British author Sarah Pinborough continues to establish her reputation in psychological thriller fiction with her latest novel, set against the backdrop of a small town shadowed by unsolved murder. The story centers on Anna, a young woman grappling with an undisclosed trauma, who moves in with her enigmatic grandmother. The grandmother’s repeated refrain, “They say a girl died here,” hints at the dark history haunting their home. The narrative explores two murders separated by three years, both attributed to a shadowy figure known as the “farmhand.” As Anna becomes increasingly fixated on these mysterious crimes, she faces the looming threat of another possible victim, potentially endangering herself or her sister. Pinborough's storytelling culminates in a striking conclusion, continuing her track record of suspenseful works that have attracted interest for adaptation into streaming platforms.

Ellery Lloyd offers a strikingly imaginative premise in her thriller about a company providing elite clients the means to travel back in time. The story’s protagonist, entrepreneur Inigo Frank, enables wealthy individuals such as the Allen family to visit historically significant moments. The Allens choose to revisit London during the Blitz, accompanied by film-maker Phoebe Hunt, who is hired to document the experience. Upon their return, the group is damaged and one member is missing, setting off a tense investigation. Hunt’s discoveries of personal ties to the Allens layer the unfolding mystery with complex emotional stakes. The novel deftly balances exposition on the scientific underpinnings of time travel without overwhelming the reader, while navigating two timelines that build toward a suspenseful resolution. The narrative highlights both the allure and the dangers inherent in exploiting history for entertainment.

Iliana Xander’s “Bad Intentions” returns readers to the small-town setting of Burnville, Pennsylvania, where Josie Boots arrives to care for her ailing grandmother and unravel a long-buried family secret. The story unfolds across dual timelines, intertwining the present with events from 25 years earlier when Josie’s grandmother stood trial in connection with a violent crime. Josie’s quest for answers leads her into uneasy alliances and exposes her to new threats after witnessing another brutal act. Xander’s portrayal of Burnville captures the corrosive effects of secrecy and the complex dynamics of familial loyalty. Written in a conversational tone, the novel presents Josie as a relatable protagonist whose determination draws reader sympathy. The story examines how small-town facades can mask darker truths and the lengths people go to protect their own.