9 Crime & Thrillers Books You Simply Must Read

If you’re a fan of crime fiction, then you’ve likely heard of Capital Crime, London’s largest festival of crime and thriller. Ahead of revealing their exciting 2025 headliners, we sat down with Festival Director Lizzie Curle to discuss her must-read crime novels.

From recent bestsellers to upcoming releases, Lizzie shares her top picks from the growing genre. 

 

Lizzie Curle’s Desert Island Crime Reads

1. Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton
   
   "One of the things I love most about crime fiction is that it can be used as an umbrella term to include books from many sub genres including thrillers, espionage, horror, detective fiction, locked room mysteries and many more! One very special book that treads the path of multiple genre stones superbly is Curdle Creek by Yvonne Battle-Felton. This atmospheric, dystopian story is fused with sacrificial horror, a cult and supernatural elements and is a complex exploration of accountability." 
   
   For fans of: Suzanne Collins and Shirley Jackson
   
   

2. Hear Him Calling by Carly Reagon
   
   "With Halloween just around the corner it would be remiss of me not to mention this spine-tingling book that quite literally gave me goosebumps. A ghost story of the first order and one that will certainly keep you up at night - if only that you can't put it down! A perfect read for this time of year."
   
   For fans of: The Haunting of Hill House
   
   

3. Ice Town by Will Dean
   
   "Tuva Moodyson is one of my all time favourite characters in crime fiction, a tenacious journalist reporting on from the edge of the universe (or remote Sweden if you prefer) and this time Tuva finds herself drawn into a case of a missing teenager. Ice Town can be comfortably read as a standalone, but be warned, in true Will Dean fashion it will leave you reaching for the next - fortunately there are plenty in the series to keep you occupied until then, if like me patience is not your thing." 
   
   For fans of: Ragnar Jónasson and Stig Larsson
   
   

4. Murder Under the Mistletoe by Richard Coles 
   
   "If like me you're already starting to look ahead to Christmas then look no further than Murder Under the Mistletoe for the perfect bitesize seasonal read to accompany your Bailey's and mince pies this festive season. I will be purchasing a few copies as presents to spread good cheer with just a little bit of murder this Christmas..." 
   
   For fans of: Richard Osman and Suk Pannu
   
   

5. City of Destruction by Vaseem Khan -
   
   "Vaseem Khan's Malabar House series is one of my all time favourite go-tos. It's such a joy to read a crime novel and know you're in safe hands with the author from the first page, and this instalment delivers. I recommend them to everyone who's looking for a great historical mystery filled with wit and warmth, and a strong female protagonist." 
   
   For fans of: Alexander McCall Smith and Agatha Christie
   
   

6. Hotel Lucky Seven by Kotaro Isaka 
   
   "I have a real soft spot for Japanese crime fiction, in part thanks to Isaka's fantastic Bullet Train series - recently adapted for English-speaking screen starring Brad Pitt. This next instalment sees a return to form for Ladybug, the unluckiest gun-for-hire, in this multi-assassin comedy caper and I couldn't be happier about it. With bedsheets over guns for murder weapons, this romp of a thriller will delight and entertain as much as it will surprise. It’s really no wonder it was chosen for Crime Collective’s November pick!" 
   
   For fans of: Richard Osman and Patricia Highsmith
   
   

7. White City by Dominic Nolan 
   
   "Your favourite crime writer's new favourite crime novel. The early reviews are in and word has it that Ian Rankin believes this is the best crime novel he'll read this year - and who am I to disagree with Sir Ian Rankin?! Post-war London awaits you in this gritty, heartfelt and richly woven story about how one course of action can impact multiple lives." 
   
   For fans of Chris Whitaker and William Boyd
   
   

8. The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha 
   
   "If you're looking for a richly crafted, isolated Scottish island, mystery fuelled by family secrets and hidden agendas then look no further! Wealthy people doing horrible things will be a big trend in crime fiction in 2025, and it doesn't get better than The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha - an instant classic." 
   
   For fans of: Lisa Jewell and Agatha Christie
   
   

9. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage by Asia Mackay 
   
   "Fun from the very first page this smart thriller will grab your attention and have you routing for characters you have every reason to dislike. I could not put this down and know everyone will be talking about it come January!"
   
   For fans of: Mr & Mrs Smith
   
   

Looking for more inspiration? Browse our crime and thriller books to find signed, special edition copies of some killer reads!