Contemporary Fiction
Here in our Contemporary Fiction section at Thryft, discover compelling narratives from groundbreaking authors that challenge, entertain, and inspire us. From thought-provoking tales to emotional sagas, find your next page-turner here!
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Jackson Brodie has relocated to a quiet seaside village in North Yorkshire, in the occasional company of his recalcitrant teenage son Nathan and ageing Labrador Dido, both at the discretion of his former partner Julia. It’s a picturesque setting, but there’s something darker lurking behind the scenes.Jackson’s current job, gathering proof of an unfaithful husband for his suspicious wife, seems straightforward, but a chance encounter with a desperate man on a crumbling cliff leads him into a sinister network—and back into the path of someone from his past. Old secrets and new lies intersect in this breathtaking new literary crime novel, both sharply funny and achingly sad, by one of the most dazzling and surprising writers at work today.
Reg Keeland, Stieg Larsson |
Maclehose
Press
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest
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Goodreads rating: 4.24
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The TrialLisbeth Salander - outsider and apparent enemy of society - is charged with attempted murder. The state has also ruled that she is mentally unstable, and should be locked away in an institution once again But she is closely guarded in a hospital having taken a bullet to the head so how will she prove her innocence?The EnemyPulling the strings of the prosecution is the powerful inner circle of Säpo, the state security police. Determined to protect the secrets and corruption at Sweden's rotten core, Säpo is not an adversary to take on alone.The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest Only with the help of Mikael Blomkvist and the journalists at Millennium magazine can Salander avoid the fate that has been decided for her. Together they form a compelling and dynamic alliance. This final volume of the Millenium Trilogy is the culmination of one of the most mesmerizing fictional achievements of our time.
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Beside Myself is a literary thriller about identical twins, Ellie and Helen, who swap places aged six. At first it is just a game, but then Ellie refuses to swap back. Forced into her new identity, Helen develops a host of behavioural problems, delinquency and chronic instability. With their lives diverging sharply, one twin headed for stardom and the other locked in a spiral of addiction and mental illness, how will the deception ever be uncovered? Exploring questions of identity, selfhood, and how other people's expectations affect human behaviour, this novel is as gripping as it is psychologically complex.
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The Expats is an exciting and suspenseful novel that would appeal to fans of espionage and thrilling plots. As Kate begins to uncover secrets of those around her, she finds herself in situations that threaten her family, marriage, and life. Through the layers of deceit, readers will be captivated by the unraveling of Kate's life as an expat in Europe.
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Nina Wilde and Eddie Chase are back for their seventh blockbusting adventure by the bestselling author of THE HUNT FOR ATLANTIS, Andy McDermott.When archaeologist Nina Wilde and her husband, ex-SAS soldier Eddie Chase, are given the chance to work on an Interpol investigation into smuggled artefacts, they are stunned to realise that the artefacts hold clues to the location of a lost Inca settlement hidden somewhere in South America. As Nina and Eddie dig deeper, it soon becomes clear that finding the settlement may only be the start of their incredible quest. One which, astonishingly, may lead them to one of the greatest legends of all time: El Dorado - the mythical city of gold.Nina and Eddie are desperate to locate the fabled city. But they are not alone in their search. Deep in the jungles of Venezuela, they face corrupt soldiers, murderous revolutionaries and ruthless drug lords who will stop at nothing to obtain the city's treasures. With so much at stake, what price will they pay for the greatest of fortunes?
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Lisa Kallisto is the not-so-perfect model of the modern woman. During an impossibly hectic week, Lisa takes her eye off the ball for a moment and her world descends into a living nightmare. Not only is her best friend's thirteen-year-old daughter missing, but it's Lisa's fault. To make matters worse, Lucinda is the second teenage girl to disappear within the past two weeks. The first one turned up stripped bare and abandoned on the main street after a horrible ordeal. Wracked with guilt over her mistake, and after having been publicly blamed by Lucinda's family, Lisa sets out to right the wrong. As she begins digging under the surface, Lisa learns that everything is not quite what it first appears to be.
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'A master of the intelligent thriller…The Ghost is Harris back on sparkling form' The Times
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What if someone thinks they deserve their life more than you?When a Lesley Kinnock buys a lottery ticket on a whim, it changes her life more than she could have imagined . . . Lesley and her husband Mack are the sudden winners of a £15 million EuroMillions jackpot. They move with their 15-year-old daughter Rosie to an exclusive gated estate in Buckinghamshire, leaving behind their ordinary lives - and friends - as they are catapulted into wealth beyond their wildest dreams. But it soon turns into their darkest nightmare when, one beautiful spring afternoon, Lesley returns to their house to find it empty: their daughter Rosie is gone. DC Maggie Neville is assigned to be Family Liaison Officer to Lesley and Mack, supporting them while quietly trying to investigate the family. And she has a crisis threatening her own life - a secret from the past that could shatter everything she's worked so hard to build.As Lesley and Maggie desperately try to find Rosie, their fates hurtle together on a collision course that threatens to end in tragedy . . . Money can't buy you happiness.The truth could hurt more than a lie.One moment really can change your life forever.
