Thrillers I loved
This year, I’ve already finished 20 books and plan to read another 20 before Christmas. I’m hoping to succeed. I’ve decided to concentrate mostly on the romance and thriller genres, with maybe a couple of exceptions. If you have been following my blog, you would know that I enjoy reading mysteries and thrillers.
Writing a thriller is D-I-F-F-I-C-U-L-T. So, as a budding author myself, I scrutinize the books from every angle – a reader’s point of view as well as an author’s learnings. The books I’m going to mention below do not only have great stories but I liked the way they were interpreted. They were pretty fast-paced and the stories had a good flow. The descriptions of the various characters were to the point and not unnecessarily complicated. The stories had a certain depth that many recent authors are not able to produce in their stories (whether romance or thriller). And there were negligible or no editing errors in all of them. What more would you want?
As the only child of American President Harry Truman (1945 to 1953), Margaret Truman was a bundle of talents. She had written almost 35 books until she passed away at 97.
The cover of this hard copy had a simple cathedral window with a bullet through it and a couple standing in the middle. The story revolves around the murder of a young priest in Washington’s National Cathedral. While investigating his death, Mac Smith finds another body (also of a priest) with a similar modus operandi all the way in London. Did the two priests know each other? Were the two murders linked? You will have to read to find out.
The title confused me, too. Was Tilly Bagshawe writing a review on Sidney Sheldon’s book? When I read about the book, I found that Sheldon’s family chose Bagshawe to continue with the books that Sheldon left unfinished. Maybe die-hard fans may notice the difference but I found no huge difference in the way she wrote this thriller initially started by Sheldon. She has authored 20 books till date and I’d like to see more of her original work.
The cover had a simple statue of an angel. The story here is about an estranged son who is travelling around the world for answers about his wealthy father’s murder. Curiosity leads him to almost lose his own life but when he finally understands who killed his father, he is heartbroken. Do read this hard copy to know more.
Norman Russell has written more than 30 books since 1999. The depth he has in his books is lesser than the above two authors had but was still there. Oh! And his books have a helpful glossary at the end. I started with these softcopies on Kindle (The Oldminister Mysteries of 5 books) and loved reading them. Each sequel compliments the previous books but you don’t have to read the prequel to understand them. There are subtle references to the happenings from the previous books but nothing you will miss understanding. If you know what I mean.
An Invitation to Murder (Book 1)
When two murders take place in Renfield Hall, Baron Frank Renfield is flustered as he is already trying hard to save himself from ruin. While he wants his daughter to marry a rich American, she seems to be chasing a bookstore owner’s nephew. During the murder investigation, peculiar information about Renfield’s legacy comes to light. Frank Renfield almost accepts his downfall. Detectives French and Edwards along with private investigators Noel Greenspan and Chloe McArthur work together to find the killer/s despite the interesting truth, they stumble upon, about the Renfield family. Who is behind all this?
At Irving retirement home, when legendary thespian Sir Frank Taylor is found lying in a bloodstained bed with a Nazi dagger forced deep into his chest, Detectives French and Edwards are called to investigate. When they uncover Taylor’s past, they are sure that the killer will strike again! Will they be able to stop another murder from taking place?
The Secret of Bagnett Hall (Book 3)
Janet Baxter is running from her past life to write a book. She stumbles upon Bagnett Hall and its owner and finds herself enjoying the new company. The two women spend days together until Bridget Messiter dies of natural causes. Later, when Detectives French and Edwards come in to investigate Baxter’s murder at the Cathedral library, the secret they uncover is appalling even to them!
Detectives French and Edwards find themselves searching for a serial killer who, according to them, first murdered Rembrandt gallery owner Louis Gillette. Or was it just a person on a killing spree? Their main clue is a bottle of peach brandy. Between all the attacks, affairs, secrets and lies, would they be able to pin the bottle on the culprit?
Detectives French and Edwards are called in to investigate the murder of the new vicar that occurred at the altar of the Holy Trinity Church during an ongoing service. It began with threatening letters, the font being filled with pig’s blood only a few days ago and ended with a vile murder. Who was behind all this? Would they be able to find who was playing devil?
There are many thrillers I’ve read but these are the ones I have enjoyed this year. I would recommend that you read them, too. As for the last 5, you will enjoy the entries of Detective French and Edwards, for sure, and miss them when you’re done with Book 5!
Do tell me if you’ve read any good thrillers this year! I’d love you to recommend some to me.
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31 Comments
So fun! I absolutely love thrillers as you may have figured out from Project Poirot series :D. I wasn’t familiar with any of these writers (except Sidney Sheldon of course), so I’m eager to check them out.
Yup have read your Project Poirot series. Quite interesting.
All these thrillers are so attractive to look at! We should never judge a book by its cover but I tend to pick up a book by it! You have done a good amount of reading Cindy! I really want to get back to this oldest passion of mine!
Do that, Mandira! All the best.
I love mysteries & thrillers. But haven’t ready any of the titles in this blog. Will be adding them to my TBR list.
