing and immersive setting, but as the shocking reality is revealed, this seductive page-turner evolves into a twisty and surprising Hitchcock-meets-Highsmith thriller. I gasped at the ending--honestly gasped! And I am still haunted by it."
The Museum Detective (2025)
(Museum Detective, book 1)
Maha Khan Phillips
"Gorgeously evocative and absolutely riveting - as immersive as The Da Vinci Code, and as elegant and revealing as history itself, this unique and suspenseful thriller will keep you turning pages as fast as you can. Clever and smart, with irresistible research and deep characterization - Sue Grafton fans will swoon! - The Museum Detective is entertaining, propulsive, and, like the precious artifacts involved, an absolute treasure. I adore Dr. Gul Delani, and cannot wait for her next adventure."
Bitterfrost (2025)
(Bitterfrost, book 1)
Bryan Gruley
"Haunting, atmospheric, and absolutely gut-wrenching, Bitterfrost shows the oh-so-talented Bryan Gruley perfecting the chilling grit of Midwestern noir. With rivetingly authentic settings and brilliantly genuine dialogue, this beautifully written, hockey-centric mystery shows how it is more than a game - it's a lifestyle . . ."
All the Other Mothers Hate Me (2025)
Sarah Harman
"Hilarious and poignant and absolutely unique - a perfectly crafted mystery with a voice that deserves a standing ovation. It's Bridget Jones meets Daisy Jones - All the Other Mothers Hate Me is? completely irresistible, massively relatable, and somehow goes from laugh-out-loud clever to utterly heartbreaking while never losing the critical elements of a savvy and fast-paced plot. Clear your schedules and call your friends - this will be the most buzzed about book of the year."
In the Garden of Monsters (2024)
Crystal King
"A luscious and sensual story about passion and power and food and art with Salvador Dali wrapped in classical mythology. It's gothic, and it's gorgeous, and completely transporting. Do not miss this!"
The Bachelorette Party (2024)
Sandra Block
"Wait-what? Riveting, propulsive, and incredibly surprising-The Bachelorette Party is an absolute knockout. Sandra Block has created a truly gasp-worthy page-turner, where a true crime reporter obsessed with a gruesome serial killer may wish she had never discovered the whole truth. Passion, loyalty, and murder collide with a vengeance in this cinematic cat-and mouse thriller. Do not miss this!"
Only One Survives (2024)
Hannah Mary McKinnon
"Like a relentlessly sinister version of psychological musical chairs, when this thriller's propulsive soundtrack stops - Only One Survives. Standing ovation!"
When Cicadas Cry (2024)
Caroline Cleveland
"John Grisham meets Harper Lee in this immersive and thought-provoking Southern legal thriller. Caroline Cleveland's talented storytelling propels this realistic tale of secrets and history, combined with the power of contemporary passion and prejudice. The setting is authentic, the characters relatable, and the story propulsive and engaging. Standing ovation for this brilliant debut!"
The Main Character (2024)
Jaclyn Goldis
"This riveting meta-murder-mystery poses an ingenious question: if we are all the main characters in our own stories, what if someone wanted to buy ours and make it their own? The most glamorous, opulent train in the world carries a fascinating set of passengers... and this entertaining thriller is wrapped in a heartfelt and psychologically astute study of love, success, and, most touchingly, family. A terrific book!"
The Father She Went to Find (2024)
Carter Wilson
"Buckle up. Watch out. And don't try to predict anything! The supremely talented Carter Wilson has crafted a uniquely unpredictable and absolutely immersive story starring one of the most fascinating characters you'll ever meet. A Beautiful Mind takes a life-and-death road trip in this battle of wits, maze of psychological suspense, and heartbreaking family drama. I was riveted to every page."
Watch it Burn (2024)
Kristen Bird
"A joy to read! Kristen Bird's eloquence with language and her deep understanding of power, control, and small-town greed fuel this sinister, smoldering, and gorgeously structured mystery. Watch It Burn is the essence of terrific crime fiction: with authentic motivation, a cinematic setting, characters we can root for, and a gasp-worthy heartbreaking conclusion. Kristen Bird is an amazing talent, and Watch It Burn is not to be missed!"
Off the Air (2024)
(Jolene Garcia Mysteries, book 1)
Christina Estes
"Standing ovation for this wonderful debut! The oh-so-talented Christina Estes reveals her storytelling skills in this timely and propulsive pageturner. Off The Air is a terrific solid mystery with authentic insights into the intriguing world of local TV journalism-but always coupled with compassion and heart. Estes's ear for dialogue and understanding of human nature makes this a must read-and the perfect beginning for a series. A winner in every way!"
