Best Police Procedural Books April 2025

Raven Black

Raven Black, the first in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland series, is a haunting mystery that seeps into your bones like the chill of a Scottish winter. Set against the stark beauty of the Shetland Islands, Cleeves weaves a tale of suspicion and secrets that kept me guessing until the very end. Her vivid descriptions transported me to this remote community, where I could almost taste the salt air and hear the cry of seabirds. A masterful blend of atmospheric writing and intricate plotting, this book left me eager to explore more of Cleeves’ work.

White Nights

In this gripping Shetland mystery, Detective Jimmy Perez faces a perplexing case when an English artist is found hanging in a local gallery. As midsummer approaches, bringing endless daylight to the islands, Perez delves into the victim’s past, uncovering secrets that challenge his perceptions. Cleeves masterfully weaves the stark beauty of the Shetland landscape with complex characters, creating a atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for fans of Nordic noir.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

Swimsuit

Diving into a world of glamour and danger, “Swimsuit” plunges readers into a heart-pounding thriller. When a beautiful model vanishes during a photo shoot in Hawaii, ex-cop Ben Hawkins is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse. As he unravels the mystery, Ben discovers a chilling pattern of disappearances and a killer with an insatiable appetite for fame. Patterson’s signature fast-paced style keeps you on edge, making this beach read anything but relaxing.

Alex Cross’s Trial

In this gripping historical thriller, James Patterson takes us back to the roots of the Alex Cross family saga. Set in the early 1900s, the story follows Ben Corbett, a young lawyer tasked with investigating lynchings in the Deep South. As Ben uncovers shocking truths, he forms an unlikely alliance with Abraham Cross, Alex’s great-uncle. Together, they face dangerous opposition and confront the harsh realities of racial injustice. Patterson’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research bring this tumultuous era to life, offering a poignant exploration of courage and the fight for equality.

Worst Case

Detective Michael Bennett faces his most terrifying challenge yet in this heart-pounding thriller. When a series of brutal murders rocks New York City, Bennett must confront a cunning killer who seems to know his every move. As the body count rises, he races against time to unravel the twisted mind behind the crimes. With his family in danger and the city on edge, Bennett pushes his limits to catch the elusive predator before it’s too late. Patterson’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

In this classic whodunit, Christie weaves a tale that still leaves readers gasping. I was captivated by the small English village setting and the cast of quirky suspects. Narrated by the affable Dr. Sheppard, the story follows the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels the mysterious death of Roger Ackroyd. Christie’s masterful misdirection kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for any mystery lover, with a twist that changed the genre forever.

Cross Country

Detective Alex Cross faces his most terrifying challenge yet in this heart-pounding thriller. When a string of brutal murders rocks Washington D.C., Cross is thrust into a deadly game of cat and mouse with a cunning killer known as the Tiger. As the body count rises, Cross must race against time to unravel the killer’s twisted motives and prevent the next strike. With his family in danger and his career on the line, Cross embarks on a desperate cross-country pursuit that will test his limits and force him to confront his own demons.

P Is for Peril

Kinsey Millhone’s latest case plunges her into a web of deceit and danger. When a prominent doctor vanishes without a trace, Kinsey’s investigation uncovers a tangled mess of family secrets, financial fraud, and possible murder. As she delves deeper, the stakes rise, and Kinsey finds herself in the crosshairs of ruthless adversaries. With her trademark wit and tenacity, she must navigate treacherous waters to unravel the mystery before it’s too late. Grafton’s sharp prose and intricate plotting keep readers on edge until the very last page.

Cross Fire

In “Cross Fire,” James Patterson delivers another gripping Alex Cross thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. This time, Alex is up against a cunning sniper targeting corrupt politicians in Washington, D.C. The plot thickens when his old nemesis, Kyle Craig, resurfaces, adding a personal vendetta to the mix. Patterson’s knack for blending intense action with emotional depth makes this a must-read for thriller enthusiasts.