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?

So, here are the thrillers I loved (all 200+ pages each) in the past six months.

MARGARET TRUMAN’S MURDER AT THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL

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.

TILLY BAGSHAWE’S ANGEL OF THE DARK BY SIDNEY SHELDON

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.

NORMAL RUSSELL’S OLDMINISTER MYSTERIES

Normal 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?

An Antique Murder (Book 2)

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!

No Choice but Murder (Book 4)

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?

Death at the Altar (Book 5)

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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