The Lock Box (2024)
Parker Adams
"Wow! A cinematic total immersion thriller, The Lock Box is instantly propulsive and lightning fast, with nonstop action and a riveting plot. But the brilliant safecracker Monna Locke is the star - she's my new favorite kick-ass character, with her mad skills and her tender heart. Attention Hollywood, Monna Locke is your next big-screen icon! I could not turn the pages fast enough."
A Friend in the Dark (2024)
Samantha M Bailey
"Wow! Chilling, riveting - and page-turningly edgy. The oh-so-talented Samantha M. Bailey has created a twisted (and steamy!) world of power, passion, and vulnerability. This seductive thriller with its deep understanding of psychological trauma and the heavy secrets of the past is brave, original, and haunting. Fans of Gillian Flynn and Lisa Unger will cheer this must-read author."
Everyone is Watching (2024)
Heather Gudenkauf
"Riveting, relentless, and absolutely captivating! Heather Gudenkauf is the queen of storytellers, and I completely devoured this total-immersion thriller. It's a super-sinister Survivor set in a gorgeous locked mansion, but like the reality-TV it skewers, nothing and no one is what they seem. Instantly cinematic and structurally brilliant, with Gudenkauf's trademark reveals and non-stop psychological twists, Everyone Is Watching is a tour de force of dark secrets and shocking revenge. Do not miss this!"
What Is Mine (2024)
Lyn Liao Butler
"Relentlessly suspenseful and heartbreakingly chilling! Butler's stealthy, diabolical storytelling and her brilliant sleight of hand kept me guessing from page one - then rocket ahead to places readers will never predict. A gripping page-turner about family and obsession and, most terrifying, a tale of how far people will push to get what they want. Clear your calendar - you will not want to put this down!"
The Guest (2024)
B A Paris
"I am obsessed with The Guest...There is no one--no one--who creates high-wire domestic suspense like the amazing B.A. Paris. Do not miss this, dear readers."
One of the Good Guys (2024)
Araminta Hall
"Mind. Blown. The brilliant Araminta Hall has created an absolute tour de force of suspense. Provocative, surprising, and entirely original, this tale of power and gender will not only have you looking at the world a different way, but will have you looking at yourself a different way. Hall's brilliance with exquisite foreboding, with multi-layered but mysterious characters, and with her deep understanding of readers' expectations make this one of the most thought-provoking and imaginative books I have ever read. I never even came close to guessing the ending, and gasped with envy and massive respect when I finished reading. If you have a book club-wow-this one's for you. Drop everything, call Hollywood, and do not miss One of the Good Guys."
The Weekend Retreat (2023)
Tara Laskowski
"Absolutely captivating! A riveting and immersive puzzle for fans of Lucy Foley and Ruth Ware."
A Very Inconvenient Scandal (2023)
Jacquelyn Mitchard
"Only the brilliant Jacquelyn Mitchard could create a novel that's both heartwarming and heartbreaking: the instantly iconic Attleboro family comes to life with its passions, obsessions, pitched battles, and struggles for love and acceptance. From laugh-out-loud clever to pages that you'll read through tears, this thematically gorgeous novel will haunt you long after you close the final page. The story is irresistible--so just let the beautiful writing wash over you, heal you, and empower you. I loved it."
These Still Black Waters (2023)
(Jess Lambert, book 1)
Christina McDonald
"No one does dark heartbreak like Christina McDonald'and this captivating thriller wraps its sinister self around you the minute you begin. Gorgeously written and deeply immersive, this relatable story of envy and grief and motherhood and friendship will also haunt you long after you close the final shocking pages. Edgy, original, and completely surprising, These Still Black Waters is a triumph of storytelling."
Bobbin for Answers (2023)
(Magical Dressmaking Mystery, book 8)
Melissa Bourbon
"Fashion and foul play-all sewn together by a wide and witty Heroine."
Saving Myles (2023)
Carl Vonderau
"Saving Myles is chilling, immersive, and utterly heartbreaking. This propulsive international thriller about sacrifice and family loyalty -with compelling characters forced to make impossible choices amid intense danger and breathtaking duress - will have you racing to the gasp-worthy ending."
The Paris Assignment (2023)
Rhys Bowen
"Gorgeous, authentic, and absolutely riveting. There is no better storyteller than Rhys Bowen! The Paris Assignment, like all her novels, is meticulously researched, brilliantly told, and endlessly captivating. Bowen's extraordinary ability to synthesize history and present it as essential and heartbreaking human drama is unmatched. I read this in total awe, as it honors reality and cinematically brings it to life again. The Paris Assignment is emotionally and historically immersive, and no reader will be the same after they turn the final page."