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Nobody likes The Complaints - they're the cops who investigate other cops. Complaints and Conduct Department, to give them their full title, but known colloquially as 'the Dark Side', or simply 'The Complaints'. Malcolm Fox works for The Complaints. He's just had a result, and should be feeling good about himself. But he's middle-aged, sour and unwell. He also has a father in a care home and a sister who persists in an abusive relationship.In the midst of an aggressive Edinburgh winter, the reluctant Fox is given a new task. There's a cop called Jamie Breck, and he's dirty. Problem is, no one can prove it. But as Fox takes on the job, he learns that there's more to Breck than anyone thinks. This knowledge will prove dangerous, especially when murder intervenes.
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Balford-le-Nez is a dying seatown on the coast of Essex. But when a member of the town's small but growing Asian community is found dead near its beach, his neck broken, sleepy Balford-le-Nez ignites. And working solo, without her long-time partner Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, Sergeant Barbara Havers must probe not only the mind of a murderer and a case very close to her own heart, but the terrible price people pay for deceiving others...and themselves.
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While making the best of her new telemarketing job, Helen Hawthorne thinks she hears a murder on the other end of the line-and must avoid a close call with a killer.
Robin Benway
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Simon
And
Schuster
Sleuth or Dare : An AKA Novel
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Goodreads rating: 3.94
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Former safe-cracking spy, Maggie Silver, likes her new life as a regular high-school girl. Mostly. Okay, so there's the usual cliques, bad lunches and frustratingly simple locker combinations, but there's also her new boyfriend, Jessie, and insanely cool best friend, Roux. Then her parents are falsely accused of a crime, so Maggie and her new team flee to Paris where she will have to use all her skills as a spy in order to clear their names. Too bad it only puts her and everyone she loves in danger.
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Vanishing Girls could be a good read for young adults who enjoy thrilling mysteries with an emotional edge. The book is characterized by its strong emotional pull and the intriguing plotline, which keeps readers hooked till the end. The author's ability to create a feeling of suspense and suspicion throughout the novel, makes it a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Jennifer Shaw Wolf
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Bloomsbury
Children's
Books
Dead Girls Don't Lie
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Goodreads rating: 3.95
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Rachel died at two a.m . . . Three hours after Skyler kissed me for the first time. Forty-five minutes after she sent me her last text. Jaycee and Rachel were best friends. But that was before. . .before that terrible night at the old house. Before Rachel shut Jaycee out. Before Jaycee chose Skyler over Rachel. Then Rachel is found dead. The police blame a growing gang problem in their small town, but Jaycee is sure it has to do with that night at the old house. Rachel’s text is the first clue—starting Jaycee on a search that leads to a shocking secret. Rachel’s death was no random crime, and Jaycee must figure out who to trust before she can expose the truth. In the follow-up to her powerful debut, Jennifer Shaw Wolf keeps readers on their toes in another dark, romantic story of murder and secrets.
Rumaan Alam
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Ecco
Leave the World Behind
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Goodreads rating: 3.17
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"Leave the World Behind" will keep you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns, exploring the complexities of parenthood, race, and class, as two families come together in a moment of crisis. The novel's unpredictable plot will leave you guessing until the very end as it explores how our closest bonds are reshaped in moments of uncertainty.
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The Secrets We Keep is a great read for fans of psychological thrillers and YA fiction. It offers a unique premise of identical twins, one pretending to be the other, and the consequences that arise from that decision. One of the most distinctive features of the book is its exploration of the complex relationships and the secrets that lie within. Readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats, longing to unravel each mystery. Overall, this book offers an emotional and captivating journey that keeps readers engaged until the very end.
Alex North
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Penguin
The Whisper Man : The chilling must-read Richard & Judy thriller pick
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Goodreads rating: 4.03
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Librarian's Note: An alternative cover edition for this ISBN can be found here.
You'll hear the whispers. And then you'll hear the screams...
Still devastated after the loss of his wife, Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake move to the sleepy village of Featherbank, looking for a fresh start.But Featherbank has a dark past. Fifteen years ago a twisted serial killer abducted and murdered five young boys. Until he was finally caught, the killer was known as 'The Whisper Man'.Of course, an old crime need not trouble Tom and Jake as they try to settle in to their new home. Except that now another boy has gone missing. And then Jake begins acting strangely.He says he hears a whispering at his window...
