As a reader who loves a good mystery, picking 5 of my top favs to share with you was difficult. But adding the parameter of “mind blowing” made it a little easier.

Here are my choices:

#1. GLASS HOUSES by Louise Penny — anyone who stops by here regularly knows I’m a huge Louise Penny fan, and love the Three Pines mysteries featuring Chief Superintendent Armand Gamache. GLASS HOUSES was (for me at least) an outstanding read. To quote my own review it was:

“Gripping, suspenseful, powerful and, by the end, shocking!”

#2. RESURRECTION BAY by Emma Viskic — It’s not often I pick up a debut novel by a new (to me) author, and am totally blown away on just about every level, not just by good writing, but thoroughly absorbing characters. Viskic has crafted a really excellent read that, on the surface, is a familiar one. But then? Adds so many layers to it with her characters, but also twists in the plot that even I didn’t see coming. Refreshing, to say the least!

#3. THE DRY by Jane Harper — If you haven’t heard about Jane Harper you’ve either been living under a rock, don’t read mysteries, or don’t read full stop. I would like to nominate all three books she’s written so far. But have to say the first, THE DRY, is still my favourite because, again, it was such a surprise for a debut novel. There’s only so many times you can use the word ‘outstanding’ before it loses its potency. But like Louise Penny, Jane Harper is master storyteller. You should also check out THE LOST MAN which, like The Dry, had an award-winning formula.

#4. THE DEFENCE by Steve Cavanagh — This is the first outing in Cavanagh’s Eddie Flynn series and, IMHO, the best. With plenty of twists, mis-directs, heart-pounding action, and adept sleigh of hand, The Defence has something for everyone, including a great story!

#5. THE SILENCED by Anders de la Motte — Swedish novelist Anders de la Motte has crafted an action-packed thriller—set in the majestic city of Stockholm—which is the ultimate story of power, corruption, betrayal and deceit at the highest levels of government, and within the police.

So there you have it. Those were my top choices now, over to you. What would be your recommendations?