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Genre Guide

New Zealand fiction - Crime - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

Staff-created list

New Zealand crime fiction is booming! We currently have more crime writers than ever before, and their output is making waves around the world. From the classic works of Ngaio Marsh and Laurie Mantell came a foundation for great Kiwi crime writing, and with Paul Cleave leading the way forward we have a solid contingent of blood-soaked, intricately -plotted grisly stories. With detectives (clean or corrupt) and amateur sleuths, seedy urban settings, and often underlying self-deprecating humour and wit, there's plenty of quality amongst these titles exploring the darker side of NZ Fiction. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

18 items

18 items

This Mortal Boy

This Mortal Boy

by Kidman, Fiona, 1940-

Book - 2018

Based on true events, This Mortal Boy tells the controversial story of Albert Black, the second-to-last person hanged in New Zealand. Black was convicted ...Show more Based on true events, This Mortal Boy tells the controversial story of Albert Black, the second-to-last person hanged in New Zealand. Black was convicted of killing a man in a fight in 1955, and many questioned whether the public’s prejudice towards immigrants played a role in his sentence. Fans of True Crime and NZ history will enjoy this compelling interpretation of events from award-winning Kidman, who won the 2019 Best Novel award at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Show less

Based on true events, This Mortal Boy tells the controversial story of Albert Black, the second-to-last person hanged in New Zealand. Black was convicted ...Show more Based on true events, This Mortal Boy tells the controversial story of Albert Black, the second-to-last person hanged in New Zealand. Black was convicted of killing a man in a fight in 1955, and many questioned whether the public’s prejudice towards immigrants played a role in his sentence. Fans of True Crime and NZ history will enjoy this compelling interpretation of events from award-winning Kidman, who won the 2019 Best Novel award at the Ngaio Marsh Awards. Show less

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Money in the Morgue

Money in the Morgue

by Marsh, Ngaio, 1895-1982

Book - 2018

Roderick Alleyn is back solving crimes. When Mr Glossop does his usual rounds delivering wages in the lonely Canterbury Plains, he ends up trapped at Moun...Show more Roderick Alleyn is back solving crimes. When Mr Glossop does his usual rounds delivering wages in the lonely Canterbury Plains, he ends up trapped at Mount Seager with a group of quarantine soldiers with a river close to bursting its banks. Even in extraordinary circumstances, some things start to seem a little more suspicious at second glance. Then, suddenly people start to disappear and Mr Glossops payroll goes missing. Also available on e-book through Wheelers e-platform. Nominated for Best Crime Novel at the 2019 Awards which carry Ngaio Marsh's name and completed by Stella Duffy. Show less

Roderick Alleyn is back solving crimes. When Mr Glossop does his usual rounds delivering wages in the lonely Canterbury Plains, he ends up trapped at Moun...Show more Roderick Alleyn is back solving crimes. When Mr Glossop does his usual rounds delivering wages in the lonely Canterbury Plains, he ends up trapped at Mount Seager with a group of quarantine soldiers with a river close to bursting its banks. Even in extraordinary circumstances, some things start to seem a little more suspicious at second glance. Then, suddenly people start to disappear and Mr Glossops payroll goes missing. Also available on e-book through Wheelers e-platform. Nominated for Best Crime Novel at the 2019 Awards which carry Ngaio Marsh's name and completed by Stella Duffy. Show less

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The Sound of Her Voice

The Sound of Her Voice

One Cop's Descent Into Darkness

by Blackwell, Nathan, pseud

Book - 2017

This dark tale of mystery and suspense will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. Matt Buchanan is a career-weary cop with a jaded outlook,...Show more This dark tale of mystery and suspense will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. Matt Buchanan is a career-weary cop with a jaded outlook, but that doesn't stop him from continuing to try to make the world right. He's dwelling on some unsolved cases and as he digs, he unearths material and evidence that shatters his world view and takes him to the edge of what's right and wrong. A great debut from this kiwi crime writer. Show less

This dark tale of mystery and suspense will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. Matt Buchanan is a career-weary cop with a jaded outlook,...Show more This dark tale of mystery and suspense will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. Matt Buchanan is a career-weary cop with a jaded outlook, but that doesn't stop him from continuing to try to make the world right. He's dwelling on some unsolved cases and as he digs, he unearths material and evidence that shatters his world view and takes him to the edge of what's right and wrong. A great debut from this kiwi crime writer. Show less

