Book Blogger Recs: Bloggers to Follow for Thriller/Suspense/Crime Readers

Hello bookworms!

Today I would like to introduce to you all a new monthly feature here on Cover2CoverMom called “Book Blogger Recs”  ((super creative, I know))  BUT these are no ordinary recommendations my friends!  Each month I will feature book bloggers based on a particular theme.  Furthermore, this will not be a simple listing of blogs, but also a mini Q&A session so you can get to know the bloggers a little better before checking out their blogs for yourselves.  I can also personally guarantee that this post is packed full of great book recommendations by bloggers who really know their stuff!

Do I have any thriller/suspense/crime readers in the audience today?  If so, I have the PERFECT book blogger recs for you…

*Side note: I grouped thriller, suspense, and crime fictions genres together in this post as I feel many books cross over within these genres.

*All book titles link to Goodreads

» Amy @Novel Gossip

 Years blogging?

Less than one! I started last summer, sometime in June. It happened on a whim, I was chatting with my husband about Goodreads, kind of explaining it to him and the we started talking about blogging and before you know it, I had my own! He actually helped me come up with the name and everything, he’s so supportive of my book addiction.

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

A little bit of everything. There’s a few bloggers who have such similar taste to me that if they rave about a book, I’m in. I am a cover snob as well, if I’m in a bookstore that’s the first thing I notice and a striking cover hooks me every time. The blurb also helps, some just grab my attention right away.

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I have a few, and yes I’m on track. I set my Goodreads challenge at 300 and I’ve read 116. I also put a dollar in a jar for every book I read and it’s been fun! Obviously I’m going on a book shopping spree in 2018 haha.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

This question always stumps me because I have so many I want to say! To make it easier, I’ll pick books I’ve read this year alone. Ragdoll by Daniel Cole, Dead Woman Walking by Sharon Bolton, Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski, The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker, Sirens by Joseph Knox, Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens, After the Affair by Jonathan Kaye and Good Me Bad Me by Ali Land.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Karin Slaughter, Harlan Coben, Lisa Gardner, Robert Bryndza, Caroline Mitchell, Mary Kubica, and a new to me author who is fantastic, Becky Masterman. That was so hard, I could have went on forever!

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

Turn-offs: Clichéd and overused tropes. Like an alcoholic lead detective, usually a boring old guy. Yawn. Tons of errors, usually I don’t mind a few but when there’s a glaring typo every few pages I get twitchy. Flat, one dimensional characters also annoy me, I need to have some sort of connection to someone in any book I read.

Biggest thrills:  I love the feeling of not knowing exactly what’s going on in a book, especially a psychological thriller. When I keep saying, what the hell is going on here? I know I’m hooked. I always appreciate a well executed plot twist that I couldn’t possible guess. When I notice my jaw is literally dropped, I know I’m reading an excellent book.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

I actually really liked both movie versions of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. I loved both as books and was pretty apprehensive about how much I would like a movie adaptation, so I was pleasantly surprised when I enjoyed both.

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

Playing off of my last answer, I would say Gone Girl is always a solid choice though I can’t imagine there are many people left who haven’t read it. If they don’t mind graphic violence, Karin Slaughter. If they want a little humor mixed in, Harlan Coben. If they don’t mind something a little out there, Behind Her Eyes by Sara Pinborough. My go to recommendation is Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris.

You can also follow Amy on…

Twitter • Instagram • Facebook

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» Annie @The Misstery

 

Years blogging?

This May, I’ll celebrate my first anniversary! I had been blogging in Spanish for a couple of years but this blog is my favorite and most “successful.”

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

All of the above.  First, the cover.  And the title.  Then I read the synopsis and I can totally discard it or decide I need to read it as soon as possible.  Other books I hadn’t even considered until I read some of your reviews.

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I’m definitely on track when it comes to the number of books, but I think I wasn’t too ambitious… Will definitely increase it next year.  What I’m trying to do is read way fewer ARCs (hence, request less) and read books from my personal TBR.  At least 1 or 2 every month.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

Too many.  Tall Oaks was an amazing book. Also, I love Robert Dugoni’s My Sister’s Grave and #4 The Trapper Girl.  All books by Gilliam Flynn, especially Sharp Objects, Triptych by Karin Slaughter…

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Dennis Lehane, Robert Dugoni, Gillian Flynn, Sharon Bolton, Angela Marsons, Karin Slaughter, Camilla Lackbert. 

