{"title":"Classics for the Crime \u0026 Thriller Reader","description":"\u003cp\u003eHere are some classics that are perfect for someone who already loves a crime \u0026amp; thriller novel - the fathers (and mothers) to the genre, as well as some recent-er \"classics\" that have to be included too.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-secret-history","title":"The Secret History","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Secret History,\u003c\/em\u003e Donna Tartt weaves a haunting and enthralling tale set in an elite New England college where a group of brilliant and unorthodox students fall under the spell of their charismatic and enigmatic classics professor, Julian Morrow. These students, Richard Papen, Henry Winter, Bunny Corcoran, Francis Abernathy, and the twins Charles and Camilla Macaulay, become immersed in the study of ancient Greek culture, forming an exclusive and secretive clique that strives to experience life on a different plane from their ordinary peers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawn into a world where beauty, power, and the mystique of ancient rituals reign supreme, the group begins to push the boundaries of morality, exploring ideas that are both intellectually thrilling and perilous. As they delve deeper into their studies and form increasingly dangerous bonds with one another, their quest for a transcendence beyond the mundane takes a sinister turn. They inadvertently cross ethical lines, leading to a series of shocking events that irrevocably alter their lives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTartt's richly atmospheric prose immerses readers in a world fraught with tension and dark beauty. \u003cem\u003eThe Secret History\u003c\/em\u003e is not just a psychological thriller; it is a meditation on friendship, guilt, and the corrupting influence of power and ambition. The novel's gripping narrative and complex characters combine to create an unforgettable story that challenges our understanding of morality and the price of intellectual hubris.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePerfectly balancing dramatic intensity with playful intellect, \u003cem\u003eThe Secret History\u003c\/em\u003e stands as a testament to Donna Tartt's masterful storytelling. It captivates from the first page to the last, earning its place as a modern classic. This is a story that lingers in the mind long after the final paragraph, making readers question the very nature of truth, beauty, and decadence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those drawn to the allure of dark academia and the exploration of human complexity, \u003cem\u003eThe Secret History\u003c\/em\u003e is a must-read novel that continues to define and inspire an age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45658303758572,"sku":"9780140167771","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780140167771_96f5cf8a-f104-4aa4-b688-09dd9189f73c.jpg?v=1731992828"},{"product_id":"call-for-the-dead","title":"Call for the Dead","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeorge Smiley becomes tangled in a case of suicide and espionage in le Carré's first novel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a routine security check by George Smiley, civil servant Samuel Fennan apparently kills himself. When Smiley finds that Circus head Maston is trying to blame him for the man's death, he begins his own investigation, meeting with Fennan's widow to find out what could have led him to such desperation. But on the very day that Smiley is ordered off the enquiry, he receives an urgent letter from the dead man. Do the East Germans—and their agents—know more about this man's death than the Circus previously imagined?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLe Carré's debut novel, \u003cem\u003eCall for the Dead\u003c\/em\u003e, introduced the tenacious and retiring George Smiley in a gripping tale of espionage and deceit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45695304728812,"sku":"9780241639214","price":23.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241639214.jpg?v=1725624489"},{"product_id":"in-cold-blood","title":"In Cold Blood","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIn Cold Blood\u003c\/em\u003e by Truman Capote is an extraordinary fusion of journalism and gripping crime thriller. This remarkable work is drawn from an impactful 300-word article in The New York Times, which caught Capote's eye and spurred an intense six-year investigation and writing journey. The book meticulously reconstructs the tragic events surrounding Kansas farmer Herb Clutter, his wife, and their two teenage children, who fell victim to a brutal, seemingly inexplicable murder by two young drifters, Perry Smith and Richard \"Dick\" Hickock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCapote's narrative delves deeply into the lives of both the victims and the perpetrators, creating a vivid, tension-filled account that is as much about the psychology of the killers as it is about the act itself. The story captures the essence of a small, tight-knit community shattered by incomprehensible violence and explores the far-reaching impacts of the crime on the rural town of Holcomb, Kansas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEmbracing an innovative and immersive approach, Capote's prose exhibits an almost novelistic quality, blending factual reporting with the emotive pull of fiction. The result is a hauntingly detailed portrait that brings to light the chilling reality of the crime and the complex, multi-faceted humanity of its actors. His unflinching portrayal of a comprehensible and thoroughly human evil prompted the creation of a new genre—novelistic non-fiction—and cemented Capote's status as a literary icon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith its meticulous attention to detail and masterful narrative style, \u003cem\u003eIn Cold Blood\u003c\/em\u003e is not only a powerful examination of a grisly crime but also a profound exploration of the darker aspects of human nature. This seminal work challenges readers to confront their perceptions of morality and justice, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those seeking a thought-provoking, emotionally charged read, \u003cem\u003eIn Cold Blood\u003c\/em\u003e stands as an unparalleled achievement in literary journalism and remains one of Capote's most celebrated works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45695423021292,"sku":"9780141038391","price":13.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141038391.jpg?v=1725629208"},{"product_id":"rebecca","title":"Rebecca","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again...