Top new crime books in August 2025
Last updated:
August 31, 2025
August 2025 featuring new releases by Sarah Pekkanen, Lisa Gardner, K.L. Slater, Samantha Downing, Addie E. Citchens, Joanne Fluke, J.T. Ellison, Stacy Willingham, Jennifer Estep, Sulari Gentill and many more.
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The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen
Was it...Bitter, all-consuming jealousy?Pathological sibling rivalry?Pure insanity?Whatever the cause—and everyone has a theory—it's the Crime of the Decade when glamorous Georgia Cartwright, who was adopted as a newborn, is accused of killing the biological daughter of her wealthy, Southern family... -
![Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner]()
Kiss Her Goodbye by Lisa Gardner
#1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa Gardner returns with the 4th installment in her bestselling Frankie Elkin series, in which Frankie is called to Tucson, Arizona, to find a missing Afghan refugee, whose friend suspects she is in grave danger, before it is too late. A young mother haunted by war, determined to make a fresh start. But sometimes, the sins of the past aren't so easy to escape...mystery · fiction · suspense · crime · war · law-enforcement · police-procedural · murder · violent-conflict · book -
![The Lucky Winners by K.L. Slater]()
The Lucky Winners by K.L. Slater
You’ve won the house of your dreams. It’s about to become a nightmare… 'Excellent gripping storyline...keeps you guessing right to the end' 5***** reader reviewA gripping twist-filled thriller from the bestselling author of Message Deleted. For fans of T.M Logan, Gillian McAllister and Lisa Jewell...mystery · fiction · audiobook · psychological · contemporary · suspense · crime · thriller · book · adult -
![Too Old for This by Samantha Downing]()
Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town... -
![Dominion by Addie E. Citchens]()
Dominion by Addie E. Citchens
The sins of a favorite son rock a small Mississippi town in this taut Southern family drama.Reverend Sabre Winfrey, shepherd of the Seven Seals Baptist Church, believes in God, his own privilege, and enterprise. Besides the barbershop and radio station he owns, he has an iron hand on every aspect of Dominion, Mississippi, society...north-america · usa · mississippi · fiction · historical-fiction · audiobook · literary-fiction · contemporary · family · religion -
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![Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke]()
Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke
Beloved New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Joanne Fluke dishes the next irresistible Hannah Swensen mystery, with Hannah scrambling to bring the flavors of autumn to Lake Eden, Minnesota . .mystery · cozy · fiction · female-mc · amateur-sleuth · sci-fi · animals · supernatural · crime · book -
![Last Seen by J.T. Ellison]()
Last Seen by J.T. Ellison
From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a twisted psychological thriller about the bonds of family and the disconnect between memory and the truth.Come here. Come closer.Halley James knows her marriage is over. But she’s not prepared for the rest of her life to fall apart too.No one can hear you. No one can help you.She just lost her job at the forensics lab... -
![Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham]()
Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham
A pulse-pounding new Southern thriller from the author of the runaway bestseller A Flicker in the Dark.Twenty-two years ago, Claire Campbell’s older sister, Natalie, disappeared on her eighteenth birthday. Days later, her blood was found in a car, a man was arrested, and the case was swiftly closed... -
![A Touch of Treachery by Jennifer Estep]()
A Touch of Treachery by Jennifer Estep
New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Estep serves up a new, action-packed adventure in her Section 47 urban fantasy world. This series features secrets, lies, and superspies with amazing magical abilities, along with dangerous missions, double crosses, and a swoon-worthy romance. Perfect for fans of Alias, James Bond, Jason Bourne, Nikita, True Lies, and Netflix’s Bodyguard...romance · urban-fantasy · fantasy · magic · suspense · espionage · audiobook · urban · paranormal · fiction -
![Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill]()
Five Found Dead by Sulari Gentill
On a train, there are only so many places to hide…Crime fiction author Joe Penvale has won the most brutal battle of his life. Now that he has finished his intense medical treatment, he and his twin sister, Meredith, are boarding the glorious Orient Express in Paris, hoping for some much-needed rest and rejuvenation...europe · western-central-europe · france · urban · mystery · fiction · crime · audiobook · contemporary · murder -
![The Break-In by Katherine Faulkner]()
The Break-In by Katherine Faulkner
