FREE/BARGAIN — Mystery, Suspense & Thrillers

[sufue]

Fault Tree is a non-series title by Michaela Thompson, written under the pen name, Mickey Friedman. It is free right now at Kindle US, no idea why or for how long. This has been on sale/countdown many times before, but not (AFAIK) free.

link: https://www.amazon.com/Fault-Tree-Mi...dp/B00GVE8C2C/

Spoiler:

HELLO, IT’S YOUR PAST CALLING…

“Placing blame” thinks Marina Robinson, “is my life’s work. And why?” There’s a lot in her past to account for—nightmares and terrors, crimes and betrayals that happened half a world away, ten years go. Now she’s an engineer with a great job. She’s a failure analyst, an investigator who figures out what causes accidents, and she’s working on her most fascinating case--the fatal crash of a roller coaster--when suddenly the phone rings. And her world tilts…

The elusive, unidentified caller can be only one person—Catherine, her beloved younger sister who supposedly died in a fire ten years ago. Once again—for the moment abandoning her case--Marina is inexorably drawn back to India, the country that seduced her so long ago in so many ways, where something unspeakable happened to a child, and where she herself participated in misdeeds so shocking she can’t forgive herself. She starts by tracking Catherine’s lost lover, Nagarajan, the irresistibly charismatic guru under whose spell Catherine fell those many years ago, a man so dangerous, so full of hubris he took his name from Indian snake gods, and who at times seemed more serpent than human. But who is also reportedly dead—a suicide in a jail cell.

Thus begins an odyssey of fear and danger--far from dead, Nagarajan seems to be everywhere, and so do his disciples (at least those who haven't gone mad from guilt). Nowhere, it seems, is Marina safe, nor is anyone who knows anything about the young victim of Nagarajan’s atrocities. Wherever she turns, the path seems strewn with fresh bodies. Just when the jig seems up, Marina calls on her skills as a failure analyst and Thompson pulls off a surprise ending that will leave you gasping.

Fault Tree is that rare novel that pulls us into the exotic experience of a stranger in a strange land, much like Ruth Prawer Jhabvala's Heat and Dust or Gregory David Roberts' Shantaram.

[GA Russell]

The Black Ice (Harry Bosch #2) - $1.99
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Harry-B...dp/B001GUXJQA/

*****

Roses are Dead - Loren D. Estleman - $1.99
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DLGKYUK

[Little.Egret]

Originally Posted by sufue

Fault Tree is a non-series title by Michaela Thompson, written under the pen name, Mickey Friedman. It is free right now at Kindle US, no idea why or for how long. This has been on sale/countdown many times before, but not (AFAIK) free.

link: https://www.amazon.com/Fault-Tree-Mi...dp/B00GVE8C2C/

Also free in UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GVE8C...cm_cd_asin_lnk

and Canada

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00GVE8C2C/ref=cm_cd_asin_lnk

[GA Russell]

The Choirboys - Joseph Wambaugh - $1.99
https://www.amazon.com/Choirboys-Jos...dp/B001M5JVS4/

(I've wanted this for a long time!)

[sufue]

A couple of titles by Susanna Gregory have dropped to $3.99 at Kindle and Kobo US (not couponable). This is about my upper limit for backlist titles.

Death in St. James's Park, Thomas Chaloner series, #8
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Death-St-Jame...dp/B00GU32DHO/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dea...james-s-park-1

Spoiler:

Five years after Charles II's triumphant return to London there is growing mistrust of his extravagant court and of corruption among his officials - and when a cart laden with gunpowder explodes outside the General Letter Office, it is immediately clear that such an act is more than an expression of outrage at the inefficiency of the postal service.

As intelligencer to the Lord Chamberlain, Thomas Chaloner cannot understand why a man of known incompetence is put in charge of investigating the attack while he is diverted to make enquiries about the poisoning of birds in the King's aviary in St James's Park. Then human rather than avian victims are poisoned, and Chaloner knows he has to ignore his master's instructions and use his own considerable wits to defeat an enemy whose deadly tentacles reach into the very heart of the government: an enemy who has the power and expertise to destroy anyone who stands in the way ...