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Marlborough Man

Marlborough Man

by Carter, Alan, 1959-

Book - 2017

This dark and sinister story explores hunting and predatory behaviors, and what happens when evil meets small-town Aotearoa. It follows a young policeman ...Show more This dark and sinister story explores hunting and predatory behaviors, and what happens when evil meets small-town Aotearoa. It follows a young policeman in rural NZ coping with the day-to-day of rural life when townspeople begin to go missing. 'Marlborough Man' was the winner of the Ngaio Marsh Award and shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award. A gripping read that'll keep those pages turning. Show less

This dark and sinister story explores hunting and predatory behaviors, and what happens when evil meets small-town Aotearoa. It follows a young policeman ...Show more This dark and sinister story explores hunting and predatory behaviors, and what happens when evil meets small-town Aotearoa. It follows a young policeman in rural NZ coping with the day-to-day of rural life when townspeople begin to go missing. 'Marlborough Man' was the winner of the Ngaio Marsh Award and shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award. A gripping read that'll keep those pages turning. Show less

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Philippa Barnes Mysteries, Books 1-3

Philippa Barnes Mysteries, Books 1-3

by McCormack, Trish, 1961-

eBook - 2016

A great collection of plot driven, atmospheric tales set in the mountains of the South Island. The protagonist of the series, Phillipa Barnes, fancies her...Show more A great collection of plot driven, atmospheric tales set in the mountains of the South Island. The protagonist of the series, Phillipa Barnes, fancies herself an amateur detective, investigating murders and uncovering secrets as she goes. Evocative of the cosy crime genre with its rural setting, small-town characters and a constantly chugging rumour-mill; but it's McCormack's compelling descriptions which really steal the show, evoking to mind the stunning natural scenery of the rugged west coast. Show less

A great collection of plot driven, atmospheric tales set in the mountains of the South Island. The protagonist of the series, Phillipa Barnes, fancies her...Show more A great collection of plot driven, atmospheric tales set in the mountains of the South Island. The protagonist of the series, Phillipa Barnes, fancies herself an amateur detective, investigating murders and uncovering secrets as she goes. Evocative of the cosy crime genre with its rural setting, small-town characters and a constantly chugging rumour-mill; but it's McCormack's compelling descriptions which really steal the show, evoking to mind the stunning natural scenery of the rugged west coast. Show less

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Inside the Black Horse

Inside the Black Horse

by Berard, Ray

Book - 2015

Gang culture and retribution are all on show in this fast-paced crime mystery. Pio has a debt to pay and can think of only one way to do it. What he does ...Show more Gang culture and retribution are all on show in this fast-paced crime mystery. Pio has a debt to pay and can think of only one way to do it. What he does next pulls gang members and innocent people alike into a web of action and betrayal. With deeply flawed characters and a strong sense of place, this debut novel puts this new-New Zealander author on the crime fiction map. Show less

Gang culture and retribution are all on show in this fast-paced crime mystery. Pio has a debt to pay and can think of only one way to do it. What he does ...Show more Gang culture and retribution are all on show in this fast-paced crime mystery. Pio has a debt to pay and can think of only one way to do it. What he does next pulls gang members and innocent people alike into a web of action and betrayal. With deeply flawed characters and a strong sense of place, this debut novel puts this new-New Zealander author on the crime fiction map. Show less

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Cross Fingers

Cross Fingers

by Richardson, Paddy, 1950-

Book - 2013

Set during the '81 springbok tour, this psychological thriller sees our protagonist surrounded by intrigue, and under threat. A lot has been going on in R...Show more Set during the '81 springbok tour, this psychological thriller sees our protagonist surrounded by intrigue, and under threat. A lot has been going on in Rebecca Thorne's life and she's pretty edgy, but the more she delves into the events surrounding the controversial rugby tour, the weirder things are getting, and it's unnerving - does she have a stalker? Or is she just paranoid? A tense thriller set against one of NZ's most iconic events. Show less

Set during the '81 springbok tour, this psychological thriller sees our protagonist surrounded by intrigue, and under threat. A lot has been going on in R...Show more Set during the '81 springbok tour, this psychological thriller sees our protagonist surrounded by intrigue, and under threat. A lot has been going on in Rebecca Thorne's life and she's pretty edgy, but the more she delves into the events surrounding the controversial rugby tour, the weirder things are getting, and it's unnerving - does she have a stalker? Or is she just paranoid? A tense thriller set against one of NZ's most iconic events. Show less

