Best-crime-audiobooks

Reading lists

10 mystery audiobooks to listen to now

The Day I Lost You

One child, two mothers and a past that won't let them go. A second brilliantly twisty thriller novel by Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman on the Ledge. 
 
'Fresh, original, utterly intriguing and so, so clever' ANDREA MARA, bestselling author of No One Saw A Thing 
 
'A clever, compelling rollercoaster ride of a book, never letting up until its final resolution' JENNIE GODFREY, Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things 
 
'Ruth Mancini has done it again. Smart, twisty and propulsive' HARRIET TYCE, bestselling author of Blood Orange 
 
------- 
 
All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She’s suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past firmly behind her. 
 
Hope has everything: an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy. 
 
But Sam has gone missing. 
 
So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam’s description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end. 
 
But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it. 
 
So what really happened to Baby Sam? And who still has secrets to hide? 
 
One child. Two mothers. And a past that won’t let them go. 
 
------- 
 
More love for The Day I Lost You . . . 
 
'A propulsive, emotional thriller about love and loss. I flew through it changing my mind every few pages about whose side I was on. A hugely satisfying read!' C.L. TAYLOR 
 
 
'Thought-provoking, compelling and, at times, heart-breaking. Really kept me guessing, right up until the end.' ANNA MAZZOLA 
 
'Ruth Mancini is fast becoming a master of the thriller genre . . . so clever and engaging' LAURA PEARSON 
 
'If you thought Ruth Mancini couldn't top The Woman on the Ledge think again . . . utterly gripping' SABINE DURRANT 
 
Readers are loving The Day I Lost You . . . 
 
‘So many twists and turns’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Absolutely brilliant’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘I devoured this book! So well-written’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘A beautifully written book about how good people struggle and end up doing bad things’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Such a gripping read’ 5-star reader review 
 
‘Beautiful prose. Fantastic plot. Amazing characters who I fell in love with’ 5-star reader review

A thriller you won’t be able to put down

Your heart and your head will doubtless be conflicted as the labyrinthian plot unravels. Brilliant!

A propulsive, emotional thriller ... I flew through it changing my mind every few pages about whose side I was on. A hugely satisfying read!

This one really packs an emotional punch. Thought-provoking, compelling and, at times, heart-breaking. Really kept me guessing, right up until the end.

Anna Mazzola, bestselling author of The Clockwork Girl

Fresh, original, utterly intriguing and so, so clever

Andrea Mara, bestselling author of No One Saw A Thing

A clever, compelling rollercoaster ride of a book, never letting up until its final resolution

Jennie Godfrey, Sunday Times bestselling author of The List of Suspicious Things

This twisty chiller will keep you hooked until the very end

A gripping, twist-driven custody thriller

Ruth Mancini is an author and criminal defence lawyer. Her background as a solicitor adds authenticity to her crime and psychological fiction. She has spent two decades representing those accused of crimes, navigating courtrooms and police stations. Her storytelling prowess and legal background combine to create thrilling reads that will keep you guessing until the very end. 
 
 
Ruth was born in London and now lives in Oxfordshire with her husband and two children.

'If you thought Ruth Mancini couldn't top The Woman on the Ledge think again' (SABINE DURRANT). Get ready for one of the most gripping psychological thrillers of the year, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian McAllister and Paula Hawkins! 
 
'Fresh, original, utterly intriguing and so, so clever.' ANDREA MARA 
 
'A clever, compelling rollercoaster ride of a book, never letting up until its final resolution.' JENNIE GODFREY 
 
'Ruth Mancini has done it again. Smart, twisty and propulsive' HARRIET TYCE 
 
--- 
 
All Lauren wants is a new life in Spain. She’s suffered an unimaginable loss, but at last she has found a home in the pretty seaside town of Mantilla de Mar. Everyone deserves a new start, and Lauren needs to put her past behind her. 
 
Hope has everything: an interesting career as a therapist, an attractive husband, a dream home in the countryside - and, finally, the baby she always longed for. Sam. Her beautiful boy. 
 
But Sam has gone missing. 
 
So when the police tell her that a woman has been found in Spain with a child matching Sam’s description, Hope thinks that her nightmare might be coming to an end. 
 
But Lauren is insisting Sam is her baby. She even has his passport and birth certificate to prove it. 
 
One child. Two mothers. And a past that won’t let them go. 
 
--- 
 
Praise for The Day I Lost You: 
 
'Thought-provoking, compelling and, at times, heart-breaking' ANNA MAZZOLA 
 
'Ruth Mancini is fast becoming a master of the thriller genre' LAURA PEARSON 
 
'A propulsive, emotional thriller' C. L. TAYLOR 
 
‘A thriller you won’t be able to put down’ Sun

The Woman on the Ledge

* The instant Sunday Times bestseller! * Get ready for one of the most gripping psychological thrillers of the year, perfect for fans of Gillian McAllister, Lisa Jewell and Paula Hawkins. 
 