North of Nowhere (2023)
Allison Brennan
"Intense, relentless, and absolutely riveting. The incredibly talented Allison Brennan jumpstarts the action on page one, and never takes her foot off the accelerator--creating a pageturner of the highest order! This wilderness adventure is Ozark meets Succession in Big Sky country, and I could not put it down. Blazingly written, this compelling tale of family dynamics and gorgeous settings is full of relentless action and unending heart. What a terrific book."
The Hint of Light (2023)
Kristin Kisska
"Brave, unflinching, and absolutely devastating, Kristin Kisska's heartbreaking novel is the riveting story of devoted motherhood, shattering grief, and an unrelenting search for redemption in the face of unintended consequences. Powerfully written, and deeply emotional, this story will stay with you long after its explosive ending."
Broadway Butterfly (2023)
Sara DiVello
"Sara DiVello is a wonderful and oh-so-talented new voice in true-crime fiction! Her spellbinding Broadway Butterfly - Gatsby meets Ragtime - is completely entertaining, with its jazz babies and gigolos, high-society galas and gritty newsrooms, tough cops and fast-talking criminals. Impeccably (and impressively) researched and ingeniously written, it's as cinematic and riveting as a classic film, where vibrant and passionate characters and their fascinating settings come to life - and history becomes even more compelling. This mix of true crime and stylish voice is simply terrific storytelling. I devoured it."
Weeding Out Lies (2023)
(Texas Flower Farmer Cozy Mystery, book 1)
Jackie Layton
"Completely charming and exactly what a cozy mystery should be."
An Honest Man (2023)
Michael Koryta
"Elegantly written, stark and gorgeous. Michael Koryta is a treasure, and his skillful wisdom with character and setting and emotion are unmatched. An Honest Man will captivate you from page one. It is wry and knowing, ridiculously immersive, and utterly heartbreaking. It's a story that feels not only truly told, but actually true...aching with the bitterness of reality, and the danger that comes not only from greed, but also from love. I will admit, Michael Koryta makes me cry every time. This is a terrific book by a supremely gifted storyteller."
The Night It Ended (2023)
Katie Garner
"Standing ovation for the brilliant Katie Garner! Captivating, ingenious, and absolutely audacious, this tour de force in structure and storytelling kept me turning the pages as fast as I could. Yes, The Night It Ended is a dark gothic murder investigation at a mysterious school for troubled girls--but don't judge, don't assume, don't try to figure it out--just let Garner's masterful sleight of hand carry you away through the gasp-worthy twists and turns. Do not miss this!"
The Long Way Back (2023)
Nicole Baart
"Nicole Baart is the queen of the family thriller! This tender, propulsive story reveals a heart-twisting understanding of human nature and the risks we take to get what we want. Timely and thought-provoking, this 'turn the pages as fast as you can' cautionary tale about the danger of the spotlight and the steep price of privacy will surprise you and haunt you, even after the gasp-worthy conclusion. Baart crafts her mother-daughter suspense not only with soul and passion and stomach-churning tension--but also a deep and important wisdom. Book clubs rejoice--this is the novel for you!"
No One Needs to Know (2023)
Lindsay Cameron
"A brilliant (and cautionary) thriller about ambition, desire, and competition--and the shocking lengths parents will go to get what they want. I loved this!"
Lying in the Deep (2023)
Diana Urban
"Whatever your age, this twisty and surprising thriller-with gorgeous settings, swoon-worthy romance, toxic friendships, and a surprise around every corner-will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. This is storytelling at its best!"
Red Queen (2023)
(Antonia Scott, book 1)
Juan Gómez-Jurado
"Red Queen is in a class by itself. This terrific novel has all the page-turning elements of the very best thrillers but what really makes it truly remarkable is the writing itself. Engaging and heartbreaking, witty and wry and immersive-and beautifully structured. I have never read a book as gorgeously complex as this-and that is the highest of compliments. Juan Gomez-Jurado has written an instant classic."
The London Seance Society (2023)
Sarah Penner
"Mesmerizing, seductive and absolutely irresistible...The London Seance Society is completely spellbinding."
Reef Road (2023)
Deborah Goodrich Royce
"Superbly written and elegantly structured, the oh-so-talented Deborah Goodrich Royce brings her unique voice and mesmerizing style to an altogether original novel of suspense. Instantly immersive and deeply felt, Reef Road is both intensely personal and powerfully universal. Royce creates a haunting (and surprising!) portrait of a troubled wife - and the relentless writer on the trail of her past. I could not put it down."
