Books Like...

'Garnethill' by Denise Mina follows the protagonist Maureen O'Donnell, a survivor of sexual abuse and a psychiatric patient, as she navigates through a murder mystery involving her lover's death. Maureen finds herself in danger as she uncovers shocking truths about her past and those close to her, all set against the gritty backdrop of Glasgow. The writing style is described as tense, disturbing, and very noir, delving deep into themes of mental illness, poverty, and domestic abuse while painting a vivid picture of the bleak Glasgow setting.

Set in the Shetland Islands, 'Raven Black' by Ann Cleeves follows Inspector Jimmy Perez as he investigates the murder of a teenage girl, uncovering a complex web of suspects and motives. The story is filled with twists and turns, drawing readers into a world of quiet contemplation and intriguing characters. The atmospheric writing style immerses the reader in the desolate yet captivating setting of the Shetland Islands, adding depth to the mystery.

'Talking to the Dead' by Harry Bingham follows Detective Constable Fiona Griffiths as she investigates a complex murder case involving prostitutes, drug dealing, and danger. Fiona, a unique and flawed protagonist, struggles to connect with living people but is determined to solve the mystery behind the murders of a young girl and a woman. The book delves into Fiona's mysterious past, her unconventional methods, and her deep commitment to seeking justice for those on the fringes of society.

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.

In 'Snare' by Lilja Sigurardottir, the story revolves around Sonja Gunnarsdottir, who becomes an unwilling drug mule after her husband files for divorce and demands custody of their son. Sonja's descent into the criminal underworld of drug smuggling is portrayed alongside a subplot involving financial crimes post a global financial crisis in Iceland. The narrative is set in a dark, chilling Reykjavik, offering readers an authentic Nordic noir experience with a fast-paced plot filled with suspense. The book features a cast of largely unlikeable characters, including Sonja herself, but the character development arc of Sonja is a highlight, complementing the intertwined storylines.

The book is structured with short, one to three-page chapters that maintain a steady pace, keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The author, Lilja Sigurardottir, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, including drug smuggling, financial investigations, broken families, and personal struggles, creating a gripping narrative that offers unexpected twists and turns. The writing style, brilliantly translated by Quentin Bates, is smooth and immersive, providing a seamless reading experience that delves into the complexities of the characters' lives and their morally grey decisions.

In 'An Accidental Death' by Peter Grainger, the story revolves around Detective Sergeant (DS) Smith investigating what seems to be an accidental drowning of a young man named Wayne Fletcher. However, as DS Smith delves deeper into the case, he uncovers suspicious details, like a strange bruise on the victim's head and a connection to Bosnia, leading him to suspect foul play. Alongside DS Smith is his young detective recruit, DC Chris Waters, who quickly proves to be bright and detail-oriented. The book is described as character-driven, with a focus on the development of DS Smith and DC Waters, as they form a strong partnership to solve the complex case with their own unique approaches.

The writing style in 'An Accidental Death' is praised for its attention to detail, gentle pace, and the skillful development of characters like DS Smith, DC Waters, and DI Reeve. The narrative takes readers through a twisting and engaging plot that touches on themes of war, refugees, and police procedural elements, all set against the backdrop of Norfolk. The book is noted for its humor, complex storytelling, and the dynamic between the seasoned DS Smith and his rookie partner, DC Waters, as they navigate the mysteries surrounding the apparent accidental death.

'The Guards' by Ken Bruen follows the story of Jack Taylor, an alcoholic ex-cop turned private investigator who is hired to look into the questionable suicide of a young girl. While the plot revolves around solving the case, the focus is more on Jack's turbulent life, his struggles with addiction, and his introspective journey. The writing style is described as hard-boiled, poetic, and atmospheric, with elements of Irish noir that delve deep into Jack Taylor's psyche and his morally ambiguous world.

"Knots and Crosses" by Ian Rankin is the first novel in the Inspector Rebus series. It follows Detective Sergeant John Rebus as he investigates the abduction and murder of young girls in Edinburgh, Scotland. As the case unfolds, Rebus receives cryptic messages from the killer, putting his own daughter in danger. The story delves into Rebus's troubled past in the military, failed marriage, and his complex relationships with his colleagues. The writing style is described as suspenseful, realistic, and dark, with a focus on character development and the atmospheric setting of Edinburgh.

"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.

The Midnight Witness by Sara Blaedel is a crime novel set in Copenhagen, Denmark, following the story of Louise Rick, a detective who deals with personal relationships while solving mysteries. The book intertwines personal storylines of the main characters with the investigation, capturing the mood and atmosphere of Denmark. The plot revolves around a murder mystery that disappoints some readers who expected a more intense police procedural but still delves into the dynamics of relationships, particularly between Louise and her best friend.

The writing style of Sara Blaedel in The Midnight Witness is commended for seamlessly blending the personal lives of the characters with the investigation, creating a dark and twisty narrative that keeps readers engaged. Despite some readers finding the storytelling disjointed at times, the novel is appreciated for its police procedural elements and the portrayal of a newspaper reporter friend who adds a unique dimension to the story.