This Week in Crime — Week of May 18, 2026

Biggest Gainers

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

Published: June 1, 2021

Maintaining strong traction, McFadden's psychological thriller added 3,508 new ratings this week, bringing its current total to 694,698. Though the book has been in circulation for over two years, its weekly growth of 0.51% indicates ongoing interest, perhaps driven by recent coverage within book communities or media. With a gripping narrative about a daughter's dark past intertwined with her father's legacy of crime, its ability to engage readers remains evident.

Stats: 691,190 → 694,698 (+3,508)

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke

Published: April 7, 2026

This debut mystery surprised everyone with an incredible 26.10% growth in ratings, totalling 13,954 in its first week. The premise of authors racing to complete a posthumous novel clearly resonates, and such a rapid increase reveals a strong initial pull likely driven by pre-release buzz and reader anticipation. It instantly positions Clarke's work as a noteworthy new entry in the crime genre.

Stats: 11,066 → 13,954 (+2,888)

The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Published: November 7, 2013

This young adult thriller continues to demonstrate its staying power, adding 1,815 ratings, which represents a growth of 0.49%. With a cumulative total of 375,761 ratings, it's clear that readers are still attracted to Barnes' intricately woven story of gifted teenagers solving murder mysteries. Its sustained interest suggests a solid fanbase and potential for resurgence in popularity as crime-related young adult fiction evolves.

Stats: 373,946 → 375,761 (+1,815)

Surprise of the Week

Dissection of a Murder by Jo Murray

Published: May 5, 2026

With a monumental increase of 136.83%, this legal thriller surged from 1,021 to 2,418 ratings in just a week. The combination of an enticing premise—a young lawyer defending her husband—along with the competitive nature of new releases likely caught the attention of readers looking for intense courtroom drama. Its dramatic rise showcases not only readers’ appetite for thriller narratives but also highlights the potential of debut releases to quickly make an impact in the genre.

Stats: 1,021 → 2,418 (+1,397)

Quick Hits

Paradox by Douglas Preston, Aletheia Preston

Gaining momentum with a 42.53% growth, this new thriller has attracted 1,632 ratings after a week on the shelves. Stats: 1,145 → 1,632 (+487).

You Can Tell Me by Melinda Leigh

This newly released suspense novel increased by 136.80%, achieving 296 ratings quickly, reflecting a strong appeal to readers in the thriller realm. Stats: 125 → 296 (+171).

In the Spirit of French Murder by Colleen Cambridge

A surge of 69.95% has led this cozy mystery to accumulate 345 ratings, indicative of a growing interest in lighter, yet still thrilling, narratives. Stats: 203 → 345 (+142).