‘I’ve been yearning for something to give me Girl on the Train vibes. . . this is that book.’ Lisa Jewell 
'Totally unpredictable. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough' Claire Douglas 
'A deliciously clever book. Jaw-dropping. Absolutely outstanding' Andrea Mara 
'Utterly gripping from first to last ... I guarantee you’ll be absolutely hooked.' The Guardian 
___________ 
 
A tragic accident? Or murder? 
 
A woman falls to her death from a London bank's twenty-fifth-floor roof terrace. 
 
You're arrested for her murder. 
 
You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down. 
 
You've got nothing to do with this tragedy. 
You're clearly being framed. 
 
So why do the police keep picking holes in your story? 
And why doesn't your lawyer seem to believe you? 
 
It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets. 
 
But who are you trying to protect? And why? 
 
Obsession. Intrigue. Revenge. Get ready for one of the most twisty thrillers this year! 
___________ 
 
Readers are loving The Woman on the Ledge . . . 
 
***** 'ONE OF THE BEST PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLERS I HAVE READ THIS YEAR!!! WHAT A BRILLIANTLY WRITTEN MASTERPIECE!!!' 
***** 'It’s been awhile since I have read a good PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER, and even longer since I read a great one-but this ORIGINAL gem is pretty great!' 
***** 'This has the best dynamics of a book that I have read in awhile. What a talented author!' 
***** 'Recommend this one to anyone who enjoys an intense, twisted, thought-provoking and engaging Psychological Thriller.' 
***** 'All I can say is that this is not a book to be missed.' 
___________ 
 
More love for The Woman on the Ledge: 
 
'A thrill-ride of a novel - dark, riveting and twisty' Lucy Clarke 
‘I inhaled this. . . Lots of twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down!’ Hayley Morris 
‘Razor-sharp plotting, great writing ... a pitch-perfect legal thriller’ Harriet Tyce 
'A deeply satisfying read' Her Honour Judge Wendy Joseph KC 
'I’m certain this will be one of my favourite thrillers of 2024 already!’ Prima 
'A twist-a-minute thrill ride!' Lisa Gardner 
'Had me turning the pages through the night' Heidi Perks 
'A gripping thriller with a great premise and a twist I didn’t see coming' John Marrs 
'The best thriller I've read in ages' Laura Pearson 
‘Wonderfully twisty, fabulously unexpected and immensely satisfying’ Alex Marwood 
'The best kind of plot-twisty story ... I devoured it!' Sabine Durrant 
'Breathtaking storytelling ... Stunning!’ Jane Fallon 
'WOW! I absolutely loved it' Stu Cummins 
'A clever idea and an even cleverer plot.' Belfast Telegraph 
‘So full of twists and turns it will make your head hurt – in a good way!’ Fabulous, Sun on Sunday 
‘A tense novel’ Bella 
‘A twisty tale that will keep you on your toes’ Heat 
‘A dark and compelling legal thriller.’ Woman & Home

A woman falls to her death from a London bank's twenty-fifth-floor roof terrace. 
 
You're arrested for her murder. 
 
You tell the police that you only met the victim the previous night at your office party. She was threatening to jump from the roof, but you talked her down. 
 
You've got nothing to do with tragedy. 
 
You're clearly being framed. 
 
So why do the police keep picking holes in your story? Even your lawyer doesn't seem to believe you. 
 
It soon becomes obvious that you're keeping secrets. 
 
But who are you trying to protect? And why? 
___________ 
 
‘Compulsive, clever and gasp out loud twisty, I absolutely loved it’ Lisa Jewell 
‘A pitch-perfect thriller. Highly recommended.’ Harriet Tyce 
‘Wonderfully twisty, fabulously unexpected and immensely satisfying’ Alex Marwood 
'I devoured it!' Sabine Durrant

Your Word Against Mine

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman on the Ledge and criminal defence lawyer who has seen it all, comes a brand new jaw-dropping psychological thriller inspired by a real-life shocking case. 
 
A woman has been stabbed and the book opens with a 999 call as she calls for urgent help. She's in shock and she can't remember what happened or who attacked her. All she knows is that her husband is missing and has taken their car. 
 
We see a car, being driven at speed through the woods. The narrator is escaping something - we know not who or what. We assume they are Jason. 
 
In a surprise twist, the police find a body: it's Jason and Tessa is arrested for his murder. Tessa confesses. She did it and prepares herself to go to prison, possibly for life. 
 
But what were the circumstances leading to his death? Who is the person fleeing in the car at the start of the book, and what dark secrets did Jason take to his grave? Tessa needs to find out before it's too late... 
 
