Thrillers

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett review – on the trail of a cult

The author of The Appeal compiles a dossier of evidence with dramatic results in this dark tale of Satanic rituals

Lynne Truss

26, Jan, 2023 @11:00 AM

The best recent crime and thriller writing – review roundup

A new Janice Hallett mystery, a pair of post-apocalyptic locked-room spine chillers and a shadowy death in a sun-kissed Greek resort are among this month’s highlights

Alison Flood

24, Jan, 2023 @9:00 AM

The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier review – riveting French thriller

Mauvignier sustains an almost unbearable tension as villagers in rural France stumble into a bloodbath

Anthony Cummins

17, Jan, 2023 @7:00 AM

The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis review – an inspired fever dream of a book

A teenage Bret and his uber-privileged friends cruise around 80s LA while a serial killer stalks the city in a gleefully meta return to form by the author of American Psycho

Rob Doyle

08, Jan, 2023 @7:00 AM

The best books to give as presents this Christmas

Authors and Observer critics choose the books they will be giving as gifts this year – and the one they’d like to find in their own stocking

11, Dec, 2022 @11:59 AM

Marijane Meaker obituary

Groundbreaking author, initially of lesbian-themed fiction including the 1952 bestseller Spring Fire

Michael Carlson

09, Dec, 2022 @6:13 PM

The best crime and thriller books of 2022

Ajay Chowdhury and Ian Rankin are among the authors of this year’s standout novels, including cosy escapes, dodgy cops and a murder told backwards

Laura Wilson

03, Dec, 2022 @9:00 AM

The best recent crime and thriller writing – review roundup

An orphan held hostage in the forest and a woman waking up confused in a luxury Mexican retreat are among this month’s highlights

Alison Flood

29, Nov, 2022 @9:00 AM

The best recent crime and thriller writing – review roundup

Former cases, former boyfriends and former tenants return to haunt new works by Louise Penny, Nicci French, Charlotte Northedge and BA Paris

Alison Flood

30, Oct, 2022 @7:00 PM

Horror begins at home: the haunting new chapter in domestic noir

A new wave of gothic and haunted house novels explores the fears that lurk behind closed doors

Charlotte Northedge

29, Oct, 2022 @11:00 AM

The best recent crime and thrillers – review roundup

The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer; Bleeding Heart Yard by Elly Griffiths; Queen High by CJ Carey; Blue Water by Leonora Nattrass; Silverweed Road by Simon Crook

Laura Wilson

14, Oct, 2022 @11:00 AM

The best recent crime and thriller writing – review roundup

A 50-year-old treasure hunt haunts its creator’s daughter, detectives Strike and Robin pursue a mysterious cyber-criminal, and Tuva Moodyson, and a creepy home provides chills

Alison Flood

04, Oct, 2022 @8:00 AM