Top Crime Fiction of 2012

If you haven’t read the online publication, January Magazine, edited by Linda L. Richards, you should really give this publication a try. They always have insightful articles about books and news in the writing/publishing world. At the end of each year they also produce their Best Of lists in a number of different categories. This week’s entry is crime fiction. Long-time reviewer and contributor J. Kingston Pierce has compiled a list that includes comments from various reviewers.

Unfortunately, I haven’t read any of these books, but I now have a great start to my 2013 reading list. Here’s the list, with brief excerpts of reviewers’ comments or the setting description:

Absolute Zero Cool by Declan Burke (described as a wild, zany read)

Big Maria by Johnny Shaw (an exciting young writer)

The Blackhouse by Peter May (the first of a trilogy set in Scotland’s Hebrides archipelago)

Black Skies by Arnaldur Indridason (set in Iceland, and translated by Victoria Cribb)

Broken Harbor by Tanya French (a compelling and finely crafted tale)

Confined Space by Deryn Collier (might put Canadian crime writing into the spotlight)

Creole Belle by James Lee Burke (a Dave Robicheaux mystery)

Dare Me by Megan Abbott (a possibly breakout book by a writer at the top of her game)

Dark Room by Steve Mosby (a superb thriller)

Dominion by C.J. Sansom (a what-if spy adventure set in 1952)

The Double Game by Dan Fesperman (a brilliant tribute to spy literature in general)

El Gavilan by Craig McDonald (his most compelling work to date)

The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye (set in New York in 1845)

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (prepare to be disturbed in this disquieting tale)

House of the Hunted by Mark Mills (a refreshing change from rapid-clip adventures)

You can read more at http://januarymagazine.blogspot.ca

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!