Featuring Compelling New Mystery and Thriller Novels for February 2023
Fresh Releases Hitting Shelves This Week:
February is set to offer a captivating lineup of mystery and thriller novels, with some of the most renowned authors delivering page-turning reads set to impress. Below, we highlight the most promising releases, as gleaned from Publishers Weekly reviews and other popular sources.
Deon Meyer's latest contribution, Leo (Atlantic Monthly Press), received rave reviews for its clever intertwining of plot threads and masterful realization of the police procedural. Readers who appreciate intricate narratives will likely be enthralled by Meyer's latest offering.
Allen Eskens' The Quiet Librarian (Mulholland) presents a gripping exploration of grief, loss, and the horrors of war. Booklist praises the novel for its compelling protagonist, Hana, whom readers will find themselves rooting for, despite some disagreements with her actions.
CL Miller's The Antique Hunter's Death on the Red Sea (Atria) is another anticipated release this month. The series continues to delight fans of antiques-themed mysteries, with the protagonist Freya remaining an appealing character.
Mark Greaney's Midnight Black (Berkley) offers a mix of suspense and romance, with the relationship between its protagonists serving as a gripping subplot. Booklist commends the author for his portrayal of Zoya, whose conflict with her jailer adds intense drama to the narrative.
Nick Newman's The Garden (Putnam) defies genre conventions, with Publishers Weekly categorizing it as a fable-meets-literary-thriller blend. Reminiscent of Susanna Clarke's Piranesi, this thought-provoking novel should appeal to readers seeking something off the beaten path.
In the Agatha Raisin series, M.C. Beaton with R.W. Green delivers Death of a Smuggler (Grand Central). Series fans can look forward to another compelling mystery, with Publishers Weekly signaling their approval.
Emily J. Smith's Nothing Serious (William Morrow) delves into themes of feminine insecurity, self-erasure, and dating double standards. Publishers Weekly commends Smith for her exploration of these issues, which set this novel apart from similar works in the genre.
The third installment of Kelley Armstrong's Haven's Rock series, Cold as Hell (Minotaur), is another compelling addition to the mystery and suspense genre. Critics praise the series for its enduring mystery, suspense, and atmospheric elements.
Paranormal horror enthusiasts will want to check out Darcy Coates' The Vengeful Dead (Poisoned Pen Press), which combines ghostly elements with a touch of humor and romance. Kirkus Reviews recommends the book for its entertaining take on the supernatural.
Lastly, Clare Whitfield's Poor Girls (Head of Zeus) promises a fast-paced, darkly humorous narrative, according to Elodie Harper. The book's dialogue is said to crackle with energy, making it an audacious addition to the mystery and thriller canon.
[TO BE CONTINUED WITH FEBRUARY 2023 RELEASES]
[Source: Publishers Weekly Reviews 2023, Booklist Reviews 2023]
For those seeking crime fiction, Deon Meyer's Leo* (Atlantic Monthly Press) unfolds as a captivating police procedural that delivers suspense and intrigue. *
For readers who enjoy books that offer a blend of lifestyle, entertainment, and suspense, Fiona Barton's The Widow's Son (Berkley) delves into the life of a tabloid journalist torn between her career and her family's secrets.
