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Mystery, Thriller, & Suspense Books to Read | May 2022

Don’t miss out on these exciting new mystery, thriller, and suspense books to add to your reading list! Check out these new books by authors Jason Creed, Brianna Labuskes, Tripp Ellis, Graham Brown, Lee Strauss, and Michael Stagg. Enjoy your new mystery, thriller, and suspense books!

Unmitigated Violence (Empire of Violence Book 1)

by Jason Creed

Release Date: May 21, 2022

What does it take for one man to break another's legs and throw him on a bonfire just to savor the screams? Day after day, the system fails to bring any justice for Victor. Things only get worse, until he decides to take matters into his own hands and speak to the Dirty Kingz street gang in the only language they understand: Unmitigated Violence.

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What Can't Be Seen (Dr. Gretchen White Book 2)

by Brianna Labuskes

Release Date: May 24, 2022

A brilliant psychologist faces the secrets and lies of her own dark past in a shocking novel of suspense by the Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author of A Familiar Sight.

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Wild Bay (Tyson Wild Thriller Book 41)

by Tripp Ellis

Release Date: May 23, 2022

A mysterious death. A vicious killer. A repulsive crime. The posh neighborhood of Stingray Bay will never be the same. When a pool boy is found dead in the water, Tyson and his Navy buddy, JD, dive into the case. Was this an accident? Or something wicked?

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Clive Cussler's Dark Vector (The NUMA Files Book 19)

by Graham Brown

Release Date: May 24, 2022

Kurt Austin must find a vanished ship and stave off a global catastrophe in the latest novel in the #1 New York Times-bestselling series created by the “grand master of adventure” Clive Cussler.

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Murder at the Circus (A Ginger Gold Mystery Book 19)

by Lee Strauss

Release Date: May 24, 2022

When Ginger Reed ~ aka Lady Gold ~ and Basil Reed’s son Scout runs away to join the circus, it’s not all fun and games. An animal lover at heart, Scout is tickled to assist the animal trainer and develops a particular bond with the matriarchal elephant, Tulip. The big top event pleases the crowds, but when a performer dies under suspicious circumstances, Scout and Tulip find themselves in real, three ring trouble!

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Just Plea (The Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller Series Book 5)

by Michael Stagg

Release Date: May 23, 2022

Just Plea is the fifth book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, captivating characters, and riveting trials, you’ll love this fierce courtroom drama by Michael Stagg.

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Interview with Marjorie Duryea, Author of A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore?

I was inspired by anecdotal experiences from my life I wanted to share, but I didn’t want to write a memoir or to write a nonfiction account of them in any genre. I chose to use them for inspiration only and create fictional stories in their spirit. Unsurprisingly, I am able to identify with the stories in my novel, but I hope other people will be able to do the same.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore, what would they be?

Liz-I Will Survive; Rocky-In the Summertine by Mungo Jerry; Mitzy-Happy by Pharrell Williams

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Read: Contemporary fiction; thrillers; dystopian science fiction; Write: Women’s fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Trust by Daines L. Reed and Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Rocky and Liz’s honeymoon in Key West.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have a 21 year old cat behind me on my chair and occasionally climbing up my back.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Take one day at a time.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The people around you can bring happiness or sadness into your life but it's all necessary to make you who you are.

Marjorie Duryea is the author of the new book A Little Blues Story from the Jersey Shore

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Interview with Randolph Lalonde, Author of Psycho Electric

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Psycho Electric?

For about ten years I've been daydreaming about, researching, and scheming to put this book together. After talking to a couple of friends who are in the medical and software development fields about the pieces I was missing, I got to work. Shortly after that, my Patreon Subscribers got to see the rough draft as I wrote it because I serialized it there. Most of their comments improved the manuscript in a couple of ways. A few edits later, and here we are!

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Psycho Electric, what would they be?

