I read a lot of mysteries, with a preference for British authors, preferably with subtle (or even devastating) wit interspersed. This is a selection of some of my favorites, those from whom I wait impatiently for new books. Hopefully you'll discover new writers!
Sections
2
General
paranormal/fantasy
General
If you haven't read the Gamache series, you're in for a treat. The last one particularly resonates with current actuality. (affiliate link)
Louise Penny's Gamache series
I read this one just before the aborted Korean coup d'état. Politicians and oligarchs trying to disrupt a country to take full control by force… rings any bell? (affiliate link)
The Grey Wolf (Chief Inspector Gamache Series #19)|Hardcover
Wit coupled with fast paced adventure… you must read Christopher Brookmyre! The perfect mix of wit and action. This is the first in a trilogy that I absolutely love. (affiliate link)
The Sacred Art of Stealing| Brookmyre
The first Parlabane book. I wish I hadn't read them just for the pleasure of rediscovering them again. (affiliate link)
Quite Ugly One Morning (Jack Parlabane Series #1)|Paperback
Complex plot, wit galore, lovable characters… I wish he wrote faster! (affiliate link)
The Thursday Murder Club (Thursday Murder Club Series #1)| Richard Osman
A new Richard Osman series, which I very much enjoyed. (affiliate link)
We Solve Murders: A Novel|BN Exclusive
A trilogy with 10 books so far… I subscribed to the newsletter just for the pleasure of reading more from him. (affiliate link)
The Dublin Trilogy by Caihm McDonnell
Another delightful British mystery writer. I wish he sold outside of Amazon though. (affiliate link)
DC Smith Investigation Series
A spin-off from the DC Smith series, just as good. (affiliate link)
Songbird: A Kings Lake Investigation
I think this is my favorite book in the Gamache series. But then it involves a choir and I sing too. (affiliate link)
The Beautiful Mystery (Chief Inspector Gamache Series #8)|Paperback
One of my favorites from PD James. I must have read it 10 times over the past 30 years. (affiliate link)
Shroud for a Nightingale (Adam Dalgliesh Series #4)|Paperback
The first book in the Inspector Lynley series. Much better than the TV series! (affiliate link)
A Great Deliverance (Inspector Lynley Series #1)|Paperback
My favorite from the Cormoran Strike series. That woman can write! (affiliate link)
The Running Grave (Cormoran Strike Series #7)|Paperback
The first book in the Mary Russell series. I think the idea of a feminine pendant to Sherlock Holmes was inspired. I love this series and just realized I haven't read the latest one yet. Off to read! (affiliate link)
The Beekeeper's Apprentice, or On the Segregation of the Queen (Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes Series #1)|Paperback
A jubilatory read. Beware of older women!
Killers of a Certain Age (Killers of a Certain Age, #1) - Deanna Raybourn
A chilling descent into stalking
None of This Is True - Lisa Jewell
The 1st book in the Burglar series. I love Bernie!
Burglars Can't Be Choosers (Bernie Rhodenbarr Series #1)| Lawrence Block
The first book of the Kinsey Milhone series, which I've read several times. The series that is, not just this book.
"A" Is for Alibi (Kinsey Millhone Series #1) by Sue Grafton
Oops, it appears I've not read the last ones in the series. Off to buy it right away! . (affiliate link)
Y Is for Yesterday (Kinsey Millhone Series #25)| Sue Grafton
And another one I didn't realize was out. You'll find me in the reading room.
X Is For (A Kinsey Millhone Mystery)
Dark chilling psychological thriller
Alone (Detective D. D. Warren Series #1) - Lisa Gardner
HIlarious and fast paced.
How to Age Disgracefully - Clare Pooley
In my reading pile
Darling Girls: A Novel| Sally Hepworth
Fascinating and slightly nostalgic although not as bloody as other Quinn books.
The Briar Club - Kate Quinn
Not sure they really qualify as mysteries but delightful anyway.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series #1)| Alexander McCall Smith
It's already become a classic. Thrilling, gripping, dark… a perfect thriller.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Series #1)| Stief Larsson
An interesting mystery with a double twist, written by a young local Swiss writer who became famous thanks to this book.
The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair - Joel Dicker
I love that the hero is named after a childhood haunt of mine, the piscine Molitor in Boulogne.
Life of Pi: A Novel| Yann Martel
A lovely story of Guernsey during WWII.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society: A Novel|Paperback
Waiting for the second one. Surprisingly good period mystery starring a high-society spinster.
The Benevolent Society of Ill-Mannered Ladies - Alison Goodman
Read it way before the movie came out. Moriarty is a master at building up suspense.
Big Little Lies| Liane MOriarty
What happens at the yoga retreat…
Nine Perfect Strangers| Liane Moriarty
How well do you know your husband? Gripping.
Famous Last Words: A Novel| Gillian McAllister
Gripping thriller. A page turner.
The Crash | Freida McFadden
I'm a big fan of Louise Penny. This is the latest Gamache book and the continuation of the previous one, The Grey Wolf. It's disturbing in the sense that the events related echo the current state of the world in a frighteningly real manner.
The Black Wolf (Chief Inspector Gamache Series #20)| Louise Penny
paranormal/fantasy
Mysteries with a fantasy element
If you've never read the Thursday Next series, you're in for a treat. A must-read for all literature lovers. This is the first one in the series. It's a mix of comic fantasy, alternate history and mystery.
The Eyre Affair (Thursday Next Series #1)| Jasper Fforde
Another series from CK McDonnell, with reminiscences of Terry Pratchett. Witty and captivating, with a little bit of paranormal fun. (affiliate link)
