City on Fire by Don Winslow (Morrow; LJ starred review) is the top holds title of the week (4/25/22). LibraryReads and Library Journal offer read-alikes for patrons waiting to read this buzziest book. 

Winslow (“Cartel Trilogy”) hits the ground running in this stunning first installment of a planned trilogy about the conflict between two mob families who control New England in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The Murphy and Moretti families have been at odds for years, but now a beautiful young woman named Pam comes between them. She gets involved with one of the Morettis and sets off events that soon evolve into a full-scale mob war and implicate hard-working young longshoreman and family man Danny Ryan, who provides part-time muscle for the Irish crime syndicate headed by John Murphy. When Danny is injured in a botched hit job, he will have to decide whether to step up and lead the crime family or be destroyed in a war that threatens him, his family, and his beloved hometown of Providence. VERDICT Echoing Homer’s epic Iliad, Winslow delivers a fast-paced, intense, and brooding story. It’s perfect for readers of William Boyle, James Lee Burke, and Dennis Lehane.—Reviewed by Bill Anderson

Newcomer: A Mystery by Keigo Higashino (Minotaur: St. Martin's)

Appeared on the November 2018 LibraryReads list

“Newly transferred Tokyo Police Detective Kaga is assigned a baffling murder. The story is told almost entirely through the perspective of people he interviews, gradually revealing the puzzling who, how, and why in this mystery. For fans of Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie and Columbo as well as lovers of international crime novels.”—Julie Graham, Yakima Valley Libraries, Yakima, WA

The Shadow District: A Thriller by Arnaldur Indridason (Minotaur: St. Martin's; LJ starred review)

Appeared on the November 2017 LibraryReads list 

“Indridason introduces a new crime series featuring a retired detective. The Shadow District skillfully weaves two mysteries together. In present time, an elderly man’s death, first thought to be due to natural causes, is later revealed as a murder. While unofficially investigating, Konrad discovers a link to a cold case involving the strangulation of a young woman and a surprising connection to Konrad’s own childhood. With nicely tense pacing and a vivid portrayal of life in modern and wartime Iceland, fans of atmospheric investigations will undoubtedly welcome Indridason’s latest offering.” —Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, South Huntington, NY

The Witch Elm: A Novel by Tana French (Viking; LJ starred review)

Appeared on the October 2018 LibraryReads list

“This standalone novel has all the things readers love about the Dublin Murder Squad books—well developed characters, exquisite plotting, and deep explorations of human nature. Toby leads a charmed life with an idyllic childhood, a good family, a loving girlfriend, and promising prospects. But a vicious attack changes everything. Atmo spheric, twisty, and perfect for readers who like Gillian Flynn or Kate Atkinson.”—Laura Bovee, Chicopee Public Library, Chicopee, MA