Great Recent Crime Fiction To Take to the Beach
Every summer, I like to put together a short list of crime fiction that I can recommend without hesitation. All of the books on this year's list have been published within the past year or so, and I have no qualms about recommending any of them.
That doesn't mean every recently published crime novel deserves a place here. In fact, I've left several books off this list because they simply weren't up to scratch. More and more frequently, I'm finding myself disappointed by novels that arrive wrapped in glowing reviews from major publications. I'm growing increasingly tired of reading puff pieces disguised as book reviews in outlets such as The Guardian and The Globe and Mail. Too often lately, I've picked up a crime novel based on a rave review in a major newspaper only to find a mediocre book underneath the hype.
I hope readers won't feel the same way about the books below. Whether you're heading to the beach, relaxing at the cottage, or simply looking for a good read on the back deck, these are five crime books that should add to your enjoyment this summer.
Michael Connelly has reached the point in his career where even his lesser novels are better than most writers' best efforts. Ironwood isn't one of his all-time classics, and it doesn't rank alongside the finest Harry Bosch novels, but it's still a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The story follows Detective Sergeant Stilwell on Catalina Island after a botched drug interdiction operation unleashes violence in what is supposed to be a quiet community. Connelly's strengths are all on display: meticulous research, believable police work and a plot that moves at exactly the right pace. The novel never feels rushed, yet it constantly pulls the reader forward. It may not be vintage Connelly, but it remains a reminder of how consistently good he is at his craft.
The Big Empty, by Robert Crais
Robert Crais has now written Elvis Cole novels for so long that it's easy to forget how different the character was in the early books. Back then, Cole's wisecracking could be a little much. Over the years, however, Crais has refined him into a far richer and more engaging protagonist.
The Big Empty finds Cole investigating a decade-old disappearance that gradually opens into something much darker and more dangerous. The novel is highly entertaining and showcases the easy chemistry between Cole and Joe Pike that has helped sustain the series for decades. While I'm not convinced it was the year's best crime novel, as the Edgar Award judges believed, it's undeniably a strong and satisfying read from a veteran author who still knows how to tell a story.
It's difficult to believe that Dead Money is Jakob Kerr's debut novel. The book displays a confidence and control that many experienced thriller writers never achieve.
Set in Silicon Valley, the story follows Mackenzie Clyde, a fixer working for a powerful venture capitalist who becomes embroiled in the investigation of a murdered startup CEO. Kerr skillfully integrates the world of technology and venture capital into the plot without overwhelming readers with technical details. The result is a thriller that feels contemporary and relevant while remaining accessible. The plot is complex but never confusing, and the characters are memorable throughout. There are perhaps a few more flashbacks than necessary, but that's a minor complaint in what is otherwise an outstanding debut.
The Pathfinder, by C.J. Fournier
One of the best crime novels I've read this year didn't come from a major publishing house. That's significant because The Pathfinder demonstrates just how much excellent crime fiction is being produced outside traditional publishing channels.
The novel, which won the 2026 Toby Award for Canada's top independent crime novel, follows journalist Denny Durant as he becomes entangled in the violent quest for vengeance pursued by a troubled military veteran. Fournier excels at pacing and structure, revealing information gradually and at precisely the right moments. The setting feels authentic, the characters are compelling, and the tension steadily builds throughout the book. It's a masterclass in controlled storytelling and proof that independent authors deserve far more attention than they receive.
The Final Score, by Don Winslow
I generally prefer novels to short-story collections, but The Final Score completely won me over. Don Winslow demonstrates such remarkable versatility that every story feels like a fresh discovery.
The collection spans an impressive range of styles, tones and crime-fiction subgenres. Some stories are funny, others heartbreaking, and several are genuinely frightening. Winslow moves effortlessly between them while maintaining the sharp characterization and storytelling that have made him one of crime fiction's most admired writers. What impressed me most was the breadth of his imagination. Few authors could produce such a diverse collection while maintaining such a consistently high standard. For readers who think short fiction can't be as satisfying as a novel, The Final Score offers a persuasive counterargument.
If you're looking for crime fiction to accompany a summer vacation, any one of these books would be a good choice. Better yet, pack two or three of them. They represent different corners of the genre, but they all share one thing in common: they deliver on the promise that too many heavily promoted books fail to keep.
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Hi. I’m Peter Moreira and my latest novel is the technothriller Presidio Biotech. I’m also the author of The Haight Mystery Series — retro mystery novels set in San Francisco in the late 1960s. Go to my home page to join my mailing list and receive a free prequel novella.
