Get ready to cosy up and immerse yourself in captivating books where the magic of Christmas collides with the thrill of mystery! As the year draws to a close and the festive spirit takes hold, there’s no better way to spend the holidays than with a collection of perplexing tales that will keep you guessing as to whodunnit. To celebrate the season, we present the ultimate gift for mystery lovers: a handpicked selection of thrilling fiction. These festive crime crackers are sure to keep you turning pages late into the enchanted and enigmatic December nights!
1 – Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd
Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency by Josie Lloyd introduces Alice Beeton, who runs a unique household staffing agency that caters to the poshest of the posh. Inspired by her famed relative, Mrs Beeton, Alice has built a quiet but orderly life, living with her terrier-corgi mix, Agatha, in a modest Kensington flat and arranging staff for the affluent. However, her meticulously managed world is upended when her newest hire is found dead while working as a housekeeper for the wealthy Messent family, plunging classic crime fan Alice into a real-life mystery. When the lead detective’s efforts prove lacklustre, Alice has to rely on her genre knowledge, intelligence and insight, and a few eccentric friends, to uncover what really happened at the Messents’ New Year gala.
Alice’s age and perspective as a woman on the wrong side of 50 bring depth and relatability to the story, creating an unconventional but compelling sleuth who draws readers in with her wry humour and resilience. Her investigations reveal unexpected dimensions of her own life, pushing her beyond her carefully curated comfort zone and into the glamorous, guarded lives of her clients. Lloyd’s clever nods to Victorian domestic icon Mrs Beeton, complete with Alice’s own culinary asides, add charming touches that will appeal to cosy mystery fans. The blend of an engaging puzzle, a cosy domestic setting and Alice’s character growth make Miss Beeton’s Murder Agency both a delightful seasonal read.
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2 – The Christmas Stocking Murders by Denzil Meyrick
Denzil Meyrick’s The Christmas Stocking Murders is a cosy yet complex Christmas mystery set in the bleak, snow-covered seaside village of Uthley’s Bay in 1953. The story follows the delightfully inept Inspector Frank Grasby and his boss, Superintendent Juggers, as they try to solve the murder of a fisherman found with a stocking around his neck. What begins as a simple inquiry takes on darker tones as a violent storm traps the detectives in the remote village and the body count starts to rise. Despite the dire circumstances, the book brims with Meyrick’s signature humour, largely from Grasby’s sardonic observations. His clumsy but well-meaning investigative style makes him a charming and relatable detective, offering not only apprehension but also moments of levity amidst the tension.
Meyrick crafts a sense of isolation, leveraging the brutal winter storm and small-town secrets to ramp up the suspense. As Grasby and Juggers encounter the strangely sinister villagers, including a bespectacled fellow who seems too interested in their investigation, the atmosphere becomes ever more claustrophobic and eerie. The interplay between Grasby and Juggers, along with Grasby’s strained relationship with his father, adds depth and humour to the narrative, emphasising Grasby’s hapless yet intuitive personality. As stockings mysteriously wash ashore and the village’s obsession with fine hosiery takes on increasingly ominous significance, The Christmas Stocking Murders skilfully blends a festive mystery, comedy and even a dash of romance.
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3 – Everyone This Christmas Has A Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson is a clever Christmassy mystery that blends festive cheer with the classic whodunnit in a unique way. The story follows Ernest Cunningham, a self-styled ‘Slapdash Sleuth’ with a knack for solving crimes, as he becomes embroiled in a murder backstage at a famous magician’s Christmas show. With a colourful cast of suspects who are all professional tricksters, Ernest must navigate a web of illusions and misdirection to find the killer. Stevenson leans into the themes of magic and deception, adding layers of intrigue as Ernest examines the 24 clues, each unveiled like a window in an advent calendar, leading to a fun yet challenging puzzle.
Stevenson’s ability to ‘play fair’ with the reader, laying out the clues without manipulation, is part of what makes this series so enjoyable. Despite presenting all the evidence upfront, he still manages to keep readers on their toes, including surprises along the way. Ernest’s self-depreciating nature adds warmth to the story, making him easy to root for as he uncovers the secrets of a cast of double-dealing suspects. Setting the mystery at a Christmas magic show is a brilliant touch, mingling festive nostalgia with trickery. Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret is a must-read for fans of inventive mysteries who enjoy some seasonal suspense and wit.
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4 – The Christmas Eve Murders by Noelle Albright
The Christmas Eve Murders by Noelle Albright is a cosy closed-circle mystery set in the snowbound Merry Monarch pub in the Yorkshire Dales. When journalist Maddie Marlowe finds herself stranded there on Christmas Eve, she joins the pub’s annual scavenger hunt. But when the power goes out, a scream pierces the darkness and one of the patrons is found dead. With everyone trapped and a killer among them, Maddie and her fellow pubgoers have no choice but to solve the murder themselves.
