For me, mysteries must build a solid framework, play fair, and have at least one surprise awaiting the reader. Suspense novels must keep the tension high and have characters that capture and keep my attention.

Dead and Back Again: Specter Inspector (C. Rae D’Arc)

Garnet McGee Series: The First Time I Fell, The First Time I Died, The First Time I Hunted, The First Time I Knocked (Jo Macgregor)

Standalone: The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle (Stuart Turton), The French Powder Mystery (Ellery Queen), The Door (Mary Roberts Rinehart) Moonflower Murders (Anthony Horowitz), Little Creeping Things (Chelsea Ichaso), One by One (Ruth Ware), The Guest List (Lucy Foley), The Pale Rose (Brina Williamson), There Arose a Clatter (Brina Williamson, not reviewed).

The Jardine Series: Modi Ind0rum (Book One), Abbac1 (Book Two), Zeph1rum (Book Three), The Hummingbird Feeder (Karma Lei Angelo)