Brooklyn Kills Me by Emily Schultz
Amazon Publishing, $16.99, 256 pages
In this gripping sequel to Sleeping with Friends, book editor Agnes Nielson steps into the role of reluctant detective. Following her previous success, Agnes is drawn into the glamorous yet treacherous world of New York’s elite after the mysterious death of her mentor, heiress Charlotte Bond, at a lavish party. When police label Charlotte’s death an accident, Agnes bravely decides to investigate herself, despite her uncertainties about her detective skills. As she navigates a web of conflicting stories and hidden motives, Agnes unearths the dark realities lurking beneath the shimmering surface of wealth and privilege. This compelling mystery showcases both the thrill of discovery and the perils of digging too deep, making it a must-read this October for fans of suspenseful fiction.
A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara
Berkley, $19.00, 352 pages
Kathy Valence, a forty-two-year-old woman who’s mid-divorce and unexpectedly pregnant, works as a modern-day grim reaper for S.C.Y.T.H.E. (Secure Collection, Yielding, and Transportation of Human Essences). Her life spirals when her latest client, seventeen-year-old Conner Ortiz, insists he was murdered rather than dying of natural causes as stated in his file. With just forty-five days to uncover the truth and help Conner move on, Kathy must navigate a complex investigation with the aid of her retired mentor, her almost ex-husband, and Conner’s own clever moves. This wild case could cost her everything—her job and her life. Readers will rave about the book’s unique blend of humor, suspense, and emotional depth, making it an unforgettable and unputdownable read.
The Man in Black by Elly Griffiths
Mariner Books, $28.00, 320 pages
The Man in Black by Elly Griffiths is a delightful collection of short stories that showcases her remarkable versatility across genres. Featuring beloved characters such as Ruth Galloway, Harbinder Kaur, and Max Mephisto, the anthology offers an array of ghost stories, cozy mysteries, and poignant tales of love and loss. From encounters with a mysterious man in a bookstore, leading to a rescue mission steeped in Norfolk’s legends to a young magician’s search for his missing landlady, and Justice Jones’s witty investigation of a fortune teller’s ominous prediction in postwar London, readers will be enchanted by Griffiths’s trademark blend of suspense, humor, and emotional depth. This collection beautifully illustrates her talent for creating captivating narratives, making The Man in Black a must-read for fans of engaging, page-turning fiction.
Catch You Later by Jessica Strawser
Lake Union Publishing, $16.99, 351 pages
In a gritty town where dreams fade, Lark and Mikki’s friendship is their lifeline, working night shifts at a highway travel stop. Their world shatters when Mikki impulsively leaves with a mysterious stranger, vanishing without a trace. Eight years later, Lark is slowly rebuilding her life for her young daughter and Mikki’s spirited grandmother. Just as she finds stability and gets engaged to a kind highway patrolman, the stranger reappears, stirring up old wounds and questions. This gripping tale weaves themes of loyalty, loss, and the search for truth, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers on edge. With rich character development and an emotionally charged plot, this story captivates from start to finish, making it a must-read for fans of suspenseful drama.
Hercule Poirot’s Silent Night by Agatha Christie
William Morrow Paperbacks, $18.99, 384 pages
Set in December 1931, this gripping mystery follows Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool as they investigate a murder in a seemingly secure Norfolk hospital. Catchpool’s mother, the delightful Cynthia, insists they stay at a crumbling coastal mansion for the holidays, complicating Poirot’s work. As he learns that a friend of Cynthia’s may be the next target, urgency mounts. With less than a week to solve the case, Poirot faces not only a cunning killer but also a ruthless foe plotting against him. This captivating tale weaves suspense and charm, making it a perfect read for the festive season.