Joel Townsley Rogers - The Red Right Hand

This is classic piece of crime fiction which may be overlooked today. It is a haunting psychological thriller that delivers an unsettling and surreal experience, reminiscent of a David Lynch film. With its intricate plot twists, shifting identities, and a sense of creeping dread, it leaves readers questioning everything they think they know.

The novel follows a complex web of characters, with a central focus on a soon to be husband and wife who are travelling to get married but are stopped by a hobo who kills her lover and leaves with the car. But like in best crime novels, things are not what they seem, and what starts as as a straightforward mystery quickly morphs into a deeper exploration of the human psyche. The narrative is filled with unexpected turns, particularly as the husband of the victim is revealed as the killer. The pacing of the book is deliberately slow, building tension with every page, as the characters and their motives come into focus. While the surreal elements can sometimes leave readers confused, it’s clear that this disorientation is intentional, immersing the reader in a world where nothing is quite as it seems. The final pages are particularly complex, leaving more questions than answers and adding to the book's Lynchian atmosphere. At its core, Red Right Hand is a study of human nature and identity, exploring the lengths to which people will go to hide their darkest secrets. Its mix of noir, suspense, and psychological complexity makes it a captivating read for fans of crime fiction, though it’s not for the faint of heart. The story’s ambiguity and eerie tone stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Foreword by Joe R Landsdale in the preface suggest to be read in one go, as its stream of counciousness by central character, Dr. Ridller is continuosly pushing the story with no brakes in chapters. This novel won french police novel award in 1951. Story blends atmosphere of 1920's era of mystery fiction, hard boiled noir, psychological thriller and horror fiction. Anthony Boucher says that it has tension of Woolrich, fertule plot imagination of Keeler, techical ingenuity of Christie and stern deductions of Carr. In his introduction Landsdale says that it's far more stylistically adventurous than most clue on clue novels, and as a mystery that transcends it genre, operating on a stream of conciousness in the vein of William Faulkner, and presaging the work of Jack Kerouack. Thanks to Otto Penzler, this hidden gem is now again available.

Marc Behm - Eye Of The Beholder

Eye of the Beholder is a psychological thriller that delves into the complex and obsessive nature of human desire. The novel follows an investigator who becomes deeply involved with a woman he is tracking—despite knowing she is a serial killer. His professional investigation quickly turns personal as he grows fascinated with her, blurring the lines between duty and obsession.

The story explores themes of loneliness, control, and the moral ambiguity of human behavior. The investigator’s fascination with the woman isn’t just about solving a crime; it’s about understanding her mind and, perhaps, confronting his own emotional emptiness. As the plot unfolds, the reader is left questioning the nature of obsession and the consequences of trying to connect with someone who might be beyond reach.

A gripping and thought-provoking tale, Eye of the Beholder reveals the dark side of human connection and the dangerous allure of the unknown. It was also made into a french movie Deadly Cuircuit with Isabelle Adjani.

Ethel Lina White - The Lady Vanishes

The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White is a gripping crime novel that blends suspense, mystery, and psychological tension. Set aboard a train traveling through Europe, the story follows young Iris Carr, who is on her way home from a holiday. As she rides the train, she befriends an elderly woman named Mrs. Froy, a charming, somewhat eccentric lady. However, after a brief nap, Iris wakes up to find that Mrs. Froy has mysteriously disappeared—vanished without a trace.

As Iris attempts to investigate the disappearance, she faces growing skepticism from the other passengers. Everyone denies having seen Mrs. Froy, and some even suggest that Iris may have imagined her or is losing her sanity. Despite the doubts of those around her, Iris persists, determined to uncover the truth. She finds herself caught in a web of conspiracy, with people actively trying to undermine her efforts.

As the story unfolds, Iris is forced to navigate a complex mystery, where nothing is quite what it seems. She discovers that Mrs. Froy’s disappearance is linked to a larger plot involving espionage, and in a surprising twist, the elderly woman was not just a simple traveler—she was involved in a dangerous game of international intrigue.

The novel explores themes of trust, perception, and the battle between reality and illusion. Through Iris’s eyes, we see how easily reality can be distorted, and how perseverance and courage can ultimately reveal the truth. The ending offers a satisfying resolution, with Iris uncovering the shocking truth about Mrs. Froy's identity and her role in the mystery.

The Lady Vanishes is a masterfully crafted tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, combining elements of psychological thriller and classic crime fiction. It’s a timeless story of mystery and deception, where the line between what’s real and what’s imagined becomes increasingly blurred. It was adapted as a film by Alfred Hitchcock.