When it comes to domestic suspense/psychological thrillers, I like Samantha Hayes, Joy Fielding, Clare Mackintosh and Chevy Stevens.

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

I hate it when an ending disappoints me.  When the “surprise” in a book is bland or the explanation isn’t satisfactory.  For example, I hate it when someone disappears and then it turns out they had been stealing money or they had been dealing with gangsters. COME ON.  I want something more explosive.

Biggest thrills?  The opposite.  When you find out something that shocks you and makes complete sense at the same time.  I remember reading The Trapped Girl by Robert Dugoni and feeling that the plot was perfect.  The ending was surprising and fitting.  I also had that feeling when reading Daisy in Chains and Triptych, as twisty as they were.

I also love stories where people do things they wouldn’t normally do.  Like cops breaking the law in order to protect someone.  And tragic endings.  If you don’t know what I mean, I’m talking The Last Child by John Hart and The House At Riverton by Kate Morton.  Unfortunate accidents and misunderstandings.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

Gone Baby Gone, directed by Ben Affleck.  Talk about powerful endings… What would we do?

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

I’ve recommended My Sister’s Grave to most of my friends.  Also, Still Missing by Chevy Stevens.

You can also follow Annie on…

Twitter • Instagram

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» Sam @Clues and Reviews

*Sam has an AMAZING blog header that moves!! Go check it out!

Years blogging?

I have been blogging since September 2016!  Clues and Reviews is a still a little blogging baby.

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

I guess I do a combination of things when making my choice for my next read.  I have always been a huge researcher for most things, books included.  I rarely make a purchase without getting other opinions first.  I have always been a follower of reviews and use them as a “jumping off point” to choose my reads.  I am lucky that I follow so many book blogging sites because now I have consistent recommendations.   After a review catches my eye, then I go back and check out the synopsis.  If it still appeals to me, then I add that book to my TBR.  I have never been one to pick up a book because of the cover; I am not much into gambling or taking chances!!

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

This year I made my Goodreads reading goal 200 books.  I am at 121 books to date.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

Oh this is a hard question!  I have read so many books that I have just loved.  I am going to flip this question a little bit and give you the books that I most often lend out!!   The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson, You by Caroline Kepnes, Bird box by Josh Malerman, Baby Doll by Hollie Overton….ugh I could go on and on!!  I also was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Final Girls by Riley Sager and I am betting this one will be huge when it releases this summer!

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Whew!  This question is a little easier. I love Peter Swanson, Lisa Unger, Tess Gerritsen, Gillian Flynn, Hollie Overton, and Ania Ahlborn (she moves into the horror genre, but her novels are full of suspenseful tension!)

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

My biggest thrill in a novel is when the protagonist is our antagonist.  Books like You by Caroline Kepnes or Perfect Days by Raphael Montes, where the antagonist is the one who is narrating the story and bending the perception of the reality I find the most interesting to read and I race through those books.

My biggest turn off?  Lately, I’d have to say are police procedural style thrillers where the entire case is just police officers doing their thing.   I don’t mind one every so often but I feel like they all follow the same formula and they really don’t leave me with much of an impression.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

Ugh.  I have book to film adaptation trust issues and feel like no book is done the right amount of justice when it is made into a film!

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

I have made numerous of my non-reader friends read Bird Box by Josh Malerman and they have loved it; it’s very eerie and it is short.  So far, I have had no complaints!

You can also follow Sam on…

Twitter • Instagram • Facebook

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 » Abby @Crime by the Book

Years blogging?

I’m closing in on 2 years blogging! I started my blog in July of 2015.

 What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

Oh boy, so many different factors. The book cover is definitely the first thing that makes me interested in a book, but then I do a lot of research before I select a book for coverage. There are so many great books out there, I want to make sure I’m spending my time on books that my audience and I will love!

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I didn’t set any strict goals for 2017 – I set myself a goal of reading 52 books, and I’m well on track to beat that! But overall, I don’t want to pressure myself in any way. Some books are meant to be savored and some are meant to be binge-read, and I would hate to rush myself through a book just because I’m worried about meeting a reading goal.

