The Five Best Mystery Novels You Probably Haven’t Read - Yet

Nenny May, 2021

An antique dealer is found dead in the bedroom of her late husband's home whilst wearing an old wedding gown. Detective Rachel Olson sees a wedding night gone wrong but Claire Fisher, a criminal law professor, thinks the murderer was a romantic rival while psychologist Lisa Patterson blames the victim’s son. The DA thinks they’re all wrong – her prime suspect is none other than the governor. This action-packed, eerily atmospheric novel is unique in that there are four women all trying to solve the same case, each with a different suspect. This novel hits all of the sweet spots, the characters are well-rounded and well-developed, the dialogue rings true, and the plotting, let’s just say that you can definitely tell that the author has a legal background. The plot twists are surprising without feeling contrived. I understand that this novel is the first in a series, and I cannot wait for the sequel.

M. Williams, 2012

Emily and Stan Remington pack up their new RV and head to a reunion with some old friends in a small Wisconsin town. The only missing member is a hippie priest, Father Vic. They assume his duties kept him away right up until he turns up dead. Since Father Vic was working on his memoirs at the time of his murder the obvious question is, was the murderer attempting to stop them from being published? That question would be easier to answer if they could only find the manuscript. Emily, a retired police officer, joins forces with the local sheriff, determined to solve the mystery of her friend’s murder. This is definitely a whodunnit on the cozy side that draws you in with strong writing, a compelling MC, an intriguing mystery, and more than a few laughs on the way to a satisfying conclusion.

Amy Matayo, 2022

This is a melancholy story of lies, betrayal, and treachery in a small town with a dark secret, centering around a hospital fire which claimed nine lives. An investigative journalist, Finn Hardwick, attempts to unravel the mystery of the fire and finds at the center a most unlikely figure – the woman the townsfolk call Dirty Sally. I guarantee that you will remember Sally long after you finish this book. Life has not been kind to her, nor have her neighbors. They have openly ridiculed and reviled her from a most tender age – all for reasons beyond her control. This intriguing story is told from 3 different perspectives, Finn, of course, but also Billi Ellis, the young motel clerk, and Sally herself. Their narratives intertwine in an unexpected and enthralling fashion. Each character is fully fleshed out with motives both poignant and compelling. This is not an easy read but it’s lightened by unexpected dashes of humor and a touch of romance. The writing is gorgeous, the story is spell-binding – do yourself a favor and pick this one up.