Killer Story (2023)
Matt Witten
"Riveting and irresistible--an absolute page-turner! Killer Story is authentic and all-too-realistic--a deep dive into journalists' tactics, ambition, and cut-throat passion, as well as the relentless pressure to produce . . . I can't stop thinking about this story."
The Blue Bar (2023)
(Blue Mumbai, book 1)
Damyanti Biswas
"Immersive, propulsive, and beautifully written. In this gaspingly authentic police procedural about a missing dancer and the inspector who cannot forget her, Biswas transports us to India - not only to investigate a grisly and sinister series of murders but to explore the dark and disturbing life of Mumbai's bar girls. With its heartbreaking love story and Biswas's revealing social commentary, The Blue Bar will change you, haunt you, and have you understanding the world in a different way."
The Widowmaker (2022)
(Black Harbor, book 2)
Hannah Morrissey
"An instantly compelling main character and unforgettable cast. A propulsive look at family and secrets and desire . . . gorgeously written."
Blackwater Falls (2022)
(Detective Inaya Rahman, book 1)
Ausma Zehanat Khan
"Clear your calendar--there's a new crime series from Ausma Zehanat Khan! Khan's brilliant balance of propulsive thought-provoking storytelling and timely themes resonates in every riveting book; with her tight plotting, intense characters, cinematic settings, and focus on social justice. Readers are not only entertained and satisfied--but also inspired and changed. Blackwater Falls is the first in what is sure to be an acclaimed and long-running series--do not miss this!"
Blind Faith (2022)
Alicia Beckman
"Every mystery is about the search for the killer--but in Blind Faith the oh-so-talented storyteller Alicia Beckman has elevated the genre. In this contemporary take on the traditional mystery, Beckman explores bigger questions: belief, motivation, bravery, family history, and humanity. With her immersive settings, heartbreakingly evocative characters, and wise understanding of how the past cannot be separated from the future, this riveting standalone will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can. Agatha Christie meets Kent Krueger in this winner of a novel."
Anywhere You Run (2022)
Wanda M Morris
"Evocative, heartbreaking, and utterly life-changing. With the ground-breaking Anywhere You Run, Wanda Morris blooms into literary fiction, bringing readers a chillingly knowing and brilliantly upsetting novel of the 60s. With no holds barred and no emotion unplumbed, the talented Morris writes a tale of two sisters that's unflinchingly raw and passionately authentic. We cannot turn away from the story, or from the immersive settings, or from Morris's skilled depiction of tragedy, triumph, and the struggle to love and survive."
Kismet (2022)
Amina Akhtar
"Gaspingly original. Kismet is brilliant and twisty - a knockout page-turner about guilt, revenge, and the toxicity of family and friendships. The oh-so-talented Amina Akhtar unleashes her keen eye and mordant wit - and exquisite understanding of human emotions - to reveal the dark side of the wellness industry and the terrifying reality behind the glam exteriors. Wow! This gripping, heartbreaking, and constantly surprising thriller is not to be missed!"
Things We Do in the Dark (2022)
Jennifer Hillier
"A twisted dark love story wrapped in a haunting emotional journey--this sinister and gripping psychological thriller is an absolute winner. A riveting tale of innocence and experience, of necessity and revenge, and the understanding of power, Things We Do in the Dark takes us places we never thought we'd go, and reveals the perils of fame, family, and ambition. Jennifer Hillier writes with passion, compassion and bravery. This book is a triumph."
Look Closer (2022)
David Ellis
"Absolutely dazzling! David Ellis is a master storyteller who keeps us riveted to the pages. A whip-smart and diabolically plotted thriller, with crackling dialogue, nonstop pacing, and tour de force structure. A profoundly insightful study of greed, obsession, revenge, and justice. Riveting, compelling, and completely entertaining!"
Dead Drop (2022)
(Detective Nathan Parker, book 1)
James L'Etoile
"James L'Etoile is such a talented and terrific storyteller! His real-life experience in the criminal justice system gives his compelling, high-stakes thrillers an authenticity that only a savvy insider can provide. You'll be turning the pages as fast as you can!"
December '41 (2022)
William Martin
"William Martin is the consummate storyteller! His brilliant December '41 is a contemporary take on the classic spy thriller--It's Herman Wouk meets The Day of the Jackal, with the ticking time bomb expertise of Hitchcock--and it is irresistible. Instantly cinematic and endlessly entertaining, December '41 is an absolute page turner. Martin's impeccable research shines through, seamlessly, in this historical look at old Hollywood, World War II, and the profound triumph of the human spirit."
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride (2022)
(Nonna Maria, book 1)
Lorenzo Carcaterra
"The brilliant Lorenzo Carcaterra has created his own irresistible genre: the literary cozy. I fell in love with this wonderfully lyrical and completely entertaining novel, and most of all its instantly iconic heroine. Nonna Maria is Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes combined into one wise and unforgettable character. Touching, charming, and delightful--do not miss this!"
