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Best Detective Fiction Books

December 2024

The Truth

In “The Truth,” Terry Pratchett delivers a wickedly funny satire of journalism and politics in his beloved Discworld. When William de Worde accidentally invents the newspaper, he unleashes a whirlwind of change in Ankh-Morpork. Suddenly, everyone wants their story told—or buried. With a cast of colorful characters and Pratchett’s signature wit, this novel explores the power of words and the chaos of truth in a world balanced on the edge of absurdity.

Night Watch

In the gritty underbelly of Ankh-Morpork, Sam Vimes finds himself catapulted back in time, mentoring his younger self through a pivotal moment in the city’s history. Pratchett’s wit shines as Vimes navigates the complexities of paradox, revolution, and his own past. I couldn’t put it down, laughing at the clever wordplay while marveling at the depth of social commentary. A masterful blend of humor and heart that left me pondering long after the last page.

Guards! Guards!

In the bustling city of Ankh-Morpork, where chaos reigns supreme, a secret brotherhood hatches a plan to summon a dragon and overthrow the Patrician. Enter the Night Watch, led by the unlikely hero Captain Vimes, a man more acquainted with the bottom of a bottle than heroics. With a ragtag team of misfits, including a talking dog and a dwarf with an identity crisis, Vimes must unravel the conspiracy before the city goes up in flames. Pratchett’s wit and satire shine in this hilarious romp through the Discworld.

The Midnight Hour

In “The Midnight Hour,” Elly Griffiths weaves a spellbinding tale that kept me up well past my bedtime. Set in 1960s Brighton, this atmospheric mystery follows PI Emma Holmes as she investigates a missing persons case that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Griffiths’ knack for period detail and complex characters shines through, making the seaside town come alive with its seedy underbelly and colorful inhabitants. I found myself completely immersed in Emma’s world, rooting for her at every turn. A perfect read for fans of noir and historical fiction alike.

The Zig Zag Girl

In post-war Brighton, magician Max Mephisto grapples with a grisly murder that echoes his old stage act. When DI Edgar Stephens, his former wartime comrade, seeks his help, Max is drawn into a world where illusion and reality blur. As more victims appear, the duo must confront their shared past to unmask a killer with a flair for the theatrical. Griffiths weaves a spellbinding tale of friendship, magic, and murder that kept me guessing until the final, heart-stopping reveal.

The Vanishing Box

Magician Max Mephisto and Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens return in this gripping mystery set in 1950s Brighton. When a girl’s body is found in a trunk, the duo must unravel a web of secrets and lies within the world of variety theater. As they delve deeper, they uncover a sinister connection to Max’s own act. With atmospheric prose and richly drawn characters, Griffiths masterfully blends nostalgia and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the final curtain falls.

The Blood Card

In “The Blood Card,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set against the backdrop of 1950s Brighton. Detective Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to solve a perplexing murder that leads them into the shadowy world of variety acts and television. As they unravel clues from a cryptic playing card, the duo faces personal challenges that test their friendship. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings the era to life, making you feel the sea breeze and hear the carnival music. A thrilling ride that kept me guessing until the very end.

Smoke and Mirrors

In “Smoke and Mirrors,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set in 1950s Brighton. When two children vanish during a pantomime performance, DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to unravel the case. As they delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that blur the line between illusion and reality. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings post-war Brighton to life, while her complex characters and clever plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.

Now You See Them

In “Now You See Them,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue set against the backdrop of 1960s Brighton. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and his wife, former magician Emma, find themselves entangled in a perplexing case of missing schoolgirls. As the investigation unfolds, old friends and new faces collide, unearthing long-buried secrets. Griffiths’ keen eye for period detail and her knack for crafting complex characters shine through, making this a page-turner I couldn’t put down. A must-read for fans of atmospheric crime fiction.

The Night Hawks

Dr. Ruth Galloway returns in this gripping mystery, drawn into a world of ancient rituals and modern-day murder. When a group of metal detectorists unearths a Bronze Age burial site on a Norfolk beach, Ruth’s expertise is called upon. But as she investigates, a sinister connection to a recent death emerges. With her keen intellect and dry wit, Ruth must navigate treacherous waters, balancing her professional life with personal entanglements. Griffiths weaves a tale that’s both atmospheric and deeply human, keeping readers guessing until the very end.