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Best crime books and thrillers of 2026

Best crime books and thrillers of 2026

22 September 2026

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It’s a great year for crime fiction fans, as there are so many new thrillers, murder mysteries and detective novels coming our way in 2026. From the highly anticipated new releases from popular authors like Lisa Jewell and Jo Nesbo, to exciting new voices in crime fiction, the following is our guide to the year's best crime books, thrillers and mysteries and why they should be top of your list.

Most anticipated books from popular authors

The Keeper by Tana French

Publication date: 2nd April 2026

In this atmospheric mystery, set in a remote Irish village, a young woman is about to be engaged to the son of the local big shot – until she goes missing and is found dead in the river. Retired detective Cal Hooper finds himself drawn into the investigation and uncovers a scheme that casts her death in a new light and suggests the whole village could be in danger.

Why you’ll love it: This is immersive, slow-burn crime fiction at its best, transporting you to a remote village where rivalries and resentment bubble below the surface. The characters are the beating heart of the book, making it perfect for fans of literary mysteries with psychological depth, such as the works of Belinda Bauer, Denise Mina and Donna Leon.

Read more: 11 top crime novels set in Ireland

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

Publication date: 15th January

This highly anticipated follow-up to The Last Thing He Told Me, which was adapted into an Apple TV+ series, cements Laura Dave as a big name in domestic suspense. Hannah hasn’t seen her husband Owen in five years. Then she receives a text from an unknown number: “Get out of the house. Now.” She knows it’s a warning from Owen, and that it means she and his daughter Bailey are in danger. So, the pair flee to Paris, where they’re told someone will look after them. But Owen’s enemies are waiting in the wings…

Why you’ll love it: This is an action-packed, adrenaline-filled thriller that blends strong pacing with high emotional stakes. If you’re looking for a book with the complex relationship dynamics of Big Little Lies, the high-octane suspense of Shari Lapena, and the psychological depth of Ashley Audrain, this one is for you.

The Pinnacle by Abir Mukherjee

Publication date: 18th June

Abir Mukherjee’s latest intelligent thriller is a pacy, humorous and intricately crafted mystery. Washed-up actor George Abercrombie wakes from a drunken stupor to find his much younger wife dead in their apartment in Mumbai’s most luxurious skyscraper, the Pinnacle. His wife is Bollywood queen, Sweety Sahota, and George knows he will be the prime suspect in her murder. But as George pieces together the night before, he realises everyone in the Pinnacle has something to hide – even those he trusts the most…

Why you’ll love it: This is an action-packed and fast-paced murder mystery, combining the glitz and glamour of Mumbai’s rich and beautiful, with the lives, dreams and crimes of the servants and workers on whom their lifestyle depends. It’s twisty and satirical in equal measure, and perfect for fans of Philip Kerr and CJ Sansom.

It Could Have Been Her by Lisa Jewell

Publication date: 2nd July

This new psychological thriller from Lisa Jewell can be read as a standalone but sees the return of Jane Trevally from last year’s Don’t Let Him In. Twenty-five years ago, a newly single Jane went back to a man’s house but felt something wasn’t right: she heard a scream from the floor above, and someone falling, and decided to run. In present day, a lost dog brings her back to the same house, leading Jane to investigate what really happened all those years ago.

Why you’ll love it: Nobody writes suspenseful, dark thrillers like Lisa Jewell. Her writing style draws you in, her plot twists feel cinematic, and her characters feel like real people (even if they’re often amoral). It’s an addictive formula, making Jewell perfect for fans of dark domestic thrillers like those of Claire Douglas and Liz Nugent.

We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman

Publication date: 10th September

Richard Osman’s latest murder mystery isn’t out until September, but we promise it’s worth the wait. In this sequel to We Solve Murders, a body is found on the steps of a private villa in Italy, meaning our unlikely detective trio Amy, Steve and Rose must hunt the killer from Italy to Palm Springs, via Barcelona and a sleepy English village.

Why you’ll love it: We Chase Shadows combines the warm and witty tone of The Thursday Murder Club with the jet-setting adventure of an Ian Fleming novel. It also has a cast of loveable characters – including the quick-witted and fiery Rose, who has become a reader favourite.

