As summer winds down, diving into suspense fiction offers a perfect escape. Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Intrigue, published by Penguin Random House, is a recent release set in 1940s Mexico. Known for her skill in genre fiction, Moreno-Garcia crafts a noir tale filled with deception and unexpected twists.

The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The plot revolves around Ulises, a con artist who targets wealthy widows and spinsters through magazine ads. He expects an easy score when Perla, a mansion owner from Veracruz, welcomes him. But Perla’s niece, Inés, presents an obstacle. Perla describes herself as a guardian, intent on attending a dance with Inés, comparing her to a ‘delicate flower’ in need of protection. Inés, however, sees this as suffocating, wishing instead for her freedom. The story unfolds with layers of deceit, keeping readers guessing about who will prevail.

Under the Falls by Richard Russo

Richard Russo’s first crime thriller, Under the Falls, was initially a TV script. Set in Stone Mountain, Upper New York, this noir-inspired novel explores the past’s grip on the present. Tyler Sinclair returns to his hometown after 18 years. Now a successful country-rock singer, he attends a fundraiser for his paralyzed friend Doc. However, tensions linger as hometown resentment surfaces: “You made all that money writing songs about us. Where’s our cut?” As secrets unravel, Russo captures the struggles of working-class America, framing them within a gripping crime narrative.

The Blue Flame by George Pelecanos

George Pelecanos brings back private investigator Derek Strange in The Blue Flame, released by Cardinal. Set in Washington, D.C., this novel marks Strange’s return after 14 years. Known for his vivid depiction of D.C.’s lesser-seen sides, Pelecanos blends urban life with intrigue. Strange investigates two mysterious murders within a tight-knit group. With his enduring curiosity and love for the city’s landscapes, Strange’s journey provides a thrilling exploration beyond the capital’s political image.