Best Crime Books April 2025

The Girl Who Lived Twice

Lisbeth Salander returns in this electrifying continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Haunted by her past, she’s on a personal mission of vengeance. Meanwhile, Mikael Blomkvist is drawn into a dangerous investigation involving high-level government corruption. As their paths intertwine, they uncover a web of lies that could shake Sweden to its core. Lagercrantz masterfully weaves intrigue and suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.

The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye

Lisbeth Salander returns in this gripping continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Lagercrantz masterfully weaves a tale of revenge, justice, and hidden truths. As Salander unravels a sinister experiment from her past, she faces dangerous adversaries and confronts her own demons. The novel’s breakneck pace and intricate plot kept me on the edge of my seat, while the complex characters and moral dilemmas left me pondering long after the last page. A thrilling ride that does justice to Larsson’s legacy.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web

Lisbeth Salander returns in this electrifying continuation of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium series. Lagercrantz masterfully captures the essence of the iconic hacker, thrusting her into a web of cybercrime and government conspiracies. As Salander teams up with journalist Mikael Blomkvist, the stakes have never been higher. I was skeptical at first, but found myself utterly engrossed, staying up far too late to finish “just one more chapter.” A thrilling ride that honors Larsson’s legacy while charting new territory.

Hannibal Rising

Delving into the twisted origins of one of literature’s most infamous villains, “Hannibal Rising” unveils the haunting childhood of Dr. Lecter. Harris’s prose is as chilling as ever, painting a vivid portrait of post-war Europe and the trauma that shaped a monster. I found myself oddly sympathetic to young Hannibal, even as I recoiled at his descent into darkness. The novel’s exploration of revenge and the human psyche left me pondering long after the final page.

Hannibal

Hannibal Lecter returns, more chilling than ever. Harris’s masterful prose draws readers into the twisted mind of this iconic villain, now living in Florence. As FBI agent Clarice Starling hunts him, we’re treated to a cat-and-mouse game of psychological terror. I found myself both repulsed and fascinated, unable to look away from the gourmet cannibal’s macabre world. A gripping, unsettling read that’ll haunt your dreams.

Red Dragon

FBI profiler Will Graham has a gift for getting inside the minds of serial killers, but it comes at a steep price. After a near-fatal encounter with the infamous Hannibal Lecter, Will retreats to a quiet life with his family. But when a new killer, dubbed the “Tooth Fairy,” begins his reign of terror, Will is reluctantly pulled back into the fray. Thomas Harris masterfully weaves a chilling tale of psychological suspense, exploring the thin line between hunter and hunted.

The Silence of the Lambs

The Bands of Mourning

Sanderson’s latest Mistborn adventure whisks readers back to the world of Scadrial, where allomantic powers and political intrigue collide. Wax and Wayne, our unlikely heroes, embark on a perilous quest to uncover the mythical Bands of Mourning. As they navigate treacherous landscapes and face formidable foes, the duo’s witty banter and deep friendship shine through. Sanderson’s masterful worldbuilding and intricate magic system kept me turning pages late into the night, eager to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters. A thrilling ride for fantasy lovers and newcomers alike.

Shadows of Self

Shadows of Self plunges readers back into the gritty, mist-shrouded world of Scadrial. Waxium Ladrian, lawman turned reluctant nobleman, grapples with his dual identity as he investigates a series of mysterious murders. Sanderson’s masterful blend of fantasy and detective noir keeps you guessing until the very end. I found myself completely absorbed, staying up way too late just to unravel one more clue. The witty banter between Wax and Wayne provides welcome moments of levity amidst the mounting tension. A thrilling ride that left me eager for more.

The Alloy of Law

Wax Ladrian, a lawman from the untamed Roughs, returns to the bustling city of Elendel after twenty years away. Haunted by his past, he reluctantly takes up his uncle’s noble title and finds himself thrust into a world of political intrigue and technological marvels. As he grapples with his new responsibilities, a string of mysterious robberies threatens the city’s stability. Wax must dust off his guns and team up with his eccentric friend Wayne to uncover a conspiracy that could shake the very foundations of their society. Sanderson’s blend of Wild West grit and steampunk ingenuity creates a thrilling adventure that kept me up way too late.