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Crime by the Book

A girl investigates crime fiction from around the world, by the book.
  • Blog
  • Quick Reviews
  • Nordic Noir
    • Introduction
    • Background
    • Book Recommendations
    • By Country
    • Interviews
    • Reviews
    • Features
  • #ReadWithCBTB
  • Features
  • Reading Lists
  • Events
  • Go-to Book Recs
  • As Seen In
  • About
  • Connect

the cbtb blog

One girl's ongoing investigation of the crime fiction genre.

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Ranking Freida McFadden Thrillers

September 19, 2022

If you follow me on Instagram, you might remember me going down the rabbit hole last month and binge-reading a whole bunch of psychological suspense novels by an author named Freida McFadden. I dove into Freida’s buzzy suspense novel THE HOUSEMAID earlier this summer on a whim—and quickly found myself hooked on the author’s deliciously binge-worthy popcorn thrillers. My August 2022 reading list ended up being dominated by Freida McFadden books, and I realized it’s about time I documented my journey with her work so far! The next time I find myself falling into a reading slump and just need something lighter and binge-worthy to pull me out of it, I can almost guarantee I’ll be turning to a Freida McFadden book for the perfect “popcorn read” solution. Without further ado: read on for my ranking of the Freida McFadden thrillers I’ve read so far!

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In Book Recommendation, Popcorn Thrillers Tags Freida McFadden, Book Ranking, Book Recommendation, Popcorn Thriller, Popcorn Read, The Housemaid
22 Comments
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Author Q&A: Ruth Ware, THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY

May 28, 2018

If I had to make a shortlist of authors I would love to interview about their work, Ruth Ware is easily in my top five - if not higher! I’m beyond thrilled, then, to be able to welcome Ruth to CBTB today to chat about her newest novel: THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY. On sale in the US today (5/29), THE DEATH OF MRS. WESTAWAY is Ruth Ware at her very finest. In this atmospheric and quasi-gothic story of long-kept family secrets, a case of mixed identities sets a young woman (Hal) on the path to claim a massive fortune… so long as she can successfully con her way into a wealthy - and very eccentric - family. I’m so excited to share this Q&A with Ruth Ware - I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!

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In Author Q&A Tags Ruth Ware, The Death of Mrs. Westaway, Summer Reading, Book Recommendation, Psychological Thriller
1 Comment
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CBTB Recommends #2: Lighter Suspense and Stalker Thrillers

November 29, 2017

I’m so excited to share my second blog post in my CBTB Recommends holiday feature! Today's post tackles lighter suspense novels and stalker thrillers. The idea behind this feature is simple: you send me your bookish questions or recommendation requests, and I’ll feature them in a blog post exactly like this one! If you need help picking out a mystery to read this winter or are trying to decide on a thriller to give as a holiday gift, please feel free to fill out the form at the bottom of this post to submit your question! Think of this as a bookish advice column that's here to help you find your next perfect read. 

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In CBTB Recommends Tags CBTB Recommends, Book Recommendation, Ruth Ware, Chevy Stevens, Emily Carpenter, Michael Robotham, Raphael Montes
2 Comments
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CBTB Recommends: Holiday Reading Edition

November 14, 2017

Confession time: I secretly love reading advice columns, and have always thought that it would be so fun to write one someday. Well, this holiday season, I decided to put a bookish spin on an advice column—the result of which is this project, "CBTB Recommends"! Whether you're shopping for a book as a holiday gift, or are looking to build your winter reading list, you can use this little holiday feature to match you with the perfect winter crime fiction read. Think of “CBTB Recommends” as an advice column for crime fiction readers - this one particularly geared towards winter reading.

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In CBTB Recommends Tags CBTB Recommends, Holiday Reading, Book Recommendation
1 Comment
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Buzzworthy 2018 Books: THE SANDMAN by Lars Kepler

October 30, 2017

Crime fiction readers, listen up: if you love gritty, cinematic, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, I did the legwork for you—meet one of your future contenders for favorite book of 2018. Today’s featured Buzzworthy 2018 Book, THE SANDMAN by Lars Kepler (March 2018), is one of those rare books that balances meticulous plotting, edge-of-your-seat suspense, and an almost mythic serial killer to pitch-perfect effect. Cinematic, action-packed, and bone-chilling, THE SANDMAN is poised to deliver a standout 2018 thriller read. It might release in March, but I’m betting it will top the “Best Of” lists for fans of Scandinavian greats like THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Stieg Larsson and THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo.

