January is always a productive time for crime fiction. Along with new publications, we also get advance review copies of 
novels not hitting the bookshop shelves until spring and sometimes the summer. I reviewed a mixture of these, from Peter May’s recently published Entry Island to Louise Welsh’s A Lovely Way to Burn which is out in March. I also caught up on some of my reading for the The Petrona Award for translated Scandinavian crime fiction. Of everything I read, it was Welsh’s book that made the strongest impression. I’m a fan of apocalyptic fiction anyway but the quality of Welsh’s writing made this a compelling read.
The six books I reviewed for Crimepieces were:
1. The Second Deadly Sin by Asa Larsson
2. A Lovely Way to Burn by Louise Welsh
3. The Disappeared by Kristina Ohlsson
4. Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo
5. Entry Island by Peter May
6. Strange Shores by Arnaldur Indridason
Sarah – I’m glad you had a good reading month. I’m not usually a fan of apocalyptic crime fiction myself, but there are a few that have made a really good impression on me. It sounds like Welsh’s is one I ought to try.
I’d definitely recommend it, Margot.
a good month you had for crime in translation ,all the best stu
Thanks Stu.
Good reads, Sarah. I’m hoping to read Jo Nesbo this year.
Jo Nesbo is a force to be reckoned with, Prashant. I look forward to hearing what you think.
I haven’t really enjoyed anything by Welsh since “The Cutting Room’ but I’m hearing a lot of good reports of ‘A Lovely Way to Burn’ so I’m hoping this will set me back to rights with her.
I really enjoyed The Girl on the Stairs, Aex. I do hope you like this one.
Great selection there Sarah – you’ve pushed the Welsh and the May onto my radar. (They sound like a pair of detectives don’t they – ‘the Welsh and May mysteries’ sounds very convincing…)
Welsh and May… watch this space!
I am interested in the same books as Moira. I have two other books by Welsh to try, maybe before we get our copy of her latest book. As far as Entry Island goes, I may read the Lewis Trilogy first since at least I have The Black House. But the Canadian setting sounds very good.
I love the Lewis trilogy and would definitely read that one first.
Everyone loves Louise Welsh’s so I think I should check it out as soon as possible.
Would love to hear what you think, Elena.
Good list of books here. I’ll be reading the Indridason soon, the Larsson, and want to try May and Ohlsson.
I’m not into pre- during- or post-apocalyptic worlds, real or otherwise.
I’m still trying to figure out Nazis in 1947 Glascow in Pilgrim Soul; the real world or close to it is enough for my brain to process. New-to-me things popped up about WWII and its aftermath that I’m learning, want to or not, interesting, though.
I have a light, witty legal mystery to deal with post-Ferris. I like Douglas Brodie and the author’s style. I’m smiling even while I’m grimacing!
I enjoyed Pilgrim Soul, Kathy, but it’s quite an exhausting read. As you say, plenty to digest.