Books by Lou Berney
“This is my favourite crime novel of the last ten years. Maybe the last twenty years. It’s an extraordinary book. It won loads of prizes in the US—all the big crime writing prizes—but I don’t think it sold particularly well—maybe because it’s too complex or difficult to explain. But it deserves a huge audience because it’s so well written, so absorbing, so accessible.” Read more...
The Best Contemporary Mystery Books
Mark Edwards, Novelist
November Road
by Lou Berney
☆ Shortlisted for the 2020 CWA Gold Dagger
November Road by Lou Berney has been shortlisted for the 2020 Gold Dagger award, though it was first published in 2018 in the US. It's not exactly a mystery, it's more of a chase story, combined with historical fiction, since the plot doesn't exactly revolve, but mostly stems from the assassination of John F Kennedy. The main character works for a gangster, so if you prefer your mysteries not to include organized crime, it probably shouldn't be top of your list. That said, it's still reasonably light and enjoyable.
“November Road blew me away. It’s crime fiction at its best: heartfelt, thrilling, and leaves you with a lump in your throat.” Read more...
Anthony Franze, Thriller and Crime Writer
Interviews where books by Lou Berney were recommended
The Best Mystery Books of 2020
If you like mysteries, 2020 was an outstanding year, particularly in the domestic noir genre, with standouts like The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths and Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins. There were also excellent installments in existing series, whether featuring police or non-police detectives. 2020 also saw the publication of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, a publishing sensation that demonstrates the continuing demand for humorous, cozy mysteries.
The Best Thrillers of 2019, recommended by Anthony Franze
Looking for a pacy, suspenseful thriller that keeps you racing through the pages? Look no further. Anthony Franze, author and coordinator of the International Thriller Writers’ annual awards, talks us through some of the books that made the shortlist for the best thrillers of 2019.
The Best Contemporary Mystery Books, recommended by Mark Edwards
Crime writers are often mild-mannered individuals who have learned to delve into the deepest, darkest recesses of their imagination to create their books, says the bestselling author Mark Edwards. Here, he recommends five of the best contemporary mysteries that will keep you guessing right to the final page.