Theme songs? I would choose Essenger: Empire of Steel for now. A good friend of mine, and great composer, is working on an orchestral theme for the audiobook right now though, so I'm sure I'll like what he does better.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read biographies! I used to read a lot of science fiction and horror, though. This year I'm only writing science fiction.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm re-reading and listening to all the Spinward Fringe books at the moment so I know what I'm doing while I write the next 2-4 books. I don't have much time for other novels right now because I'm in Spinward Fringe school.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I can't reveal which scene was my favourite because it's a huge spoiler. A close second is the very first chapter, where he's getting ready to connect to the Cyberscape and embark on a heist. I'm still happy with the scene setting and emotional tone there, even though it's a short chapter.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

When I was a kid I used to have a die-cast toy version of the Millenium Falcon. After joining an online psychology workshop for writers that inspired me to reach back to my childhood self, to get in touch with the open-minded imagination of that kid, I got my hands on that toy and it's been sitting nearby ever since.

Even when I'm writing sci-fi or fantasy that couldn't be more different from Star Wars, I still see the Millenium Falcon as my "ship of dreams" and it helps me connect to the kid whose imagination was utterly unfettered and unlimited. Whoa, that got deep quick!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

It changes, but right now I'd say; "Good habits are hard to form, but worth the work."

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I'd like them to remember Rafe's flaws. Some of them were difficult for me to write because they reflect some of my own, and after examining them, I've seen that so many people carry the same burdens. I won't go into specifics, but I invite you to see them for yourself. I believe his strengths and flaws make Rafe one of my best characters.

Randolph Lalonde is the author of the new book Psycho Electric

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Interview with Geneva Lee Albin, Author of Filthy Rich Vampire

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Filthy Rich Vampire?

I've always been a sucker (no pun intended) for vampires. A few years back I started dreaming up a steamy, decadent world of magic and forbidden romance. Recently I was enjoying some regency romance and thought 'I bet vampires' still have balls, social seasons, and arranged marriages. It was the final piece of the puzzle for my vampire world: a vampire heir trying to avoid marriage.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Filthy Rich Vampire, what would they be?

Human by Christina Perri.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read all over the place. When I'm writing, I tend to read lots of nonfiction, which I used to hate! When I'm taking a break, I read a lot of romance and fantasy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I'm finally starting Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

There's a scene where the characters visit a magical village hidden in Paris, and it's full of enchantments, romance, and dark corners.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I can't write a book until I have a title! I have to know the title.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

A queen directs her own empire.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

How they felt while reading it. I want my readers to know they can always return to my books and feel like they're visiting a good friend.

Geneva Lee Albin is the author of the new book Filthy Rich Vampire

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Interview with Jason Creed, Author of Unmitigated Violence

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Unmitigated Violence (Empire of Violence #1)?

I wanted to write a story that was unapologetically brutal and masculine, to provide catharsis in the face of all the frustrations that we're all faced with every day. I wanted to write a story for any people who had faced some form of injustice that seemed impossible to set right, for those people who had to sit there and take it, but had fleeting images go through their mind of just going berserk and showing everybody what happens when you f*#@ with somebody too much. I think stories like this are a good outlet.

I hope I've written this one in an entertaining enough way that, every now and then, readers will clench a fist and say "f*#@ yeah, get 'em" and feel like, at least in some universe, the bad guys got what they deserved and the reader got to see it all. The hero of this story is able to apply brute force to a problem that, unfortunately, is a lot more nuanced in real life. I love watching movies and I'm sure people will be reminded of such films as Death Wish, Law Abiding Citizen, and The Crow while reading Unmitigated Violence.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Unmitigated Violence (Empire of Violence #1), what would they be?

