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Exile, the second book in Denise Mina's Garnethill trilogy, follows protagonist Maureen O'Donnell as she investigates a murder mystery spanning from Glasgow to London. The plot delves into themes of addiction, abuse, and the dark underworld of crime, all set against the backdrop of Glasgow's economically troubled streets and London's dangerous neighborhoods. Mina's writing style effectively captures the gritty atmosphere of the cities, while her characters, especially the flawed yet courageous Maureen, drive the story forward with their compelling arcs.
If you liked Exile, here are the top 12 books to read next:
(We also have 100 recommendations for the series: Garnethill)
- #1
When a popular graduate student goes missing from Cambridge University, the students, professors, and police in his small slice of the world get swept up in the investigation. The novel's story has several sections, each told from the viewpoint of one of the various characters. It is full of surprises and delicious details. The author, Emily Winslow, has a wonderful gift for description, which brings the reader right into the scene. The story builds in its narration of the events and has many exciting turns and unfoldments. It takes place in Cambridge, England, around students and faculty at the university. Recommended for Anglophiles and mystery buffs.
That whole thing in Nick’s office happened just around what would have been Thanksgiving. Home was, no doubt, drenched in crackling, flashy leaves. England does the season differently. Students at Cam... - #2
Readers found 'The Missing Ones' to be a gripping thriller with a twisted ending that kept them guessing. The book features a compelling plot with well-drawn characters that evoke a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and compassion. The writing style is described as descriptive yet engaging, with a well-paced narrative that includes flashbacks seamlessly woven into the story. Despite some minor issues like confusing character timelines and slow pacing at the start, readers were drawn in by the action-packed storyline and the complex lead detective, Lottie Parker.
- #3
In a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood in London, a thirteen-year-old girl is found unconscious in the garden, sparking a mystery that unravels the secrets families keep and the consequences they face. Told through multiple points of view in alternating timelines, the story explores the relationships between neighbors, the impact of hidden truths, and the haunting nature of past decisions.
The writing in "The Girls in the Garden" is described as subtly creepy and poetic at times, with a focus on character development and relationships. The plot revolves around the incident in the garden, delving into the lives of the characters and how they are affected by the mystery surrounding the unconscious girl.
And if you can’t remember what Grace looks like, it’s basically the same as me except her lips are fuller and her hair is two shades darker. And she’s got a little freckle by her eye that looks like a... - #4
In 'Now You See Me' by S.J. Bolton, Detective Constable Lacey Flint finds herself entangled in a murder investigation resembling the crimes of Jack the Ripper. As she delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own dark secrets while racing against time to prevent further deaths. The story is a gripping police procedural with a chilling and mysterious plot, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. The writing style switches between past and present, creating an intriguing narrative that unravels the connections between historical murders and present-day killings.
Somehow managing to stand upright, arms outstretched, fingers grasping the rim of the passenger door, a dead woman was spewing blood over the car’s paintwork, each spatter overlaying the last as the p... - #5
In Help for the Haunted by John Searles, Sylvie and Rose are teenage sisters whose parents, known for helping haunted individuals, are mysteriously murdered. The story unfolds through flashbacks and present-day events, exploring the family dynamics, the murder mystery, and the sisters' quest for answers. The writing style includes vivid imagery, nonlinear storytelling, and a mix of paranormal elements with a focus on family relationships and character development.
My mother picked up on the first ring so as not to wake my sister, if she was home, or me. In hushed tones, she soothed the caller before handing the phone to my father. His voice was stiffer, more fo... - #6
"The Burning" by Jane Casey follows Detective Constable Maeve Kerrigan as she investigates a series of brutal murders in London. The story delves into the complexities of the case, with Kerrigan facing challenges within the male-dominated police force and navigating personal relationships. The narrative alternates between Kerrigan's perspective and that of the victims' friends, providing a well-developed plot with compelling twists and turns. Casey's writing style captures the tension and suspense of the investigation, drawing readers into a psychological thriller that keeps them guessing until the end.
I didn’t know where I was or what I was doing when the phone rang; I didn’t even know that it was the phone that had woken me. I came up from miles below the surface and opened an eye as one part of m... - #7
'The Girl in the Red Coat' by Kate Hamer is a gripping tale of a missing child and the emotional turmoil faced by both the mother, Beth, and the young girl, Carmel, who is abducted. The story is narrated from alternating perspectives, providing insight into the struggles and growth of both characters. The plot unfolds with elements of mystery, emotional depth, and unexpected twists, keeping the readers engaged as they navigate through themes of loss, hope, and resilience. The writing style is described as beautiful, engaging, and immersive, capturing the raw emotions experienced by the characters in a compelling manner.
Tonight I’ll dream of her again, I can feel it. I can feel her in the twilight, sitting up on the skeined branches of the beech tree and calling out. But at night in my sleep she’ll be walking backwar... - #8
Set in Belfast during the troubled early 1980s, "The Cold Cold Ground" follows Detective Sean Duffy, a Catholic sergeant in the predominantly Protestant RUC, as he investigates what seems to be a homosexual killing with potential deeper sectarian motives at play. The story is enriched by vivid descriptions of Northern Ireland's unrest and the challenges faced by the police force, along with witty dialogue and strongly drawn characters that provide an authentic portrayal of the times and places depicted.
The plot unfolds against the backdrop of hunger strikes, riots, and political tensions, with Duffy navigating through a complex murder investigation that leads him to the top of the IRA, unveiling dark secrets and challenging societal norms. The book captures the essence of Belfast in the 1980s, blending elements of mystery, historical events, and political intrigue to create a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the turbulent atmosphere of the era.
The riot had taken on a beauty of its own now. Arcs of gasoline fire under the crescent moon. Crimson tracer in mystical parabolas. Phosphorescence from the barrels of plastic bullet guns. A distant y... - #9
Set in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, "The Marsh King's Daughter" follows the gripping story of Helena, who was born to a mother who had been kidnapped and sequestered by her father, known as the Marsh King. Raised in isolation, Helena grows up with the knowledge that her father is a notorious child abductor, but she adores him despite his cruel and abusive nature. The plot explores Helena's past and present as she navigates the complexities of her upbringing, her escape from captivity, and the looming threat of her father's escape from prison.
The narrative alternates between Helena's childhood experiences in the marshlands and her present-day life as a wife and mother, creating a suspenseful and engaging storyline. As Helena grapples with her conflicting emotions towards her father and confronts the dark secrets of her past, the reader is drawn into a tale of survival, family bonds, and the enduring impact of trauma across generations.
Wait here,” I tell my three-year-old. I lean through the truck’s open window to fish between her booster seat and the passenger door for the plastic sippy cup of lukewarm orange juice she threw in a f... - #10
'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson follows the story of private detective Jackson Brodie as he investigates three cold cases that are more intriguing than the infidelity case he is initially hired for. The novel weaves together separate mysteries, each with its own set of characters and events, eventually converging in unexpected ways. Atkinson's writing style is described as unconventional, with alternating points of view and a non-linear timeline that keeps the reader engaged and surprised. The book delves into the complexities of family relationships, unresolved past traumas, and the personal struggles of the protagonist, Jackson Brodie.
How lucky were they? A heat wave in the middle of the school holidays, exactly where it belonged. Every morning the sun was up long before they were, making a mockery of the flimsy summer curtains tha...