Secondhand Crime Fiction & Thriller Bargain Book Box SP2306

Dive into the shadows with this gripping collection of twenty secondhand crime and thriller novels. Featuring masters of suspense like Tess Gerritsen, Harlan Coben, James Patterson, and John le Carré, this box delivers a pulse-pounding mix of forensic mysteries, psychological dramas, and high-stakes espionage. From the gritty streets of New York to the dark corners of Tokyo and the treacherous world of international spies, these stories promise to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen Detective Jane Rizzoli returns in this chilling sequel to The Surgeon, hunting a copycat killer who seems to be continuing the work of a monster she put behind bars. As the new murders mirror the Surgeon's sadistic techniques, Rizzoli is forced to confront her own trauma and the terrifying possibility that her nemesis has found a protégé. The investigation pushes her to her limits, blurring the lines between the hunter and the hunted in a city gripped by fear. Gerritsen masterfully weaves police procedure with psychological horror, creating a tense atmosphere that explores the lasting scars of violence.

2. Bloodstream by Tess Gerritsen Dr. Claire Elliot moves to the quiet town of Tranquility, Maine, hoping to escape the pressures of the city and give her troubled son a fresh start. However, she soon discovers that the town's peaceful facade hides a deadly secret, as teenage boys begin to exhibit outbreaks of uncontrollable violence. Claire races to uncover the medical cause behind the aggression, finding herself pitted against a community desperate to protect its reputation at any cost. This medical thriller combines scientific intrigue with small-town mystery, exploring the terrifying consequences of secrets kept for generations.

3. Dying Scream by Mary Burton Wealthy socialite Adria Nash is determined to find the truth about her husband's murder, even if it means revisiting a painful past she tried to leave behind. She teams up with Craig Brennan, a rugged carpenter who has his own reasons for wanting the case solved, igniting a partnership filled with tension and undeniable attraction. As they dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover a web of deceit that threatens to destroy them both before justice can be served. Mary Burton delivers a romantic suspense novel packed with twists, emotional depth, and a relentless killer who will stop at nothing to stay hidden.

4. The Woods by Harlan Coben Twenty years ago, four teenagers went into the woods at a summer camp, and two were found murdered while the other two vanished without a trace. Paul Copeland, now a county prosecutor, has spent his life mourning the loss of his sister, one of the missing, until a new homicide victim is identified as the other missing camper. This discovery shatters his world, suggesting his sister might still be alive and forcing him to confront the dark secrets of that night. Harlan Coben crafts a masterful tale of grief, hope, and the dangerous lengths a family will go to protect its own.

5. The Westies by T.J. English This gritty true crime classic chronicles the rise and fall of the Westies, a savage Irish mob that ruled the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of New York City for decades. T.J. English provides an unflinching look at the gang's brutal tactics, internal power struggles, and their eventual takedown by law enforcement. Through detailed research and interviews, the book paints a vivid portrait of a bygone era of organized crime and the violent men who defined it. It is a compelling and often shocking narrative that exposes the raw underbelly of the American dream in the city that never sleeps.

6. 7th Heaven by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro The Women's Murder Club investigates the disappearance of a governor's son and a series of arson attacks on wealthy homes, two cases that stretch their resources to the breaking point. Detective Lindsay Boxer and her friends must navigate political pressure and a media frenzy while hunting a killer who seems to enjoy watching the world burn. As the fires rage closer to home, the team realizes they are facing an enemy more dangerous and calculating than they ever imagined. This installment delivers the fast-paced action and strong female camaraderie that fans of the series have come to love.

7. 3rd Degree by James Patterson & Andrew Gross Lindsay Boxer is out for a jog when a townhouse explodes in front of her, plunging her into a terrifying case involving a radical group promising to kill every three days. The Women's Murder Club reassembles to stop the deadly ultimatum, uncovering a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of corporate power. With time running out and the body count rising, Lindsay must risk everything to expose the truth behind the seemingly random acts of terror. Patterson and Gross create a high-octane thriller that explores the terrifying reality of domestic terrorism and the courage required to fight it.

8. Cruel and Unusual by Patricia Cornwell Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta is baffled when fingerprints from a gruesome murder scene match a convicted killer who was executed days before the crime occurred. As she investigates the impossible, she finds herself targeted by a malicious campaign to destroy her career and credibility. The case leads her into a labyrinth of corruption, cover-ups, and betrayal within the justice system itself. Patricia Cornwell delivers a complex forensic mystery that challenges Scarpetta's faith in the law and forces her to question everyone around her.

9. Studio 69 by Liza Marklund Annika Bengtzon, a driven crime reporter, stumbles upon the murder of a young woman at a strip club, a story that initially seems like a routine tragedy. However, as she investigates further, she uncovers a political scandal involving high-ranking officials and a cover-up that threatens the government. Annika must balance her ambition with her safety as she exposes the dark intersection of sex, power, and politics in Swedish society. Liza Marklund's novel is a sharp and suspenseful Nordic noir that offers a cynical look at the media and the price of truth.

