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UnderratedReads is devoted to discovering underrated books and under-represented authors. We highlight hidden gems from around the world–honest reviews only, never pay-to-play.
Category Archives: Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
The Boys Are Back in Town: A Brody James Mystery – Karl Kling
(Reviewed by Don Jung) Brody James leaves the military to get a job in the Police Department of his hometown that he left fifteen years ago after graduating from high school. He reunites with old school acquaintances as he settles … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged crime fiction, military, police
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The Bolden Cylinder A Bruneau Abellard Novel – Norman Woolworth
(Reviewed by JD Jung) I was excited to read The Bolden Cylinder because of its promise of jazz and its New Orleans setting—two of my favorite things. What I got was so much more: a richly layered mystery involving arson, … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged friendship, history, jazz, New Orleans
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Proven Innocence – Mary J. Rocco
(Reviewed by Ann Onymous ) What would you do if you found yourself suddenly awake — In total darkness…. Where am I? You don’t know Who you are You don’t know Why When Or How you got there. This intriguing … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged addiction, greed, murder
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The SILO – G. S. Heist, Greg Heist
(Reviewed by Don Jung) This psychological thriller happens in one day. Well- written with vivid character development, we see Frank Braun on his last day before retiring from the Police Department. He gets an unusual request to interrogate young Jacob … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Reviewers' Top Picks
Tagged abuse, psychological thriller
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All We Trust – Gregory Galloway
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Half-brothers Peck and Al, launder money for a local crime lord through a bar and hardware store. They have been partners in petty crime since childhood, but adulthood has only deepened their dependence on each other. … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged crime fiction, grief, loyalty
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Leverage – Amran Gowani
(Reviewed by JD Jung) At only twenty-seven-year-old, Ali Jafar is a high-performing hedge fund manager for Prism Capital in San Francisco. He’s smart, respected, and has earned the confidence of his powerful boss, Paul Kingsley, founder of the firm and … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged exploitation, hedge fund, investments, racism, thriller
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The Yellow Dog – Georges Simenon (translated by Linda Asher)
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Originally published in 1931, in English in 1939, and now re-released in English, The Yellow Dog offers readers a taste of Georges Simenon’s signature crime storytelling. Set in the small seaside town of Concarneau, France, a … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, French Literature, Lost and almost forgotten
Tagged cozy mystery, crime fiction, France
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The Obsessions of Harvey Usher – David Putnam
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “ Eighty-three-year-old Harvey Usher is a recluse who still, after two years, mourns the death of his wife. When he finds a young woman inside his house who claims to be his wife, he’s sure that … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged Crime, crime thriller, psychological thriller
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Wordsworth in Bogotá – Scott E. Sundby
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Colombian drug lord Diego Velasquez is facing financial ruin. It’s right after 9/11, and the U.S. borders are tightening, and corrupt officials are now refusing bribes. His two sons represent the family’s split identity: Carlos, … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers
Tagged drug cartels, English literature, poetry, Wordsworth
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So Happy Together – Olivia Worley
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Twenty-four-year-old aspiring playwright Jane Williams thinks she’s met her soul mate, Colin Hillgrove. The problem is that Colin doesn’t feel the same way. In fact, he broke up with her after six dates in less than … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance
Tagged crime thriller, fatal attraction, New York City
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