As Halloween approaches, the chill in the air isn’t just from the changing of seasons—it’s a great time to crack open a gripping murder mystery. From classic whodunits to intense thrillers, mystery books are a great way to get yourself in the spooky spirit. Here are some of my favorite murder mysteries that anyone could enjoy this Halloween season.
“Truly Devious” by Maureen Johnson
This YA book series is a captivating blend of mystery, suspense and drama, centered around Ellingham Academy, a prestigious private school in Vermont. The story follows Stevie Bell, a true crime enthusiast, who goes to the academy in hopes of solving its infamous cold case from the 1930s. Stevie, along with her friends, find themselves in a mystery of their own, as the “Truly Devious” killer makes a return and death finds its way back. I highly recommend this trilogy to anyone who loves the fundamentals of murder mysteries. It’s fun and suspenseful and will leave readers on their feet for all three books.
“A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder” by Holly Jackson
This trilogy follows Pip FItz-Amobi, a high school student who decides to investigate a murder case that has haunted her small town of Fairview. Everyone thinks they know who killed Andie Bell all those years ago, but Pip is convinced there’s more to the story. The storytelling in this novel is exceptional, the plot keeps you drawn in and the character development is wonderful to read. This is the type of book that you can read in one sitting, with its fast-paced plot and heart-pounding thrills. The books in the series get even better as they go along. Also, the series recently got a TV adaptation, that you can stream on Netflix.
“And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie
Very different from the previous two books, “And Then There Were None” is one of my favorite novels of all time. First published in 1939, this book is one of Agatha Christie’s most beloved stories and it is what got me into murder mysteries. This story revolves around ten strangers who are all invited to a remote island. Once they arrive, they soon realize they are trapped, with no means of escape. One by one, guests are killed in a manner that mirrors the chilling nursery rhyme,“Ten Little Soldiers.” Christie’s ability to craft an atmosphere of tension makes this novel a standout in its genre. You might think you know who the killer is, but trust me, you don’t.
“Murder on the Orient Express” by Agatha Christie
Along with “And Then There Were None,” this is one of Christie’s most famous novels. The story unfolds on the luxurious Orient Express train, as one of the passengers gets surprisingly murdered. Detective Hercule Poirot, one of Christie’s recurring characters, is asked to investigate the ongoing murder. As Poirot interviews each passenger it almost feels like you are the detective too. The “locked room” feel of this novel, with the suspects having nowhere to go, adds to the intensity of the story. Christie does twists so well and this one is no different, the reveal of the killer will have your jaw on the ground. I highly recommend this timeless classic if you are on the hunt for a fun, gripping mystery.
“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
While not necessarily a story revolving around murder, this mystery still brings thrill and excitement. When Avery Grambs unexpectedly inherits Tobias Hawthorne’s billionaire fortune, she is forced to move into his house accompanied by all four of the Hawthorne grandsons. She has no idea why a stranger would give her all of this money, but she is determined to get to the bottom of it. This is such a fun read filled with puzzles, riddles and romance. If you are a fan of the movie “Knives Out”, I highly recommend this book series.
As you settle in for the Halloween season, I hope this list of mystery books serves you well. Whether you are a long-time fan of the genre or a newcomer looking for a fright, these recommendations are sure to satisfy your spooky wishes!
Leave a Reply