10. Bleached White by Neil Gibb When a body washes up on the pristine shores of a holiday paradise, it shatters the illusion of safety for the tourists and locals alike. The investigation peels back the layers of the idyllic setting to reveal a dark undercurrent of exploitation, greed, and violence lurking beneath the surface. Neil Gibb crafts a tense and atmospheric thriller that contrasts the beauty of the location with the ugliness of the crime. The story serves as a chilling reminder that trouble can find you anywhere, even in the most beautiful places on earth.

11. Tokyo by Mo Hayder Grey, a young woman obsessed with a massacre that occurred in Nanking in 1937, travels to Tokyo to find a survivor who might hold the key to a lost film footage. Her search leads her to a mysterious old man and into the dangerous world of the Yakuza, where secrets are guarded with lethal force. Mo Hayder weaves a disturbing and visceral tale that links historical atrocities with modern-day horror. The novel is a dark exploration of obsession, memory, and the physical and psychological scars that history leaves behind.

12. The Fourth Protocol by Frederick Forsyth A jewel heist in London leads to the discovery of a secret Soviet plot to detonate a nuclear device near an American airbase in Britain, aiming to shatter the NATO alliance. MI5 agent John Preston must race against time to identify the sleeper agent assembling the bomb before it triggers a geopolitical catastrophe. Frederick Forsyth combines meticulous research with high-stakes espionage, creating a terrifyingly plausible scenario of Cold War brinkmanship. The novel is a masterclass in tension, detailing the intricate tradecraft of spies and the fragile balance of world power.

13. Blow Fly by Patricia Cornwell Kay Scarpetta has left Virginia for private practice in Florida, but the past refuses to stay buried when a series of gruesome murders pulls her back into the forensic world. She discovers that her old nemesis, Jean-Baptiste Chandonne, is orchestrating a deadly game from his prison cell, targeting those closest to her. The narrative weaves together multiple storylines, exploring themes of vulnerability and the evolving nature of evil. Cornwell reinvents her iconic character in this darker, more psychological entry that tests Scarpetta's resilience like never before.

14. The Tailor of Panama by John le Carré Harry Pendel is a tailor to the rich and powerful in Panama City, spinning stories as easily as he stitches suits, until British intelligence forces him to spy on his clients. Trapped by his own lies and a desperate need for money, Harry fabricates a network of sources and a non-existent revolution, leading his handlers into a disastrous crisis. John le Carré satirizes the world of espionage, exposing the absurdity and danger of intelligence based on fabrication. The novel is a witty and cynical examination of how personal deceit can shape international politics.

15. Helga's Web by Jon Cleary Sydney detective Scobie Malone investigates the murder of Helga, a high-class call girl found dead in the basement of the Opera House. The case leads him through the upper echelons of Australian society, revealing a web of blackmail and corruption involving politicians and businessmen. Jon Cleary creates a classic police procedural that captures the atmosphere of Sydney while dissecting the hypocrisy of the elite. Malone is a steadfast and relatable hero, navigating a morally murky world with determination and dry wit.

16. Island by Richard Laymon A group of friends on a yacht trip find themselves stranded on a deserted island after an explosion destroys their boat. Their fight for survival turns into a nightmare when they realize they are not alone and are being hunted by a maniacal killer who inhabits the island. Richard Laymon delivers a brutal and fast-paced horror thriller, filled with graphic violence and suspense. The novel explores the disintegration of civilized behavior when humans are pushed to the brink of existence in a hostile environment.

17. Acceptable Risk by Robin Cook Neuroscientist Edward Armstrong discovers a mold in an old house that could lead to a revolutionary new antidepressant, promising to make people feel better than their best. However, as human trials begin, the drug induces terrifying personality changes and violent behavior in the subjects, unleashing a primal horror. Robin Cook combines medical science with gothic elements, tracing the roots of the terror back to the Salem witch trials. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unregulated scientific ambition and the unintended consequences of playing God.

18. Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark After losing her young son in a tragic accident, Menley Nichols moves to a historic Cape Cod house with her husband and new baby, hoping to heal. But strange occurrences in the house and voices from the past make her question her sanity and fear for her daughter's safety. Mary Higgins Clark weaves a suspenseful tale of psychological terror, gaslighting, and a mother's instinct to protect her child. The novel keeps readers guessing until the final revelation, blending supernatural undertones with a very human mystery.

19. The Almighty by Irving Wallace Edward Armstead inherits a media empire and is desperate to surpass his famous father's legacy by creating the news instead of just reporting it. He secretly funds a terrorist group to commit spectacular crimes, giving his newspaper the exclusive scoops, but soon loses control of the violence he unleashed. Irving Wallace crafts a gripping thriller about the corrupting power of ambition and the ethics of journalism. The book is a fast-paced ride through the world of media manipulation, exploring how far one man will go to be number one.

20. The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen (Duplicate Copy) Detective Jane Rizzoli returns in this chilling sequel to The Surgeon, hunting a copycat killer who seems to be continuing the work of a monster she put behind bars. As the new murders mirror the Surgeon's sadistic techniques, Rizzoli is forced to confront her own trauma and the terrifying possibility that her nemesis has found a protégé. The investigation pushes her to her limits, blurring the lines between the hunter and the hunted in a city gripped by fear. Gerritsen masterfully weaves police procedure with psychological horror, creating a tense atmosphere that explores the lasting scars of violence.