Secondhand Crime Fiction & Thriller Bargain Book Box SP2479

Secondhand Crime Fiction & Thriller Bargain Book Box

This collection provides twenty-four high-intensity narratives spanning psychological suspense, legal drama, and international espionage at a practical price point. Readers will find a selection of bestselling works from genre masters such as John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Crichton. The assortment offers a diverse range of investigative styles, from the gritty urban realism of Ed McBain to the fast-paced conspiratorial puzzles of Dan Brown. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. A Good Day to Die by Simon Kernick A witness protection officer finds himself in a desperate struggle for survival when a secure location is compromised by a lethal hit squad. He must utilize his specialized tactical training to navigate a treacherous urban landscape while protecting a high-value target from relentless pursuit. The narrative details a high-stakes game of evasion where every decision carries life-or-death consequences. This thriller examines the vulnerabilities of institutional security and the resilience of a man pushed to his absolute limits.

2. The Associate by John Grisham A young law student from Yale is blackmailed by a mysterious organization into taking a job at the world’s largest and most secretive law firm. He is forced to participate in an elaborate corporate espionage plot involving a multi-billion-dollar defense contract dispute. Navigating a landscape of surveillance and lethal threats, he must find a way to outmaneuver his handlers without destroying his future. The story explores the ethical compromises and extreme pressures inherent in the highest tiers of the legal profession.

3. Severed by Simon Kernick A former soldier turned private security operative investigates a gruesome murder that appears linked to a shadowy underground criminal network. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a world of extreme violence and deep-seated corruption within the city's power structures. He must rely on his combat experience and investigative instincts to survive multiple assassination attempts as he closes in on the perpetrator. The novel is a fast-paced exploration of the dark intersections between organized crime and legitimate business.

4. Dangerous Lady by Martina Cole Maura Ryan is a woman determined to rise to the top of the criminal underworld in London's East End, challenging the traditional male hierarchy. She builds a powerful empire based on loyalty, fear, and a series of calculated, ruthless maneuvers against rival families. Her success brings both immense wealth and a constant threat of betrayal from those closest to her, including her own brothers. The narrative provides a gritty, uncompromising look at the evolution of a female crime boss in a violent environment.

5. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown Symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to the U.S. Capitol to deliver a lecture, only to find himself embroiled in a deadly quest involving Freemasonry and hidden historical secrets. He must decipher a series of ancient symbols and architectural puzzles scattered throughout Washington, D.C., to save a kidnapped mentor. The investigation reveals a shadowy antagonist seeking access to ancient wisdom that could alter the course of human history. The book combines historical trivia with fast-paced suspense and the examination of scientific and spiritual convergence.

6. Every Dead Thing by John Connolly Former NYPD detective Charlie Parker is haunted by the unsolved and brutal murders of his wife and young daughter. His search for their killer leads him into a dark investigation involving a serial killer known as the Traveling Man and a series of ritualistic slayings. The narrative blends traditional hardboiled detective elements with a pervasive sense of the supernatural and gothic horror. Parker must confront both physical threats and his own psychological trauma as he descends into a world of absolute depravity.

7. The Rainmaker by John Grisham A young, idealistic law graduate takes on a massive, corrupt insurance company that has heartlessly denied a life-saving claim for a dying young man. Working from a small, struggling firm, he must navigate a complex legal landscape dominated by high-powered defense attorneys and corporate influence. The trial becomes a David-versus-Goliath battle that tests his moral resolve and professional competence in the face of overwhelming odds. The story highlights systemic injustices within the American healthcare and legal systems.

8. Playing for Pizza by John Grisham A professional quarterback whose career in the NFL has spectacularly imploded takes a final, desperate opportunity to play for an amateur team in Parma, Italy. He must adapt to a completely different cultural environment while leading a diverse group of teammates who play for the love of the game rather than money. The experience forces him to reevaluate his priorities and discover a new appreciation for the sport and the Italian lifestyle. This narrative offers a lighter, more character-driven exploration of redemption and cultural immersion.

9. Compulsion by Jonathan Kellerman Psychologist Alex Delaware and Detective Milo Sturgis investigate a series of seemingly unrelated crimes that suggest the work of a highly disciplined and compulsive serial offender. Their inquiry leads them into the affluent but troubled world of Los Angeles high society, where hidden deviances and long-buried secrets thrive. Delaware uses his clinical expertise to construct a psychological profile of the suspect while Sturgis manages the complex procedural challenges of the case. The novel examines the intersection of mental illness and criminal behavior in a modern urban setting.

10. The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton A team of elite scientists is gathered in a high-tech underground laboratory to investigate a lethal extraterrestrial microorganism brought to Earth by a downed satellite. They must race against a literal ticking clock to understand the organism's biology and prevent a global biological catastrophe. The narrative utilizes a documentary-style approach, incorporating technical data and scientific protocols to heighten the sense of realism and urgency. The story explores the risks of space exploration and the potential for scientific advancement to lead to unforeseen disasters.

11. The Chamber by John Grisham A young lawyer at a prestigious firm takes on the challenge of appealing the death sentence of his grandfather, a former Ku Klux Klan member convicted of a fatal bombing decades earlier. As he delves into the legal history of the case, he uncovers a complex family history marked by prejudice, trauma, and suppressed truths. The narrative examines the moral complexities of the death penalty and the possibility of redemption for those who have committed heinous acts. The story provides a detailed look at the procedural and emotional toll of capital litigation.

