My reading goal for 2023 was to read 120 mysteries, crime novels and thrillers. Today the count stands at 121 read. So my goal was reached. I spend a lot of time seeking out the best books of the year and I’ve read many of the titles that have appeared on the “best” lists that I’ve posted over the last few weeks. As I perused the lists as they have became available, a few titles jumped out at me — especially on the lists from British critics. These novels were THE SCARLET PAPERS by Matthew Richardson, MURDER IN THE FAMILY by Cara Hunter, THE TRIAL by Rob Rinder and HOLLY by Stephen King (a book I had been trying to get to for awhile). I read all four in the last couple of weeks and I can see why they were on other’s best lists. They are now on my own best list.

George Easter’s Best of 2023

Crime Novels

SMALL MERCIES, Dennis Lehane
RESURRECTION WALK, Michael Connelly
EVERYBODY KNOWS, Jordan Harper
HOLLY, Stephen King
LYING BESIDE YOU, Michael Robotham
RED QUEEN, Juan Gomez-Jurado
THE DETECTIVE UP LATE, Adrian McKinty
THE RIVER WE REMEMBER, William Kent Krueger
EXPECTANT, Vanda Symon
THE RUNNING GRAVE, Robert Galbraith
MURDER IN THE FAMILY, Cara Hunter

Crime and Thriller Debuts

THE BITTER PAST, Bruce Borgos
BETTER THE BLOOD, Michael Bennett
CITY UNDER ONE ROOF, Iris Yamashita
THE GOLDEN GATE, Amy Chua
THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW, I. S. Berry
GOING ZERO, Anthony McCarten
THE TRIAL, Rob Rinder (U.K. only)

Thrillers

THE SCARLET PAPERS, Matthew Richardson (2024 title in U.S.)
THE SECRET HOURS, Mick Herron
BURNER, Mark Greaney
ASSASSIN EIGHTEEN, John Brownlow (2024 title in U.S.)

Honorable Mentions

THE MOTHER, T. M. Logan (U.K. only)
PHILANTHROPISTS: Inspector Mislan and the Executioners,
Rozlan Mohd Noor
THE LAST GOODBYE, Tim Weaver (U.K. only)
MY FATHER’S HOUSE, Joseph O’Connor
SECOND SHOT, Cindy Dees