Bachman Turner Overdrive - Let it Ride.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I like reading Horror and Fantasy books. Two genres I haven't written much in actually.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

A Book of Short Stories by Stephen King.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Probably the bonfire scene. This was the first scene from the book that I saw in my head and I was looking forward to getting to it the whole time. It took longer than I wanted to get there, but I felt for it to have the right impact, I had to build up the world enough so that while it was happening, and afterwards, the reader would agree that the bad guy deserved it and the hero was still a hero... albeit one not above using over-the-top violence.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Nothing too crazy, certainly nothing superstitious. I do prefer to be by myself while writing, so it mostly happens in my room with either nobody else in the house or nobody awake at least. I'm not the type of author who thrives in a coffee shop, people would be too close. If the weather is nice, I can find enough space for myself in a park under a tree, that's nice.

I need the space because I can't seem to write when I'm hearing words, they just get in the way of the words I'm trying to write. So I can't be around people talking, and I can't listen to music either.

Sometimes I listen to purely instrumental music, if it captures the mood of the scene I'm trying to write, but I prefer it to not be a song I would listen to for pure enjoyment on its own. I once listened to a 10 hour looping version of the Hans Zimmer theme from the movie Inception while writing a few chapters in a book.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Be kind, because everybody you meet is fighting a hard battle.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Dear Reader, please remember that you had fun reading the book!

Jason Creed is the author of the new book Unmitigated Violence (Empire of Violence #1)

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Interview with A.L. Hawke, Author of Alondra

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Alondra?

I wanted to continue my series [The Hawthorne University Witch Series], but I was looking for something different. I always found Cadence’s teacher and mentor, Alondra, mysterious and captivating in my series.

The problem was that, whereas Cadence was an outsider to witchcraft, innocent and uncertain about her magic, Alondra was a full-fledged powerful witch. So, to give the prequel a similar flavor as the series, I felt a need to change the POV. Alondra is narrated by her love interest, Liam.

Finally, I delved headlong into the tale after I was inspired to write about Alondra in the setting of her college life at Hawthorne U. in the 1990s.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Alondra, what would they be?

“Geek U.S.A” by the Smashing Pumpkins fits Alondra. It’s heavy and intense, a bit crazy, but with a subtle bit of etherealism. Sticking with more grunge ‘90s music I love, I’ll assign the pained song “Warm Machine” by Bush to Liam.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I write what I read—escapist fantasy. My taste runs the gamut from Alice in Wonderland, to realistic horror like The Exorcist, to paranormal romance novels like the Twilight series. If I can fall into a different world, I’m hooked. If I can write it, I feel like I’ve done my job.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Midnight Sun, Shiftless, and Falling Angel.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I actually loved writing the scene about Alondra and Liam just hiking together. This was the most memorable to me as a writer because, even though it lacked magic and witchcraft, their personalities came alive. Bringing characters to life through dialog spurred me to become a novelist in the first place. But I also enjoyed writing and researching all those ghost-hunting encounters.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I listen to music when I write. At night, I write in the dark with the screen set at the dimmest light. These are my ways to escape, I suppose.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

No, not really.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Okay. On second thought, “love conquers all” is a great classic motto by Virgil that rings true in Alondra; and in all my other novels too. My characters survive by it. Some of my anti-heroes have not fared well confusing lust for love. Others are saved by love.

A.L. Hawke is the author of the new book Alondra

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Interview with Kaci Rose, Author of Falling in Love on Route 66

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Falling in Love on Route 66?

One of my bucket list items is to travel Route 66. I have been to some spots but not driven the whole thing, so when I needed to do a vacation romance for a project this idea jumped at me. The project fell through but I still had to write this story!

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read all romance, but my favorite changes depending on my mood. Right now I’m into more darker romance, BDSM clubs, mafia, etc. I just came off the monster romance binge, and before that it was all things age gap and ex-boyfriend's father.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I have a bunch of BDSM club books on my TBR including Cherise Sinclair Club Shadowlands Series, 1462 South Broadway by KC Decker, Dom X box set by MS Parker, and the odd ball is 100% Brat by Frankie Love.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The balloon fiesta was a completely spur of the moment scene I hadn’t plotted and one of my favorite to write. It’s where things get spicy too!

