Southborough Staff Picks- Mystery/Thriller

Why Amy likes this book: I am always looking for a solid thriller and this book did not disappoint. The author masterfully builds suspense and complex characters. The detective’s struggles to reconcile police procedure and finding justice left me questioning how morality is defined. This book can be read as a standalone or as a follow up to Esken’s earlier novel, The Heavens May Fall.

Why Amy likes this book: What could be more perfect than a thriller set in Boston that references the great authors like Agatha Christie, John le Carre, Charles Dickens, and more? This was a chilling psychological adventure in which the author gives a nod to the classic mysteries we all love and readers a run for their money with an unreliable narrator that will keep the twists and turns fun!

Why Leah likes this book: I don’t read psychological thrillers very often, but occasionally I like to read a popular one that library patrons are talking and this novel did not disappoint. The author builds slow-burning suspense and cleverly casts doubt on the credibility of several characters. I wasn’t confident in my assumptions about what really happened the night the baby was found until the end of the novel. The story moves back and forth in time and is told from multiple points of view. Some readers may find the time jumps and numerous story lines confusing, but I enjoyed this style of writing. I listened to the audio book and the narration is excellent. If you are looking for a creepy book to intrigue and keep you guessing, check out The Family Upstairs.