Best Police Procedural Books December 2024

Career of Evil

Cormoran Strike returns in this gripping thriller, delving into a world of twisted minds and dark secrets. When a mysterious package containing a severed leg arrives at his office, Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott are thrust into a race against time to uncover the sender’s identity. As they navigate London’s seedy underbelly, personal demons resurface, testing their resolve and partnership. Galbraith’s masterful storytelling keeps you on edge, blending gritty realism with unexpected twists that’ll have you questioning everything until the very end.

The Silkworm

Cormoran Strike returns in this gripping sequel, delving into the cutthroat world of publishing. When a controversial novelist vanishes, Strike and his assistant Robin unravel a twisted tale of jealousy and revenge. As they navigate London’s literary circles, they encounter eccentric characters and dark secrets. Galbraith’s sharp prose and intricate plotting keep you guessing until the very end. A thrilling mystery that’ll have you burning the midnight oil.

The Night She Disappeared

On a balmy summer evening, Tallulah vanishes without a trace, leaving her baby behind. A year later, a mysterious writer moves into a cottage near the woods where Tallulah was last seen. As she delves into the village’s secrets, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit. With each revelation, the truth becomes more elusive, and the danger more palpable. Jewell’s masterful storytelling keeps you guessing until the very end, weaving a tale of love, loss, and the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small-town life.

Someone We Know

In a quiet suburban neighborhood, secrets lurk behind closed doors. When a teenager’s hacking hobby uncovers shocking truths, it sets off a chain of events that will change lives forever. As suspicions grow and accusations fly, neighbors turn against each other, and long-buried secrets come to light. Shari Lapena masterfully weaves a tale of betrayal, lies, and unexpected twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. I couldn’t put it down, staying up way too late to finish it!

In the Woods

In Tana French’s haunting debut, a chilling murder case intertwines with a detective’s own mysterious past. Twenty years after escaping a childhood tragedy that claimed his two best friends, Rob Ryan finds himself investigating a eerily similar crime. As he delves deeper, long-buried memories resurface, blurring the lines between past and present. French’s lyrical prose and intricate plotting create a atmospheric thriller that lingers long after the final page, exploring the shadowy recesses of memory and the lasting impact of trauma.

The Cuckoo’s Calling

Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, is barely scraping by when a new case falls into his lap. The supposed suicide of a supermodel draws him into a world of multimillionaires, rock stars, and desperate designers. As Strike delves deeper, he uncovers a tangled web of secrets and lies. With his determined assistant Robin by his side, Strike must navigate London’s seedy underbelly to unravel the truth. This gripping mystery had me hooked from the first page, with its vivid characters and unexpected twists. Galbraith’s attention to detail brings the gritty streets of London to life.

The Valley of Fear

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson face their most perplexing case yet in this gripping tale of murder and secret societies. When a coded message arrives at Baker Street, Holmes is thrust into a dangerous world of corruption and vengeance. As the duo unravels the mystery, they uncover a sinister plot that spans continents and decades. Doyle’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending intrigue, deduction, and unexpected twists. I couldn’t put it down, finding myself completely immersed in the foggy streets of London and the rugged American West. A must-read for any mystery lover.

His Last Bow

Sherlock Holmes’s final adventure unfolds in this gripping collection. Doyle’s masterful storytelling weaves intrigue and deduction, showcasing the detective’s unparalleled intellect. From foggy London streets to country estates, each tale pulses with suspense. I found myself holding my breath, marveling at Holmes’s brilliance. The bittersweet farewell to an iconic character left me nostalgic, yet satisfied. A fitting end to a legendary series that still captivates readers today.

The Sign of the Four

Sherlock Holmes returns in this gripping tale of mystery and intrigue. When a young woman seeks his help to unravel her father’s mysterious disappearance, Holmes and Watson are thrust into a web of deceit, treasure, and murder. Doyle’s masterful storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, weaving together exotic locales, unexpected twists, and the brilliant deductions of literature’s most famous detective. I found myself completely absorbed, unable to put it down until the final, satisfying revelation.

A Study in Scarlet

Sherlock Holmes bursts onto the literary scene in this gripping tale of murder and mystery. As Dr. Watson narrates their first adventure together, we’re drawn into the eccentric detective’s brilliant mind. The story unfolds in foggy London streets and sun-baked American deserts, weaving a complex tapestry of revenge and justice. I was captivated by Holmes’ deductive prowess and the unexpected twists. Doyle’s vivid prose transported me to another era, leaving me eager for more of the duo’s escapades.