It’s no secret, we're a sucker for a well-crafted fabulous crime novel. And June, National Crime Reading Month run by the Crime Writers' Association (CWA), is a brilliant time to indulge in one of our favourite genres. Of course these collections will be here all year round to inspire you to #PickUpAPageTurner any day of the year.

In this collection we've travelled crossed the Atlantic to the USA via the pages of twenty books featuring various locations and sub-genres of crime fiction. From historical to thriller, humour to fantasy, we visit Louisiana, New York, Philadelphia and even go on a road-trip to Las Vegas. Not all of the authors come from the US, but all create the most fabulous setting that takes you by the scruff of your neck and deposits you in the middle of this land.

If we asked you all to name a crime fiction author, we'd put good money on Harlan Coben, Jeffery Deaver, Stephen King, Karin Slaughter or James Patterson being included in your list, bestselling authors offering stunning, read-in-one-sitting, edge-of-your-seat thrills that deliver on excellent writing, characters and circumstances. These are authors we had to include and although there's only one book featured in our list, they each have a back catalogue of worthy recommendations. 

From extensive back catalogues to firm favourites right out of the starting blocks, Chris Hauty's debut Deep State is a fast paced book that you won't be able to put down "I read right through to 03:30am, until I had devoured every single and absolutely wonderful last drop." says Liz Robinson, our Expert Reviewer, awarding Deep State Star Book status. Introducing Hayley Chill, this is the start of a series with four books in total now available to devour. 

One that may have been on your to-be-read pile for some time? Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn took the world by storm in both book and star-studded film form. Dark, manipulative and packed full of twists and turns, if you haven't read this yet, dive in and see what all the hype was about, it's as good as everyone says it is. 

If you're looking for something a little different why not step into the world of Vern, the vodka and Flashdance loving Dragon hiding out in a Louisiana swamp? Eoin Colfer's Highfire is a mix of comedy and action, crime fiction and fantasy and is above all entertaining and exciting. 

Staying in Louisiana, The Axeman's Jazz by Ray Celestin is so much more than a crime novel. A beautifully written tale that was inspired by real events that took place in New Orleans during 1919. The Axeman stalks the city and three individuals are out to unmask him in this soulful, expressive and atmospheric story that won the Specsavers CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger - Best First Novel 2014.

Delivering a hit of escapism, Carl Hiaasen's Squeeze Me is a must-read comic crime novel that received our LoveReading Star Books badge. With the sparkling gold coast of Florida as this book's backdrop this irreverent and stimulating read delivers social and political intrigue in a way that will have you smirking all the way through, unless you're a fan of a certain US President.

There are of course many more crime novels and authors that we could have chosen, but here are just a few, gathered together for their variety, as well as being stonkingly good reads.

Which stateside crime books rank amongst your favourites? Comment and let us and everyone else know your recommendations.

Wanting to head in a different direction? All of our crime collections, both fiction and non-fiction are listed in our National Crime Reading Month blog for you to readily access them.