Best Crime Books April 2025

The Republic of Thieves

Locke Lamora, the infamous Gentleman Bastard, is back in a thrilling new adventure that will leave you breathless. After narrowly escaping death, Locke and his loyal friend Jean find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes political game in the exotic city of Karthain. As they navigate treacherous alliances and old flames, Locke must confront his past and face his greatest challenge yet. Lynch’s masterful storytelling weaves humor, heartbreak, and intrigue into a tale that will keep you up all night, desperately turning pages. Trust me, you won’t be able to put this one down.

Red Seas Under Red Skies

Locke Lamora’s daring exploits continue in this swashbuckling sequel. After narrowly escaping Camorr, Locke and Jean find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes game of piracy and politics. Lynch’s vivid prose brings to life a world of treacherous seas, colorful characters, and intricate schemes. I was captivated by the witty banter and heart-pounding action, staying up far too late to see how our clever rogues would outwit their latest foes. A thrilling adventure that left me eager for more.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Dive into the gritty underbelly of Camorr, where a young orphan named Locke Lamora leads a band of clever thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards. With wit as sharp as his blade, Locke cons the city’s elite, dancing on the edge of danger. But when a mysterious figure threatens everything he holds dear, Locke must outwit not just the nobles, but the deadliest players in a game he thought he mastered. Lynch’s vivid world-building and intricate plot twists will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Night Window

In “The Night Window,” Dean Koontz delivers a heart-pounding finale to his Jane Hawk series. FBI agent turned rogue, Jane faces her ultimate challenge against a sinister cabal threatening humanity’s free will. Koontz’s masterful prose weaves a tapestry of suspense, blending cutting-edge technology with primal fears. As I turned each page, I found myself holding my breath, rooting for Jane’s unwavering determination. This thriller isn’t just about saving the world; it’s a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit.

The Forbidden Door

Stepping through “The Forbidden Door,” I was instantly captivated by Koontz’s masterful blend of suspense and heart. Jane Hawk’s relentless pursuit of justice kept me on edge, while her fierce love for her son added unexpected depth. The vivid descriptions of a world teetering on the brink of chaos felt eerily plausible. I found myself holding my breath during the nail-biting chase scenes, yet savoring the quieter moments of human connection. A thrilling ride that left me pondering long after the last page.

The Crooked Staircase

In “The Crooked Staircase,” Dean Koontz weaves a chilling tale that’ll keep you up at night. Jane Hawk, our fierce ex-FBI agent, continues her relentless pursuit of a sinister conspiracy threatening humanity. As she delves deeper, the stakes skyrocket, and the line between ally and enemy blurs. Koontz’s masterful prose paints a world both familiar and terrifying, leaving me breathless with each twist. I couldn’t put it down, my heart racing as Jane faced impossible odds. A must-read for thriller fans!

The Whispering Room

In “The Whispering Room,” Dean Koontz weaves a chilling tale that kept me up late into the night. Jane Hawk, a rogue FBI agent, continues her relentless pursuit of a sinister conspiracy that threatens the very fabric of society. Koontz’s masterful prose paints a vivid, paranoia-inducing world where trust is a luxury and danger lurks in every shadow. As Jane races against time, I found myself holding my breath, rooting for her at every turn. This heart-pounding thriller is a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare and a fierce heroine.

An Unwanted Guest

Nestled in the Catskills, a remote lodge becomes a chilling trap for a group of strangers. As a blizzard rages outside, cutting off all escape, guests start turning up dead. Paranoia and suspicion grip the survivors, each harboring their own secrets. With no help coming, they must uncover the killer among them before it’s too late. Shari Lapena weaves a claustrophobic tale of murder and deceit that will keep you guessing until the very end.

A Stranger in the House

Karen and Tom’s perfect suburban life shatters when Karen is found at the scene of an accident with no memory of how she got there. As the police investigate, dark secrets emerge, casting doubt on everyone Karen thought she knew. With mounting suspicion and paranoia, Karen struggles to piece together the truth about that night. But in a world where nothing is as it seems, can she trust even herself? A gripping psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Dark Places

Libby Day’s life was shattered at seven when her family was brutally murdered. She testified against her brother, sealing his fate. Now, broke and desperate, she’s approached by amateur sleuths convinced of his innocence. Reluctantly, Libby delves into her painful past, unearthing long-buried secrets. As she pieces together the truth, she realizes the killer might still be out there. Flynn’s gripping narrative keeps you guessing until the very end, leaving you breathless and haunted.