The Dark Heart by Neil Lancaster, Hardback, £16.99

Neil Lancaster’s crack police anti-corruption squad returns for its seventh outing in The Dark Heart, set against the backdrop of a devastating car bomb attack in York that isn’t quite what it seems. DS Max Craigie and his team, introduced in 2021’s Dead Man’s Grave, are soon unpicking a major conspiracy.

But it’s a dangerous game and blood will be spilled. Lancaster, whose books have been compared to Jack Reacher fronting Line of Duty by no less a figure than Ian Rankin, brings together a complex, page-turner of a plot with easy confidence. Surely a TV adaptation must be in the offing for Craigie and co? Another stonking page-turner. Literally too good to miss. 8/10

Deception Island by R S Burnett, Paperback Original, £9.99

Rob Burnett’s debut novel, Whiteout, was acclaimed as one of last year’s best page-turners and his follow-up is equally impressive – a superb survival thriller in the classic mould; an erupting volcano, missing scientists and a rescue team racing against the clock, juggled masterfully to create a mounting sense of tension.

As their radio dies and their boat disappears, the rescuers find themselves in need of rescue. Burnett grew up on the Falklands Islands, and moved back there recently, giving his writing about desolate places a thrillingly authentic sense of atmosphere. Great fun, filled with compelling twists and turns, and night on impossible to put down. 8/10

The Other Couple by Claire McGowan, Paperback Original, £8.99

Beth and Vince are on a make or break holiday in Spain when they befriend a glamorous couple with a seemingly perfect life. But all bets are off when the body of a young woman is found in the sea near their luxury hotel. As local police struggle to unravel the gruesome murder, with Vince the prime suspect, Beth’s suspicions about her husband grow.

Also on holiday is pregnant detective Alison Hegarty, who is also drawn into the investigation as it follows both couples home with explosive results. A pure roller-coaster ride of a book, effortlessly crafted by a master plotter. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Louise Candlish. 9/10

How To Get Away With Murder by Rebecca Philipson, Hardback, £16.99

Denver Brady claims to be the most successful serial killer of the 21st century – and that’s why you’ve never heard of him. That changes when he publishes his manual for aspiring acolytes, How To Get Away With Murder. When a copy is found next to the body of a murdered teenager in a London park, DI Samantha Hansen is tasked with unmasking the elusive author. Once Denver’s book goes viral the pressure to bring him to justice will push her to breaking point.

How To Get Away With Murder is a highly assured debut that will hook you from the first page and keep you reading late into the night. Engaging, clever and witty, it marks the arrival of a major talent. 9/10