Psychological thrillers and domestic suspense

Such a Nice Girl by Andrea Mara

Publication date: 7th May

The author of All Her Fault (now a TV series starring Sarah Snook) returns with another high-concept thriller that will keep readers glued to the page. Two best friends believe one of their adult daughters has tried to kill the other. Both girls are missing and neither mother knows who is the victim and who is the culprit.

Why you’ll love it: The action kicks off from the first page and Andrea Mara just keeps ramping up the tension until the explosive finale. It’s a spine-chilling read you won’t be able to put down, and already counts Freida McFadden and Patricia Cornwell among its fans.

The Family Friend by Claire Douglas

Publication date: 12th March

Claire Douglas has become known for her addictive domestic thrillers and her new book for 2026 is just as gripping as last year’s The New Neighbours. When Imogen finds out she has inherited a Regency villa in Bath from Dorothea, a family friend she hasn’t seen for years, she decides to take the opportunity for a fresh start. Once there, however, rumours start to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, and Imogen realises she may be in danger too.

Why you’ll love it: Claire Douglas ratchets up the suspense until it’s almost unbearable, in this pacy, propulsive thriller that’s perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Shari Lapena.

The Truth About Ruby Cooper by Liz Nugent

Publication date: 12th March

In this domestic noir, Ruby and Erin live a comfortable life in Boston until an incident involving Ruby causes the family to splinter. Their Irish mother takes Ruby back to Dublin while Erin stays in Boston with her father. The novel follows the family over the next 25 years, examining the ramifications of the incident and the trail of destruction left in its wake.

Why you’ll love it: This gripping, unflinching novel could only have been written by Liz Nugent. Expect psychologically complex characters, disturbing plot twists, and addictive storytelling.

Getting Away with Murder by Shari Lapena

Publication date: 16th July

The author of the best-selling domestic thriller E veryone Here is Lying returns with a new story about deception, murder, and a seriously dysfunctional family. Ted and Jill love their elegant Brooklyn brownstone and high-flying lifestyle. So, when they make a bad investment and their livelihood is threatened, they go to extreme lengths to protect themselves: they plot to kill a wealthy family member.

Why you’ll love it: There are characters you’ll love to hate and red herrings galore, making this smart, suspenseful and timely thriller perfect for reading in one sitting.

Cosy crime and mysteries

A Taste for Murder by Matt Baker

Publication date: 15th January

It’s rare for a book to be adapted into a TV series the same year it is published – but A Taste for Murder is so atmospheric and cinematic that we can understand why it’s already a major series on ITVX. DCI Joe Mottram arrives in sun-soaked Capri, hoping to reconnect with his daughter. But when a British tourist dies and suspicion falls close to home, he’s dragged back into investigative mode to explore the ugly underbelly of the beautiful island.

Why you’ll love it: The Italian setting makes this the perfect destination thriller to read this summer, and it’s so atmospheric that it will appeal to fans of Donna Leon and Elly Griffiths. It’s also a multi-layered mystery that balances red herrings with high emotional stakes.

A Deadly Episode by Anthony Horowitz

Publication date: 23rd April

The latest book in the inventive Hawthorne and Horowitz series transports you to a film set, where the first Hawthorne and Horowitz mystery novel, The Word is Murder, is being turned into a film (it’s very meta). The whole production has been chaos, with delays and a dwindling budget. Now, the star actor David Caine, who was playing former Detective Inspector Daniel Hawthorne, is dead and the real Hawthorne – joined by his sidekick Anthony Horowitz – has been called in to investigate.

Why you’ll love it: This fresh, original murder mystery combines dry humour and satire with delightful plot twists. The result? A playful, entertaining caper that confirms Horowitz is in a league of his own.

A Killer in Paradise by Tom Hindle

Publication date: 15th January

Escape to the Costa Rican rainforest with this brilliantly compulsive thriller from the author of Murder on Lake Garda. A group of old university friends have been invited to the launch of Abigail Blythe’s new luxury hotel. The group were close to Abi until 10 years ago when she suddenly ghosted them – so why has she invited them? The reader knows from chapter one that someone has been murdered, but there’s twist after twist until the final reveal.