After killing an intruder in self-defense, a wealthy London mother must unravel a terrifying mystery filled with twists and turns, from the author of the “deliciously twisted thriller” (People) The Other Mothers. Alice, a professional mother of one, is hosting a playdate with friends at her upscale London home when a disturbed man breaks in...mystery · suspense · crime · fiction · thriller · family · female-mc · psychological · murder · friendship -
![Sweet Deception by Renee Parker]()
Sweet Deception by Renee Parker
VeronikaI crashed the double wedding of two of the scariest Irish Kings to get information. Information to help me find my best friend’s sister, who was abducted. All I had to do was hack the phone of one of the mafia members.He was the perfect target. A disinterested enforcer playing with fire, probably not too bright. Someone I could manipulate...romance · enemies-to-lovers · contemporary · forced-proximity · organized-crime · alpha-mc · suspense · dark · steamy · kidnapping -
![All Fun and Games by Honor Raconteur]()
All Fun and Games by Honor Raconteur
It’s all fun and games until someone gets murdered.Well, the Queen’s Own certainly isn’t having fun, because what’s worse than one case? Two, of course. And what’s worse than two? Whatever madness Jamie’s currently in.The body count is rising, all the MO’s are different, and cleaning charms have wiped the murder scenes of clues...romance · fantasy · mystery · steampunk · industrial-era · urban-fantasy · humor · crime · paranormal · magic -
![The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols]()
The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols
The perfect summer read, full of charm and heart, written in the vein of The Thursday Murder Club or Only Murders in the Building but with a southern California twist.Mrs...north-america · usa · california · mystery · cozy · fiction · audiobook · contemporary · humor · murder -
![Secrets by D.L. Maddox]()
Secrets by D.L. Maddox
Jane Ashcroft walks dogs under a false name, trying to stay quiet, unnoticed, untouchable.But in every new town, something pulls her in. A wealthy family with secrets. A romance that isn’t what it seems. A client who might be a killer...contemporary · drama · fiction · audiobook · suspense · law-enforcement · thriller · psychological · murder · crime -
![Bittersweet Revenge by Riley Hart]()
Bittersweet Revenge by Riley Hart
DeanI’ve been stalking Tiernan O’Shea online for years.After Sloan O’Shea killed my dad, my mom and I spent years in hiding, moving from state to state, changing our names, never drawing attention to ourselves, hoping to never be found.I’ve fed off nothing but vengeance ever since.Tiernan O’Shea is exactly like his father—arrogant, rich, ruthless.The plan is Get accepted to Ashford U... -
![The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold: A Novel by Ally Carter]()
The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold: A Novel by Ally Carter
Ten years ago, they joined the CIA. Six years ago, he left the game. Five years ago, they fell in love. One year ago, she ran out into the cold with absolutely no intention of ever coming back.And two minutes ago, they woke up, bloody and bruised and handcuffed together in the dark.They don’t know where they are. They don’t know how they got there...romance · mystery · fiction · contemporary · crime · humor · amateur-sleuth · new-adult · young-adult · law-enforcement -
![The Empress by Michelle Heard]()
The Empress by Michelle Heard
From USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michelle Heard comes a new STANDALONE, full-length MAFIA ROMANCE novel. While visiting family in Italy with my mother, I come face-to-face with Leo Toscano. The head of the Italian mafia, and my worst nightmare.Let’s get one thing straight... -
![One Dark Night by Hannah Richell]()
One Dark Night by Hannah Richell
When a body is found the day after Halloween, a small British community must reckon with its past and the dangers lurking in its present in this spine-tingling novel from “not to be missed” (Hayley Scrivener, author of Dirt Creek) author Hannah Richell...mystery · crime · suspense · psychological · fiction · murder · audiobook · horror · law-enforcement · police-procedural -
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![Savage Sacrifice by K.C. Kean]()
Savage Sacrifice by K.C. Kean
Dear Diary,Trinity Falls is nothing like I expected it to be. I never could have imagined that I would be a witch and find my magic. I never expected to find friends who have become family. And I certainly never expected to fall in love with five men who have become the center of my world... -
![Sacred Vow: A Dark Age Gap Romance by Sheridan Anne]()
Sacred Vow: A Dark Age Gap Romance by Sheridan Anne
Sometimes the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in the case of Caesar Di Rozé and his son, Zephyr, it couldn’t be more true.I didn’t intend for my one-night stand with Zeph to lead me back to his father’s place, but the moment it did, it was over for me. Caesar Di Rozé is a silver fox with the most delicious dark stare I’ve ever seen...romance · dark · contemporary · steamy · age-gap · cheating · domestic-drama · new-adult · vigilante · justice -
![The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson]()
