CANBERRA WEEKLY 5 NOVEMBER 2026: NEW THRILLERS FROM DAVID McCLOSKEY, IAN RANKIN and JACK HEATH
This week in the Canberra Weekly I reviewed three exceptionally good thrillers and crime novels by David McCloskey, Ian Rankin and Jack Heath.
Late 2026 has certainly delivered some top class crime fiction and thrillers. This week in the Canberra Weekly I reviewed three of my favourite ones from the past month. All very different in style and content, but each offering something interesting and exciting for the thriller reader.
David McCloskey’s London Station, (Swift Press, 13 October 2026), is one of several exceeding good spy novels released this year. Its fresh, innovative approach, and convincing real world politics, has contributed greatly to the rise of spy fiction in 2026.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“David McCloskey is the reigning master of the CIA thriller, and London Station is an up-to-date and gripping spy novel that explores the murky state of current world politics.
A new American Administration has taken office and placed a brash, unconventional businessman as the head of the CIA. Determined to undermine the close relationship between the CIA and British Intelligence, he installs the controversial Artemis Procter as the London Chief of Station. More concerned with spying on each other, than dealing with traditional foes, both agencies leave themselves exposed when the real enemy strikes. A clever, witty read that builds to a tense climax.”
It is certainly one of the stand-out thrillers of 2026. Here is the link to a longer review I did a few weeks ago: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/new-spy-fiction-october-2026-the-british-agent-by-simon-conway-london-station-by-david-mccloskey-and-the-fifteenth-man-by-william-cook/
I know that some readers were disappointed that Ian Rankin had deserted Rebus and Edinburgh for a new detective and a London setting, but I thought that The Heights, (Orion, 6 October 2026), was actually very well done and enjoyable.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Best known for his books about Edinburgh detective John Rebus, Ian Rankin has taken a new direction with The Heights.
Set in London and featuring local detective DS Gillian Gish, The Heights revolves around the murder of a night concierge at an ultra-exclusive apartment building that looms over London’s Hyde Park. Newly built from steel and smoked glass, The Heights is a billionaire’s playground, and its occupants do not take kindly to the intrusive police investigation. Showcasing Rankin’s usual strengths of intelligent plotting, sharp social commentary, vivid sense of place, gritty characters and a wry sense of humour, The Heights is a masterful crime novel.”
Well worth a read!
Here is the link to a longer review I did back in October: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/the-heights-by-ian-rankin/
Jack Heath is always a highly entertaining author. I have really enjoyed his recent regional ‘Kill Your…’ series, and while his latest book, Choppy Water (Allen & Unwin, 3 November 2026), hits in a different direction it is just as enjoyable.
In the Canberra Weekly I said:
“Canberra author Jack Heath is in very good form with his latest action thriller, Choppy Water.
Set aboard an American cruise ship on the eve of COVID, Choppy Water is a frenetically paced novel that grips from page one. Caesar Cain is hiding out on the ship as a cleaner, but when a murder occurs, he finds himself dragged into the investigation as old enemies converge on the vessel, which is desperately trying to find a port that will allow it to dock. Mixing mystery, thrills, and dark humour, Heath keeps his foot firmly on the pedal, as Choppy Water careens to a bloody climax. Highly recommended.”
A good fun read! Here is a link to my full review: https://murdermayhemandlongdogs.com/late-2026-thrillers-new-books-from-jack-heath-simon-kernick-linwood-barclay/
So three very good reads just in time for Christmas shopping and holiday reading!