The Pale Horse by Agatha Christie

It’s been a while since I delved into an Agatha Christie novel, and The Pale Horse was a thrilling return to her world of intrigue. This time, Mark Easterbrook steps in as the central protagonist—a scholarly, worldly man whose calm demeanor belies the dark mystery he’s about to unravel. Adding charm and wit to the narrative is none other than Ariadne Oliver, the famous crime novelist and long-time friend of Mark.

At first glance, the death at the center of this story seems like one of those perplexing cases Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple might have tackled. However, the tale takes a slower, simmering start. About halfway through, I began to feel restless—until Mrs. Oliver, the spirited Ginger, and the sharp-eyed Detective Inspector Lejeune joined forces to investigate, reigniting the story with fresh energy.

The plot kicks off with a casual countryside gathering, where an unsettling comment catches Mark's attention: "If you wanted to get rid of someone, the Pale Horse was the place to go." Intrigued and disturbed, Mark soon finds himself at a decrepit old inn with a reputation for black magic, now run by a mysterious group of woman.

Things take a sinister turn when Mark crosses paths with Jim Corrigan, a police surgeon, who shares the grim details of a case involving Father Gorman's suspicious death. The priest was carrying a cryptic list of names, most of whom had died from seemingly natural causes. What was the connection, if any? This shadowy puzzle becomes the heart of the investigation.

As the plot thickens, a witness emerges, identifying a potential suspect, and the chase to untangle truth from deception begins. Christie's signature web of red herrings, speculative theories, and hidden motives had me second-guessing at every turn. The tension ramps up in the second half, making the unraveling of the mystery as thrilling as it is perilous—one that may even claim another victim before the final revelation.

All in all, The Pale Horse is a testament to Christie’s genius for blending psychological suspense with old-school detective intrigue. If you’re looking for a novel with occult undertones and a maze-like plot, this one won't disappoint. 4⭐

V as in Victim by Lawrence Treat

Step back into the golden age of crime fiction with this nostalgic, slow-burn detective novel from 1945. Mitch Taylor, a competent yet restless third-grade detective, feels out of place in his department and dreads the tedious legwork that comes with the job. Beneath his stoic exterior lies a simmering desire for a promotion, though he knows he'll need to make a lasting impression to earn it.

When a hit-and-run incident turns disturbingly deliberate, Mitch finds himself teamed up with Jub Freeman, a meticulous forensic technician at a time when forensic science was barely respected. Their investigation starts with a routine witness interview but soon spirals into a web of mystery involving a distressed woman named Andrea Minx, a missing friend, a dead cat, and—inevitably—murder.

The discovery of Peter Jarvis’s body, found with a fatal head wound and no murder weapon in sight, thrusts Mitch and Jub into a tense hunt for answers. As they chase elusive clues and unravel hidden connections, their contrasting crime-solving styles make for a compelling partnership.

What truly sets this novel apart is its reflective, witty writing, peppered with humor that feels timeless. The author masterfully keeps readers guessing until the very last page, delivering a crime story rich with twists and golden-age charm. If you crave a detective story brimming with wit, suspense, and vintage appeal, this is a must-read. Solid 4 ⭐ for a gripping, nostalgic ride.

We Were Warned by Chelsea Ichaso

A Thrilling and Spooky Mystery You Can't Put Down! This book had me hooked from the first page! The story is set in the creepy Fairport Village, where a mother, Hazel Blackmore, cursed the place after killing her son and herself 25 years ago. Since then, the village has turned into a spooky, abandoned ruin.

When Henry de Rossi, head of audiovisuals at Fairport High School, decides to make a documentary about the village, he brings his paid assistant, Eden Stafford, along. Things take a deadly turn when some classmates join them, and the night ends in tragedy—Henry is found dead, and it's ruled as a suicide. But Eden knows something isn’t right.

Determined to uncover the truth, Eden risks her life as secrets and danger creep out of the shadows. With an unknown serial killer on the loose and strange events happening, the group must break the curse before it's too late.

The story is packed with twists, tension, and a creepy atmosphere that keeps you on edge. Eden is a brave and smart main character, and her journey is so exciting to follow. Just when you think you know what’s going on—BAM! Another surprise hits you. This is the second book I've read from this author, and I'm officially a fan! If you love thrilling mysteries with spooky vibes and jaw-dropping twists, you’ll love this. 4.5 ⭐ for a thrilling page-turner I couldn’t put down!