The best recent crime and thrillers – review roundup

Jennie Godfrey's "The Barbecue at No 9" unfolds during the 1985 Live Aid concert at a suburban barbecue. The story unveils the intertwined lives of residents with secrets beneath the surface. Teenage Hanna plots her escape from her family while the mysterious Rita starts a new life. Ex-soldier Steve is plagued by paranoia, adding to the tension within the community. The novel explores themes of friendship, family secrets, and the lies people tell. MK Oliver's "A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage" introduces Lalla Rook, a ruthless mother in affluent North London. Lalla is driven by ambition, seeking a bigger house and an exclusive school for her daughter. She resorts to manipulation, blackmail, and even murder to achieve her goals. The plot thickens when the victim of a kitchen knife attack seems to know her secrets. This satirical thriller offers a darkly comedic and engaging narrative. Frances Crawford's "A Bad, Bad Place" is not included in the provided text. Lee Heejoo's "Holy Boy" is also not included. Alex Preston's "A Stranger in Corfu" isn't mentioned either.