Five new crime fiction books explore dark themes

Five new crime fiction novels are capturing readers' attention. In "Murder at Gulls Nest," Nora Breen is a keen observer who arrives at a mysterious location filled with intrigue. A death linked to a missing person heightens her investigation. Nora teams up with Insp Rideout, a veteran who approaches cases rationally. Together, they form a strong friendship that will drive the series forward. Sharon Dempsey's "After the Party" follows a university student named Georgia. She is on a mission to ruin the life of Hugh, a man involved in her traumatic past. The story shifts perspectives to Hugh's mothers, revealing their fierce protection of their sons. As the narrative unfolds, moral lines blur, and dark truths emerge. Andrea Carter’s "There Came A-Tapping" is set in the 1890s. It tells the story of healer Eliza Dunne and modern-day Allison Garvey, who is anxious when her partner goes missing. Moving to a haunted cottage, Allison uncovers connections to Eliza's past. The book explores themes of control and domestic horror through gothic elements. In "One True Word" by Snæbjörn Arngrímsson, the unreliable narrator Júlía leads readers through her tangled story of her husband Gíó’s disappearance. She grapples with guilt and deception, all while challenging the norms of storytelling with unexpected twists. Lastly, "The Inalienable Right" by Adam Macqueen spotlights Alex Hargreaves, a former rent boy turned teacher in 1987 Britain. Set against the backdrop of the Aids crisis, Alex investigates the disappearance of a friend while tackling societal issues. His journey exposes hidden corruption linked to the political elite. These novels offer complex characters and engaging plots, making them must-reads for crime fiction fans.