The Art of a Lie by Laura Shepherd-Robinson
In 18th-century England, a widowed confectioner is drawn into a web of love, betrayal, and intrigue and a battle of wits in this masterful historical novel from the author of the USA TODAY bestseller The Square of Sevens. Following the murder of her husband in what looks like a violent street robbery, Hannah Cole is struggling to keep her head above water...romance · historical-fiction · mystery · historical · fiction · suspense · crime · fantasy · literary-fiction · book -
![Salem's Fall by Rektok Ross]()
Salem's Fall by Rektok Ross
A hotshot young attorney. An enigmatic billionaire accused of murder. To uncover the truth, she’ll have to play his game—and try not to fall in love with the devil. James Woodsen is used to being underestimated. Top of her class at Harvard Law, she’s brilliant, beautiful, and now the youngest female associate at Boston’s most elite criminal defense firm...romance · horror · fiction · mystery · paranormal · season-autumn · audiobook · psychological · crime · witches-wizards -
![A Husband Never Lies: A Psychological Thriller by James Caine]()
A Husband Never Lies: A Psychological Thriller by James Caine
The words on the mysterious letter were simple. Read Me, Now. Josie thought she married the perfect man. But as their love grows cold, she can’t shake the feeling that he’s hiding something‒or someone.Then the first letter arrives at her door. It demands that she read it immediately. He’s lying to you...psychological · mystery · serial-killers · secrets · romantic-love · suspense · contemporary · realistic · action-adventure · crime -
![Under His Control by K.C. Crowne]()
Under His Control by K.C. Crowne
How do I know my boss is obsessed with me?He nearly ended a guy for touching me. When a dirt bag traps me in an elevator...I feel panic and slap him.Then the doors open.My boss walks in and sees the look on my face...Hits the emergency stop.Cracks his knuckles. "Apologize to her... or I teach you respect in twelve floors." Now the creep is gone.But my nightmare's just beginning... -
![The Heart We Guard by Scarlett Cole]()
The Heart We Guard by Scarlett Cole
From USA Today best selling author, Scarlett Cole, writing as S. Cole, comes a forced proximity, grumpy versus guarded, electrifying small town MC romance.I should’ve bled out.Instead, I ended up in the care of a woman with haunted eyes and hands that didn’t shake—even when mine did.But Dr. Greer Hansen is too soft for a man like me. Too bright. Too good.So I leave while she sleeps...romance · forced-proximity · contemporary · found-family · suspense · dark · age-gap · small-town · biker · steamy -
![A Pack of Honey by Veronica Samek]()
A Pack of Honey by Veronica Samek
Where Cozy Summer Vibes meet Spicy, Why Choose Romance.Sunny, Lakeside Point’s local omega beekeeper, lives a simple life tending Sunshine Apiary and attending The Omega Book Club with friends...romance · omegaverse · reverse-harem · mlm · enemies-to-lovers · polyamory · paranormal · fated-mates · small-town · age-gap -
![The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley]()
The Serpent's Bride by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
"I LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH… I just couldn’t put it down… When I finished, I just screamed because that cliffhanger was perfection and so unexpected… I absolutely love this… I will be talking about it all the time… Fantastic." shelflife_bookreview, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I will disguise myself as the vampire’s bride. I will win over his family. And then I will murder every last one of them...romance · fantasy · vampires · audiobook · enemies-to-lovers · paranormal · fae · dark · fiction · organized-crime -
![Unrequited by Jane Henry]()
Unrequited by Jane Henry
A forbidden, age-gap romance of secrets, loyalty, and obsession from USA Today Best-Selling Author Jane Henry.He was never supposed to touch me.I was never supposed to love him.But some lines don’t stay drawn.I live in a world of rules and expectations, where obedience is survival and love is a liability. I was the innocent one. The youngest sister... -
![The Heir by Darcie Wilde]()
The Heir by Darcie Wilde
Destined for a life beyond her wildest dreams, born fifth in succession to the throne, and determined to get to the bottom of a most foul puzzle. The future queen becomes a rebellious sleuth when she vows to solve the mystery of a dead man scandalously discovered on the grounds of Kensington Palace—by her. The young Victoria remembers nothing but Kensington Palace...mystery · historical-fiction · fiction · historical · sci-fi · crime · romance · gothic · industrial-era · regency -
![Storm Front [Dramatized Adaptation] by Jim Butcher, Matthew Bassett, Christopher Walker, Drew Kopas]()
Storm Front [Dramatized Adaptation] by Jim Butcher, Matthew Bassett, Christopher Walker, Drew Kopas
Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago in the first dramatized audiobook in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series!As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans...urban-fantasy · fantasy · audiobook · magic · fiction · law-enforcement · crime · witches-wizards · supernatural · mystery -
