Popular and Thrilling Mystery Stories
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman:
Join an unlikely group of amateur sleuths residing in a retirement village who form ‘The Thursday Murder Club.’ With humour and wit, they investigate a series of puzzling crimes, leading to surprising revelations. And this is just the first part. Richard Osman's delightful series is a perfect blend of mystery and charm.
The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood:
Immerse yourself in the idyllic village of Marlow, where retiree Judith Potts (77) and her friends Suzie the dog walker, and Becks the vicar's wife uncover secrets and untangle complex murders. Judith herself is a stunning character who spends her time scotch drinking, bike riding and even skinny-dipping in the Thames. Robert Thorogood's engrossing storytelling and well-crafted characters make this book a delightful addition to any summer reading list.
The Appeal by Janice Hallett:
In this unconventional murder mystery, Janice Hallett presents a captivating story through a collection of documents, emails, and text messages. When a popular socialite meets an untimely end, a web of secrets and hidden agendas is unraveled, challenging readers to piece together the puzzle. Set in the comfortable yet ruthless world of amateur dramatics, its comedy comes from the wide variety of the message-writers’s voices, from passive aggressive to desperate, all of which we recognise.
Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney:
Prepare for a gripping psychological thriller as Alice Feeney takes you on a chilling journey. In Daisy Darker, what was supposed to be a family reunion on the occasion of Nana’s 80th birthday, turns into a riveting and dark mystery reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. Twists and turns will keep you guessing until the final pages.
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz:
In this cleverly crafted novel, editor Susan Ryeland is tasked with unraveling the secrets hidden within the manuscript of a bestselling crime writer's final book. As she delves into the complex story within a story, she uncovers a tangled web of deceit, manipulation, and, of course, murder.
Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood:
Step into the 1920s as the audacious and fashionable Phryne Fisher takes the stage. When Phryne accepts an invitation to investigate the mysterious illness of a young woman, she finds herself entangled in a web of cocaine smuggling, seduction, and danger. With her sharp mind and fearless nature, Phryne races against time to expose the truth. This is Greenwood’s first Phryne Fisher novel, and we wholeheartedly recommend the entire series.
Classic and Cozy Village Murder Mysteries
Quiche of Death by M.C. Beaton:
Introducing Agatha Raisin, a retired PR executive turned amateur detective. Set in a picturesque village of Carsley in the Cotswolds, where Agatha lives with her cats and disrupts the village life with her truculent attitude, Beaton’s books are the epitome of cozy village mysteries. When a newcomer to her village dies under suspicious circumstances after eating her quiche, Agatha becomes determined to prove she is not a murderer. With her sharp wit and determination, Agatha dives headfirst into the investigation, unearthing surprising secrets along the way.
A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny:
In the book 4 of the Three Pines series, Chief Inspector Armand Gamache retreats to a tranquil lakeside inn for a peaceful vacation with his wife. However, when a fellow guest is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Gamache is compelled to use his astute investigative skills to uncover the dark secrets lurking within this seemingly idyllic setting.
Death of a Nag by M.C. Beaton:
In book 11 of Hamish Macbeth series, join the beloved Scottish village constable as he finds himself entangled in a murder investigation in the tranquil village of Lochdubh. Hamish Macbeth was hoping for a quiet vacation to to ride out the storm of a broken engagement, but instead, he finds himself the prime suspect in a murder. M.C. Beaton's charming and witty writing style, combined with an engaging plot, makes this cozy mystery a must-read for summer.
Agatha Raisin and the Terrible Tourist by M.C. Beaton:
Agatha Raisin travels to Cyprus to pursue her estranged fiance James Lacey, but ends up dealing with a group of truly terrible tourists (detestable characters) and a string of murders. Book 6 of Agatha Raisin series is filled with intrigue and will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat.
Midsummer Mysteries by Agatha Christie:
This collection features a captivating assortment of Agatha Christie's short stories, featuring her most beloved characters including Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot, all set against the enchanting backdrop of midsummer. From baffling crimes to unexpected twists, Christie's masterful storytelling keeps readers engrossed in a world of intrigue and suspense.
Murder in Mudsummer: Classic Mysteries for the Holidays:
This is a wonderful and exciting collection of classic mystery stories, all centred around the holiday season. From chilling tales of murder to mind-bending puzzles, set in various locations from Venice to English seaside, these stories transport readers to a time when mysteries and holidays intertwined, providing an engaging and atmospheric reading experience.
Continental Cozy Mysteries
Disaster at the Vendome Theater by M. L. Longworth:
In the enchanting city of Aix-en-Provence, calamity befalls the little Vendome Theater. What was supposed to be a summer production of Marcel Pagnol’s Cigalon, turns into proper disaster when two famous actors are added to the cast list and a dead body appears. Follow magistrate Antoine Verlaque and his police commissioner Bruno Paulik as they navigate the world of theatrical rivalries, personal vendettas, and hidden motives to solve this intriguing case.
Nonna Maria and the Case of the Missing Bride by Lorenzo Carcaterra:
Join the endearing and tenacious Nonna Maria, an Italian grandmother turned amateur detective, as she sets out to solve the baffling disappearance of a bride on her wedding day. With humour, heart, and a touch of old-world wisdom, Nonna Maria proves that age is just a number when it comes to unraveling mysteries.
Middle Grade Cozy Murder Mysteries
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens:
Set in a 1930s English boarding school, this captivating mystery follows Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong, best friends and founders of the Wells & Wong Detective Society. When their teacher goes missing and a murder occurs, the duo must employ their sharp minds and keen observation skills to unravel a tangled web of secrets, lies, and unexpected twists.
Agatha Oddly: The Secret Key by Lena Jones:
Enter the world of Agatha Oddly, a young detective with a knack for uncovering mysteries. In this thrilling adventure, Agatha stumbles upon a cryptic message that leads her to a hidden London society, where she becomes entangled in a dangerous quest for a legendary secret. With her intelligence and determination, Agatha navigates through puzzles, codes, and clandestine plots to uncover the truth.
These are just a few of the brilliant cozy murder mysteries awaiting you this summer. So, grab a refreshing beverage, find a cozy spot, and let these thrilling tales transport you into a world of suspense, intrigue, and delightful characters. Keep up with us on our Instagram, where we’ll be sharing cozy mystery recommendations ALL summer long! Happy reading and enjoy the captivating mysteries of summer!