Death of a Scholar, Matthew Bartholomew series, #20
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Scholar...dp/B00ICYHWV6/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/death-of-a-scholar-3

Spoiler:

In the summer of 1358 the physician Matthew Bartholomew returns to Cambridge to learn that his beloved sister is in mourning after the unexpected death of her husband, Oswald Stanmore. Aware that his son has no interest in the cloth trade that made his fortune and reputation, Oswald has left the business to his widow, but a spate of burglaries in the town distracts Matthew from supporting Edith in her grief and attempting to keep the peace between her and her wayward son.

As well as the theft of irreplaceable items from Michaelhouse, which threatens its very survival, a new foundation, Winwick Hall, is causing consternation amongst Matthew's colleagues. The founder is an impatient man determined that his name will grace the University's most prestigious college. He has used his wealth to rush the construction of the hall, and his appointed Fellows have infiltrated the charitable Guild founded by Stanmore, in order to gain the support of Cambridge's most influential citizens on Winwick's behalf.

A perfect storm between the older establishments and the brash newcomers is brewing when the murder of a leading member of the Guild is soon followed by the death of one of Winwick's senior Fellows. Assisting Brother Michael in investigating these fatalities leads Matthew into a web of suspicion, where conspiracy theories are rife but facts are scarce and where the pressure from the problems of his college and his family sets him on a path that could endanger his own future...

In addition, a few more of Gregory's many titles have dropped to $4.99, which is more than I will pay for backlist except for my very most favorite four or five series. (I like most of Gregory's books a lot, but they don't hit that high bar...) Here's a link for the $4.99 one, which also picks up some that seem to be longer-term priced at $4.99...

link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/?se...price-asc-rank

[ZodWallop]

Originally Posted by GA Russell

The Choirboys - Joseph Wambaugh - $1.99
https://www.amazon.com/Choirboys-Jos...dp/B001M5JVS4/

(I've wanted this for a long time!)

You and me both. Very nice find. Thank you!

[sufue]

Several titles in the long-running George Gently series by Alan Hunter have dropped to $2.99 at Kindle and Kobo US (not couponable).

Titles include:

• Gently Where She Lay, #19, apa Vivienne — Gently Where She Lay
• Gently to a Sleep, #25
• Gently with the Innocents, #17
• Gently Sahib, #12
• Gently Continental, #15
• Gently North-West, #14, apa Gently in the Highlands
• Gently Sinking, #18 ??? possibly a new title for Gently Coloured ???

links for them all:
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/?se...rence+-impulse
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/search?Qu...&sort=PriceAsc

Oh, yeah, and a few more...
The Original Inspector George Gently Collection contains the first two titles in the series, Gently Does It and Gently by the Shore. It has dropped to $3.99 at Kindle and Kobo US. Be careful though, there is also a $6.99 omnibus of the first four titles (also including Gently Down the Stream and Landed Gently) which may or may not be a better bargain for you, depending on whether you need/want/already have any of the individual titles.

The Original Inspector George Gently Collection
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Insp...dp/B00OGUT2VI/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the...y-collection-3

George Gently Omnibus (Books 1-4)
Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/George-Gently...dp/B00OGUWUWG/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/geo...us-books-1-4-2

[Mort1997]

Free on Amazon UK - Postman's Knock (Inspector Pitt Detective series Book 1) by J F Straker (Repeat)

Spoiler:

Inspector Pitt has a serious problem on his hands.

The postman in Grange Road has mysteriously vanished, and several of the residents who were anxiously awaiting his arrival are very distressed.

Has he absconded with the mail, and some particularly important parcels?

As Pitt begins his investigations, a darker alternative comes to light.

Has the missing postman in fact been kidnapped, attacked by one resident with a long-standing grudge against postmen, or even murdered?

And why had he delivered only some of the letters, and not completed his round?

The vastly different, largely eccentric residents of Grange Road have one thing in common: they all seem reluctant to help the police with their inquiries, and to be hiding something.

Was there a conspiracy to get rid of the postman before he could make a certain delivery?

Before any questions can be definitively answered, assault, blackmail and sudden death disturb the usual peace of Grange Road.

UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Postmans-Kn...ndeavour+press

US
https://www.amazon.com/Postmans-Knoc...ndeavour+press

Au
https://www.amazon.com.au/Postmans-K...ndeavour+press

Can
https://www.amazon.ca/Postmans-Knock...ndeavour+press

[Mort1997]

Free on Amazon UK - The Superintendent's Daughter (Inspector Gil Mayo Mystery Series Book 11) by Marjorie Eccles

Spoiler:

Julie Mayo and Kathryn Conolly have been the closest of friends since their schooldays…

So when each girl finds herself in a spot of trouble, it’s only natural they should turn to each other in confidence, their letters winging their way around the world and offering reassurance that they are not alone.