![Crash by Kathy Lockheart]()
Crash by Kathy Lockheart
Code blue in the ER. That's how I end up in his hospital. In my brother's best friend's care.Dr. Blake Morrison is the star of every fantasy I've had since I was sixteen. Now he's the only one who believes something is truly wrong with me. The only one who can save me. But with each passing day, each failed diagnosis, I see him changing. The brilliant, controlled doctor is becoming something else...romance · forced-proximity · suspense · friends-to-lovers · dark · contemporary · billionaire · medical · slow-burn · found-family -
![Enzo by Eva Winners]()
Enzo by Eva Winners
Marriage arrangements were nothing new in our world. Mine was sealed before I even took my first breath—an unbreakable pact forged to ensure peace between two powerful families.I, Penelope DiMauro, was to be wed to the ruthless heir to the Omertà criminal empire, Enzo Marchetti, on Christmas Day.We uttered our vows “Till death do us part…” and just like that, I became his. His wife...organized-crime · secrets · arranged-marriage · contemporary · new-adult · romance · crime · fiction · book · adult -
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![Mr. Not Your Savior! by Alina Jacobs]()
Mr. Not Your Savior! by Alina Jacobs
When your mean boss asks you if you’re ready to admit defeat—and move out of his car...you wonder where you went wrong in life.Two weeks ago, I was an optimistic office girl with a Pinterest vision board and a dream.Now? I’m standing in a billionaire’s penthouse office, trying not to throw a donut at his smug, perfect face.McCarthy Svensson is my new boss-slash-personal tormentor... -
![The Italian Reckoning by Ava Gray]()
The Italian Reckoning by Ava Gray
I used to believe in the badge.That justice was clean.That criminals belonged behind bars.Then The Painter killed me.Wrapped me in plastic. Painted my face like his final masterpiece.But I survived. Barely.Now he’s back…And this time, his reckoning is personal.My captain says I’m imagining things.My precinct wants me off the case.They think I’m obsessed...romance · organized-crime · steamy · contemporary · anti-hero · action-adventure · fiction · crime · book · adult -
![Ruinous Need by Madison Juno]()
Ruinous Need by Madison Juno
The captive ballerina was supposed to remain untouched. This Bratva hitman couldn't resist. Now he'll carve a bloody trail to keep her, and the secret heir inside her... ViktorI captured her. On the Pakhan's orders.The dancer clad in bright silk. With no place in this dark world of ours. Defenceless. Innocent. Good. The Pakhan thought I'd leave her untouched. That would be unbearable agony... -
![The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown]()
The Society of Unknowable Objects by Gareth Brown
From the author of the internationally bestselling The Book of Doors, another fantastical, stand-alone novel in which a trio of seemingly everyday people are members of a secret society tasked with finding and protecting hidden magical objects—ordinary items with extraordinary properties...fantasy · fiction · magical-realism · mystery · paranormal · magic · action-adventure · urban-fantasy · audiobook · alternate-history -
![Born into Mayhem: An Age Gap Dark Mafia Romance by Sonja Grey]()
Born into Mayhem: An Age Gap Dark Mafia Romance by Sonja Grey
One bed. One lie. One time was never going to be enough.Dario Alessi is twice my age and lethal in all the ways that drive me crazy.Now that I’m eighteen, the tension between us is impossible to ignore.When his Italian famiglia needs my help, I jump on the plane without hesitation,more than ready to prove my worth and finally earn my place in my family’s Bratva...romance · contemporary · dark · age-gap · organized-crime · forbidden-love · family · outlaws · new-adult · humor -
![Stolen Mafia Vows by Vivy Skys]()
Stolen Mafia Vows by Vivy Skys
**An Age Gap Surprise Pregnancy Dark Romance**“When can I touch you where no one else has?”One reckless text.That’s all it took to start a mafia war.She was untouched.And she let me watch her fall apart—moaning my name through the phone like I already owned her.So I married my wild Irish rose.Filled her with my seed.Marked her as mine.Then my father’s orders caught up to me.“Make her trust you...organized-crime · insta-love · kidnapping · contemporary · alpha-mc · forbidden-love · new-adult · romance · female-mc · fiction -
![Death's Favor by Jill Ramsower]()
Death's Favor by Jill Ramsower
DanikaI ran from my Russian father to escape an arranged marriageand ended up handcuffed to an Italian mafia hitman … in his bed.He’s as intensely beautiful as he is ruthless.A dichotomy of callous yet kind that fascinates me, though I know it shouldn’t.The man’s a killer.But more than that, he suffers from compulsions—a need to control every aspect of his life...
![Storm Front [Dramatized Adaptation] by Jim Butcher, Matthew Bassett, Christopher Walker, Drew Kopas](https://48f-1.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/books/small/693bcb05fe0829f164530223.jpg)
