As the frost fades and the days grow longer, there’s no better time to curl up with a gripping mystery, twisty thriller, or dark psychological tale. At The Strand Magazine, we’ve handpicked a list of 30 new and upcoming books—ranging from noir to cozy, legal thrillers to speculative crime—that are guaranteed to leave you breathless.
Here’s what we’re reading this spring. Is your next obsession on this list?
1. The Ten Worst People in New York by Matt Plass (Crooked Lane Books)
Matt Plass delivers a satirical thriller that delves into the dark side of fame and media. The narrative follows Ricky Talon, a TV host who creates a list of the city’s most reviled individuals. When members of this list begin to die under suspicious circumstances, FBI agent Alex Bedford steps in to unravel the mystery. Plass’s sharp wit and engaging prose make this a standout read for fans of dark humor and intricate plotting.
2. Long Time Gone by Gregory Stout (Level Best Books)
In this gripping PI mystery, Jackson Gamble is hired to find a missing professor in Nashville. As Gamble delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets involving academia and organized crime. Stout’s sharp writing and complex characters create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the final twist.
3. The Detective’s Daughter: Secrets of Griffin Gate by Darcy Flynn (Paper Moon)
Darcy Flynn introduces readers to Lucy Carmichael, who returns to her hometown to investigate her father’s unsolved murder. Set against the backdrop of Diamond Creek, Arkansas, this novel blends elements of romance and mystery, offering an atmospheric and emotionally resonant story.
4. The Jericho Manuscript by Julian Doyle (Independently Published)
Julian Doyle presents a unique twist on the Sherlock Holmes narrative, weaving historical facts with fiction. The story involves a mysterious manuscript that could alter the understanding of Christian dogma. Doyle’s inventive storytelling and inclusion of historical figures like Debussy and Baudelaire add depth to this intriguing tale.
5. The Rainy Night Stalker by Debbie Shannon (Fogbow Books)
Set in the Finger Lakes region of New York, this thriller follows forensic photographer Mae “Moon” McFadden, who possesses psychic abilities. As she communicates with the dead to solve murders, Moon teams up with FBI profiler Stuart Bauer to catch a serial killer. Shannon’s blend of supernatural elements with crime investigation creates a chilling and engaging narrative.
6. Murder With Strings Attached by Mark Reutlinger (The Wild Rose Press, Inc.)
Mark Reutlinger offers a light-hearted caper involving an amateur thief hired by a famous violinist to retrieve a stolen instrument. The story is filled with engaging characters, clever details, and a touch of romance, making it a delightful read for fans of cozy mysteries.
7. Alpha Beta Gamma by Malabika Ray (Independently Published)
Malabika Ray introduces readers to Sri, a physics student who stumbles upon a dangerous conspiracy. This spy thriller combines elements of mystery, cultural insights, and humor, offering a fresh perspective with an Asian female protagonist at the helm.
8. Under the Radar by Peter Cumyn (Pitullie Publishers)
Peter Cumyn crafts a suspenseful tale involving murder, espionage, and a determined detective. Set in Montreal, the story follows Carmel as she navigates a complex investigation that leads her to remote regions and high-stakes confrontations. Cumyn’s fast-paced storytelling keeps readers engaged throughout.
9. The Accused by Cara Putman (Kregel Publications)
Cara Putman delivers a legal thriller inspired by real-life cases, focusing on a young woman accused of a crime she didn’t commit. The narrative explores themes of justice, faith, and perseverance, offering a gripping courtroom drama that resonates with readers.
10. Brewed Awakening by Cleo Coyle (Berkley)
In the 18th installment of the Coffeehouse Mystery series, Clare Cosi wakes up with amnesia, unaware of her recent past. As she pieces together her memories, she becomes entangled in a complex mystery. Coyle’s engaging characters and cozy setting make this a delightful addition to the series.
11. Delivery Vehicles by Milton C. Johns (Atmosphere Press)
In this uniquely plotted mystery, a quiet delivery driver begins to suspect his route holds more secrets than packages. Johns crafts an eerie slow-burn thriller where everyday routines mask unsettling truths. Perfect for fans of suburban noir and dark character studies.
12. Anatomy of a Vampire: 1912 by John Matthias (Palmetto Publishing)
This blend of gothic horror and historical mystery offers a fresh twist on vampire lore. Set in pre-WWI America, Matthias’s tale weaves medical intrigue with the supernatural, exploring how myth and science collide when bodies drained of blood turn up at a sanitarium.
13. Gone To Ground by Morgan Hatch (Black Rose Writing)
Hatch delivers a taut, rural-set psychological thriller where isolation and suspicion reign. When a woman disappears in the woods and a recluse becomes the prime suspect, Hatch explores small-town paranoia, guilt, and the haunting impact of the past on the present.