In Her Defense (2022)
(Riversedge Law Club, book 1)
Amy Impellizzeri
"I was dazzled by Amy's skill at revealing a brilliantly crafted and fascinatingly insightful morality tale - an unlikely alliance of two strong women each with a powerful secret that could destroy the other. On one level, this is the relatable domestic suspense that readers are craving, but on another, this is the work of a talented writer who presents a compelling story in an innovative and immersive way."
An Imperfect Plan (2022)
Addison McKnight
"Edgy, relatable, and heartbreaking - this unflinching thriller will have you turning the pages as fast as you can. How far would you go to get what you want? When family is involved, there are no boundaries - and Addison McKnight's debut grabs the reader and doesn't let go until the gasp-worthy ending."
Truth and Other Lies (2022)
Maggie Smith
"Twisty, timely, and rivetingly thought-provoking, Smith mines the intensity of competition, the duplicity of the human psyche, and the terrifying knowledge that with one wrong decision, your life can be changed forever. This author knows her journalism-the pressure, the stress and the compulsion for the big story-and deeply understands the tension and conflicts women battle when their professional and personal lives are set on a collision course."
Renegade (2022)
(Anonymous Justice , book 1)
Nancy Allen
"What a terrific book--strong, tough, smart and powerful."
The Midnight Ride (2022)
Ben Mezrich
"Cinematic, immersive, and completely entertaining! With THE MIDNIGHT RIDE, Boston gets its own Da Vinci Code, and after you race through these irresistible pages, you will never look at the city the same way again. Impeccably researched and captivatingly told. Standing ovation for this terrific thriller!"
L. A. Burning (2022)
D C Taylor
"This is authentically terrific! D. C. Taylor has a keen eye and a deep understanding of cinematic storytelling, and he seamlessly combines that with a unique new character, savvy dialogue, and page-turning action. The result: LA Burning is instantly engaging, surprising and wise - but it's also heartbreaking. Fans of Michael Connelly and John Lescroart and Sue Grafton - and isn't that all of us? - rejoice. Add L. A. Burning to your list of must-reads."
Her Name is Knight (2021)
(Nena Knight, book 1)
Yasmin Angoe
"This brave and profoundly gorgeous thriller takes readers to places they’ve never been, to challenges they’ve never faced, and to judgments that leave the strongest in tears. Her Name Is Knight is a stunning and important debut, and Yasmin Angoe is a fantastic new talent."
The Dangers of an Ordinary Night (2021)
Lynne Reeves
"Shatteringly original, intensely suspenseful, and written with a tender eloquence that will break your heart. The talented Lynne Reeves--a master of subtext--weaves her brilliant insight into a riveting story of best intentions, unintended consequences, and devastated families."
The Savage Kind (2021)
(Nightingale Trilogy, book 1)
John Copenhaver
"Wow. The Savage Kind is evocative, seductive and rivetingly creepy. John Copenhaver proves he is a brilliant talent, and this gorgeously unsettling story of power, control, gaslighting, and murder is not to be missed."
As the Wicked Watch (2021)
(Jordan Manning, book 1)
Tamron Hall
"Wow—Tamron Hall knows how to tell a story! And this timely and compelling thriller is a treat to read. Unflinching, revealing and authentic… Authentic and life-changing—and completely entertaining—this is the first of what is sure to be a long-running series from a beloved and talented journalist."
These Toxic Things (2021)
Rachel Howzell Hall
"The brilliant Rachel Howzell Hall becomes the queen of mind games with this twisty and thought-provoking cat-and-mouse thriller. Where memories are weaponized, keepsakes are deadly, and the past gets ugly when you disturb it. As original, compelling, and sinister as a story can be, with a message that will haunt you long after you race through the pages."
My Sweet Girl (2021)
Amanda Jayatissa
"This breathtaking debut somehow manages to be terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. Astonishingly crafted and constantly surprising, the talented Jayatissa lures us into the story with confident hands, and then yanks the rug right out from under us. Ridiculously good. Crazy good. Scary good. This is a big big book."
She Wouldn't Change a Thing (2021)
Sarah Adlakha
"Book clubs rejoice! She Wouldn't Change a Thing is your next selection. It begins as devastatingly realistic, and evolves into simply… devastating. Haunting, thought-provoking, and endlessly discussable, this touching and evocative book will linger long after you close the final page. What would you do with a second chance at your life? Are you sure? Read this – and then decide."