Why you’ll love it: This locked-room murder mystery combines the escapism of a Costa Rican location with plot twists that keep you hooked. We can see why it already counts Janice Hallett and Benjamin Stevenson among its fans.

Detective novels

Wolf Hour by Jo Nesbo

Publication date: 12th February 2026 (paperback)

The latest standalone detective drama from Jo Nesbo is one of our books of the year because its highly addictive plot that will have you saying, “just one more chapter” until it’s somehow 1am. A lone sniper is terrorising the streets of Minneapolis, and maverick detective Bob Oz is pulled onto the case. But when he notices a pattern forming amongst the killer’s victims, Oz realises he’s in a race against time to prevent the next casualty.

Why you’ll love it: It’s as dark and atmospheric as Nesbo’s Harry Hole series, but with a fresh new setting. You can expect a gradual revelation of secrets, a flawed protagonist you’ll root for, and page-turning storytelling – making it perfect for fans of Stuart MacBride and Soren Sveistrup.

The Lost Women by Tim Weaver

Publication date: 26th February

Missing persons investigator David Raker is still haunted by an 18-year-old mystery where three women vanished from a small Cornish island. A new case sees him trying to track down a missing husband and he soon discovers a horrifying connection to the lost women. With only 48 hours to solve the case, this is a pulse-pounding race-against-time thriller – the 15th in the David Raker series. With Mick Herron and Chris Whitaker among his fans, Weaver is one to know if you’re a crime fiction fan.

Why you’ll love it: This is a propulsive thriller that is intricately plotted, with interconnecting mysteries and nail-biting suspense that will keep you turning the page.

Berwick by L J Ross

Publication date: 26th February

The much-anticipated hardback release of Berwick, the latest in the DCI Ryan series, picks up nicely from the cliffhanger at end of the previous book Belsay (no spoilers here!). But this time, Ryan is investigating a case that’s close to home: his wife, Anna, has been arrested for the murder of a well-known author.

Why you’ll love it: As always, L J Ross makes the most of the Northumbrian landscape, making this a particularly immersive read. It’s also a joy to be back with DCI Ryan and his team.

Legal thrillers

The Defence by Rob Rinder

Publication date: 18th June

Rob Rinder, aka Judge Rinder, has proven himself as a storyteller in his entertaining series of courtroom thrillers and they just keep getting better. In his latest, MP-turned-wellness guru Adrian Wells has been murdered in front of a room full of influencers, and it’s barrister Adam Green’s job to defend the chief suspect: Adrian’s PA, Jules.

Why you’ll love it: There’s a great balance of humour and drama in this well-paced read – it’s like a brilliant cross between John Grisham and Richard Osman.

Judge Stone by James Patterson and Viola Davis

Publication date: 9th March

The heavyweight pairing of best-selling author James Patterson and award-winning actress Viola Davis might be unexpected, but together they’ve created one of the best legal thrillers of 2026. Judge Mary Stone is a well-respected member of the tight-knit Union Springs community in Alabama – until she draws a controversial case that divides the small town: a doctor is charged with carrying out an abortion on a 13-year-old girl in a state where abortion is illegal under any circumstance. Judge Stone is forced to decide between the law and her own ethics, in this tense read.

Why you’ll love it: This timely read is thought-provoking and gripping in equal measure. With its high emotional stakes and brilliant courtroom scenes, Judge Stone will also appeal to fans of John Grisham and Michael Connelly.

Killer Instinct by Nicola Williams

Publication date: 15th August (paperback)

In this gripping, timely legal thriller, a senior clerk is found murdered at a Chambers and suspicion falls on the working-class junior clerk. Barrister Lee Mitchell knows how quickly prejudice can lead to convictions, so steps in to defend him – and, in so doing, uncovers long-buried secrets about her colleagues that make her question who she can trust.

Why you’ll love it: This legal thriller has a gripping plot, with all the courtroom drama of a Rob Rinder novel mixed with the thought-provoking exploration of class, privilege and wealth that you’d expect from Denise Mina. The result? A gripping read you won’t be able to put down.