 
Praise for Ruth Mancini:‘A thriller you won’t be able to put down’ Sun 
 
‘Ruth Mancini is fast becoming a master of the thriller genre' Laura Pearson 
 
'If you thought Ruth Mancini couldn't top The Woman on the Ledge think again…' Sabine Durrant 
 
‘Ruth Mancini has done it again. Smart, twisty and propulsive' Harriet Tyce 
 
'Ruth Mancini is like a British Jodi Picoult' Jennie Godfrey

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Woman on the Ledge and criminal defence lawyer who has seen it all, comes a brand new jaw-dropping psychological thriller inspired by a real-life shocking case. 
 
A woman has been stabbed and the book opens with a 999 call as she calls for urgent help. She's in shock and she can't remember what happened or who attacked her. All she knows is that her husband is missing and has taken their car. 
 
We see a car, being driven at speed through the woods. The narrator is escaping something - we know not who or what. We assume they are Jason. 
 
In a surprise twist, the police find a body: it's Jason and Tessa is arrested for his murder. Tessa confesses. She did it and prepares herself to go to prison, possibly for life. 
 
But what were the circumstances leading to his death? Who is the person fleeing in the car at the start of the book, and what dark secrets did Jason take to his grave? Tessa needs to find out before it's too late... 
 
 
Praise for Ruth Mancini:‘A thriller you won’t be able to put down’ Sun 
 
‘Ruth Mancini is fast becoming a master of the thriller genre' Laura Pearson 
 
'If you thought Ruth Mancini couldn't top The Woman on the Ledge think again…' Sabine Durrant 
 
‘Ruth Mancini has done it again. Smart, twisty and propulsive' Harriet Tyce 
 
'Ruth Mancini is like a British Jodi Picoult' Jennie Godfrey

Ruth Mancini

I absolutely raced through this compulsive page-turner. It is the kind of crime novel that lawyers love - because its got so much authentic detail that you know it has to have been written by a criminal lawyer who knows their criminal law and is a talented writer. Well drawn characters- proper plot and great writing. What more could you want? Lisa Jewell meets the Secret Barrister

Ruth Mancini writes thrillers with the certainty of someone who’s seen the law in action and knows exactly how to unpick it. Brilliantly smart, unsettlingly human and impossible to put down.

Wow! Everything you’d expect from the brilliant Ruth Mancini – a propulsive, heart-thumping read, complex characters you really care about, multiple layers of thought-provoking insights, taut plotting, and an absolutely nail-shredding finish. Fantastic! If Ruth Mancini’s writing it, I’m reading it!

Brilliant. My favourite Ruth Mancini yet. A taut, haunting and thought-provoking story of fractured memories, complex relationships and coverups. Kept me guessing (and biting my nails) throughout.

Only Ruth Mancini can deliver such brilliant twists that keep you turning the pages. Her legal expertise shines through, providing a sense of veracity and immediacy that is uniquely addictive.

It’s gripping and propulsive, but also moving and quiet in all the right places. Bravo Ruth!

A cleverly crafted chilling psychological thriller which intricately intertwines past and present with a constant shadow of menace

Ruth Mancini is definitely a thriller writer to watch, tense, clever plots whilst also exploring big issues, in this case police corruption

Deeply felt, moving story about the complexities of justice

A super readable, brilliantly clever domestic thriller

This criminal defence lawyer’s new fiction will hold you in a vice-like grip … compelling

Inspired by true events and written by a criminal lawyer, this fast-paced twisty thriller […] culminates in an ending that doesn’t disappoint

A vivid and exciting read in which the characters are brilliantly portrayed.

You were only seven years old when you witnessed your mother's murder. 
 
Although you did not see her attacker clearly, you are pretty sure who it was. 
 
Thanks to you, he went to prison for twenty years. 
 
Now he's out. 
 
And you are no longer certain that the man you identified that terrifying evening really was the killer. 
 
But if it wasn’t him, who was the stranger on the stairs? 
 
And can he now be coming for you? 
 
Inspired by a shocking real-life case, a gripping psychological thriller by a criminal defence lawyer who has seen it all. 
 
 
--- 
Praise for Ruth Mancini: 
 
‘A thriller you won’t be able to put down’ Sun 
 
‘Ruth Mancini is fast becoming a master of the thriller genre' Laura Pearson 
 
'If you thought Ruth Mancini couldn't top The Woman on the Ledge think again…' Sabine Durrant 
 
‘Ruth Mancini has done it again. Smart, twisty and propulsive' Harriet Tyce 
 
'Ruth Mancini is like a British Jodi Picoult' Jennie Godfrey

Ruth Mancini

Books by Ruth Mancini

Articles featuring Ruth Mancini

10 mystery audiobooks to listen to now

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter