The Authentic William James
by Stephen Gallagher (Subterranean, 2016)
As with his previous Sebastian Becker novels, Gallagher presents a consummate, apparently effortless, authenticity of both character and setting. Although Becker in this instance seems less intensely involved (hence some chronology hopping to bolster the narrative), his measured investigative style still seduces.
Zigzag
by Bill Pronzini (Forge, 2016)
It’s nice to have Nameless back as a sole investigator, even if only within a collection. The two previously published short stories are more vignettes than actual mysteries but the two original novellas offer more intrigue (albeit with less closure than usual).
Jonathan Creek, Series 1
by David Renwick (BBC, 1997)
Jonathan Creek is a detective with Holmes-like deductive abilities, cajoled and manipulated into sleuthing by a self-serving journalist less sympathetic than any Watson figure. The protagonist is quietly compelling and the mysteries beguiling, albeit at times through an improbable marrying of circumstances.
Doctor Who: Fear Itself
by Nick Wallace (BBC Books, 2005)
Fear Itself is of that rare breed of standalone Doctor Who novel the success of which doesn’t depend on familiar echoes of the programme itself. Wallace crafts a mystery — one that actually wouldn’t work on television — melding setting, characterisation and genuine intrigue.
Foyle’s War, Series 8
by Anthony Horowitz (ITV, 2015)
A concluding trio of diligently researched, well-realised feature-length mysteries set within and inextricably bound to English society (originally during, now) post- World War II. Michael Kitchen remains facially expressive as Foyle, working for MI5 amidst the early machinations of the Cold War.
Vixen
by Bill Pronzini (Forge, 2015)
In recent years, dovetailing with the revelation of the titular protagonist’s name, Pronzini’s exalted ‘Nameless Detective’ novels have become less about mystery, more about character. Though focussing on the who, not how, of a femme fatale plot, Vixen still keeps us interested.