Reading a gripping crime and suspense thriller during the summer is ideal. A compelling mystery and intrigue story can enhance the long, warm days, whether you are relaxing by the pool, on the beach, or on the porch.

The greatest crime and suspense novels entice and keep readers on the edge of their seats with complex stories and endearing characters. These four exciting books are ideal for boosting one's summer reading list with a little thrill.

Ash Dark as Night by Gary Phillips

In the follow-up to "One-Shot Harry," fearless crime photographer and sometimes private eye Harry Ingram is wanted by the LAPD for capturing proof of police brutality that shows they are guilty. Set in August 1965, during the Watts riots, the book offers an atmospheric dive into a city on the brink, perfect for Walter Mosley and James Ellroy fans.

Amidst the chaos, Ingram captures a photo of an unarmed activist being shot by the cops. After being beaten and losing his camera, his girlfriend, Anita Claire, retrieves the hidden film, making the photo front-page news.

When Betty Payton approaches Ingram to find her missing associate during the riots, Ingram uncovers a web of burglary rings, bank robberies, and covert agendas. This novel is a nail-biting ride through midcentury Los Angeles, steeped in historical detail and evocative period elements. 

The Expat by Hansen Shi

A fresh voice reinvents the classic espionage novel with a contemporary twist. Michael Wang, a 26-year-old Princeton graduate, feels stifled at General Motors, working on self-driving car technology. Alienated in San Francisco, he is intrigued by the enigmatic Vivian, who offers him a lucrative position at a rival Beijing tech company.

Believing this is his breakthrough, Michael moves to China, only to find Vivian gone and himself embroiled in industrial espionage. Torn between two countries, he must navigate this dangerous new reality. The book explores meritocracy, high-tech immigration, U.S.-China conflicts, and personal identity with piercing intelligence and thrilling suspense.

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Blessed Water by Margot Douaihy

Sister Holiday returns as a newly minted PI apprentice, ready to solve a twisty mystery and prove herself. She compromises between joining Magnolia Riveaux's Redemption Detective Agency and completing permanent vows with the Sisters of the Sublime Blood despite having tattoos and pointed gold teeth. Their initial mission to catch a cheating husband takes a dark turn when they discover a priest's body in the Mississippi River.

Over Easter weekend, amidst a torrential rainstorm flooding New Orleans, they hunt the murderer. This fast-paced, lyrical mystery dives into obsession, deception, and faith, making it a captivating sequel to "Scorched Grace."

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

Barbara Van Laar went missing from her family's Adirondack summer camp in August 1975, 14 years after her brother's disappearance. The search for Barbara unveils layers of secrets within the Van Laar family and their blue-collar community.

Liz Moore's book is a fascinating story with many threads that connect them, similar to Donna Tartt's "The Secret History." Moore's book has both gothic themes and an exciting mystery. It takes place in a rich, detailed world. Her precise, evocative writing captures the complexity of social dynamics and personal histories, making this an ambitious and unforgettable literary suspense novel.

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