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The Laughterhouse

The Laughterhouse

A Thriller

by Cleave, Paul, 1974-

Book - 2012

A clever layer of plots and player with words, local Christchurch author Paul Cleave is a master of thrills. In this 'Mr Mercedes' style plot, a Police Of...Show more A clever layer of plots and player with words, local Christchurch author Paul Cleave is a master of thrills. In this 'Mr Mercedes' style plot, a Police Officer must revisit an old murder to solve a new one with eerie simularities. Filled with the same gut-wrenching , fast paced and yet moving crime action that fan's have come to love from this writer. Show less

A clever layer of plots and player with words, local Christchurch author Paul Cleave is a master of thrills. In this 'Mr Mercedes' style plot, a Police Of...Show more A clever layer of plots and player with words, local Christchurch author Paul Cleave is a master of thrills. In this 'Mr Mercedes' style plot, a Police Officer must revisit an old murder to solve a new one with eerie simularities. Filled with the same gut-wrenching , fast paced and yet moving crime action that fan's have come to love from this writer. Show less

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The Ihaka Trilogy

The Ihaka Trilogy

by Thomas, Paul, 1951-

Book - 2010

Realistic and hilarious, Paul Thomas' pacey trilogy features maverick Māori cop Tito Ihaka and a memorable cast of supporting characters. Rule-breaking Ti...Show more Realistic and hilarious, Paul Thomas' pacey trilogy features maverick Māori cop Tito Ihaka and a memorable cast of supporting characters. Rule-breaking Tito is a detective sergeant for Auckland’s CID who works on a range of high-profile criminal investigations and the odd cold case. Thomas cleverly weaves in real-life crimes and events into this highly entertaining, very Kiwi read. ‘Inside Dope’, the second story in the trilogy, won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction in 1996. Show less

Realistic and hilarious, Paul Thomas' pacey trilogy features maverick Māori cop Tito Ihaka and a memorable cast of supporting characters. Rule-breaking Ti...Show more Realistic and hilarious, Paul Thomas' pacey trilogy features maverick Māori cop Tito Ihaka and a memorable cast of supporting characters. Rule-breaking Tito is a detective sergeant for Auckland’s CID who works on a range of high-profile criminal investigations and the odd cold case. Thomas cleverly weaves in real-life crimes and events into this highly entertaining, very Kiwi read. ‘Inside Dope’, the second story in the trilogy, won the Ned Kelly Award for Best Fiction in 1996. Show less

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The Fallen

The Fallen

by Sanders, Ben, 1989-

Book - 2010

Auckland police officer Sean Devereaux unwittingly becomes tangled in a web of deceit and corruption. When Sean investigates the murder of an 'Epsom Princ...Show more Auckland police officer Sean Devereaux unwittingly becomes tangled in a web of deceit and corruption. When Sean investigates the murder of an 'Epsom Princess,' he is overwhelmed by just how much the murder has opened up cracks in his day job. It reveals a scam at work, a cycle of kidnapping, escalating violence and general mayhem. As Sean begins to reluctantly unravel the truth, we discover the stakes have suddenly become personal. Show less

Auckland police officer Sean Devereaux unwittingly becomes tangled in a web of deceit and corruption. When Sean investigates the murder of an 'Epsom Princ...Show more Auckland police officer Sean Devereaux unwittingly becomes tangled in a web of deceit and corruption. When Sean investigates the murder of an 'Epsom Princess,' he is overwhelmed by just how much the murder has opened up cracks in his day job. It reveals a scam at work, a cycle of kidnapping, escalating violence and general mayhem. As Sean begins to reluctantly unravel the truth, we discover the stakes have suddenly become personal. Show less

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Surrender

Surrender

by Malane, Donna

Book - 2010

This dark thriller sees an ex-prisoner hiring a private investigator to track down her lost daughter so that she can reunite with her beloved family. Ther...Show more This dark thriller sees an ex-prisoner hiring a private investigator to track down her lost daughter so that she can reunite with her beloved family. There's a lot at play here, including a sceptical detective, an untrustworthy client, and a frightened and angry woman. All is not as it seems, and you'll be turning page after page until the thrilling end. Great pace and a dark sense of foreboding. Show less

