2011 was one of the best years in crime fiction. Looking at 2012 has me thinking next year could be even better. Part of the proof is that a list of the top five books I’m looking forward to next year had to be turned turned into seven. Not all cover images are available yet, but those that are available are included.
1. Last Call For The Living by Peter Farris
I met Peter at Bouchercon and he told me about this rural hard boiled novel he’d been working on. After reading his short work online and corresponding with him, I believe he is one of top two debut authors to look out for.
2. Point & Shoot by Duane Swierczynski
Duane wraps up his epic pulp trilogy with hard case ex-cop Charlie Hardesty being shot into space.
3. Donnybrook by Frank Bill
The story “Cold Hard Love” in Bill’s collection Crimes In Southern Indiana serves as a wicked prologue for this first novel that already has his fellow writers in awe.
4. The Devil’s Odds by Milton T Burton
Milton, who passed away December 1st, seemed to be born to write this novel about a Texas Ranger going up against the New Orleans mob in 1942 Galveston.
5. As The Crow Flies by Craig Johnson
Craig has said this will be a quintessential Walt Longmire story with our favorite Wyoming sheriff having to deal with a murder on the Cheyenne reservation as well as his daughter’s wedding. I’m expecting some great lines from Henry Standing Bear in this one.
6. What It Was by George Pelecanos
Pelecanos revisits Derek Strange and Frank Vaughn back in the ’70s in this trade paperback original. How can this not be cool?
7. The Twenty Year Death by Areil Winter
This is the other debut to look out for next year. It’s three books in one, set in George Siminon, Paris; Chandler, LA; and Jim Thompson Noir. Each story brings the relationship of a couple, who start out as bit players in the first story, into focus. I’ve been told Winter has each classic author’s style down. I’m salivating for this one.
I know this is just the tip of the iceberg, with two new books coming from Ace Atkins (one being his take over of the Spencer series), a stand alone from Joe Lansdale, Daniel Woodrell’s complete work coming back into print, and the great surprises crime fiction always gives us. 2012’s going to be a very good year.
BookPeople 