12. The Rainmaker by John Grisham This narrative follows Rudy Baylor, a newly minted lawyer who finds himself representing a family against a powerful insurance conglomerate that refused to pay for a bone marrow transplant. As he prepares for the trial, he uncovers widespread fraudulent practices used by the company to avoid paying legitimate claims to vulnerable policyholders. Rudy must overcome his lack of experience and the aggressive tactics of the defense team to secure a just verdict for his clients. The novel serves as a scathing critique of corporate greed and the exploitation of the legal system.

13. Dead Souls by Ian Rankin Detective Inspector John Rebus investigates a series of troubling incidents in Edinburgh, including the return of a notorious pedophile and the apparent suicide of a former colleague. He finds himself caught in a web of local politics and long-standing grievances that threaten to compromise his professional integrity. As he digs deeper, he discovers links between current crimes and historical injustices that the establishment would prefer to keep hidden. The story captures the dark, atmospheric mood of the city and the personal struggles of its lead investigator.

14. Count to Ten by Karen Rose A private investigator and a fire investigator team up to track down a serial arsonist who is using fire to conceal a series of calculated murders. The investigation reveals a pattern of revenge linked to a traumatic event from the past that continues to haunt the survivors. They must race to identify the perpetrator before the next targeted victim is killed in a meticulously planned blaze. The novel combines elements of police procedural with romantic suspense and a detailed look at the science of fire investigation.

15. Crisis Four by Andy McNab Former SAS operative Nick Stone is tasked with locating a fellow agent who has gone rogue after a high-stakes undercover operation in the United States. He follows a dangerous trail from London to the American South, uncovering a conspiracy that involves international arms dealing and political betrayal. Stone must utilize his tactical expertise to survive multiple encounters with hostile forces while attempting to bring his former colleague in alive. The narrative provides a gritty, realistic depiction of modern espionage and the toll of covert operations.

16. The Naming of the Dead by Ian Rankin Set against the backdrop of the G8 summit in Edinburgh, Detective Inspector John Rebus investigates the suspicious death of a Member of Parliament. While the city is under intense security and filled with protesters, Rebus uncovers a series of murders that suggest a more personal motive behind the chaos. He must navigate the political sensitivities of the summit while pursuing a killer who is using the global event as a distraction. The novel explores the tension between international politics and local criminal reality.

17. Plea of Insanity by Jilliane Hoffman A successful prosecutor is faced with a difficult case when a man murders his family and claims he was driven by a temporary psychological break. As she prepares for the trial, she begins to uncover evidence that suggests the defendant's insanity plea is a carefully constructed deception. The investigation leads her into a dark world of domestic secrets and the limits of psychiatric evaluation in a court of law. The narrative examines the ethical challenges of the legal profession and the nature of true evil.

18. Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell Chief Medical Examiner Kay Scarpetta investigates a series of murders involving a rare and lethal strain of the smallpox virus. She receives cryptic emails from the killer, who seems to be targeting her personally and challenging her forensic expertise. Scarpetta must collaborate with federal agencies to contain a potential epidemic while attempting to identify the source of the biological threat. The novel utilizes detailed forensic and medical information to create a sense of high-stakes technological suspense.

19. Heat by Ed McBain Detectives of the 87th Precinct investigate a series of crimes during a record-breaking heatwave that has pushed the city's residents to the breaking point. The narrative follows multiple interconnected storylines, including a suspicious suicide and a series of professional burglaries that escalate into violence. The investigators must manage the physical and psychological toll of the weather while maintaining their professional standards in a volatile environment. The book is known for its realistic dialogue and its depiction of the daily grind of urban police work.

20. Vespers by Ed McBain When a priest is murdered in his own church, the detectives of the 87th Precinct must navigate a world of religious tradition and hidden sins to find the killer. Their inquiry reveals a complex history of personal rivalries and clandestine activities within the parish and the surrounding community. The investigators use traditional legwork and psychological insight to dismantle the suspects' alibis and uncover the truth. The story provides a compelling look at the intersection of faith and criminal reality in a modern city.

21. Bleeding Hearts by Ian Rankin Writing as Jack Harvey, Rankin presents a thriller centered on a professional assassin who is forced to go on the run after a high-profile hit goes wrong. He becomes the target of both the authorities and his former employers, who want to ensure his silence at any cost. The narrative follows his desperate attempts to survive and exact revenge while navigating a landscape of betrayal and shifting loyalties. The story offers a focused, action-oriented look at the mechanics of professional killing and survival.

22. Cause of Death by Patricia Cornwell Kay Scarpetta investigates the mysterious drowning of an investigative journalist who was researching a controversial historical event. Her autopsy reveals evidence of foul play and leads her to a high-security naval facility where she uncovers a conspiracy involving stolen radioactive materials. She must overcome bureaucratic hurdles and physical threats to expose the truth before a catastrophic event occurs. The narrative highlights the role of forensic science in uncovering secrets that powerful interests wish to keep buried.

23. Sons of Fortune by Jeffrey Archer Two twin brothers separated at birth grow up in completely different socio-economic environments, one in a life of privilege and the other in a struggling middle-class family. Their paths eventually cross as they both pursue ambitious careers in law and politics, leading to a high-stakes rivalry that tests their character. The narrative explores themes of nature versus nurture, the impact of opportunity, and the enduring power of family ties. The story provides a sweeping look at mid-century American society and the pursuit of the American Dream.

24. The Cauldron / Shall We Tell the President? by Colin Forbes / Jeffrey Archer This selection includes a high-stakes international thriller involving a conspiracy to destabilize the European energy market and a political suspense novel centered on a plot to assassinate the President of the United States. Both narratives feature intricate plots, intelligence tradecraft, and a race against time to prevent large-scale disasters. The investigators must identify the hidden adversaries within the corridors of power before they can execute their final, lethal plans. The book offers a concentrated exploration of geopolitical risk and political vulnerability.