This dark thriller sees an ex-prisoner hiring a private investigator to track down her lost daughter so that she can reunite with her beloved family. Ther...Show more This dark thriller sees an ex-prisoner hiring a private investigator to track down her lost daughter so that she can reunite with her beloved family. There's a lot at play here, including a sceptical detective, an untrustworthy client, and a frightened and angry woman. All is not as it seems, and you'll be turning page after page until the thrilling end. Great pace and a dark sense of foreboding. Show less

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Blood Men

Blood Men

by Cleave, Paul, 1974-

Book - 2010

The story of Edward Hunter, a man with everything going for him...apart from the fact that his father is a serial killer. When Edward’s life begins to fal...Show more The story of Edward Hunter, a man with everything going for him...apart from the fact that his father is a serial killer. When Edward’s life begins to fall apart, he finds himself in the unbearable position of needing help from his father and is forced to confront his own dark compulsions. Another gritty, compelling, and darkly-humourous psychological thriller from NZ’s reigning King of Crime Fiction. Show less

The story of Edward Hunter, a man with everything going for him...apart from the fact that his father is a serial killer. When Edward’s life begins to fal...Show more The story of Edward Hunter, a man with everything going for him...apart from the fact that his father is a serial killer. When Edward’s life begins to fall apart, he finds himself in the unbearable position of needing help from his father and is forced to confront his own dark compulsions. Another gritty, compelling, and darkly-humourous psychological thriller from NZ’s reigning King of Crime Fiction. Show less

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A Man Lay Dead

A Man Lay Dead

Enter A Murderer : The Nursing Home Murder : and Moonshine

by Marsh, Ngaio, 1895-1982

Book - 2009

A game of murder-in-the-dark takes a sinister turn when a group of wealthy elitists come together one night, and a guest literally ends up dead. It's up t...Show more A game of murder-in-the-dark takes a sinister turn when a group of wealthy elitists come together one night, and a guest literally ends up dead. It's up to Inspector Alleyn to find the truth in this classic whodunnit. Ngaio Marsh was once described as a writer's writer, and her intricate puzzle plots, and elegant and clever use of language made her stand out. This volume is the first of 32 Inspector Alleyn books, and also contains two other stories from NZ’s queen of crime writing. Show less

A game of murder-in-the-dark takes a sinister turn when a group of wealthy elitists come together one night, and a guest literally ends up dead. It's up t...Show more A game of murder-in-the-dark takes a sinister turn when a group of wealthy elitists come together one night, and a guest literally ends up dead. It's up to Inspector Alleyn to find the truth in this classic whodunnit. Ngaio Marsh was once described as a writer's writer, and her intricate puzzle plots, and elegant and clever use of language made her stand out. This volume is the first of 32 Inspector Alleyn books, and also contains two other stories from NZ’s queen of crime writing. Show less

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Assigned to Murder

Assigned to Murder

A Tale of Death and Revenge on the South Island's West Coast

by McCormack, Trish, 1961-

Book - 2009

An atmospheric, plot-driven mystery following West Coast glacier guide Philippa Barnes as she investigates the murder of her journalist friend, Kirsten. T...Show more An atmospheric, plot-driven mystery following West Coast glacier guide Philippa Barnes as she investigates the murder of her journalist friend, Kirsten. Teaming up with Kirsten’s brother Jack, Philippa discovers that the murder is linked to an old mystery that local townspeople want to keep hidden at all costs. The first book in the Philippa Barnes Mystery series. Show less

An atmospheric, plot-driven mystery following West Coast glacier guide Philippa Barnes as she investigates the murder of her journalist friend, Kirsten. T...Show more An atmospheric, plot-driven mystery following West Coast glacier guide Philippa Barnes as she investigates the murder of her journalist friend, Kirsten. Teaming up with Kirsten’s brother Jack, Philippa discovers that the murder is linked to an old mystery that local townspeople want to keep hidden at all costs. The first book in the Philippa Barnes Mystery series. Show less

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Overkill

Overkill

by Symon, Vanda, 1969-

Book - 2007

Atmospheric and rapidly-paced with an intricate plot, this mystery will set you up for your new favourite series of NZ Crime Fiction. This is the first ou...Show more Atmospheric and rapidly-paced with an intricate plot, this mystery will set you up for your new favourite series of NZ Crime Fiction. This is the first outing for Detective Sam Shephard, a sassy sole-charge cop working in small-town NZ. When a missing person report comes through, Sam is determined to find the solution to the mystery even after her own past is dredged up and put to questioning. Show less

