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Gripping witty mystery books
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items 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!
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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
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)
The Stranger Times – paranormal fiction and news
Fascinating!
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - Susanna Clarke