The Perfect Family (2021)
Robyn Harding
"Edgy, diabolical, and completely suspenseful! The talented Robyn Harding peels back the sleek facade of suburbia to show its disturbing reality—and all the dangerous (and sometimes heartbreaking) secrets that even loving families keep from each other. Incredibly cinematic and jaw-droppingly devious, this book will have you turning the pages as fast as you can."
Kill All Your Darlings (2021)
David Bell
"Only the diabolical mind of the talented storyteller David Bell could concoct this mind-bendingly twisty thriller! He manages to brilliantly weaponize college, students, teachers, tenure--and even the writing of novels. Smart, audacious and completely original."
Tower of Babel (2021)
(Queens Mystery, book 1)
Michael Sears
"A contemporary Philip Marlowe comes to Queens in this wonderfully engaging caper . . . Sears absolutely nails the voice of his endearingly vulnerable tarnished-lawyer turned sleuth--Tower of Babel is a terrific book."
Her Dark Lies (2021)
J T Ellison
"Stunning. Her Dark Lies is a gorgeously atmospheric thriller, a brilliant contemporary twist on a beloved classic. Beautifully written, psychologically chilling and gaspingly surprising, J.T. Ellison proves she's our new Daphne DuMaurier."
Fatal Intent (2021)
(Kate Downey Medical Mystery, book 1)
Tammy Euliano
"Heartbreaking and searingly realistic, this terrific debut will have you turning the pages as fast as you can. Only a true medical insider like Tammy Euliano could concoct this riveting and authentic look inside the medical community’s life and death decision-making process—and the fragile patients whose lives are tragically changed. A tale of high stakes and shocking manipulations, the tension will keep you holding your breath until the very last page."
Let Her Lie (2021)
Bryan Reardon
"Such a page-turner! Instantly captivating and relentlessly sinister, this uniquely structured deep dive into creativity and obsession has a surprise around every corner."
The Jigsaw Man (2021)
(Inspector Anjelica Henley, book 1)
Nadine Matheson
"Elegantly grim and irresistibly gruesome. And I could not turn the pages fast enough. The talented Nadine Matheson skillfully balances complex characters with a relentless story--this is a page-turner of the highest order. Not since Silence of the Lambs has there been such an excruciatingly chilling villain playing high-stakes cat-and-mouse with such a tenacious and relatable sleuth. Standing ovation for The Jigsaw Man!"
Dark Currents (2021)
Doug Burgess
"Drop everything and read this book. A terrific story in a terrifically honest voice—it’s intelligent and original, hilarious and heartbreaking, evocative and charming. A beautifully written tale of murder, dementia, family, love—and surprises! Standing ovation."
Waiting for the Night Song (2021)
Julie Carrick Dalton
"Human nature clashes with Mother Nature in this riveting and heartbreaking coming of age story – – gorgeously written, and wonderfully told . With its combination of powerful themes and intensely immersive setting, fans of Delia Owens will swoon to find their new favorite author. A phenomenal debut!"
Agatha Arch is Afraid of Everything (2020)
Kristin Bair
"Hilarious and heartbreaking, fresh and wise, and quirky as can be. The talented Kristin Bair introduces us to the touchingly neurotic Agatha Arch—a woman who loves too much and fears too much, and is on the hunt to discover her own singular power. If you love Bridget and Bernadette, please meet Agatha. I loved her, and you will, too."
Rules for Being Dead (2020)
Kim Powers
"A tour de force in voice and structure, this uniquely heartbreaking novel?literary fiction meets boy detective?is somehow adorable and sinister at the same time. The brilliantly talented Kim Powers has created a poignant and remarkable story."
Love Sold Separately (2020)
Ellen Meister
"Completely charming! Shopaholics and mystery-lovers alike will devour this witty and irresistible behind-the-scenes look at the power plays and reality of high-stakes retail TV. Wise, hilarious, and with a determined heroine you will instantly adore, the oh-so-talented Ellen Meister brings her special chemistry to this shopping-and-the-city delight."
Stories We Never Told (2020)
Sonja Yoerg
"Truth and trust relentlessly collide in this beautifully written and riveting page-turner. Talented storyteller Sonja Yoerg will ensnare you from page one—and her determined and endearing main character, twisted by love and betrayed by expectations, will keep you turning pages as fast as you can. Loved this!"
The Network (2019)
(Jack Logan, book 1)
L C Shaw
"Wow! Talented storyteller L.C. Shaw has perfected the vacation-airplane-beach read! Unfailingly entertaining, riveting, and breathtakingly timely--you will absolutely devour this thrilling and cautionary tale. Attention, Hollywood: this one has blockbuster written all over it."