Debut crime fiction

The Pie & Mash Detective Agency by J. D. Brinkworth

Publication date: 26th February

This brilliant new addition to the cosy crime genre is as funny as it is gripping. The unlikely sleuths are Jane Pye and Simon Mash, a couple who signed up for a private detective night class on a whim and now find themselves investigating a very strange case indeed: a woman named Nellie Thorne has disappeared… and she’s the fifth Nellie Thorne in 50 years to do so. If you like your mysteries with a side of quirk, this one is for you.

Perfect for fans of: Richard Osman, Agatha Christie, T he Word is Murder.

How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Phillipson

Publication date: 12th March

This debut has an ingenious premise: a serial killer is on the rampage and the only way to stop them is to read between the lines of the manual they leave behind at each crime scene. The treatise, literally titled “How to Get Away with Murder”, is complete with step-by-step instructions that mirror each crime.

Why you’ll love it: Expect dark humour sprinkled throughout in this addictive read from a new writer to watch.

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino

Publication date: 15th January

Most of us would go quite far to secure our dream home – but would you resort to stalking, blackmail and worse? That’s the premise of this wry, smart thriller set in Washington DC. Margo and her husband have lost out on 11 properties so, when she finds a house she loves, Margo’s prepared to take some unusual measures to make sure it’s hers. Described as Gone Girl meets Selling Sunset, this is a unique domestic thriller that will keep you on tenterhooks until the last page.

Perfect for fans of: Jessica Knoll, Gillian McAllister, Bella Mackie.

A Bad, Bad Place by Frances Crawford

Publication date: 12th February

When 12-year-old Janey Devine comes across the body of a murdered woman on an abandoned railway in late 1970s Glasgow, it brings an abrupt end to her childhood. The woman is Samantha Watson, daughter of notorious gangster Billy “The Ghost”, and now he wants answers. With one of the most distinctive and freshest narrative voices published this year, this dark and gritty read about the far-reaching effects of a murder on a community will appeal to fans of Val McDermid and Louise Welsh.

Perfect for fans of: The List of Suspicious Things, Val McDermid, Shari Lapena.

T he Exes by Leodora Darlington

Publication date: 26th February

Natalie and her husband James argue one night but then her memory goes blank. She wakes up from a blackout with a knife in her hand and a strong sense that history is repeating itself: all of Natalie’s exes have ended up dead. But is she a cold-blooded killer or is there something else going on? This is a superbly entertaining read with a string of plot twists that you won’t see coming.

Perfect for fans of: Lisa Jewell, Samantha Downing, The Girl on the Train.

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives by Elizabeth Arnott

Publication date: 9th April

Beverley, Elsie, and Margot are all wives of convicted killers who form an unlikely friendship after the discovery of their husbands’ brutal crimes. When a string of killings hits the news, the three women come together to investigate – because who knows more about tracking down a killer than someone who has shared their home with one? Set in the sweltering heat of 1960s California and oozing with style, this psychological thriller should go straight to the top of your reading pile.

Perfect for fans of: Tess Gerritsen, Rachel Rhys, The Maid.

The Hiding Season by A. C. Glass

Publication date: 26th March

After a difficult divorce, Maya Landry escapes to the solitude of Montana to lick her wounds. But her new-found peace is short-lived when she witnesses a brutal crime and nobody believes her. As the only witness, she becomes a target for the killer and so begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse.

Why you’ll love it: Set in an off-season luxury ski resort, this new thriller is a tense, claustrophobic read for people who like stories where the landscape is as dangerous as the people in it.

If you're looking for more reading inspiration, and a chunky list to work your way through, take a look at our guide to the 100 best crime novels of all time.

Best crime books and thrillers of 2026

Most anticipated books from popular authors

Psychological thrillers and domestic suspense

Cosy crime and mysteries

Detective novels

Legal thrillers

Debut crime fiction

The best books of 2026

New autobiography books and memoirs to read this year

Long books that are worth every minute of reading

Abir Mukherjee: my journey to publication

New paperbacks to read in 2026

12 of the best race-against-time thrillers

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