Another general goal I have for myself is to continue reading widely within Scandinavian crime fiction. Nordic Noir is definitely my passion within the crime genre, and I’m always eager to learn about new authors!

 Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

THE CROW GIRL by Erik Axl Sund, THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo, and THE DINNER by Herman Koch. These are all quite different, but at their core they explore the same themes: the darkness within ordinary people.

 Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Jo Nesbo is my absolute top favorite author. If you’ve never read him, you can find a “Beginner’s Guide” to his work on my blog!  He’s absolutely brilliant. He’s a Norwegian crime author, best known for his series featuring a police detective named Harry Hole. His books are gritty, dark, and violent, and they introduce readers to a truly endearing and complex main character.

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

Biggest turn-offs: lots of romance in a crime book. I’m okay with a bit of romance as long as it seems natural to the characters and doesn’t overpower the story, but I don’t like too much of it in a crime book.

Biggest thrills: damaged, complex police officers. I’m a total sucker for crime books that have a main character who’s burdened and complicated! Think of characters like Nesbo’s Harry Hole, Larsson’s Lisbeth Salander, and Bjork’s Mia Kruger – these kinds of characters are my favorite to read about.

 Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

Is it cheating to say which thriller book to film adaptation I’m most looking forward to? I’m absolutely dying of excitement because this fall, my favorite book by my favorite author will be made into a feature film! The book is THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo, and Michael Fassbender will be starring in the movie!

As far as book to film adaptations that are already out, I was totally blown away by the movie adaptation of GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn. I never, ever say this, but I actually liked that movie better than the book.

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

I have a few go-to recommendations based on what kind of crime book you’re interested in!

Serial killer thriller: EENY MEENY by M.J. Arlidge
Psychological thriller: THE WOMAN IN CABIN 10 by Ruth Ware
Domestic thriller: BEHIND CLOSED DOORS by BA Paris
Scandinavian crime: THE SNOWMAN by Jo Nesbo
Classic mystery: AND THEN THERE WERE NONE by Agatha Christie (of course!)

You can also follow Abby on…

Twitter • Instagram • Facebook

*The bookstagram game is strong with this one! #Goals

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» Noelle @CrimeBookJunkie

Years blogging?

My blog, Crimebookjunkie was “born” May 24th 2015, so I am nearing the two year mark! I was previously a guest reviewer for Katherine Everett on Best Crime Books and More but after a few months, Kat encouraged me to go it alone.  I owe her a lot! 

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

I would say that it can be any combination of cover, synopsis and reviews.  I love covers, so I guess that when a cover draws my eye, it is then that I go on to read the synopsis.  I tend to avoid reading actual reviews before reading a book, but there are times when if I am still unsure, I might check out some of my fellow bloggers thoughts to see if it is worth pursuing.  I trust their judgement! 

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I don’t actually have any reading goals.  I beta read quite a few books which takes me away from any specific book I might be reading for my blog.  I am just happy when I have a book and time to read but can read anywhere from 1-3 books per week…sometimes more, sometimes less.  

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

Watching The Bodies by Graham Smith, Blood Lines by Angela Marsons, But For The Grace of God by Paul Grzegorzek, Sleep Tight by Caroline Mitchell, No Longer Safe by AJ Waines, and A Suitable Lie by Michael J Malone.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Angela Marsons, Graham Smith, Mike Craven, Caroline Mitchell, Robert Bryndza, Michael J Malone, Douglas Skelton, Craig Russell and Alexandra Sokoloff.

There are just so many – but above are just a few of my “go to” authors.

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book?

Too many characters, no #killerhook and a poorly constructed plot.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

I am going to have to pass on this one.  For me, a film never really lives up to the book, so I honestly could not say I have come across any which I think are worth mentioning.

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

Any of the above that I have already mentioned.  I love a good series, so I seem to be drawn to authors who write series.  But I have recently read Ruth Dugdall’s stand alone book – My Sister and Other Liars, and I would have to say that is a brilliant mind blowing read!

You can also follow Noelle on…

Twitter • Facebook

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» Kate @Bibliophile Book Club

Years blogging?

I started blogging about 3 years ago I think.  To be honest, I didn’t properly start until I had my little girl as I had plenty of time when she was tiny and sleeping a lot to get books read and reviewed. What started as a way of getting my thoughts out about the books I read just for myself kind of snowballed into what Bibliophile Book Club is today.

