“In the endgame a pawn can change into a queen.”
Are you a fan of Kate Atkinson’s mystery thrillers? If so, you won’t want to miss her 2019 book, Big Sky. In this gripping novel, we catch up with private investigator Jackson Brodie, who has recently relocated to a picturesque seaside village. But things take a dark turn when Brodie becomes entangled in a dangerous web of secrets and lies while investigating a cheating spouse.
With over twenty-five years of experience, Atkinson has become one of the most celebrated novelists of our time. If you’re looking for more thrilling reads like Big Sky, join us at What We Reading, where we’ll guide you through some great picks.
The Locked Room – Elly Griffiths
The pandemic lockdowns have left Ruth Galloway feeling disconnected from her loved ones. To ease her loneliness, she embarks on a journey to her mother’s old cottage after stumbling upon a treasured photograph. However, her arrival in Norfolk coincides with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world in chaos, Ruth finds herself drawn to the enigmatic inscriptions within the cottage walls, and a newfound friendship with her only neighbour, Zoe.
As Ruth settles into her eerie new surroundings, her former colleague Nelson uncovers some unsettling archaeological remains, linking Zoe to a series of murder-suicides. In desperate need of Ruth’s expertise, he attempts to enlist her help with the case, only to discover that she has mysteriously vanished.
The Man Who Died Twice – Richard Osman
Get ready for another exciting adventure with Elizabeth and her friends in the second instalment of the Thursday Murder Club series. When Elizabeth receives a letter from an old colleague, she discovers that he is in grave danger from ruthless mobsters who are after a stash of missing diamonds. With their friend’s life on the line, Elizabeth and her fellow Murder Club members jump into action.
In this thrilling crime novel by Richard Osman, readers are taken on a wild ride as the septuagenarian sleuths race against time to track down the diamonds and bring the killers to justice before more bodies start piling up. Along the way, they uncover a tangled web of secrets and lies that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Join the charming and loveable characters of the Thursday Murder Club as they embark on a new adventure that will leave readers breathless.
The Long Call – Ann Cleeves
Ann Cleeves, the renowned author of the Vera and Shetland series, is back with an exciting new thriller. In this page-turner, we follow Detective Matthew Venn, who returns to his hometown in North Devon to attend his father’s funeral. Having left behind his strict evangelical community years ago, Matthew’s past comes back to haunt him when his colleague informs him of a brutal murder on the nearby beach.
As the investigation unfolds, Matthew must confront the ghosts of his past to get inside the mind of the killer. Set against an isolated coastal landscape like Big Sky, this gripping tale will keep you on the edge of your seat. With twenty years of experience, Cleeves delivers another masterpiece that will satisfy even the most discerning of crime-fiction readers.
Join Matthew Venn on his quest for justice as he races against time to solve this heinous crime. This thrilling novel is not to be missed!
Check out the best Crime Thriller Books from 2022!
1979 – Val McDermid
Get ready to be transported back in time with one of the best picks for fans of Kate Atkinson’s books, the Allie Burns series by Britain’s Queen of Crime. Set in the midst of the Winter of Discontent in 1979, we follow aspiring investigative journalist Allie as she embarks on a dangerous quest for the truth.
In this haunting and atmospheric crime-mystery novel, Allie finds herself tangled in a web of corruption, terror, and murder while trying to establish her name alongside fellow reporter Danny Sullivan. Unaware of the powerful enemies they have made, the duo uncovers a potentially deadly terrorist plot that could have far-reaching consequences.
With intriguing insights into modern-day crime and suspenseful storytelling, this series is not to be missed. Join Allie Burns on her thrilling journey as she races against time to uncover the truth and stay one step ahead of those who seek to silence her.
The Ink Black Heart – Robert Galbraith
Enter the dark and dangerous world of private detectives Robin Ellacott and Cormoran Strike in the latest instalment of the bestselling Strike series, The Ink Black Heart. Edie Ledwell, the dishevelled co-creator of the famous cartoon The Ink Black Heart, appears in Robin’s office, claiming that a mysterious figure known as Anomie is persecuting her.
Initially, Robin turns down the case. However, after Edie is tasered and murdered in Highgate Cemetery, the location of the cartoon, Robin is consumed by guilt and takes on the case.
As Robin and Cormoran delve deeper into the complex and perilous investigation, they unravel a web of family deceit, high-stakes business interests, and online aliases. The case becomes increasingly dangerous as they unearth more secrets, leading to a thrilling conclusion that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Written in the same gripping style and attention to detail as previous books in the series, The Ink Black Heart is a must-read for fans of crime fiction. Join Robin and Cormoran as they navigate the seedy underbelly of London and race against time to uncover the truth behind Edie’s murder and the mysterious figure known as Anomie.
Check Out Our Author Interview With Max Jeffries
Life After Life – Kate Atkinson
To round out this list of books similar to Blue Sky, we cannot forget to mention one of the most celebrated works by Kate Atkinson herself: Life After Life. This powerful novel explores themes of choice, fate, and the impact of our decisions in retrospect. Born in 1910, Ursula Todd dies at birth.
Yet, in a seemingly endless cycle of lives, she is reborn again and again, each time with a chance to make different choices and alter the course of history. Through Ursula’s many lives, we witness the unfolding of major events of the 20th century, culminating in her quest to prevent the onset of World War II. Life After Life is a poignant and thought-provoking historical fiction novel that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
