The best books out this month

May brings an exciting mix of new titles, from twisty psychological thrillers to gritty detective tales and high-stakes adventures. Whether you’re looking for an addictive page-turner or a mystery with slow-burning tension, you won’t be disappointed by these releases from beloved authors like Michael Connelly and James Patterson, as well as standout debuts from exciting new voices.

Here are nine of the most anticipated titles hitting shelves this May.

New crime books out this month:

It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara

When Susan accidentally sends a message meant for her sister to a public community group, she unwittingly sets off a storm. The message contains damning secrets about her neighbours, and her post results in a death threat. Susan hopes it will blow over – but then someone ends up dead. With social media spirals, more death threats, and a mounting body count, this twisty, modern mystery explores how one digital slip-up can shatter lives.

The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North

Years ago, Dan Garvie narrowly escaped a serial killer known as the man made of smoke – a trauma that shaped his life and led him to become a criminal profiler. Now, after his father’s suspicious death, Dan is pulled back into the cold case that haunted them both. With eerie echoes from his childhood and a book at the heart of it all, this slow-burn thriller is chilling, haunting, and utterly compulsive.

Private Dublin by James Patterson

A glitzy Hollywood premiere turns deadly when a gunman opens fire, then flees to Dublin. Jack Morgan, head of the world’s top detective agency, follows the trail – only to discover he was the intended target. With a vendetta in play and lives on the line, Jack must unravel a deadly conspiracy stretching across continents. Action-packed, high-stakes, and full of adrenaline, this gripping thriller is Patterson at his page-turning best.

Last Orders by Denzil Meyrick

Gritty, emotional, and full of unexpected twists, this Scottish thriller from the beloved late author Denzil Meyrick delivers both heart and suspense in spades. DCI Jim Daley is arrested for murder – and the evidence is damning. But his loyal partner Brian Scott isn’t convinced. As the pair dive deep into a web of secrets, betrayal, and past trauma, the line between guilt and innocence begins to blur.

They Had It Coming by Nikki Smith

When Nate and Layla trade London life for Bali’s paradise, their friends Jude and Sophie join them for what should be a dream reunion. But jealousy, betrayal, and long-held grudges simmer beneath the surface. Set against a lush, tropical backdrop, this emotionally charged drama explores the cracks in seemingly perfect lives. Intimate, atmospheric, and simmering with tension, it’s a slow-burn thriller done right.

Nightshade by Michael Connelly

Exiled to Catalina Island after a career misstep, Detective Stilwell is content with his quiet beat – until a body turns up in the harbour. As he navigates the island’s secrets and the mistrust of locals, Stilwell proves he’s not one to back down. Gritty, sharp, and laced with Connelly’s trademark intrigue, this series debut delivers a fresh detective mystery set against a moody, atmospheric coastal backdrop.

Count My Lies by Sophie Stava

Sloane Caraway enjoys telling lies. Her latest, that she trained as a nurse, lands her a job as a nanny in the wealthy Lockhart household. Sloane longs for her employers’ glamorous life, and is prepared to lie about everything in order to get it. But as her stories spiral into something far more dangerous, she gradually learns her employers aren’t telling the full truth either… Twisty, addictive, and razor-sharp, Count My Lies is set to be adapted into a TV show starring Lindsay Lohan.

Manhattan Down by Michael Cordy

One moment, Manhattan is bustling. The next, nearly four million people collapse. Only a few remain awake – and they may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Among them is Samantha, desperate to protect her daughter, and Nick, a cop linked to a deadly conspiracy. High-octane and cinematic, Manhattan Down blends dystopian panic with explosive action. Think I Am Pilgrim meets Die Hard – a wild ride that’s messy at times, but undeniably entertaining.

People Pleaser by Catriona Stewart

Reality TV darling Maggie rose to fame on LoveShack but, years later, she’s found dead. Told through multiple perspectives, including Maggie herself, this sharp, unsettling debut peels back the glossy veneer of fame to reveal the darker truths behind reality television. People Pleaser offers a chilling, behind-the-scenes take on exploitation, fame, and identity – a provocative read for anyone who’s ever binge-watched with a hint of guilt.

The pick of the paperbacks

The following titles have already hit the shelves in hardback and are newly available in paperback this month.

In case you missed it: April’s biggest titles

Which books are going to the top of your to-read pile? Let us know in the comments below…