Killer Christmas gifts as recommended by our authors. Part one

On the 3^rd Day of Christmas, The Crime Vault brings to you . . .  a selection of our authors’ favourite crime novels.

As the realisation dawns that we’ve only 15 shopping days left before Christmas, some of us (we know who we are) will be desperately thinking WHAT DO I BUY? for the dad who wants more than socks, for the mum who appreciates the chocolates but would rather you chipped in for a weekend break – and don’t even get me started on the Turkish Delight for the grandparents . . .

Instead of worrying about all that, we’ve got a list of recommended crime and thrillers that our authors love to give as Christmas presents. Nothing says Christmas more than murder and mayhem. So unleash the joy on the ones you love this year . . .

Mark Billingham, author of the Tom Thorne novels recommends:

Smith Henderson, FOURTH OF JULY CREEK

Nobody could wish for anything better from Santa than the best crime novel of the year and hands down – for me, at least – that accolade belongs to Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson. A simply stunning book that deservedly won the John Creasey award for best debut. It’s a debut for pity’s sake! Makes you sick . . .

Alex Gray, the creator of Glasgow-based Detective Superintendent Lorimer recommends:

Louise Penny, STILL LIFE

Any book by Louise Penny, who is fast becoming one of my fave reads. And I hope Santa brings me all from book 5 to the current one if he can fit them in his sack!!!

Shannon Kirk, debut author of THE METHOD (coming in January 2016) recommends:

 Jo Nesbo, THE SNOWMAN

My all-time favorite crime novels, which I have actually given as Christmas presents, are Jo Nesbo’s The Snowman and James Patterson’s Kiss the Girls.  If I had to pick one, I guess I’d go with Jo Nesbo’s The Snowman as my top choice because, at least over here in the U.S., Nesbo is not as read as much as he should be and I think I’d like to open the door for readers to him.  So, I’ll go with Jo Nesbo’s The Snowman.  It’s unputdownable.

Rosamund Lupton, author of SISTER  and THE QUALITY OF SILENCE recommends:

Kate London, POST MORTEM

Written by a woman who was in the MET, this is a subtle and fascinating story, set in London.

Clare Mackintosh, author of I LET YOU GO: recommends: 

J S Law, TENACITY

Written by a former submariner, this taut crime novel oozes authenticity. Lieutenant Danielle (known as Dan) Lewis is investigating a suicide on HMS Tenacity, facing closed ranks and open hostility. As the story unfolds the pressure mounts, and it’s impossible to know who to trust. I read this in a day and can’t wait for the next in what will undoubtedly be an explosive series.

Look out for more ideas next week!