Top 5 Crime Fiction Novels
We're all familiar with the classics: Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie and the creator of Sherlock Holmes himself, Arthur Conan Doyle. Whilst I enjoy these earlier versions of crime fiction, it is amongst the pages of contemporary literature where plot knows no boundaries and a sense of psychology has been introduced that I am truly in my element. Here's my top 5 contemporary crime fiction picks.
1. An Evil Mind by Chris Carter
Number 6 in the Robert Hunter series, this novel takes a twist on the classic chase-and-catch plot as the suspect is already behind bars and, to top it all off, he's confessed. I know what you're thinking: what's the point in the story? But trust me, it gets better. Renowned Psychologist and Detective Robert Hunter is brought in to interview the perpetrator, revealing an interesting insight into the mind of a psychopath, and it becomes apparent that there is more to this imprisoned man than meets the eye. A shocking twist towards the end is guaranteed to have your heart racing. I've never turned the pages so fast and for that reason, Carter takes my top spot in contemporary crime fiction. I also highly recommend I Am Death, One by One and The Caller if you enjoy Carter's fast-paced style and sense of anticipation and misjudgement.
2. Aftermath by Peter Robinson
This one is not for the faint hearted as themes of child abuse and domestic torture are brought into play in this Inspector Banks novel. However, if your stomach is strong enough, it is an enlightening story of misjudgement and trust. At the beginning of the novel, it seems the elusive 'Chameleon' killer has been caught as a phone call from a neighbour leads authorities right to the door of Terence Payne, but no one can be prepared for what is revealed behind those cellar doors. An excellent depiction of policing and investigation, this novel had me pacing through the pages, desperately searching for the answers to so many questions. This is my first Robinson read but judging from this one, I will be reading much more from him.
3. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
I am utterly obsessed with the Lincoln Rhyme series. The pairing of Rhyme along with Amelia Sachs seems invincible and always makes for an exciting read. In this first novel of the series, a serial killer is on the loose and in his wake he leaves clues: the bones of his victims. It's up to Rhyme, Sachs and the rest of the team to unscrabble the riddle and catch a killer that may be acting a little closer to home. If you've seen the film but not the book, don't judge it. As with most cases, the book is waaaay better than the film. Another heart-racer, Deaver definitely makes it into my top 5.
(Side Note: I'm currently reading the latest novel in the Rhyme Series, Steele Kiss, and I have a confession. I'm not AS obsessed with the newest addition. Rhyme has retired from detective work and is working on civil cases and there seems to be a sense of detachment between the killer and the victims. A technological aspect removes some of the excitement and anticipation for me. There is also a predominance of legal talk which strays from the stereotypical investigating and breaking the rules that I'm just not used to. Please feel free to share your thoughts if you've read this one too).
(Side Note: I'm currently reading the latest novel in the Rhyme Series, Steele Kiss, and I have a confession. I'm not AS obsessed with the newest addition. Rhyme has retired from detective work and is working on civil cases and there seems to be a sense of detachment between the killer and the victims. A technological aspect removes some of the excitement and anticipation for me. There is also a predominance of legal talk which strays from the stereotypical investigating and breaking the rules that I'm just not used to. Please feel free to share your thoughts if you've read this one too).
4. I Am Death by Chris Carter
Honestly, this man is potentially my favourite author of all time, and certainly my favourite crime writer. Number 7 of the Robert Hunter series probably deserves a higher spot on my list, but I had to give other authors a chance. This novel explores the themes of narcissism and again portrays the mind of a psychopath, which I love about contemporary crime fiction. The emphasis from the inspector catching the killer seems to have been shifted to also understanding the motives of the perpetrator. Like Deaver's The Bone Collector, Hunter is left with a series of clues left behind by the killer at the crime scenes and he is left to do what he does best: investigate. This one is gory, heart-racing and fast-paced, as is to be expected of Carter.
5. The Skin Collector by Jeffery Deaver
Rhyme is back in this underrated novel in which a copy-cat murderer appears to have emerged, but instead of collecting bones, the killer collects skin. This one is just as gruesome, if not more so, than The Bone Collector so I hope you have a strong stomach, but the familiar team set out to catch this serial killer is comforting but nerve-wracking. Another fast-paced detective novel and one not to be hidden in the shadows of its predecessor.