Brigid Kemmerer
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Allen
&
Unwin
Thicker than Water
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Goodreads rating: 3.6
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Thomas Bellweather would never knowingly hurt someone he loved. But when his mother is murdered inside their locked house, he is the only suspect. Even his cop-stepdad can't protect him forever in a new town where no one knows or trusts him.The only person who believes him is Charlotte, sister to three protective cops and straight-up dangerous to Thomas. She knows there are pieces missing in the puzzle, and she's determined to find them.But finding things that are hidden could get them both killed.
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Lou Berney
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William
Morrow/harpercollins
The Long and Faraway Gone : A Novel
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Goodreads rating: 3.98
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"The Long and Faraway Gone" intertwines two unsolved crimes and the impact they have on the survivors. The characters' paths cross as they seek answers, leading them to confront their own past traumas. Berney's novel is a compelling exploration of memory and the aftermath of violence.
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Debra Webb
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St.
Martin's
Paperbacks
Nameless
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Goodreads rating: 4.06
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Nameless is a thrilling crime novel that would appeal to fans of suspense and mystery. The book follows FBI rookie Vivian Grace, who is on a personal mission to catch a kidnapper. She teams up with ex-agent Ryan McBride, and together they must solve the case before time runs out for the victims. The most unique feature of the book is the personal connection that the protagonist has with the case, which adds an emotional depth to the story. Fans of crime thrillers are sure to enjoy Nameless.
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Iris Johansen
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Bantam
Firestorm
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Goodreads rating: 4.04
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Firestorm could be a good read for fans of thrilling psychological mysteries with strong female leads. This book has a unique feature in that it explores the world of arson investigation, and the main character has a special bond with her evidence-sniffing dog. The plot is fast-paced and suspenseful, and the complex dynamics between the characters make for a satisfying read. Some users might appreciate the romantic subplot between the two protagonists. Overall, Firestorm is a highly entertaining mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seat.
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Juliet Winters Carpenter, Miyuki Miyabe |
Kodansha
Shadow Family
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Goodreads rating: 3.36
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Shadow Family could be a good read for those interested in exploring the psychological tension between reality and fantasy, as well as the dangers of anonymous online interactions. The unique and distinctive feature of this book is its exploration of the "shadow lives" people can lead online and the consequences that can emerge in reality. Users may review this book as a thought-provoking and suspenseful page-turner that raises important questions about technology and human behavior.
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Ellie Marney
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Allen
&
Unwin
Every Word
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Goodreads rating: 4.21
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Recommended for fans of thrilling mysteries and romantic plots. The book is an interesting read due to its intricate plot and the well-developed character of Rachel and Mycroft. As the two investigate a murder, readers are kept on the edge of their seats with the suspenseful plot twist and the emotional turmoil of the central couple.
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Running Scared could be a good read for someone who enjoys romantic suspense and thrilling sensuality. The setting of Las Vegas adds a unique element to the story, and the focus on Rarities Unlimited provides an interesting look into the world of exclusive appraisals. Fans of Elizabeth Lowell's previous works will not be disappointed with this latest addition to her repertoire.
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Recommendation: "The Bed I Made" is a page-turner that keeps you on the edge with its thrilling plot and the alluring but dangerous relationship between the main characters. Lucie Whitehouse's writing style is captivating and the wintry Isle of Wight setting adds a chilling atmosphere. If you are looking for a suspenseful read with a psychological twist, this is the book for you.
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The Rose Petal Beach is a gripping novel of love and deception, where the line between right and wrong isn't always clear. Readers will be drawn into the complex characters and the difficult choices they must make. With shocking truths littering every page, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a suspenseful page-turner.
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Explore Modern Narratives
Whether you’re drawn to gritty urban plots or stories focused on tender relationships, novels in our Contemporary Fiction section echo the complexities of today’s world. Immerse yourself in stories that capture significant human experiences, by insightful authors from around the globe. This is our gateway to modern narratives shaping the future of literature.
Contemporary Fiction refers to literature set in the current day, often exploring themes relevant to today’s societies, cultures and struggles. Contemporary Fiction mirrors the present world and its challenges.
Try Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami and Sally Rooney, whose works bring unique voices to the genre, capturing and offering diverse perspectives on modern life. Also we stock popular, bestselling contemporary authors such as Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jojo Moyes and Mitch Albom here!
Yes, definitely! We believe in highlighting local and regional voices. Explore our collection of Asian Contemporary Fiction for novels by Singaporean and Asian writers.