2021: A Great Year for Mysteries
I love looking at critics' lists of the best books of the year, especially in the mystery genre. It gives me a chance to see what great books I may have missed. The books below are the ones that were most mentioned. If you enjoy reading crime, mysteries and thrillers, there are some great recommendations here.
Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby
This one was the clear favourite in 2021 and was selected by 10 critics. Blacktop Wasteland, Cosby's debut novel published in 2020 also dominated critics lists. In Razorblade Tears a gay couple is murdered. The fathers of the dead men, who have both been in prison for violent crimes, unite to avenge their sons. It's a violent story of race, homophobia, fatherhood and family.
The next two books were selected by six critics
Clark and Division by Naomi Hirahara
The Ito family is sent to an internment camp after Pearl Harbor. Eldest daughter Rose joins the Japanese American Citizen League. Because she is part of this patriotic organization she is released early. When the Ito family finally arrives for their long-awaited reunion, they learn that Rose has died by suicide. Her younger sister Aki is determined to find the truth about what really happened to Rose.
Dream Girl by Laura Lippman
Six critics recommended this book and so do I. Gerry Andersen is a successful novelist but he's also a jerk. He is bedridden, injured in a fall on the floating staircase of his opulent new penthouse. Gerry begins getting mysterious phone calls from a woman who says she is the real Dream Girl from his bestselling book. With nothing but time to think, he looks at his past to figure out who is responsible.
These next books were selected by five critics
Billy Summers by Stephen King
Billy Summers is a hitman who will only take jobs where he can kill bad people. He is hired by a mobster to dispatch a recently convicted killer. Billy is suspicious about the mobster's motives but the money is good enough that he takes the job. Then things go wrong.
Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead
Although Ray Carney's family were criminals, he's trying to make an honest living as a furniture salesman. Well, he does occasionally sell stolen goods for his cousin Freddie. This time Freddie is part of a scheme to Harlem's famed Hotel Theresa. Ray agrees to fence any valuables they find. Unfortunately, the job goes wrong. This novel from multi-award-winner Whitehead is set in 1960s New York City.
The Man who Died Twice by Richard Osman
Like S.A. Cosby, Richard Osman was also on the list in 2020. His first book about The Thursday Murder Club was a huge hit with people and critics. This sequel finds the septuagenarian sleuths trying to solve another murder. Complications include a mysterious businessman, a drug dealer, the mafia and MI5.
Northern Spy by Flynn Berry
The Good Friday Agreement may have driven the IRA underground but they aren't gone. Journalist Tessa is shocked when sees a film of her sister Marian committing an IRA robbery. It appears that Marian has willingly joined the terrorist group. Tessa just doesn't believe it's possible. Has Marian been coerced?
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris
Nella Rogers is the only Black editorial assistant at elite Wagner Books, one of the world's largest publishers. She is eager to promote more diverse books but her concerns are ignored by management that wants to maintain the very white status quo. Nella is delighted when Hazel, another Black assistant is hired, hoping she'll be an ally. Unfortunately, Hazel is accepted by management in a way that has eluded Nella. It gets worse when she begins receiving anonymous notes urging her to quit. Who is sending them?
The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz
Jacob Finch Bonner, a writer who has never been able to recapture the success of his first novel, is now teaching writing in an MFA program. Evan Parker, one of his students boasts of a story so brilliant he's positive it will be a bestseller. When Jake hears the plot, he agrees and waits for the inevitable success of the student. The book never appears and Jake learns that Evan died without completing it. He decides to steal the plot and write the book himself. As Evan predicted, the book is a huge success.
Silverview by John Le Carré
This is the legendary spy novelist John Le Carré's final novel. Julian Lawndsley has retired to what he hopes is a simpler life running a bookstore in a small seaside town. A man called Edward Avon, an old schoolmate of Julian's father, begins to show an unusual interest in the store. Edward, a former spy, is being investigated for his actions during the Bosnian war. His war record is exemplary but Edward's wife Deborah Avon, a former intelligence analysis has asked them to look again.
Velvet was the Night by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
In 1971 Mexico City, quiet secretary Maite dreams of romance. She has little interest in the political upheaval around her. Her glamorous neighbour Leonora mysteriously disappears and Maite is drawn into her secret life. She meets Elvis, a thug whose job is to repress political activism. He is looking for Leonora too. She has some photographs that his boss needs back.
I wish you all a great year of reading and a wonderful 2022!
Comments