\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eRebecca\u003c\/i\u003e, Daphne Du Maurier weaves a suspenseful and atmospheric tale that captures the reader from its very first line. As a young and inexperienced lady's companion, the unnamed heroine's life is marked by yearning and meekness. Her mundane existence takes an unexpected turn on a trip to the South of France, where she encounters the enigmatic Maxim de Winter, a dashing widower. Captivated by his charm, she is stunned when Maxim proposes to her, leading to a whirlwind marriage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe new Mrs de Winter is soon whisked away from the opulent settings of Monte Carlo to the moody and imposing Manderley, Maxim’s family estate. Here, she quickly discovers that her husband is not the man she thought he was. Haunted by the overshadowing presence of Maxim’s first wife, the beautiful and unreachable Rebecca, the second Mrs de Winter finds herself entangled in the dark mystery surrounding Rebecca’s untimely death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eManderley itself becomes a character, steeped in secrecy and brooding with memories. The estate's sinister housekeeper, Mrs Danvers, is unwavering in her loyalty to Rebecca, constantly undermining the new Mrs de Winter and keeping the eerie legacy alive. The protagonist’s struggle to assert her identity amidst the lingering echoes of the past casts her into a battle with the formidable spectre of “the other woman,” a challenge reminiscent of that found in \u003ci\u003eJane Eyre\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRebecca\u003c\/i\u003e has captivated readers worldwide since its publication in 1938. Its masterful blend of romance, mystery, and psychological intrigue has earned it recognition as an enduring classic. The novel remains an international bestseller, never having gone out of print. It is a haunting journey about love, obsession, and identity, one that continues to resonate with readers and inspires countless adaptations and discussions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45746975637740,"sku":"9781844080380","price":25.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781844080380.jpg?v=1726695866"},{"product_id":"gone-girl-by-gillian-flynn-9780753827666","title":"Gone Girl","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eTHE ADDICTIVE No.1 BESTSELLER AND INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eOVER 20 MILLION COPIES SOLD WORLDWIDE\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cb\u003eTHE BOOK THAT DEFINES PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWho are you?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat have we done to each other?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are the questions Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police suspect Nick. Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears it isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. He says they weren't made by him. And then there are the persistent calls on his mobile phone. So what really did happen to Nick's beautiful wife?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eFlynn is a brilliantly accomplished psychological crime writer\u003c\/i\u003e and this latest book is so dark, so twisted and so utterly compelling that it actually messes with your mind' \u003cb\u003eDAILY MAIL\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA \u003ci\u003enear-masterpiece\u003c\/i\u003e. Flynn is an extraordinary writer who, with every sentence, makes words do things that other writers merely dream of' \u003cb\u003eSOPHIE HANNAH, Sunday Express\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYou think you're reading a good, conventional \u003ci\u003ethriller\u003c\/i\u003e and then it grows into a fascinating portrait of one averagely mismatched relationship... Nothing's as it seems - Flynn is a fabulous plotter, and \u003ci\u003ea very sharp observer of modern life\u003c\/i\u003e in the aftermath of the credit crunch' \u003cb\u003eTHE TIMES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the \u003ci\u003emost popular thrillers of the year\u003c\/i\u003e is also one of the smartest... Flynn's book cleverly outpaces its neo-noir trappings and consistently surprises the reader.' \u003cb\u003eFINANCIAL TIMES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45912922980588,"sku":"9780753827666","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780753827666.jpg?v=1731960476"},{"product_id":"the-day-of-the-jackal-by-frederick-forsyth-9780099557364","title":"The Day of the Jackal","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 50th anniversary edition of one of the most celebrated thrillers ever written.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A year-zero genre reboot that defined the modern movement toward detailed, procedural narrative, where the intrigue is about how, not just what.' - Lee Child\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Utterly compelling ... And they say genre fiction can't be art.' - The Times (Our favourite 50 novels of the past 70 years)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'As gripping now as it was 50 years ago.' - The Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e50th Anniversary Edition with a new introduction by Lee Child\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most celebrated thrillers ever written, \u003cem\u003eThe Day of the Jackal\u003c\/em\u003e is the exhilarating story of the struggle to catch a killer before it's too late.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e1963. An anonymous Englishman is hired by the Operations Chief of the French terrorist organisation O.A.S. to murder the French president, General Charles de Gaulle. A failed attempt in the previous year means the target will be nearly impossible to reach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnly one man could do the job—a notorious assassin known only as The Jackal. This remorseless and deadly killer must be stopped. But he is a man without a name, without an identity; a lethal spectre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHow can you stop an assassin nobody can identify? The task falls to the best detective in France—and the price of failure is unthinkable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Masterful suspense . . . \u003cem\u003eThe Day of the Jackal\u003c\/em\u003e changed the shape of popular fiction from the moment it was finished.' - Ben Macintyre, The Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'In a class by itself. Unputdownable.' - Sunday Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Very clever and immensely entertaining.' - Daily Telegraph\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A perfect example of the adventure story . . . well written, entirely believable, with this intriguing, enigmatic character at its centre.' - Robert Harris\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A year-zero, game-changing thriller, one of the most significant of all time.' - Lee Child\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'Wonderful and way ahead of its time.' - James Patterson\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'An extraordinary book.' - Nick Robinson, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A masterpiece.' - Marcus Scriven, Mail on Sunday\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'I was spellbound . . . riveted by this chilling story.' - Guardian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46193612226796,"sku":"9780099557364","price":24.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780099557364.jpg?v=1739841102"},{"product_id":"the-talented-mr-ripley-by-patricia-highsmith-9781784876760","title":"The Talented Mr Ripley","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReissued to mark the centenary of Patricia Highsmith and the upcoming BBC adaptation, \u003cem\u003eRipley\u003c\/em\u003e, these beautiful new editions mark Highsmith's entry into Vintage Classics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAs seen on Write Around the World with Richard E Grant\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'The No.1 Greatest Crime Writer' - The Times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Ripley, amoral, hedonistic and charming, is a genuinely original creation' - Daily Telegraph\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'He is using you for what you are worth'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTom Ripley wants money, success, and the good life - and he's willing to kill for it. 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