Albright combines festive warmth with mounting suspense, crafting a charmingly unsettling atmosphere that captures the cosiness and tension of a snowed-in village mystery. The book’s engaging cast, with their layered histories and quirks, makes everyone a suspect, adding complexity to the investigation. Albright deftly blends humour and intrigue, shifting from festive cheer to darker undertones as the murder mystery unfolds. With its clever twists and snug setting, The Christmas Eve Murders is perfect for mystery lovers looking for a seasonal whodunnit.
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5 – Poppy’s Christmas Cracker by Leigh Russell
Leigh Russell’s Poppy’s Christmas Cracker marks a festive return to the charming village of Ashton Mead, although the holiday cheer is disrupted by murder. When a new French patisserie opens just before Christmas, it threatens the viability of the Sunshine Tea Shoppe run by series regular Hannah. The competition is fierce, and after the patisserie’s owner is found murdered, Hannah becomes the prime suspect. Seasoned amateur sleuth Emily Wilson, determined to prove her friend’s innocence, dives into the investigation, guided by faithful dog, Poppy, who makes an unexpected discovery that could break the case wide open.
This festive mystery brims with Christmas cheer, from the twinkly decorations along the high street to the quaint village setting, which adds warmth to the unfolding drama. Emily’s investigation ropes in many of the villagers and allows their eclectic personalities to shine, and she only partially lets her new boyfriend to get in the way of solving the case. Poppy steals the show with her timely instincts, adding a delightful touch to the plot. Poppy’s Christmas Cracker offers a fun, seasonal escape with lovable characters, suspenseful twists, a dash of comedy and a dog.
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6 – Murder at the Christmas Emporium by Andreina Cordani
Murder at the Christmas Emporium by Andreina Cordani is a surprisingly dark mystery set in a unique, Christmas-themed gift shop hidden in one of London’s winding streets. On Christmas Eve, a group of shoppers find themselves locked inside the Emporium, only to discover that they’ve been tricked by someone who knows their deepest secrets and isn’t afraid to use them. The store’s owner, Montagu Verity, is a sinister figure with an intriguing backstory and a deep understanding of his guests. The Victoriana-infused setting fizzes with suspense and holiday spirit, albeit with a decidedly macabre twist.
This novel offers clever, Christie-esque plotting, with secrets revealed through flashbacks and tension built with each turn of the page. The story effectively contrasts the festive atmosphere inside the Emporium with the harshness of reality outside, enhancing the feeling of entrapment. Cordani excels at weaving a layered mystery that unfolds at a brisk pace, immersing readers in the sinister allure of the Emporium and the well-developed yet deeply flawed characters. Murder at the Christmas Emporium is an impressively crafted and highly enjoyable whodunnit that’s perfect for fans of locked-room mysteries with a seasonal twist.
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7 – Death Comes at Christmas edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane
Death Comes at Christmas, edited by Marie O’Regan and Paul Kane, is an enchanting yet chilling anthology that blends festive cheer with classic crime. This 18-story collection gathers work by celebrated crime authors including Tom Mead, Vaseem Khan and Belinda Bauer, all delivering holiday-themed mysteries that run the gamut from locked-room puzzles to domestic dramas. Set in snow-covered landscapes and cosy country houses, these tales of murder, secrets and betrayal reveal that the Christmas season isn’t all joy and goodwill. With each author demonstrating a distinct style, readers are treated to a variety of investigations, some highlighting psychological tension and others evoking classic crime tropes.
What sets this collection apart is its mix of tones and sub genres, making it an ideal read for both seasoned crime fans and those seeking a festive twist on suspense. The juxtaposition of Christmas spirit with dark motives intensifies the atmosphere, creating a unique and engaging experience that’s perfect for cosy winter nights. Whether it’s the charm of a winter wonderland or the unexpected twists in each story, Death Comes at Christmas keeps readers on edge, promising added intrigue with every new story.
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8 – Murder Under the Mistletoe by Richard Coles
Murder Under the Mistletoe by Richard Coles follows the festive chaos of Christmas Day at Champton Rectory, where Canon Daniel Clement and his mother Audrey host a gathering that quickly spirals into murder. Amidst the holiday merriment, a guest collapses after a kiss under the mistletoe and Daniel suspects foul play. Set in the late 1980s and reflecting the tensions of the era, the story combines character-driven drama with a mystery that unfolds alongside Daniel’s emotional journey. As he grapples with unrequited love and the struggles within the Church regarding women’s ordination, the murder becomes a catalyst for deeper explorations of human passion, cruelty and the complexities of faith.
