--- {"type":"list","title":"10 murder mystery books you NEED to read!🔪🩸","listId":95091,"canonicalUrl":"https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read","visibleItemTotal":10,"creator":{"id":"megwithbooks","name":"Meg with Books","url":"https://listium.com/@megwithbooks"},"stats":{"views":393,"likes":0,"followers":1},"category":"books & literature","publishedAt":"2023-11-28T05:04:49.355Z","updatedAt":"2024-02-02T04:53:27.752Z","fields":[{"id":0,"name":"Item","type":"PrimaryText"},{"id":5,"name":"Cover","type":"Image"},{"id":9,"name":"Year Published","type":"DateTime","format":"dateyear"},{"id":2,"name":"Author","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":6,"name":"Genre","type":"Selection","multi":true},{"id":7,"name":"Goodreads Rating","type":"Text","format":"short"},{"id":1,"name":"Video","type":"Text"},{"id":3,"name":"Notes","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":4,"name":"My Take","type":"Text","format":"long"},{"id":8,"name":"Shop Here","type":"URL"}]} --- # 10 murder mystery books you NEED to read!🔪🩸 By [Meg with Books (@megwithbooks)](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks) 393 views · 0 likes · 1 follower Published 28 November 2023 · Updated 2 February 2024 Category: books & literature This curated collection showcases a diverse range of murder mystery novels, each offering a unique twist on the genre. From classic whodunits to contemporary thrillers, the selection spans various styles and eras, featuring compelling narratives that blend traditional mystery elements with innovative storytelling techniques. The list includes books that pay homage to the genre's roots, as well as those that push the boundaries with experimental formats and unexpected plot twists. Each story is distinct, whether it's set in a picturesque village or a bustling city, and they all offer gripping narratives that keep readers guessing until the very end. The collection is a testament to the enduring appeal of the murder mystery genre, appealing to both long-time enthusiasts and new readers alike. ## Items ### 1. [Wrong Place Wrong Time](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/0/wrong-place-wrong-time) Item ID: `0` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/eq6zetpoywkmqxit3mm1.jpg) - Year Published: 2022 - Author: Gillian McAllister - Genre: Suspense, Time Travel - Goodreads Rating: 4.02 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "", "start_time_secs": "14", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: Focuses on a mother trying to understand why her son committed a murder. Involves time travel elements, exploring a mother's love and determination. - My Take: I absolutely loved this for its unique twist and deep exploration of a mother's love and determination. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063252341](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063252341?tag=listium03-20) ### 2. [The Twyford Code](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/1/the-twyford-code) Item ID: `1` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/o3frqvs75ronrpgst9ht.jpg) - Year Published: 2022 - Author: Janice Hallett - Genre: Crime - Goodreads Rating: 3.64 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "", "start_time_secs": "38", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: The narrative is built around a set of audio files from a missing person, delving into a mystery rooted in a children's book written in code. The protagonist, recently released from prison, uncovers a mystery from his childhood connected to his teacher, Miss Isles. The story blurs the lines between past and present, missing person investigation, and a deep-seated literary mystery. - My Take: I was immensely impressed by the exceptionally clever twist and it left a strong and lasting impression on me. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1788165322](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1788165322?tag=listium03-20) ### 3. [The Three Dahlias](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/2/the-three-dahlias) Item ID: `2` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/rawesnomcsbq2nilfomh.jpg) - Year Published: 2022 - Author: Katy Watson - Genre: Contemporary - Goodreads Rating: 3.79 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "5", "start_time_secs": "25", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: Set in a convention for fans of the fictional detective Dahlia Lively, this story involves three actresses who have portrayed Dahlia over the years. They find themselves teaming up to solve real murders that start occurring at the convention. The book serves as an homage to the murder mystery genre, particularly Agatha Christie, with a blend of humor, suspense, and a celebratory tone. - My Take: I found this to be enjoyable and recommend it, especially for its references and homage to Agatha Christie. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1408716402](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1408716402?tag=listium03-20) ### 4. [True Crime Story](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/3/true-crime-story) Item ID: `3` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/q4zxomfz6ugwtvxeyjbo.jpg) - Year Published: 2021 - Author: Joseph Knox - Genre: Thriller - Goodreads Rating: 3.90 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "7", "start_time_secs": "10", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: Told in a mixed media format, the book explores the disappearance and presumed death of Zoe Nolan, a university student. The narrative is pieced together through interviews with Zoe's acquaintances, offering multiple perspectives and layers to the mystery. The author, Joseph Knox, features as a character, adding another dimension to this complex investigation. - My Take: I loved its intriguing twists and the challenge of determining who to trust in the narrative was engaging. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857527703](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0857527703?tag=listium03-20) ### 5. [Lady Hardcastle Mysteries](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/4/lady-hardcastle-mysteries) Item ID: `4` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/es0jrgrzscfmyq8rspha.jpg) - Year Published: 2016 - Author: T.E. Kinsey - Genre: Historical Mystery - Goodreads Rating: 3.92 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "8", "start_time_secs": "19", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: This cozy mystery series follows Lady Hardcastle and her maid Flo, both former secret service agents, as they retire in a small English village that turns out to be a hotbed for murders. The series is known for its blend of humor, intriguing mysteries, and the charming dynamic between the main characters. Each book presents a new mystery in the idyllic yet murder-prone setting. - My Take: This is my favorite cozy mystery series for its humor, character dynamics, and overall charm. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074C6W8F7](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074C6W8F7?tag=listium03-20) ### 6. [The Winching Him Mystery](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/5/the-winching-him-mystery) Item ID: `5` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/i2rjzhgsfjgi0i50wbvo.jpg) - Year Published: 1927 - Author: Anthony Berkeley - Genre: British Literature - Goodreads Rating: 3.66 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "9", "start_time_secs": "36", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: In this classic mystery, a footman, formerly from the same social circle as his employers, finds himself in the middle of a mysterious disappearance during a seance. The story combines humor with a traditional mystery format, featuring a cast of well-defined archetypal characters. It provides a fresh perspective on classic murder mysteries and has encouraged me to explore more of the genre. - My Take: I really enjoyed it for its humor and engaging writing style; it sparked my interest in classic murder mysteries. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0008470081/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0008470081/?tag=listium03-20) ### 7. [The Thursday Murder Club](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/6/the-thursday-murder-club) Item ID: `6` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vqwlrvr1jyr8r4uc176h.jpg) - Year Published: 2020 - Author: Richard Osman - Genre: Contemporary - Goodreads Rating: 3.90 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "11", "start_time_secs": "00", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: This series revolves around a group of retirees living in a retirement home, who initially meet to solve cold cases but soon find themselves investigating real murders. The books are known for combining clever mysteries with humor and insightful perspectives on life from the elderly characters, offering both entertainment and poignant reflections on life and aging. - My Take: I absolutely adore these books for their mix of humor, intriguing mysteries, and life-affirming qualities. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S5D5TH7/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S5D5TH7/?tag=listium03-20) ### 8. [The Broken Girls](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/7/the-broken-girls) Item ID: `7` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vbg329zeoybjgpll9piq.jpg) - Year Published: 2018 - Author: Simone St. James - Genre: Horror, Paranormal - Goodreads Rating: 4.07 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "12", "start_time_secs": "02", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: The narrative unfolds across two timelines: one in the present, focusing on a woman whose sister was murdered, and another in the past at the same school where the body was found. This suspenseful mystery weaves together the two timelines effectively, creating a gripping narrative. The story also includes speculative elements that add depth and intrigue to the unfolding mystery. - My Take: This was one of my top books of the year, praised for its pacing and the engaging story it presented. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/The-Broken-Girls-Simone-St-James-audiobook/dp/B07B8R246K/](https://www.amazon.com/The-Broken-Girls-Simone-St-James-audiobook/dp/B07B8R246K/?tag=listium03-20) ### 9. [The Paris Apartment](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/8/the-paris-apartment) Item ID: `8` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/vmmorjxmawxgtloqpczu.jpg) - Year Published: 2022 - Author: Lucy Foley - Genre: Suspense - Goodreads Rating: 3.67 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "13", "start_time_secs": "41", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: The story begins with a character arriving at her brother's apartment in Paris, only to find him missing. As she seeks help from the apartment's other residents, it becomes clear that everyone has secrets. The book is noted for its mid-story twist that significantly alters the direction of the narrative. The setting of the Paris apartment itself is almost like another character in the story. - My Take: I really loved this for its engaging setting and twists, though I acknowledge that opinions on it vary. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063003058](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0063003058?tag=listium03-20) ### 10. [Agatha Christie Books](https://listium.com/@megwithbooks/95091/10-murder-mystery-books-you-need-to-read/9/agatha-christie-books) Item ID: `9` - Cover: ![Cover](https://img.listium.com/images/width=800,height=800,fit=scale-down,format=webp/l/mmiwelvqxtemh6sqehlb.jpg) - Year Published: 1937 - Author: Agatha Christie - Genre: Crime - Goodreads Rating: 4.12 - Video: ```json { "start_time_mins": "15", "start_time_secs": "03", "stop_time_mins": "", "stop_time_secs": "", "video_location": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaDN6atL9aY" } ``` - Notes: Discussion of Christie's books 'Death on the Nile' and 'Peril at End House'. Classic Christie mysteries with her typical style and charm. - My Take: 'Death on the Nile' was a standout for me, whereas 'Peril at End House' was enjoyable but not as compelling. - Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553119222/](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0553119222/?tag=listium03-20)