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Crime Quick Reads that everyone should read

Quick Reads

One in six adults of working age in the UK find reading difficult and may never pick up a book. People’s reasons for not reading are varied: some people say they find books intimidating, that they struggle to find the time or that books are difficult or boring.

Quick Reads sets out to challenge these beliefs and to show that books and reading can be for everyone. Each year we commission big name authors to write short books that are specifically designed to be easy to read. They are the same as mainstream books in most respects but are simply shorter and easier to tackle for adults who are less confident in their reading skills. Quick Reads are sold through major retailers and online booksellers, or loaned from libraries.

The 2017 Quick Reads titles

The 2017 titles have recently been announced and include crime titles like One False move by Dreda Say Mitchell. Mark Billingham, Clare Mackintosh and Harry Bingham have all written a short story in the brand new Quick Reads anthology, Dead Simple.


Dead Simple: Quick Reads does Crime

Dead Simple: Quick Reads does Crime is an event on Wednesday 8 February (7pm – 8pm) being held at Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road. Authors of the 2017 crime Quick Reads, Mark Billingham, Clare Mackintosh, Harry Bingham and Dreda Say Mitchell will all be there for a brilliant panel delving into the underbelly of crime fiction; a night of murder, mystery and intrigue.

To celebrate these new titles we have created a shortlist of our seven favourite suspenseful Quick Reads, created in the unique collaboration that Quick Reads involves.


Crime Quick Reads that everyone should read

Click through to any book to find our more or leave a review:

Too Good To Be True by Ann Cleeves (2016)

Red for Revenge by Fanny Blake (2015)

Wrong Time, Wrong Place by Simon Kernick (2013)

A Dreadful Murder: The Mysterious Death Of Caroline Luard by Minette Walters (2013)

The Double Cure by Agatha Christie (2016)

Four Warned by Jeffrey Archer (2014)

Bloody Valentine by James Patterson (2011)

How can your Reading Group use crime Quick Reads?

• Read some of the suggest crime Quick Reads- these should be available in your local library or bought online for just £1.

• Read a crime Quick Read book and then pass it on – give it to someone who you think would enjoy the story the most.

• Discuss who your favourite crime novels are as a group. Could you make these more accessible to those that struggle with or dislike reading ? How would you do that?

• Hold a book swap of your old crime books or previous Quick Read titles by encouraging people to bring in books they have enjoyed to share with others. Write your own reviews or comments in the front of each book, then swap!

Get involved

What do you think of our list? Comment below or share your thoughts with us on Twitter and Instagram using #QuickReads and #DeadSimple.

Take a look at our latest reading group opportunities by visiting our Noticeboard.

Sign up to our fantastic monthly Reading Groups for Everyone newsletter, bringing you all the latest book news and brilliant ways to get involved with your favourite reads.

Find out more about the Quick Reads scheme.

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