The Patient (2019)
Steena Holmes
"Gorgeously disturbing and endlessly surprising—an intense, thought-provoking, and riveting psychological puzzle of mind games. The Patient proves Steena Holmes’s infinite ability to create a taut, smart, and darkly captivating story. A psychiatrist with a serial killer as a patient—but which one? Terrific—and irresistible."
Drowning with Others (2019)
Linda Keir
"Sinister, sophisticated, and elegantly structured, Drowning with Others is a landmine of suspense, long-held secrets, hidden histories, and haunting manipulation. When everyone has a secret, can the perfect family survive it? What a riveting and original story! I could not turn the pages fast enough."
Word to the Wise (2019)
(Library Lover's Mystery, book 10)
Jenn McKinlay
"Jenn McKinlay is a treasure, and Word to the Wise is superb! Her books are always charming, endearing, and instantly engaging—but McKinlay's secret sauce is her deep understanding of human nature, her superb talent for storytelling, and the most desirable of skills: her unmatched ability to entertain, enlighten, and delight."
The Long Call (2019)
(Two Rivers, book 1)
Ann Cleeves
"Ann Cleeves is a phenomenal talent. With unfailing skill, gorgeous setting, flawless plot and seamless voice, she brilliantly conjures new worlds in crime fiction. Her instantly iconic Detective Matthew Venn is a treasure--and we will all follow him anywhere."
The Hidden Things (2019)
Jamie Mason
"Relentlessly suspenseful and as hauntingly sinister as any book I have ever read. This dark domestic noir, with greed and bravery clashing over a priceless possession, is irresistibly sardonic and beautifully written, with a complex and textured cast, a twisty contemporary plot, and one of the most endearing and unforgettable main characters you will ever meet. A master class in character and a knockout of a story, this book is a rare treasure--terrifying, heartbreaking, and completely original."
Dear Wife (2019)
Kimberly Belle
"Kimberly Belle is astonishing. DEAR WIFE is an irresistible page turner, the riveting story of a wife on the run. And yes, it's twisty, and full of secrets, and jaw-droppingly unpredictable. But what makes this read special is that it's also a deeply revealing portrait of a modern marriage. DEAR WIFE is so emotionally compelling it will haunt you long after you race through the pages."
A Dream of Death (2019)
(Kate Hamilton , book 1)
Connie Berry
"What a treat! A modern day Outlander... Charming, authentic, surprising - and completely irresistible."
Until the Day I Die (2019)
Emily Carpenter
"This shocking cat-and-mouse thriller will shatter your expectations—and Carpenter’s skill for brilliant and twisty storytelling will have you gasping in surprise. Buckle up for a terrific ride—this is timely, unpredictable, and irresistible!"
Forget You Know Me (2019)
Jessica Strawser
"Sinister, sophisticated, and teeming with secrets...completely irresistible."
Fear No Truth (2018)
(Faith McClellan, book 1)
LynDee Walker
"Terrific. Surprisingly edgy and with a twist around every corner, the skilled and talented LynDee Walker sets the reader on an unstoppable ride. Authentic, witty and compelling--I could not put it down."
When You Find Me (2018)
P J Vernon
"Chilling, original, and incredibly unsettling . . . You will not be able to stop reading."
A Borrowing of Bones (2018)
(Mercy Carr Mystery, book 1)
Paula Munier
"This is why we read crime fiction! The immensely talented Paula Munier had me at page one with indelibly drawn characters in a heartbreaking, compelling and incredibly intelligent story. Plus, the greatest dogs on the planet. Fans of William Kent Krueger and C.J. Box will devour this terrific book."
In the Vines (2018)
Shannon Kirk
"Only the crazy-brilliant mind of the super-talented Shannon Kirk could channel Stephen King and Edgar Allen Poe—and create this unique and contemporary horror-mystery-love story. Only a skilled writer like Kirk could dive into the dark madness of the mind and soul—and come up with this chilling tale of broken hearts and desperately twisted love."
The Disappearing (2018)
Lori Roy
"Lori Roy is an impeccable writer—original, fearless, and insightful. The Disappearing, with its dark secrets and damaged souls, is another triumph of Roy’s skill: it’s insidiously sinister, seamlessly plotted, and relentlessly haunting."
The Darkest Time of Night (2018)
(Darkest Time of Night, book 1)
Jeremy Finley
"The X-Files meets The Good Wife. With a twisty surprise on every page, this seamlessly written and captivating thriller is edgy, unique and incredibly thought-provoking. Jeremy Finley is a star."
Yesterday's News (2018)
(Clare Carlson Mystery, book 1)
R G Belsky
"What a terrific book! A complex and compelling non-stop cat-and-mouse chase--and you're never quite sure which one's the mouse. Even the savviest of readers will be gasping in awe at Belsky's impressive story-telling skills."