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

I love a good cover. I’m quite a visual person in that sense. I really like a great use of colour and imagery on a cover and essentially the cover is usually what you see first. I also keep an eye out for my friends and fellow book bloggers reviews. Especially if we have similar taste, as that’s usually a good indicator for me as to whether I will enjoy a book. Synopses also grab me, so I guess a combination of all three will compel me to grab a book. Also, if it’s an author whose work I have read and enjoyed previously, I will pretty much always buy their books.

 

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I don’t tend to set any goals for reading apart from the Goodreads Reading Challenge. This year I decided to set it at 52 books. My reasoning for that is so I don’t feel under pressure to hit a target, or feel like I have to read X amount of books. Last year I read over 100 books, but it definitely impacted my enjoyment of reading as it felt like work at times. It’s hard when you fall into a reading slump, or have a run of less than stellar books. As I write this, I have read 46 books so far this year.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

I am worse than useless at these questions. I’ve read so many great books, from even before I started blogging, that it is really hard to narrow it down. And to not cause offence to any of the lovely authors out there. I will give you a few though…

• The Dark Iceland series by Ragnar Jónasson (cheating with a series, but they are AMAZING!)
• Into The Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes
• Ragdoll by Daniel Cole
• Pendulum by Adam Hamdy
• See How They Run by Tom Bale
• For Reasons Unknown by Michael Wood
• Six Stories by Matt Wesolowski
• No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay
• Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series
• Chris Carter’s Robert Hunter series
• Jack Kerley’s Carson Ryder series

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Can I answer this one with all of the authors above????
Ragnar Jónasson is most definitely one of my all-time favourites now. Ask anyone that knows me, I may as well be President of the Ari Thor fan club at this stage!

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

Biggest turn-offs for me are predictable plots, bad writing, slow pacing. The usual. There is nothing more frustrating than figuring out something too early in a book. Also, I have no time for romance in these books. I don’t see the point, but that’s personal preference as I don’t tend to read romance-y type books. Oh, and “Girl” or “Girls” books, they’re almost always a letdown, especially after the comparisons to Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train (neither of which I particularly liked!).

Biggest thrills are definitely an explosive plot. Characters that you can love and hate in equal measure. Unreliable narrators. Violent and gruesome murders (I’m not a psychopath or sadist, I just rather the gorier stuff!). Unexpected plot twists. I’m also a huge fan of a decent location. I love crime/thriller books set in the USA especially.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

This is another hard question as I don’t think I’ve read that many. I know I’ve seen a few James Patterson book to movie adaptations, and they were fine. I have read tons of books that should be movies or tv shows. Two of these are Pendulum by Adam Hamdy, and The Fourth Monkey by J. D. Barker, and I’m almost certain these are being adapted so YAY!

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

Ragnar Jónasson’s Dark Iceland series for sure. I think they are beautifully-written. The prose is so elegant, and it flows so well. The books are reminiscent of Golden Age crime, with an almost genteel feel to them, so they are really easy to get lost in.
I will always, ALWAYS recommend these books!

You can also follow Kate on…

Twitter • Facebook

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» Janel @Keeper of Pages

Years blogging?

I started blogging in August last year, and I’ll be hosting a giveaway for my one year Blogiversary so keep an eye out for that in a few months time!

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

Hmmmm, so many things.  Initially the cover as there’s so many books, so gorgeous covers immediately catch my eye.  Reviews and recommendations from readers who have similar taste in books to me.  Synopsis is important too.  Any HYPE, if there’s a lot of hype surrounding a book, that FOMO (fear of missing out) kicks in and I HAVE to read said book!

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I don’t really have too many reading goals, to read more of my own books was one and I’m happy with the split of own and review copies I’ve read so far.  I’m also taking part in the beat the backlist challenge – I’ve chosen to read the 12 books on my shelf that have the earliest publication date – and so far, not so good, I’ve read 1 of 12 🙈

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

To keep this short and sweet, 3 fantastic books I’ve read, and 5 starred recently are:

Block 46 – Johana Gustawsson

Frailty – Betsy Reavley

Deep Down Dead – Steph Broadribb

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

Robert Bryndza for the entire Erika Foster series

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

My biggest turn-off is when you’re reading a big book, 500+ pages, and you have no characters to connect with/root for, and the plot isn’t pulling you in.  It really makes the book feel so much longer.