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I have been dictating and coloring while I dictate. I like to have a candle going and each book will have it’s own scent associated with it. Falling in Love on Route 66’s scent was Mountain Woods from Smoky Mountain Handmade Candles.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

When I am having trouble with certain scenes I live by "Write Drunk and Edit Sober" - Ernest Hemingway

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Check off your bucket list items no matter what! You never know how they will shake up your life!

Kaci Rose is the author of the new book Falling in Love on Route 66

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Interview with Romeo Vitelli, Author of True Crime Stories You Won't Believe

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write True Crime Stories You Won't Believe?

I love true crime stories, especially little known stories that are often forgotten.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Science fiction, fantasy, True Crime, and history.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Anything new by my favorite authors like John Scalzi or Lois McMaster Bujold.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Describing bizarre Crimes and how ordinary people respond to them.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Planning out writing in bed.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Anything Terry Pratchett has said.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

Bizarre crimes can happen anywhere.

Romeo Vitelli is the author of the new book True Crime Stories You Won't Believe

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Interview with Annaliese Plowright, Author of The Hallowed

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Hallowed: Part I?

The Hallowed was inspired by a nightmare where I woke up on a grocery store floor with no idea how I got there. The nightmare felt important and got my brain ticking over, and soon after The Hallowed was born.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read across genres, but love to write supernatural/fantasy.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Familiars by Stacey Halls arrived in the post today!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favorite scene to write was definitely when Cherry and Daisy break into Nicolas’s house. My heart pounded the whole time, like I was right there with them sneaking around in the dark. It was terrifying one moment and hilarious the next, so much fun!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Never give up.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope my readers remember The Hallowed, and the town of Strangeways, with a tiny tingle at the nape of their necks that has them obsessing day and night about what’s going to happen to Cherry Stokes in Part II!

Annaliese Plowright is the author of the new book The Hallowed: Part I

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Interview with Mary Vensel White, Author of Starling

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Starling?

Starling has many inspirations. I wanted to remember the sights and sounds of Chicago, a city I love. I wanted to explore the idea that the lives we live are very much a product of our minds; that is, we have the ability to write our own stories. And I was thinking about the many forms love can take and how each is important and unique.

I began the book with a film-inspired scene and wanted to keep that idea throughout the narrative. Like me, Gina has watched a lot of movies in her lifetime, and it affects the way she sees the world. One of my favorite films focuses on the love of a sister for her baby brother and I thought: what if the love of someone’s life is that particular, sibling love? Why do we focus so much on romantic love when other types are just as strong, or life-changing, or life-defining?

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Starling, what would they be?

Along with movies, there are several songs mentioned in Starling already. I never thought about it, but they seem to nicely reflect some of the themes in the novel. They are “You Were Meant for Me” by Jewel, “Shall We Dance” from The King and I, and “Macarena” by Los Del Rio.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Yes, my favorite genre to read and write is literary fiction. I think it’s because what I love best is character—fully drawn, living and breathing, complicated and imperfect characters. I tend to like books in any genre as long as that aspect is present.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Well, I complete a summer reading project each year, based around a topic or theme. This year I decided to have a Summer of Faulkner and read four or five books by William Faulkner. That stack is next to my desk and is very daunting! I’m also reading several YA titles for possible inclusion in a writing class I’m teaching in the fall. A couple from that pile: “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan, and “Goodbye Days” by Jeff Zentmer.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I still get choked up over the scene when Gina sees her niece for the first time. She couldn’t imagine what it would be like to have a baby in the family—and I think that incomprehensibility is something everyone who has met and immediately loved a baby can relate to. In Gina’s case, it opens up a part of herself she has tried very hard to keep locked up.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

No! But I can be extremely creative in methods of procrastination.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Let it Be! I often fail at this, miserably, but I keep trying.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

The backbone of this novel, I think, is the idea of love—the unique forms it can take, the way it lingers after someone is gone from our life, how it lights our way to an uncertain future. I hope readers find some recognition and solace in that message.