I love the genre of thriller books. They are captivating and I am intrigued by their suspenseful plots, fast-paced narratives, and unexpected twists. The genre has the ability to evoke intense emotions, engage readers intellectually, and offer an escape into a thrilling world. Their page-turning nature keeps me hooked. The adrenaline rush and emotional engagement that thrillers provide is a source of excitement and enjoyment.
Your post is such a delight and offers a well curated list that offers the intellectual stimulation that one gets from trying to solve mysteries, unravel intricate plots, and analyse complex characters . Sidney Sheldon’s gripping storytelling, compelling characters, and masterful suspense has made him a favourite author of mine and now I can’t wait to lay my hands on your recommended book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for the share. 🙂
Anytime, Dipali!!
I enjoy watching and reading thrillers, nothing keeps me more glued. I really found Margaret Truman’s Murder at the National Cathedral and Norman Russell’s books to be intriguing I will surely check these out. Your review has made me curious to know more.
I’m not an author but I can relate to reading as a reader and as an author. I do the same with print ads. I haven’t read any of the books you listed. Have been taking a break from thrillers and fantasy since it is a rabbit hole. I am adding Angel of the Dark to my TBR.
nice collection of books reviewed. I would add Angel of the Dark because it would be a suspense thriller about who has turned villain and for what reason.
I grew up reading anything and everything I could lay my hands on but after the tragedies in life and living alone, I stopped reading thrillers as I feel my life itself is a thriller 🙂 So this is not my kind of reading material right now. Only non-fiction and romances
Hehe! Read what you find comfy reading and do let me know a few good ones I can get my hands on…
I used to read Sidney Sheldon a lot during ym teens. But I haven’t readany of his novels since a long, long time. All the books you have listed sound interesting, adding them all to my TBR. Margaret Truman’s book cover is certainly inriguing,much like a James Bond movie.
Even I like Sydney Sheldon, liked Angel of the dark, the way writer has knitted the story is mesmerizing, the thrill and romance as well so, I will be looking for other two authors for sure.
Mysteries and thrillers are something which I call as my first love when it comes to picking the favorite genre of mine. Born and brought up in a Bengali family my connection with literature happened in childhood time when I used to wonder how so many books in my father’s library. In initial days I started with colorful books of multiple genres with Amar Chitra Katha…. later with growing time I found my love for mystery thrillers intense and then when my father introduced me to the thrillers books by Bengali authors and still that love remains the same. People say true love never fades away and that what happened with me and my thriller love. Agatha Christie , Sherlok Homes, Bomkesh Bakshi, Feluda, Kakababu , kalo Bhromor and the list goes on. I am little more inclined towards Indian authors …. but after reading you post I wish to give a try to Norman Russell … Thanks for the recommendation
You’re welcome, Samata!
Ur right thriller is not an easy thing that comes out. I have a special place for the thriller writers, they are gifted. After reading I always come up with the questions how can they come up with something like this.
Sidney Sheldon is someone I read and quickly stopped reading because after reading 2 -3 novels, his plots became predictable. I must confess I have never known Margaret Truman’s works even with that famous surname, so might take a look at them. Norman Russel is another author I have not read much though I love mysteries.
I love reading thrillers but I haven’t read even one of these. I will start with Angel of the dark because I have read Sidney Sheldon books.
Ah….somehow, over the years I have completely given up on thrillers. I used to read Sidney Sheldon in my teens. Thanks for your review. Will pick up my next from your selection.
My my Cindy! 20 already… thats really really good. Guess which one I am at? 3rd😬
You’ve picked up interesting genres. I like to both watch n read thrillers and I’m a sucker for romance but haven’t read one in a while.
Way to go… hope you read another 20 by Christmas.
Thanks, Kaveri!
Sidney Sheldon still rocks! I grew up seeing my dad (an avid reader) reading his books. During my Highschool years, I started loving to read too. This has been our common ground. Something my dad and I would bond about, somehow like a hobby.haha…Guess I’ll be surprising my dad soon with this book! haha..
Wow! Cindy you’re like a literary tornado, tearing through 20 books already this year and aiming for another 20 before Santa shimmies down your window! Your dedication to reading is commendable. It’s great to see that you’ve chosen to focus on the romance and thriller genres, with a few exceptions. You are so genuine with Angel of the Dark, and I felt the same. I have grown up reading Sidney Sheldon.
Thanks, Anjali.
I have grown up reading Sidney Sheldon and the covers of Norman Russell’s books are so mysterious!
Me too! You should check at least one of Norman’s books, Geethica!
Thrillers and Romance are my jam when I am on a reading slump. So, I can totally relate to you. I am always on the lookout for good books in this genre. So I am adding these to my TBR based on your recommendations. 🙂
Sure, Shalini, do let me know what you think of the ones you read.
I also read thrillers but I prefer to read Indian authors. Their work feel more interesting to me because it is all set-up in India.
That’s quite many thrillers. From great writers too.