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In Buzzworthy 2018 Books Tags Buzzworthy Books, The Sandman, Lars Kepler, Knopf, Book Recommendation, Nordic Noir
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View fullsize My personal crime fiction collection 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 aka my favorite corner of my apartment. 📚🙌🏻 If anyone feels so inclined, I’d love to see what YOUR bookshelves look like! Snap a pic, share in your stories, & tag me - I’d love to
View fullsize I can never say no to a creepy read with a gorgeous black & white cover. 🕵🏻‍♀️🤍🖤 next on my TBR: THE SHADOWS by Alex North, available on my birthday, 7/7!!😉🔎 (huge thank you to @celadonbooks for this review copy!🤓) •
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View fullsize Being stuck at home isn’t so bad when you’ve got a massive stack of books to read. 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 What’s on your social-distancing TBR?! 📖
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I went WAY overboard with books I brought home to CT for my self-isolation TBR list. ?
View fullsize Early afternoon light & a large latte ☕️ & a gripping crime read 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 aka the perfect combination 🙌🏻
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This right here is my usual Sunday tradition 👆🏻 BUT I’ll be spending this Sunday (and this coming week, and probabl
View fullsize My last day in the city for a while calls for a lunch break coffee stop ☕️🖤 with my totally gripping current read 🕵🏻‍♀️
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Today is my last day in Manhattan for a while 😔 we’re all transitioning to working from home to try and preve
View fullsize In the midst of a crazy week, my brain needs a quick, binge-worthy read, and I think this beauty right here is just the ticket. 👌🏻🖤 NO BAD DEED by Heather Chavez is on sale now, and I can’t wait to dive in! 🕵🏻‍♀️
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Friends, I can&
View fullsize Happy Monday, friends! 🖤 Back in NYC and back to work after an amazing (if much too short) visit to Oslo 🇳🇴 annnd currently drinking a cold brew ☕️ at my desk & hoping it keeps me awake this afternoon 😂 jet lag + not enough sleep last night =
View fullsize Last looks at beautiful Oslo 🇳🇴 for this trip. ❤️ So very sad to leave, but I’m bringing wonderful memories & a suitcase stuffed with books 📚 back to NYC with me. 😉 See you soon, Oslo... you know I can’t stay away for long. 🥰❤️
&
View fullsize Spent today doing all my favorite things in Oslo, so obviously a coffee stop was included. ☕️🖤 How are you spending your Saturday?! •
Okay I used to always think the phrase “living your best life” was SO cheesy but if I’m bein
View fullsize *Years* of admiring this Norwegian edition of my favorite book (THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbø) have finally resulted in this. 🕵🏻‍♀️🖤 Best. Purchase. Ever. 🙌🏻
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Does anyone else collect books by a favorite author?! 📚 I don’t have

Twitter

  • Crime by the Book
    Loved speaking with @danspapers about the first panel I’ll be moderating at @HamptonsWhodun this year, featuring… https://t.co/hwrdV45fSz
    Apr 4, 2023, 11:48 AM
  • Crime by the Book
    RT @vanessalillie: I’ve had box of Blood Sister arcs unopened for two weeks waiting on tomorrow - cover reveal by @crimebythebook & IG… https://t.co/fnQ35GO1Nd
    Apr 2, 2023, 10:03 AM
  • Crime by the Book
    RT @TheMysterious: We’re making plans to head out to @HamptonsWhodun next month, Long Island’s exciting new crime fiction festival. Se… https://t.co/ra7RPgf7Fv
    Mar 30, 2023, 6:13 PM
  • Crime by the Book
    RT @TheMysterious: Love mystery fiction? We’re hiring a part-time bookseller, beginning immediately. Email info@mysteriousbookshop.com… https://t.co/AJrBLH0Q1t
    Mar 29, 2023, 7:44 PM
  • Crime by the Book
    RT @TheMysterious: BREAKING: We’re thrilled that our friend Michael Connelly is (finally) being recognized as a mystery fiction Grand… https://t.co/3QgWojXVVw
    Mar 28, 2023, 3:05 PM

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