Biggest thrill – When the story opens with a murder, you catch my interest from the very first page and I’m excited to read on!

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

Erm, I haven’t seen that many adaptations but I’d say Dark Places by Gillian Flynn because I could not finish the book, I just didn’t not like it one bit!  But I watched the movie from beginning to end and though it was okay, so it’s probably the only time I think the film was better than the book!

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

If you’re looking for something action packed, read Dead Down Dead by Steph Broadribb.

If you want a literary thriller, try The Wolf Road by Beth Lewis.

If you’re looking for a series to get invested in, start with The Girl in the Ice by Robert Bryndza.

If you like sci-fi, try False Hearts by Laura Lam.

Crazy plot twist, I recommend I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh

You can also follow Janel on…

Twitter • Instagram

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» Sarah @By the Letter Book Reviews

Years blogging?

I have just passed the two year mark for blogging.  Not long compared to lots of others, but I have enjoyed every bit of it so far and looking forward to many more years doing it.

What compels you to pick up a book? (cover, synopsis, reviews…)

I would be lying if I didn’t say that a cover certainly is the first thing that would make me pick up a book.  The cover is what usually always attracts me to a book in the first instance.  Secondly it is the synopsis.  Doesn’t matter how eye catching the cover is, if the synopsis doesn’t grab my attention then the book will be quickly put back down.

Reviews are something that usually make me look out for a book.  If I have heard lots of good things then yes I want to pick it up and see for myself what all the fuss is about.

What are your reading goals for 2017? Are you on track?

I set myself a reading challenge on Goodreads.  This will be the fourth year I have done it.  The last couple of years I have read over 400 books but this year I knew I wouldn’t be able to set that high of a goal so I have it set at 250.  At the moment I think I am on track.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book(s)?

Oh this is a tough one as I hate having to choose.  I will go with my top read of 2017 so far which is The Abattoir of Dreams by Mark Tilbury.  Fantastic book and if you haven’t read it yet then I highly recommend you doing so.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime author(s)?

I could be here all day listing authors as there are so many that I class as favourites and no doubt I would miss someone off and would feel awful so will pass on this one.  Sorry!

What are your biggest turn-offs in a book? Biggest thrills?

I have to admit I will enjoy a book a lot more if I like at least one character in it, even if it’s love to hate them.  If a book doesn’t have at least one person I like in the novel, it does have an overall impact on my enjoyment of that book.  I also hate it when a book will have a tag line of a brilliant twist that I won’t see coming as I am guaranteed to pick the book up but if it doesn’t deliver what it promises I feel badly let down.  I have to admit my absolute favourite reads are psychological thrillers that will shock me.  I just love that thrill it gives me.  Only problem is that I then want everyone else to read it so I can talk about it.

Favorite thriller/suspense/crime book to film adaptations?

I really enjoyed Gone Girl.  Sadly I don’t get much time for television and movies but I made a point of watching Gone Girl to see how much different it would be to the book and have to say that I thought they did very well with the film and I probably enjoyed them both the same amount.

Which thriller/suspense/crime book(s) would you recommend to a non-reader?

Again there are so many books I could list.  If they are a non reader, personally I would probably recommend them some of the psychological thrillers I have read that didn’t disappoint.  Hopefully that way it will shock them as much as it did me and then we can rave about it together.

You can also follow Sarah on…

Twitter • Facebook

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*The following two bloggers were not able to answer the “interview questions” due to unforeseen circumstances, but I still wanted to mention them in this post because they are still amazing bloggers!

» Chelsea @The Suspense is Thrilling Me

 You can also follow Chelsea on…

Twitter • Instagram

*Chelsea was a big help with this post, so I wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for suggesting many of these bloggers that I featured 🙂

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» Joanne @My Chestnut Reading Tree

You can also follow Joanne on…

Twitter

I would like to thank each of these wonderful bloggers for agreeing to participate in this feature and by answering my questions.  It truly was a pleasure to work with each one of these lovely ladies.  If you haven’t already, I highly encourage you to check out their blogs and give them a follow to stay up to date on all the newest & best thriller, suspense, and/or crime fiction reads.

Are you a thriller/suspense/crime reader?

Have you read any of the books mentioned in this post?  If so, what did you think?

Comment below and let me know 🙂