Book talk: Crime writing

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Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly

Allen & Unwin, $32.99

Michael Connelly has been at the top of the crime writing tree for several decades, helped along in recent years by the success of the TV series Bosch, which he helps to produce. His latest book unites former LAPD Detective Harry Bosch with Renee Ballard, who works the graveyard shift at Hollywood Police Station. This tightly plotted novel moves at a good pace through the dark streets of LA, as the pair try to track down a possible serial killer who has so far avoided detection.

In a House of Lies by Ian Rankin

Orion, $32.99

Rankin is a great writer of contemporary crime fiction and this is another gripping tale of corruption and murder in Edinburgh’s underbelly. When the body of a private detective is found in the boot of a car deep in the woods, John Rebus knows it is linked to an unsolved case he investigated 10 years ago. This well-crafted mystery contains the usual Rankin trademarks of musical references, sharp social commentary, gritty characters and a wry sense of melancholy humour.

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

Sphere, $32.99

Robert Galbraith, the pseudonym for J. K. Rowling, has enjoyed considerable success with the series about London private eye Corman Strike. Lethal White is the fourth book and starts in intriguing fashion with a troubled young man who wants Strike to investigate a crime he thinks he witnessed as a child. However, he flees from the office in panic before Strike can fully question him. Strike soon realises there may be more to the boy’s story than he realised. Fans of the series will love this one.

-Jeff Popple

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