New Crime and Thriller Novels Reviewed

Several new crime and thriller novels have been reviewed, offering a range of suspenseful narratives. Scarlett Thomas's "The Runner" is described as a blend of thriller and romantic suspense, following the protagonist Jay as he evades assassins. The novel, set initially in Cyprus, rewinds to Jay's childhood in Kent to explain the origins of the attempts on his life. The plot incorporates elements such as exorcism, dictators, high finance, con artists, and marathons, presenting a quirky and exciting tale. The contract on Jay's life is noted to be traded like a commodity, even in bitcoin.

Henning Mankell's "The Madman," translated by George Goulding and Sarah de Senarclens, is being published in English for the first time. Written in the 1970s, the novel is set in a Swedish town during the late 1940s. The narrative explores the divisions within the town stemming from Sweden's wartime neutrality. Pro-Nazi factions wish to move past the war, while communist sympathizers, who were interned, seek accountability. The story is prompted by a letter published in the local newspaper regarding these tensions.

Other reviewed titles include "Everything She Didn’t Say" by Jane Casey, "The Spy and the Snake" by MJ Robotham, and "Murder at the End of the World" by Akane Araki. These books contribute to the genre's offerings, with "The Runner" by Thomas available from Scribner for £16.99 and "The Madman" by Mankell from Mountain Leopard for £25.