Looking for your next Crime/Thriller pick? We have some amazing authors right here in Aotearoa doing everything from releasing amazing spine tingling debuts, to much loved cozy murder mysteries.
I love picking up Kiwi authors when I can, even better when the books are set here in NZ (even even better when they're set right here in Auckland!).
I've gathered together a few names - some you might be familiar with, and a couple you might not have read yet but you definitely should. At the end I even have some bonus non fiction suggestions if you tend to enjoy Crime/Thriller novels but want to try something a bit different.
Debut Authors You Need to Try:
The Vanishing Place by Zoe Rankin
In the small town of Koraha a young girl walks out of the thick bush with blood on her hands, and a mystery that she cannot speak about. She seems very similar to a local girl who disappeared 20 years ago, and the mysteries of the past are suddenly pulled into the present.
This is perfect for you if you love an atmospheric thriller, something with excellent characters, mysterious memories, and a lot of extremely evocative isolated South Island settings. Friends overseas have loved this just as much as I did too - it's a really excellent debut and I'm so excited for whatever Zoe does next.
"The child didn’t know it then. Her mind was too muddied by hunger and fear to think beyond her next steps, but she was about to become the second most interesting thing to have ever happened in Koraha."
Lit by Anna Woods
This brand new release sounds SO good. We have an architecture firm in Auckland, but one of the partners disappeared several years ago, presumed dead. Debts are growing, relationships are fraying, and amongst this it seems like someone might be back.
If you loved Gone Girl and the twisted nature of an incredible narrative that keeps you guessing til the end, you should pick this debut up!
See How They Fall by Rachel Paris
The billionaire Turner dynasty patriach passes away, and by the end of the weekend of power struggles for succession another family member is dead. So begins a deadly mystery about figuring out what's happened and why.
For fans of Liane Moriaty, or if you loved the series Succession, this twisty thriller about family tragedy, set in the luxrious suburbs of Sydeny, will tick all the boxes.
Series To Get Stuck Into:
Hana Westerman Series by Michael Bennett
Hana Westerman is a Māori detective with Auckland Central's Investigation Branch. Amongst the juggle of single motherhood, she's also trying to solve complusive crimes set right here in Tāmaki Makaurau.
This series is such a great combination of thrilling police mystery, that weaves in Māori culture and motherhood effortlessly. If you enjoy a good detective novel definitely try the first one, Better The Blood.
The Bookshop Detectives by Gareth and Louise Ward
If you're a cozy crime fanatic, look no further. Gareth and Louise Ward are a married couple who run independent bookshop Wardini Books. Together they have created this series about a couple running a bookshop in a small, Kiwi town where alongside lots of bookish chat and cozy cuppas there is also the occaisional murder mystery to figure out.
If you love the cozy crime books from Richard Osman, but also love a small town feel and lots of bookish themes, you should absolutely give this series a go. The first two books are out already, with the third coming very soon!
“When we opened Sherlock Tomes people warned us that we’d made a terrible mistake. People warned us that e-readers were taking over. People warned us that we’d never compete with Amazon. The one thing they didn’t warn us about was the murders . . .”
The Matakana Series by Madeleine Eskedahl
Set just north of Auckland is the gorgeous wine region of Matakana, and it's here that Madeleine Eskedahl writes her crime series, starting with Book 1 - Blood on the Vines. Tourists have left the small town, but a rampage of vile attacks begin to terrorize the region.
This series is so fun, especially if you've spent time perusing the vineyards up north.
Something Similar but Different:
Feeling a bit of fatigue from reading back to back crime/thrillers? Maybe you just need something a bit different. Here are three non-fiction books by Kiwi authors that might appeal and still connect thematically to either crime and courts, or forensic science.
The Dead Speak by Thomas Coyle and The Blood Says Otherwise by Ruben Miller
These two books are both similar, but each well worth a read if you enjoy the crime/thriller genre (especially the forensic science side). Both Ruben and Thomas are forensic scientists who share their careers in a very engaging and at time disturbing read that details the ins and outs of various homicide scenes and huge disasters that they have worked across.
The Valley by Asher Emmanuel
The book that Lizzy currently won't shut up about, The Valley is an incredible feat of journalism and writing - perfect if you love the ins and outs of the justice system, or narrative non-fiction like that by Patrick Radden-Keefe.
Asher follows three men in the Hutt Valley justice system - two who are trying to remain out of prison and one who is trying to get the support they need to stay out. It's incredibly fascinating, hugely empathetic, and despite it's size I couldn't put it down so finished it in two days. Highly recommend.
"Theirs are not the stories of crime and punishment that make headlines. But they are essential to understanding the reality of the criminal justice system in New Zealand as well as how it might one day be different."
What about you? Which local crime/thriller authors have we missed? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and happy reading!
You can see Lizzy's NZ Crime/Thriller collection with all of these and a few more here.