Atmospheric and rapidly-paced with an intricate plot, this mystery will set you up for your new favourite series of NZ Crime Fiction. This is the first ou...Show more Atmospheric and rapidly-paced with an intricate plot, this mystery will set you up for your new favourite series of NZ Crime Fiction. This is the first outing for Detective Sam Shephard, a sassy sole-charge cop working in small-town NZ. When a missing person report comes through, Sam is determined to find the solution to the mystery even after her own past is dredged up and put to questioning. Show less

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The Ringmaster

The Ringmaster

by Symon, Vanda, 1969-

Book - 2008

Sam is set to become a detective in Central Dunedin, but while she is adjusting to life in the force, a brutal student death hits the town. She really wan...Show more Sam is set to become a detective in Central Dunedin, but while she is adjusting to life in the force, a brutal student death hits the town. She really wants to work the crime, but is reassigned somewhere else. Sam feels marginalised, and when another murder happens, it sparks Sam to act alone on a hunch when the circus comes to town, putting herself in danger and risking everything. A richly atmospheric and well plotted mystery, with a main protagonist who you'll love. Show less

Sam is set to become a detective in Central Dunedin, but while she is adjusting to life in the force, a brutal student death hits the town. She really wan...Show more Sam is set to become a detective in Central Dunedin, but while she is adjusting to life in the force, a brutal student death hits the town. She really wants to work the crime, but is reassigned somewhere else. Sam feels marginalised, and when another murder happens, it sparks Sam to act alone on a hunch when the circus comes to town, putting herself in danger and risking everything. A richly atmospheric and well plotted mystery, with a main protagonist who you'll love. Show less

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The Cleaner

The Cleaner

by Cleave, Paul, 1974-

Book - 2006

Writing intricately plotted, dark, suspenseful thrillers, Paul Cleave will keep you turning the page into the wee hours. 'The Cleaner' sees our man Joe ha...Show more Writing intricately plotted, dark, suspenseful thrillers, Paul Cleave will keep you turning the page into the wee hours. 'The Cleaner' sees our man Joe happy in his work until the discovery of a seventh victim of a serial killer dubbed the "Christchurch Carver". Joe knows for certain that there have only been six victims, so he sets off to punish the copycat while he "cleans house" in his own life. If you like Ian Rankin or Peter Robinson, then get hold of some Cleave! This is the 1st title in the ‘Cleaner’ series and was a finalist for the Ned Kelly Award. Show less

Writing intricately plotted, dark, suspenseful thrillers, Paul Cleave will keep you turning the page into the wee hours. 'The Cleaner' sees our man Joe ha...Show more Writing intricately plotted, dark, suspenseful thrillers, Paul Cleave will keep you turning the page into the wee hours. 'The Cleaner' sees our man Joe happy in his work until the discovery of a seventh victim of a serial killer dubbed the "Christchurch Carver". Joe knows for certain that there have only been six victims, so he sets off to punish the copycat while he "cleans house" in his own life. If you like Ian Rankin or Peter Robinson, then get hold of some Cleave! This is the 1st title in the ‘Cleaner’ series and was a finalist for the Ned Kelly Award. Show less

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The Leaning Man

The Leaning Man

by Harré, Anne, 1965-

Book - 2021

A debut novel from a Kiwi author set in Wellington City, Stella is back home from being in London, where she had been shoulder-tapped to be a detective, b...Show more A debut novel from a Kiwi author set in Wellington City, Stella is back home from being in London, where she had been shoulder-tapped to be a detective, but ultimately did not. Back home in NZ for a short while for her parents 40th wedding anniversary, her friend suddenly commits suicide in the centre of the city... or does she? The plot is fast paced, the prose terse and compelling, and the characters believable making for a well written and tightly plotted crime novel. Show less

A debut novel from a Kiwi author set in Wellington City, Stella is back home from being in London, where she had been shoulder-tapped to be a detective, b...Show more A debut novel from a Kiwi author set in Wellington City, Stella is back home from being in London, where she had been shoulder-tapped to be a detective, but ultimately did not. Back home in NZ for a short while for her parents 40th wedding anniversary, her friend suddenly commits suicide in the centre of the city... or does she? The plot is fast paced, the prose terse and compelling, and the characters believable making for a well written and tightly plotted crime novel. Show less

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