Glimpse (2018)
Jonathan Maberry
"So scary I wished I could close my eyes as I read it--but I didn't want to miss a word. The brilliant Jonathan Maberry--evocative, chilling and somehow terrifyingly knowledgeable about the dark necessities of the human heart--will grab you by the throat and not let go. Fair warning--leave the lights on."
The Vanishing Season (2017)
(Ellery Hathaway, book 1)
Joanna Schaffhausen
"Dark, disturbing, and relentlessly sinister--this intense thriller plumbs the darkest corners of terror, survival and psychological damage. Be warned: leave on the light! But start reading right now."
The Deep Dark Descending (2017)
(Max Rupert and Joe Talbert, book 4)
Allen Eskens
"The talented Allen Eskens fulfills the rich promise of his Edgar(R)-nominated debut with this chilling, dark, and sinister thriller. With precision and authority, Eskens's determined cop hero takes one intriguing clue--and pursues it into spiraling disaster. With a deadly surprise around every corner and a bleak undercurrent of noir-like dread, this book will haunt you."
Idyll Fears (2017)
(Thomas Lynch, book 2)
Stephanie Gayle
"Smart, spare, and insightful, this compelling procedural has it all: a uniquely endearing main character, realistic dialogue, a surprising and twisty story, and, above all, the talented and stylish storytelling of a confident and sure-handed new voice in crime fiction. Could not put it down!"
Gone to Dust (2017)
(Nils Shapiro, book 1)
Matt Goldman
"Gotta love it: Spade, Spenser, and now Shapiro. The brilliant Matt Goldman has written the perfect PI novel--smart, spare, sarcastic, and completely heartbreaking."
Bosstown (2017)
(Bosstown, book 1)
Adam Abramowitz
"Robert B. Parker meets Hunter S. Thompson... and the result is a jet-fueled crazy-good mystery that careens through Boston with a voice that won't quit--and winds up in a place no one could ever predict. Wildly unique, this brave new take on a traditional genre is captivating, hilarious, and darkly brilliant."
Protocol (2017)
(Maggie O'Malley Mystery, book 1)
Kathleen Valenti
"A page-turner! Smart, fast-paced and surprising."
Pacific Homicide (2016)
(Detective Davie Richards, book 1)
Patricia Smiley
"[A] suspenseful, riveting thriller."
Blood On the Tracks (2016)
(Sydney Rose Parnell, book 1)
Barbara Nickless
"Beautifully written and heartbreakingly intense, this terrific and original debut is unforgettable. Please do not miss Blood on the Tracks. It fearlessly explores our darkest and most vulnerable places—and is devastatingly good. Barbara Nickless is a star."
This Is Not Over (2016)
Holly Brown
"Intelligently crafted and rivetingly dark, this chilling tale of two women waging psychological warfare will hook you, capture you, and keep you reading as fast as you can."
In Bitter Chill (2015)
(DC Childs Mystery, book 1)
Sarah Ward
"Relentless, compelling, and meticulously suspenseful. Fans of Ian Rankin and Elizabeth George will rejoice at this atmospheric and authentic debut, expertly told, where modern-day police struggle to untangle disturbing secrets of the past. Terrific."
The Case of the Dotty Dowager (2015)
(WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery, book 1)
Cathy Ace
"Charming, quirky and completely entertaining! This clever contemporary take on the traditional mystery will have you smiling on every page. The talented Cathy Ace has created an endearing quartet of heroines--hurray for WISE, and I cannot wait for the next adventure!"
Ice Shear (2014)
(June Lyons, book 1)
M P Cooley
"Captivating, original and brilliant. Seamlessly natural - ICE SHEAR shines with the remarkable confidence and authority of true talent."
Death Al Dente (2013)
(Food Lovers' Village, book 1)
Leslie Budewitz
"Clever, charming, and completely yummy. Leslie Budewitz cooks up a delectable mystery! A tempting concoction of food, fun, and fatalities that will have you racing through the suspenseful pages...then heading for the kitchen to try out the irresistible recipes. More please!"
Optical Delusions in Deadwood (2011)
(Deadwood Humorous Mystery, book 2)
Ann Charles
"Hilarious, original, and genuinely wonderful. This fresh and feisty mystery will instantly win your heart."
More recommendations
Visitors also looked at these authors
Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Terms Affiliate disclosure Preferences
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Please email webmaster@fantasticfiction.com
© 1999 - Fantastic Fiction
Questions? Comments? Corrections? Please email webmaster@fantasticfiction.com
© 1999 - Fantastic Fiction
