The latest wave of crime fiction offers a diverse range of settings and suspenseful plots, according to Geoffrey Wansell's review.
'The Long Isle'
Andrew Raymond's "The Long Isle" introduces DC Mairead Maclean, a detective returning to the Outer Hebrides, also known as The Long Isle, after a two-decade absence. The series kicks off with the discovery of a young priest nailed to a railway sleeper in a crucifixion-like manner. Maclean, drawing on her local knowledge, teams up with a Glasgow unit to investigate the crime and an attack on the island's other priest. The novel is noted for its atmospheric setting and has been compared favorably to Ann Cleeves' detective series.
'A Violent Masterpiece'
Jordan Harper's "A Violent Masterpiece" delves into the darker underbelly of Los Angeles, moving beyond its glamorous facade. The narrative follows Jake Deal, a videographer who films street-level violence for online subscribers, and Doug Gibson, a lawyer attempting to deliver justice in the city. Their paths intersect with Kara Delgado, an employee of a high-end concierge service catering to the wealthy, who is also searching for her missing mentor. The novel is described as a magnetic story with a clear homage to James Ellroy.
'The Aristocracy'
Patrick Worrall's "The Aristocracy" centers on the escape of Darren Sinfield, an inmate described as part of the criminal "aristocracy" within Britain's prisons. The breakout sparks a manhunt involving prison officers, police, and intelligence services. Suspicion falls on Sinfield's return to his hometown, leading Detective Declan Rennard, who knew Sinfield from their youth, to pursue him. The novel also touches upon the alleged abuse of Sinfield's young daughter and the killing of two police officers. Wansell characterizes the book as an absorbing blend of crime thriller and spy story, a gritty tour de force where heroism is ambiguous.
