Apart from Harlan Coben, few authors can match Barclay's ability to conjure constantly surprising thrillers and set them against a backdrop of normal suburban life where everyday events and objects are imbued with a sense of menace.

His latest is the sequel to his 2008 bestseller No Time For Goodbye, which revolved around the mysterious disappearance of a whole family,apart from their teenage daughter. No Safe House reacquaints us with the characters from that book and involves teacher Terry Archer in a new crisis when his daughter becomes caught up in a crime that could have devastating consequences for everyone. Gripping and very suspenseful, this one will keep you frantically reading until the final unexpected twist.

COP TOWN
Karin Slaughter
Century,  $32.99

Set in Atlanta in 1974, this is a gripping standalone thriller by Slaughter who is best known for her books about medical adviser Sara Linton.

In 1974 the Atlanta Police Department was rife with racism and sexism. When a police patrolman is killed on duty, two female policewomen are excluded from the search for the killer. Ignored by their bosses, they decide to launch their own investigation and find that they are going down some very dark and dangerous streets.

Cop Town moves along at a brisk pace and Slaughter's research and ability to combine honest social commentary with suspense is evident on every page. The story builds to a good climax, but is not for the faint-hearted.

ALL DAY AND A NIGHT
Alafair Burke Faber, $29.99

In her latest novel Burke shares the narrative between her regular series character, NYPD Detective Ellie Hatcher, and newcomer lawyer Carrie Blank.

Both are investigating whether convicted serial killer Anthony Amaro was guilty of his crimes twenty years ago. A new murder suggests that Amaro may be innocent and Hatcher has been charged with re-investigating the killings. Meanwhile Blank is part of Amaro's defence team, the twist being that one of Amaro's supposed victims was Blank's half sister Donna.

Competently plotted around a good mystery, this is an enjoyable detective novel with two engaging, if too similar, protagonists.  The pacing keeps the reader interested and the denouement will come as a surprise.