Overview
The Predicament by William Boyd (Viking, £20)
In this thrilling follow-up to Boyd’s Gabriel’s Moon, amateur spy Gabriel Dax returns. Set in early 1963, Dax is grappling with past emotions while holed up in his Sussex cottage, trying to finish his travel book. His former MI6 handler and love interest, Faith Green, convinces him to investigate a leftist leader in Guatemala, putting him in danger. After a harrowing escape, Dax finds himself in West Berlin, tasked with gathering intel on a potential assassin ahead of President John F. Kennedy’s pivotal visit. This expertly crafted narrative beautifully evokes a bygone era, viewed through the lens of a relatable and often hapless protagonist.
Why It Matters
The Killer Question by Janice Hallett (Viper, £18.99)
This novel revolves around the quintessential British pub quiz, told through modern communication formats, including emails and WhatsApp messages. The story unfolds as Sue and Mal Eastwood, pub owners, find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving their new quiz team, the Shadow Knights, who dominate competitions and face accusations of cheating. When a body washes up, the stakes escalate. Though some plot elements require a stretch of disbelief, Hallett’s signature misdirection keeps readers guessing, making this a riveting read.
Key Takeaways
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman (Viking, £22)
In this fifth installment of the beloved Thursday Murder Club series, pensioners Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron dive into a web of secret codes and cryptocurrency drama. When Elizabeth’s acquaintance, Nick, reveals that his life is in danger over a Bitcoin fortune linked to a high-security storage, the group springs into action. The central mystery is compelling, but the charm lies in the humor and camaraderie among characters who feel like family.
59 Minutes by Holly Seddon (Orion, £10.99)
This gripping tale unfolds on a Friday in November when news of an impending nuclear strike sends panic through England. Amid the chaos, Carrie fights to reunite with her family, while a couple on a vacation navigates a desperate situation for supplies. Seddon masterfully captures the breakdown of societal norms and the human spirit’s resilience in a race against time, creating an exhilarating read with unexpected twists.
Deadman’s Pool by Kate Rhodes (Orenda, £9.99)
This eighth novel features DI Ben Kitto, who investigates a disturbing case after a girl’s remains are found on a remote island. The narrative intertwines his story with that of Mai, a Vietnamese girl trapped in a harrowing situation. As tensions rise in the close-knit community, Rhodes showcases both a poignant examination of relationships and a suspenseful mystery that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Final Thoughts
These captivating books not only provide thrilling plots and engaging characters but also reflect deeper themes of resilience, connection, and the complexities of human nature. Whether you enjoy espionage, mystery, or high-stakes suspense, there’s something here for every reader to explore and enjoy.
