9. Dead Man’s Grave by Neil Lancaster

Former police officer Lancaster’s debut crime novel introduced Detectives Max Craigie and Janie Calder, a 21st century duo who instantly grabbed readers’ attention. Tasked to root out police corruption and tackle the biggest and baddest of baddies, they have since appeared in five books with the latest instalment, When Shadows Fall, due in March. Lancaster’s books have been compared to Line Of Duty in print, and it’s flattering… to Line Of Duty. Brilliant, fast-paced and action-packed, Lancaster’s part of a new wave of brilliant British thriller writers, also including Tony Kent, Lisa Jewell, Paula Hawkins and Lucy Foley.

(Image: HarperCollins)