But when one girl is found brutally murdered in a luxurious country house hotel, and the other goes missing, it seems that their friendship, and correspondence, might be hiding a deadly secret.

Although desperate to be involved, Superintendent Gil Mayo is excluded from the case because Julie is his daughter.

Unable to officially take charge of what might be the most important investigation of his career, Mayo begins his own unofficial inquiry, aided by regular updates from Inspector Abigail Moon, who carries on with the murder investigation.

The two officers, in their individual investigations, discover that Kat seems to have been playing dangerous games with powerful people — and it is possible that Julie became deeply involved.

What’s more, there is also reason to believe that the murdered girl was mistaken for her childhood friend.

The murder inquiry centres not only on Kat’s colourful and complex love life, but also delves into the past.

In the process, local people are drawn into the case, their success and importance making them anxious about the past indiscretions that are inevitably coming to light.

Who was the intended victim?

And, more importantly, where is the missing girl now?

It is imperative that she be found — not only for the help she might offer for solving the case, but for her own protection.

UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superintend...ndeavour+press

US
https://www.amazon.com/Superintenden...ndeavour+press

Au
https://www.amazon.com.au/Superinten...ndeavour+press

Can
https://www.amazon.ca/Superintendent...ndeavour+press

[Mort1997]

Free on Amazon UK - Dead Man Walking (Detective Johnny Inch series Book 1) by J F Straker (Repeat)

Spoiler:

After a break in at a bank, Scotland Yard’s top team is brought into investigate.

Detective Superintendent Richard Sherrey heads up the case, followed by Detective Sergeant Johnny Inch and Detective Sergeant Humphrey Nicodemus.

Johnny is a bit of maverick, and decides to take matters in to his own hands.

He uses his shady connections to sound out the suspects.

And soon he is sure he knows who the perpetrator is.

But then his suspect turns up dead.

And before long more murders are committed.

Are the murders connected to the robbery?

What is the motive behind them?

Can Johnny use his unorthodox methods to crack the case?

Or will he find himself in a world of trouble…?

At cracking pace, relieved only by moments of dry humour and startling insight into human motives, J F Straker reveals plot and counter-plot, cross and double-cross, until, with a mixture of luck, intelligence, and downright clumsiness, Johnny Inch and the team find all the answers.

Will Johnny uncover the terrible mystery?

UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dead-Walkin...ndeavour+press

US
https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Walking-...ndeavour+press

Au
https://www.amazon.com.au/Dead-Walki...ndeavour+press

Can
https://www.amazon.ca/Dead-Walking-D...ndeavour+press

[Mort1997]

Free on Amazon UK - One Man's Justice (C.I.D. Room Book 14) by Roderic Jeffries

Spoiler:

P.C. Wells has been refused a permanent position with the Fortrow C.I.D team…

It is a blow to his career that he was unprepared for. Working all his life to ensure others are safe, he is disheartened to think it isn’t enough.

He prides himself on his work ethics and values.

Until one night when he stops a Rolls Royce which jumped a red light.

What was intended as a caution became an argumentative dispute with the local bigwig, William Bateman, in front of his evening companions.

Retaliation came in the form of a complaint against Wells. A claim that Wells was trying to extract a bribe from Bateman.

Already saddened at the loss of a position in C.I.D. Wells is furious at this allegation. But without proof he is left with no choice but to accept the investigation against him.

Unless he can clear his name by other means.

Investigating the others in the vehicle, Wells is soon under pressure to desist in his inquiries.

Pressure in the form of two thugs in the night.

But why put in the effort to ruin a career over being caught jumping a light?

Or is something more sinister happening that Bateman is trying to divert attention from?

Wells is determined to uncover the truth. Even if it means breaking the rules he has lived his life by.

With his career stalled, he sees no point in treading carefully. A man who has nothing left to lose is willing to do anything…

UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N5LSP...ndeavour+press

US
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5LSPTW...ndeavour+press

Au
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01N5LS...ndeavour+press

Can
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01N5LSPTW/...ndeavour+press

[Mort1997]

Free on Amazon UK - Counter-Coup by Michael Allen

Spoiler:

Balembi is a newly independent state in the heart of Africa. President Kasaboru is striving to develop the country along democratic, Western lines, but is menaced by the spectre of tribal conflict prominent both internally and in border states...