14. Mademoiselle le Sleuth by Theasa Tuohy (FranceHousePress)
Set in 1920s Paris, this charming yet gripping mystery follows a fashion columnist-turned-investigator as she stumbles into a world of espionage and scandal. Tuohy’s stylish prose and period detail make for a delightful blend of historical fiction and detective story.
15. Out in the Cold by Steve Urszenyi (Minotaur Books)
Former paramedic and police tactical medic Steve Urszenyi draws on his real-world experience in this high-octane spy thriller. Special Agent Alexandra Martel investigates a Mediterranean megayacht attack, uncovering a global conspiracy that frames Russia while manipulating global politics from within America’s power structure.
16. The Dollhouse Academy by Margarita Montimore (Flatiron Books)
Montimore’s latest novel delves into the dark underbelly of ambition and the cost of dreams. Set within the enigmatic confines of the Dollhouse Academy, the story explores themes of friendship, identity, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of success.
17. The Matchmaker by Aisha Saeed (Bantam)
Saeed weaves a compelling narrative that intertwines the traditions of arranged marriages with a gripping mystery. The protagonist, Nura, navigates personal and professional challenges, offering readers a story rich in cultural nuance and suspense.
18. Unbury the Dead by Fiona Hardy (Affirm Press)
Hardy’s novel presents a fresh take on crime fiction, featuring two dynamic female leads entangled in a high-stakes drama. The story combines wit, tension, and unexpected twists, making it a standout in contemporary Australian literature.
19. The Widow Spy by Megan Campisi (Atria Books)
Set against the backdrop of the Civil War, Campisi’s historical fiction introduces readers to the nation’s first female detective. The narrative offers a blend of espionage, personal struggle, and a vivid portrayal of 19th-century America.
20. A Thousand Natural Shocks by Omar Hussain (Blackstone)
Hussain’s debut is a psychological thriller that delves into trauma, memory, and identity. The protagonist, Dash, confronts his past while investigating a resurfacing serial killer, leading to a story filled with suspense and introspection.
21. The Middleman by Mike Papantonio (Arcade)
Drawing from real-life legal battles, Papantonio crafts a legal thriller that exposes corporate corruption and the challenges faced by whistleblowers. The narrative is both timely and gripping, reflecting contemporary societal issues.
22. OMNIVIOLENCE by Jones Worthington (Vesuvian Books)
Worthington presents a dystopian vision where technology’s dark potential becomes reality. The story follows characters entangled in a world of digital anonymity and societal breakdown, offering a chilling commentary on our tech-driven future.
23. Picks and Shovels by Cory Doctorow (Tor Books)
Doctorow’s novel combines hardboiled elements with detailed accounts of forensic accounting and tech industry scams. The protagonist’s journey through Silicon Valley’s underbelly provides both entertainment and insight into the digital age.
24. A Scandalous Affair by Leonard Goldberg (Pegasus Crime)
In this addition to the ‘Daughter of Sherlock Holmes’ series, Joanna Holmes tackles a case of political blackmail during World War I. The story blends classic detective work with historical intrigue, appealing to fans of traditional mysteries.
25. Edda Green by Peter Sarda (Highway 99 Press)
Sarda delivers a gritty noir set in Hamburg, exploring themes of resilience and rebellion. The narrative’s vivid urban setting and complex characters make it a compelling read for fans of atmospheric thrillers.
26. A Walk in the Park by Sven Lundin (Ballast Books)
Lundin’s thriller follows a retired security specialist whose routine outing turns into a perilous chase. The story’s blend of action and suspense keeps readers engaged from start to finish.
27. A Cold, Cold World by Elena Taylor (Severn House)
Set in a snowbound Washington State town, Taylor’s mystery features a female sheriff confronting both personal doubts and a deadly storm. The novel’s atmospheric setting and strong protagonist offer a fresh take on the crime genre.
28. The Serpent Bearer by Jane Rosenthal (She Writes Press)
Rosenthal’s historical novel intertwines World War II espionage with buried family secrets. Spanning from Spain to Hollywood, the story offers a rich tapestry of romance, intrigue, and historical detail.
29. The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose (Ballantine)
Prose returns with a sequel that continues to explore the complexities of her meticulous protagonist. The narrative delves deeper into themes of identity and perception, wrapped in a compelling mystery.
30. How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin (Dutton)
Perrin’s novel offers a witty and inventive mystery, where the protagonist navigates a world of tarot readings and fate. The story’s unique premise and engaging narrative make it a standout in the genre.
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