Sponsored by Harper Perennial
The New York Times bestselling author of Before I Go to Sleep returns with a gripping new psychological thriller about a sleepy fishing village and a dark mystery surrounding the disappearance of a local girl. Blackwood Bay. An ordinary place, home to ordinary people. It used to be a buzzing seaside destination. But now, ravaged by the effects of dwindling tourism and economic downturn, it’s a ghost town—and the perfect place for filmmaker Alex to shoot her new documentary. But the community is deeply suspicious of her intentions. After all, nothing exciting ever happens in Blackwood Bay—or does it?
Hello mystery fans! I have a roundup of July’s releases for you, which isn’t a huge list but still a mighty one. And it was not intentional, but there is definitely a theme of revenge running through many of these. Mmmm, revenge.
The Perfect Ruin by Shanora Williams
Bienvenidos a Miami where one young woman finally learns the identity of the woman who ruined her life years before and sets out to destroy her and her perfect socialite world.
Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
Revenge, regret, and the dismantling of the hate we’re taught in a page-turning thriller reminiscent of the ’90s buddy action films where two opposites get paired together on a mission.
(TW child abuse/ racism, homophobia, transphobia, dead naming/ alcoholism/ ableism)
A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram #2) by Darynda Jones
If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls and Stephanie Plum, this series is made for you! Start with A Bad Day For Sunshine (Review) if you don’t want the ending of the first book spoiled and want to be up to date with all the personal background info.
(TW mentions flasher/ mentions past child suicidal thought, detail/ backstory involves teen abduction and assumption of rape with no details)
Such a Quiet Place by Megan Miranda
I’ve been a fan of Miranda since I read her twisty mostly told backwards mystery All The Missing Girls and she always delivers for me with an entertaining mystery. This time around it’s a neighborhood where one member sent to prison is back and all the drama and secrets–and murder–are gonna come out.
(TW rumors of a statutory guy, not graphic)
For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
If you’re a fan of revenge (so much revenge!), want something that unfolds a little differently, and like dark humor ,do not miss this page-turner! (Review)
Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
The absolute very last bit of this book is my favorite–don’t worry, I won’t spoil it, I just love that level of “gonna get ya”! Anyhoo, if you are in the mood for a great murder mystery where you will spend the ENTIRE book accusing EVERY single person of being the murderer, plop yourself in your favorite place and enjoy!
(TW emotional abuse/ past child and domestic abuse, not graphic/ past suicide, detail)
People Like Them by Samira Sedira, Lara Vergnaud (Translation)
Here’s a French novel partly based on a 2003 murder in the Alps region. You have a small French village and two different families that see tensions boil over when financial troubles arise…
The Case of the Murderous Dr. Cream: The Hunt for a Victorian Era Serial Killer by Dean Jobb
For true crime and history readers, here’s the case of a doctor who poisoned people and his 1892 murder trial that also looks at the Victorian society.
Browse all the books recommended in Unusual Suspects previous newsletters on this shelf. See upcoming 2021 releases. Check out this Unusual Suspects Pinterest board and get Tailored Book Recommendations!
Until next time, keep investigating! In the meantime, come talk books with me on Twitter, Instagram, Goodreads, and Litsy–you can find me under Jamie Canavés.
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