15 crime books perfect for a winter’s day
The nights are drawing in and there’s a chill in the air. A fire is crackling in the grate and you can’t think of anything better to do than curl up with a frosty novel and scare yourself senseless. Whether you’re looking for a chilling thriller or some warming cosy crime, there are plenty of great stories to choose from.
We’ve compiled a list of all of our frosty favourites. Here’s our selection of the best books to read when the nights are long.
Hold the Dark by William Giraldi
This novel gives a new definition to the word ‘chilling’, showing us the terror of being caught alone in the wilderness when it’s minus 40 degrees and you’re faced with a crazed killer. The icy tundra of Alaska is an important part of this book and really comes across as the final frontier.
The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg
The first book in Lackberg’s series, The Ice Princess is a slow burn. The characters have depth and reality that make them simply jump from the page. When reading, you feel invested in their lives and want to delve deeper into the mysteries of Alex’s disappearance.
The Lake District Murder by John Bude
The sixth book in the British Library Classic Crime series (which sure are beautiful to behold), this thriller was first published in the 1930s. Inspector Meredith works to uncover the underlying crimes in a quiet rural locale which turns out to be a nest of deceit and double-dealing. Old fashioned in a charming way but with perennial themes.
The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse
This is another beautiful book – and we’re not just talking about its cover. Haunting and wonderful, this tale is evocative of Victorian ghost stories and Mosse’s use of language and description will soon transport you right to the middle of the action. A stunning read that is perfect for when you’re wrapped up warm on a cold winter night.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent
Burial Rites is the debut novel from Hannah Kent, and once you’ve read it you’ll certainly be craving more. Based on a true story, and again featuring beautiful, atmospheric descriptions of the bleak Icelandic landscape, this is a moving novel about the truths we claim to know and the ways in which we interpret what we’re told.
Snowdrops by A D Miller
Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2011, this psychological drama will chill you to the bone. It is taut, intense and has an irresistible momentum that will grip you from start to finish. The novel has a strong sense of place and provides real insights into Russian atmosphere, culture and society