The best crime and thriller books of 2024

Looking for a new crime novel to sink your teeth into this year? You’re in luck. There are so many stand-out thrillers being published in 2024 and we’ve rounded up the best.

Whether you want to read the latest Jack Reacher book from Lee Child, a new psychological suspense from Claire Douglas, or a cosy murder mystery from a debut author, there’s something for every crime fiction lover on our list below.

New crime books published in 2024

The Spy Coast by Tess Gerritsen
out January 18

Tess Gerritsen is best known for her beloved detective series Rizzoli and Isles. But in 2024, we’ll be treated to a new espionage series, The Spy Coast, which follows retired spy Maggie. When an unidentified body is left on her driveway, she thinks it’s connected to her failed mission 15 years prior. It’s a case for the ‘Martini Club’ – Maggie’s group of former spy friends. Can they solve the mystery and stay one step ahead of law enforcement?

Murder on Lake Garda by Tom Hindle
out January 18

On a beautiful private island next to Lake Garda, wedding guests take their seats and wait for the bride to make her appearance. And then they hear a blood-curdling scream. A murder has taken place and they’re trapped on the island with the unknown killer. Tom Hindle is the master of the modern locked-room mystery, and his new novel is just as fun and unique as his previous works A Fatal Crossing and The Murder Game.

Think Twice by Harlan Coben
out May 25

The latest novel from Harlan Coben – crime icon and creator of the Netflix series Fool Me Once – asks a simple question: how can a man who’s already dead be wanted for murder? It’s the query plaguing sports agent Myron Bolitar, whose former client is now the FBI’s main suspect. Could he still be alive and, if so, what does that mean for Myron’s safety?

The Suspect by Rob Rinder
out June 20

When the UK’s favourite breakfast TV presenter dies live on air, the nation is devastated. Especially when they find out that her death was no accident. The evidence points to foul play, and to one suspect in particular – celebrity TV chef Sebastian Brooks. But junior barrister Adam Green – who readers might remember from Rob Rinder’s brilliant first book The Trial – is about to discover there’s more to this case than meets the eye…

The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas
out March 14

Tasha and her husband Aaron are on a much-needed holiday getaway when things start feeling… off. First, there’s a lingering sense they’re being followed; then, there’s a call from home: Tasha’s sister Alice, and her husband, have been attacked. Tasha’s twins are unharmed, but after rushing home, Tasha receives a note: It was supposed to be you. This gripping novel asks: how far would you go to protect those you love?

In Too Deep by Lee Child and Andrew Child
out October 21

Jack Reacher is back. In Too Deep opens with Reacher being tied up, with no idea where he is or who has brought him here. The only thing he knows is that whoever has captured him will pay a heavy price…We are eagerly awaiting the 29th book in the Jack Reacher series with the same enthusiasm we have for the Prime TV show.

Close to Death by Anthony Horowitz
out April 11

When Giles Kenworthy moves into the beautiful, gated community Riverview Close, his obnoxious children, loud parties, and endless landscaping project give his neighbours a reason to hate him. So, when he’s found with a crossbow bolt through his neck, Detective Daniel Hawthorne is left with the conundrum: who is the prime suspect when everyone has a motive?

Argylle by Elly Conway
out January 4

When the ambitions of a Russian business tycoon threaten to bring the whole world into chaos and disarray, the CIA knows just the person they can enlist to prevent such a disaster: Argylle, a man with a troubled past but incredible aptitude for espionage. This globe-trotting spy thriller by debut author Elly Conway will be accompanied by a star-studded film of the same name, out in February, featuring Dua Lipa, Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Kingsman’s Matthew Vaughn.

The Woman on the Ledge by Ruth Mancini
out January 4

A woman has fallen to her death from a 25-storey building in the City, and banking office temp Tate Kinsella is under arrest for her murder. Tate only happened to meet the victim the night before, and managed to talk her down from jumping, but now she’s being framed and no-one – not even her lawyer – believes her story. Could it be because she’s hiding other secrets?

The Fury by Alex Michaelides
out February 1

A reclusive ex-movie star invites her closest friends to her idyllic private Greek island. But resentment simmers under the surface and, among the seven guests, there is a murderer. This original novel, from the best-selling author of The Silent Patient, is a masterclass in suspense, plot twists and unreliable narrators. You’ll want to pack this one on holiday – though maybe not if you’re heading to a remote island…

Miss Austen Investigates by Jessica Bull
out January 25

The year is 1795. For young Jane Austen, life is all about attending Hampshire’s society balls, with the hopes of securing a proposal from one particularly dashing suitor. But when a body is discovered, and her brother Georgy is the prime suspect, Jane must become a wily detective and uncover the truth of the murder before it’s too late. If you’re a fan of cosy crime, Richard Osman, Austen, or historical fiction, this debut novel is the book for you.

A Refiner’s Fire by Donna Leon
out September 18

A Refiner’s Fire is the latest in Donna Leon’s popular series. Commissario Guido Brunetti returns to investigate the background of a supposed local hero and his son – but it’s not long before he uncovers the man’s secret, sordid history. What he finds will culminate in a clash between two powerful Venetian gangs and a final chance at redemption. This is Donna Leon at her very best, with rich characters and elegant, sophisticated storytelling.

Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson
out February 29

A debut crime author is on a train with six other crime writers, heading for a literary festival, when one of them is murdered. Six authors quickly turn into five detectives as together, they try to solve the crime. But how can you catch a killer, when all your suspects know how to get away with murder? This witty, original murder mystery is the highly anticipated follow-up to Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone.

Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra
out February 8

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare: you’re alone with your children, and there’s someone in the house. In Nightwatching, a mother is then faced with a terrifying decision: should she hide? Run? Or should she fight? This heart-pounding, unputdownable thriller by debut author Tracy Sierra is perfect for fans of Ashley Audrain and Lisa Jewell.

The Lagos Wife by Vanessa Walters
out February 29

It seems like Nicole has the perfect life: a palatial Lagos home, a glamorous group of friends and a handsome husband. But when she mysteriously disappears on a boat trip, it’s up to her aunt Claudine to find out what happened to her, and it isn’t long before the cracks in Nicole’s wonderful life begin to show. A startlingly original and engrossing tale of secrets, identity, and family.

The 24th Hour by James Patterson
out February 29

The Women’s Murder Club is back, and the group of friends have a new mystery on their hands. When a young woman is assaulted, Sergeant Lindsay Boxer makes an arrest and Assistant District Attorney Yuki Castellano takes the case on. But inconsistencies with the victim’s version of events, and the shocking reason for her ever-changing memory, make a conviction near-impossible. Can the group of women discover what really happened, and track down the person responsible?

The Best Way to Bury Your Husband by Alexia Casale
out March 14

Sally never meant to kill her husband. But one day, after years of marriage to the terrible man, she reaches breaking point. And she isn’t the only one. There are four women in town who each have a reason for wanting their abusive husbands dead, and together they form an unusual self-help group. Soon, they have four dead bodies to get rid of, and nothing bonds four strangers like getting away with murder…

Precipice by Robert Harris
out August 20

Summer, 1914. Twenty-six-year-old Venetia Stanley is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, as he begins to lead the country into war. His obsession with Venetia only grows, and he shares top-secret matters of state with her. When a young intelligence officer is assigned to find a leak in the government, a matter of sexual intrigue becomes a breach of the highest national security. Brilliantly blurring fact and fiction, Sunday Times bestselling author Robert Harris is back in full force.

Have we missed any off our list? Let us know in the comments below…