Books
What we’re reading on Dead Good this month
If you’re anything like us, your next read is influenced by your friends, family, and book club pals who tell you that you’ve just got to read the book they’re currently hooked on. Here at Dead Good HQ, we’re always recommending books to each other (without, crucially, giving away any spoilers), so we thought it was time we start writing these down…
Every month, we’ll round up the thrillers and crime books that we have read and enjoyed, including the latest releases, and give our honest reviews. We’ll also be including some reader reviews – so get in touch in the comments below or on our Facebook page with your own recommendations!
Crime and thriller books we read in September
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman
I’ve been a big fan of the Thursday Murder Club series since book one, and The Last Devil to Die honestly exceeded my (already very high) expectations. This time around the gang are investigating the murder of a close friend, an antiques expert who died protecting a mysterious package.
The Last Devil To Die is funny, it’s twisty and the relationships between the characters are progressing in such a satisfying way (Chris and Patrice! Donna and Bogdan!), but the thing that really struck me this time was its emotional depth. Ibrahim reflecting on his youth, Stephen’s gradual descent into dementia: both are beautifully written and made me well up. My mum said it was Richard Osman’s best one yet, and I have to agree.
Francesca Pymm, Social Media Manager
BOOK NOT FOUND! by
Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena
I picked up Shari Lapena’s latest novel as I wanted to read something with a gripping plot but a familiar setting, packed with intrigue, complicated relationships, and murky motives. (Could it be because I’ve recently been watching Desperate Housewives? Hard to say…)
Everyone Here Is Lying did not disappoint. When nine-year-old Avery Wooler goes missing, the quiet suburban neighbourhood of Stanhope becomes a crime scene. With everyone a potential suspect (or silent witness), neighbourly friendliness turns to animosity and lives fall apart as secrets come out. This book counts Lisa Jewell and Claire Douglas among its fans, and it’s easy to see why; I read it from start to finish in just 24 hours!
Rachel Deeley, Digital Editor
The Simple Truth by James Buckler
The Simple Truth by James Buckler
I’m relatively new to the legal thriller genre, but the premise of The Simple Truth had me hooked. When a young woman is found dead in her car, the police rule it as a suicide. Her mother, however, thinks it was murder – and the young lawyer who is sent to make her sign an NDA soon agrees. As he starts his own investigation, he uncovers secrets, corruption, and puts his own life in danger.
I read most of this book in one sitting. I loved the slow-burn of the plot, the subtle details that are gradually revealed, and its unpredictability: every time I thought I’d figured something out, there would be a twist. I’m definitely a legal thriller convert!
Katie Russell, Content Lead, Dead Good
The Dive by Sara Ochs
The Dive by Sara Ochs
This was the perfect end-of-summer book for me. The story follows scuba instructor Cass, who is leading a seemingly idyllic life on the island of Koh Sang with her new fiancé and group of fellow ex-pat friends.
Early on, we learn that Cass has come to the island to escape a dark past. And someone has started writing mysterious notes to remind her that she can’t leave it behind.
Sara Ochs packs so much action into this punchy thriller. She drops intricate clues throughout every chapter and the story’s conclusion felt vivid and carefully plotted.
The only downside is that it might put you off planning your next island getaway!
Izzie Thomas, Channel Lead, Dead Good
The Wych Elm by Tana French
The Wych Elm by Tana French
The Wych Elm is one of a handful of titles that I have begged people to read even before I’ve finished it. I loved Tana French’s atmospheric writing, the building unease and multiple twists and turns.
The story follows Toby, a young art dealer who is brutally attacked after returning to his Dublin flat after a night out. Broken mentally and physically, he retreats to his family’s country pile to recover. However, his nerves are shaken once more when a skull is found buried within a tree in the garden and he must question his idyllic childhood memories and the family he thought he knew.
The perfect blend of mystery, intrigue and family drama makes this novel a compelling read which I’ll continually recommend.
Sarah McKenna, Digital Editor
What are you reading at the moment? Let us know in the comments below, and we might include your response in next month’s article!
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