While the death drives the plot, it also serves as a vehicle for examining the rich tapestry of church life and the relationships among the cast of familiar characters. Coles adeptly weaves in the festive elements of Christmas – the Nativity play, Midnight Mass and a chaotic Christmas dinner – while providing a sharp commentary on the conflicts and emotional struggles that lie beneath the surface. The interplay of humour and drama, along with the intricate depiction of church rituals and social dynamics, makes this a thought-provoking mystery.
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9 – Dramatic Murder by Elizabeth Anthony
Elizabeth Anthony’s Dramatic Murder, a long out of print murder mystery, brings the glitz and glamour of the theatre world to a snowy Christmas setting. When Dimpson ‘Dimpsie’ McCabe invites his closest friends to his castle on a private Scottish island, the festive atmosphere quickly turns deadly. Just as the celebrations are about to begin, Dimpsie is discovered entangled with the Christmas tree, electrocuted by the very lights that adorn it. While his death is ruled accidental, the swirling snow outside mirrors the growing suspicion among the guests, each of whom harbours hidden grievances and theatrical ambitions.
The story is driven by the keen observations of journalist Katherine Mickey, who senses that Dimpsie’s death may not have been as foolish as it appears. As she delves into the lives of the other guests, secrets begin to unravel and more bodies turn up. Inspector Smith, initially called in for the inquest, has the task of untangling the web of deceit, convinced that no one dies by chance. Originally published in 1948, Dramatic Murder offers a delightful blend of mystery and drama, with a cast of well-drawn characters whose motivations are as complex as the play they find themselves acting out. The story showcases Anthony’s sharp wit and deep understanding of human nature within the drama-laden world of theatre.
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10 – The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose
Nita Prose’s The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful holiday novella that follows Molly Gray, the beloved central character from The Maid, as she navigates the bustling Christmas season at the Regency Grand Hotel. While preparing for the festive celebrations, Molly’s excitement is overshadowed by her boyfriend Juan Manuel’s mysterious behaviour, leaving her anxious about their relationship. The story beautifully captures themes of love, trust and self-worth as Molly grapples with her neurodivergent perspective and the impact it has on her interactions.
Amidst the light mystery of Juan’s disappearances and the whispers echoing through the hotel corridors, the true heart of the story lies in Molly’s personal growth. Prose skilfully intertwines holiday cheer with the complexities of human connection, making this novella a warm and enchanting read. The Mistletoe Mystery is an engaging exploration of love and the spirit of Christmas that will resonate with readers.
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11 – A Lake District Christmas Murder by Rebecca Tope
Rebecca Tope’s A Lake District Christmas Murder is a charming cosy mystery that unfolds in the picturesque setting of Glenridding during the festive season. Simmy Henderson’s half-hearted attempts to make local friends and Christmas plans are abruptly interrupted when she discovers a man’s body in the beck and a vulnerable newborn abandoned nearby. As tensions simmer among the locals, Simmy finds herself having to juggling covertly nurturing the baby and clandestinely investigating the crime, revealing darker emotions lurking beneath the holiday cheer.
This story clearly captures the essence of a hectic family Christmas while delivering an engaging mystery that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The chilly and remote Lake District setting really comes to life, and the character development and cosy atmosphere make it an ideal read for a cold winter’s night. A delightful blend of holiday cheer and intrigue, A Lake District Christmas Murder could entertain even committed Grinch Simmy Henderson.
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12 – A Slay Ride Together With You by Vicki Delany
In A Slay Ride Together with You by Vicki Delany, readers are once again whisked away to Rudolph, New York, where the spirit of Christmas persists all year round. This time, Merry Wilkinson’s best friend, Vicky, is on the cusp of marriage to chef Mark Grosse and has just purchased the historic, potentially haunted, Cole House. As Vicky prepares for her wedding, a shocking discovery – a dead body in the garden – turns their festive plans upside down, with Mark quickly becoming the prime suspect in the murder investigation. With time running out before the wedding, Merry must unravel the secrets surrounding Cole House and its storied history to clear Mark’s name.
Delany’s cosy mystery combines humour, heart and a cracking cast of quirky characters. The interplay between the charming Christmassy town backdrop and the tension of the murder investigation creates an engaging narrative filled with red herrings and unexpected twists. As Merry and her lovable St Bernard, Matterhorn, navigate the intrigue of Cole House and its troubled past, readers are treated to a blend of suspense and warmth. A Slay Ride Together with You is a great addition to the Year-Round Christmas Mystery series and is sure to leave fans eager for more.
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