Not Every Thriller's a Killer - Winter Crime Books to Avoid

Winter Reading with a Hot Beverage

Winter gives you the perfect opportunity to dive into crime fiction, preferably with a warm blanket and mug of steaming hot chocolate. But not all thrillers are created equal, and some can leave you feeling less entertained and more exasperated by tired tropes or poor craftsmanship. Here’s a guide to common pitfalls in winter crime novels—and recommendations for stories that get it right.

1. The Formulaic Plot

You’ve read this one before: a grisly murder in a cold weather location, a brooding detective with a tragic backstory, and a twist you saw coming by chapter three. Avoid thrillers that rely too heavily on tropes without bringing something fresh to the table. Instead, seek out books with innovative narratives or unconventional protagonists that breathe new life into familiar formulas.

Our recommendation: For an unusual plot, check out The Murder Before Christmas by Michele Pariza Wacek, where a tea-maker-turned-sleuth navigates fresh twists and turns with a cozy winter setting.

2. The Pacing Problem

Some thrillers suffer from a sluggish middle or a rushed ending. If you spend most of the book waiting around for the big Christmas event, it can turn the story into a bit of a slog. Look for thrillers praised for their pacing, where each chapter propels the story forward and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the final page.

Our recommendation: The Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle nails the pacing with a locked-room mystery that unfolds seamlessly amidst a festive Scottish backdrop.

3. The Style Over Substance Dilemma

Beautiful prose and atmospheric descriptions can elevate a crime novel, but when style overshadows the story, it’s hard to stay engaged. If a thriller spends more time waxing poetic about snow-covered landscapes than unraveling the mystery, it might not leave much of an impression. Choose books that strike the right balance between evocative writing and a tightly woven plot.

Our recommendation: A great example is Twelve Drummers Drumming by C.C. Benison, which blends rich descriptions with an engrossing whodunit set in a charming English village.

4. The Unlikable Cast

Stories filled with flat, un-relatable, or overly stereotyped personalities can make it hard to stay invested in the outcome. Do we really need another story about Scrooge? Instead, opt for books that feature complex, well-drawn characters who challenge your assumptions and keep you guessing.

Our recommendation: Slashing Through the Snow by Jacqueline Frost delivers a vibrant cast in a festive Maine setting, making it easy to root for the sleuthing innkeeper as she untangles a deadly holiday mystery.

5. The Twist That Tries Too Hard

The hallmark of a great thriller is its ability to surprise, but some twists cross the line from

shocking to downright ridiculous. When the big reveal feels forced or completely disconnected from the story, it’s more likely to elicit an eye roll than a gasp. Seek out reviews that highlight clever, well-executed twists that enhance the story rather than derail it.

Our recommendation: For a masterclass in well-crafted surprises, pick up An English Murder by Cyril Hare, a Golden Age classic that expertly weaves twists into its snowbound country house mystery.

Not sure how to spot a killer thriller? Start by exploring trusted book lists, like award winners or top picks from reputable review sites. Pay attention to recommendations from fellow crime fiction fans and check out debut authors who may offer fresh perspectives. Winter is the perfect time to lose yourself in a gripping mystery, but it’s also a season when time feels especially precious. By steering clear of crime books that don’t deliver, you can make room for the ones that do. Happy reading!