Crime fiction round-up: Dark novels exploring murder, manipulation – and some zinging one-liners by Joseph Birchall

Crime fiction round-up: Dark novels exploring murder, manipulation – and some zinging one-liners by Joseph Birchall

There are four novels here about living (and dying) on the dark side, but otherwise, they could not be more ­different.

Why Are Couples Committing Fictional Crimes So Compelling?

Lies, revenge, murder. Why is it when the perpetrators are a couple, the sum of darkness generated is greater than its two contributing parts? The bedrock of romantic love is two people connecting through emotional honesty and trust. When writers twist these foundations, emotional honesty means finding someone to whom you can finally reveal your bleakest predilections or deepest shame. Trust means having faith your partner won’t tell; they may e…