Added to this is the pressure from outside: Balembi’s Russian-backed Communist neighbours are encouraging a revolution.

Philip Morgan, formerly of the Metropolitan Police, returns by special invitation to the former British Colony of his childhood to take up the post of Security Adviser to President Kasaboru.

However, within days a violent coup is put into action and the president is overthrown by the rebel and rival politician Joro Nyanga.

The struggle is fierce and bloody, the savagery worse than the worst fears, and as Balembi slides into chaos Philip and Kasaboru set off across the country with Jane, a newly arrived doctor, and just two of the president’s remaining supporters.

Their aim is to reach the only town still loyal to Kasaboru and rally resistance there but violence, rape and torture follow perilously close every step of the way.

With the prospect of United Nations intervention looming, a race against time develops, with Nyanga hunting down the fugitives while Kasaboru and Philip try to organize a counter-coup that will restore the legitimate government and bring peace to Balembi.

Meanwhile the major cities and bush slide into anarchy with mass murder and chaos.

UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MY7RL...ndeavour+press

US
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7RLRR...ndeavour+press

Au
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01MY7R...ndeavour+press

Can
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01MY7RLRR/...ndeavour+press

[sufue]

Maggody and the Moonbeams is the 13th in the Arly Hanks/Maggody series by Joan Hess. It has dropped to $0.99 at Kindle and Kobo US (couponable/VIPable at Kobo).

Kindle US link: https://www.amazon.com/Maggody-Moonb...dp/B01ENRHK4O/
Kobo US link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/mag...-the-moonbeams

Spoiler:

A youth trip turns deadly, and Chief of Police Arly Hanks must catch the killer while serving as chaperone, in this hilarious small-town mystery.

Arly Hanks has caught all sorts of killers since she returned home to Maggody, Arkansas, population 759, but she’s never tangled with anyone as devious as the local youth group. While chaperoning a trip to Camp Pearly Gates, Arly watches the kids as closely as she would any hardened criminal, but when teenagers have a mind to get into trouble, there’s nothing a police chief can do but limit the damage. She’s just about got the situation under control when one of the kids finds a body, and all hell breaks loose in classic Maggody manner.

The murdered woman sports a shaved head and a white robe, marking her as a Moonbeam, a member of a particularly kooky local cult. And caught between the sect and the law, Arly may be forced to sacrifice what little sanity she has left.

Nobody pokes fun at religion quite as effectively as Joan Hess. This is another laugh-out-loud entry in one of the funniest mystery series of all time.

Maggody and the Moonbeams is the 13th book in the Arly Hanks Mysteries, but you may enjoy reading the series in any order.

[sufue]

The 600 Pound Gorilla is the second in the Jimmy Flannery series by Robert Campbell. It is a repeat US Kindle Countdown deal at $0.99 for about the next 5 3/4 days.

Info and link in this previous post: https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh....php?p=3430942

[sufue]

Not sure if this is a mystery or a western, or even just fictionalized history (the feud between Marsh and Cope was real, not sure about the other characters...), and Kindle just puts it in "literature & fiction"...

In any case, the review in the blurb does mention John Buchan before it mentions H. Rider Haggard, so I'm putting it here in mysteries :

The Bone Hunter appears to be a non-series title by Tom Holland. It has dropped to $2.99 at Kindle and Kobo US.

Kindle US: https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Hunter-T...dp/B00GW4P0E4/
Kobo US: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-bone-hunter-1

Spoiler:

An heir of John Buchan and Rider Haggard, Holland is a storyteller, dealing in mysteries and marvels ... he holds the reader's attention in an iron grip' DAILY TELEGRAPH

1878. The golden days of dinosaur discoveries. In the still-Wild West, fossils of a monstrous size are being uncovered by America's two greatest bone-hunters, Professors Marsh and Cope. Caught in the bitterest of feuds, their rival gangs steal or smash up each other's collections of bones, and clash murderously in the badlands of the West.

Back in New York, the two professors are sniffing out tantalising rumours of the ultimate find. Also lured by these hints are enigmatic English scientist Captain Dawkins and Miss Lilian Prescott, a naïve but wilful heiress. Drawn into a web of corruption and murder, they are forced on a desperate hunt for a box of mysterious fossils - a quest filled with danger, adventure and extraordinary discoveries.