7 Foreign-Language Thrillers That Need To Be On Your Bookshelf
When it comes to literature, boundaries of language and borders should not hinder you from enjoying a good story. With expertly translated versions of foreign language books available, there’s really no excuse to overlook the ocean of incredible stories from different parts of the world.
Crime fiction is one of the genres rich with brilliant works across different countries and languages. Not only are these novels packing big twists and thrills, they often allow the reader to get an insight into the culture and practices of a country that’s foreign to them, making the reading experience richer and more fulfilling.
While it’s impossible to narrow down the list of brilliant crime thriller fiction from around the world, we’ve managed to pick seven must-read novels that have been translated to English from different languages. Happy reading!
The Devotion Of Suspect X By Keigo Higashino
The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino
This is one book that you shouldn’t miss reading. Japanese author Keigo Higashino is known for his brilliantly crafted mysteries, but The Devotion of Suspect X is, by far, his best and most acclaimed work. The story follows Ishigami, a mathematician who finds himself involved in helping out his neighbour when she accidentally kills her ex-husband in self-defence. One of the recurring characters in Higashino’s works, Detective Galileo makes an appearance in the novel too. The book has been adapted into movies many times and is not getting a Bollywood version, starring Kareena Kapoor, Vijay Verma, and Jaideep Ahlawat.
The Mystery of the Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux
The Mystery of the Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux
One of the first locked-room mysteries ever, The Mystery of the Yellow Room is a classic mystery novel by French author Gaston Leroux and is a must-read for any mystery enthusiast. This is the first story featuring the iconic Joseph Rouletabille and follows the baffling mystery of how a woman is attacked and left bleeding in a room which has no exit except a barred window. Leroux gives detailed descriptions of the room and provides illustrations and maps to allow the readers to attempt and solve the mystery too.
The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo
This novel published in 1946 got an English translation in 2019 and is one of the finest Japanese mystery novels of all time. Author Seishi Yokomizo was inspired by many famous mystery writers, including Gaston Leroux, to write this incredible locked-room murder mystery. The story follows the gruesome murder of a newlywed couple on their wedding night inside an isolated mansion with seemingly no signs of anyone getting in or out. This was also the first time the world was introduced to Detective Kosuke Kindaichi who appears in 77 other works by the author.
Even the Darkest Night: A Terra Alta Novel by Javier Cercas
Even the Darkest Night: A Terra Alta Novel by Javier Cercas
This Spanish mystery novel is the first book in the internationally acclaimed series by author Javier Cercas. It follows policeman Melchor Marin, a former convict who wanted to become a cop to avenge his mother’s death. Marin is tasked with investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy couple in the backwater region of Terra Alta. As the mystery slowly unravels, Marin realises the case is more complex and dangerous than he previously thought.
The Old Woman With the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo
The Old Woman With the Knife by Gu Byeong-mo
South Korean author Gu Byeong-mo has written books across different genres and that reflects in her darkly funny and complex mystery novel The Old Woman With the Knife. The gripping novel follows a 65-year-old assassin who becomes more and more aware of her age and changing body as younger assassins join the agency she works for. If you want a mystery novel with a unique edge, this one’s a must-read for you.
The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler
The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler
Be warned, this is not a novel to be read if you’re faint of heart. Lars Kepler, the pseudonym of Swedish husband-wife writing duo Alexandra Coelho Ahndoril and Alexander Ahndoril, introduces us to Detective Joona Linna. A brutal triple homicide has Linna partner with a famous psychologist to investigate the case involving only a traumatised young child as a witness. The novel packs some serious twists so make sure you’ve cleared your schedule for the day because once you start reading it, you’re not going to put it down before the end!
The Treasure Hunt by Andrea Camilleri
The Treasure Hunt by Andrea Camilleri
Not all mystery novels have to be scary and sinister. If you’re looking for something that’s funny, albeit darkly, then look no further than Italian author Andrea Camilleri’s The Treasure Hunt. In the novel, an elderly brother and sister duo fire guns at a crowded street to “punish the sinners”. Upon investigation, Inspector Salvo Montalbano finds himself on a treasure hunt as he follows clues and hints left in envelopes addressed to him. You can pick up the novel and find out where Montalbano finds himself at the end of the treasure hunt yourself!
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