Are you waiting for the next season of Only Murders in The Building? Or are you just looking for a juicy little murder mystery to heartily devour, or even snack on? Well then, dear reader, this list is for you. From books that are literal mysteries that must be solved to be read, to thrillers with unexpected twists that play with the genre, this list of murder mysteries will deliver the shock, the ooo and the aww.
The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett
Dubbed a modern-day Agatha Christie, a brilliant Janice Hallett’s “The Twyford Code” will hold you captive with its ingenious puzzle. Ex-con Steven Smith delves into a childhood mystery, a cryptic code hidden within a dusty children’s book. This seemingly innocent discovery unlocks a web of secrets surrounding his former teacher’s disappearance decades ago. The narrative unfolds through Steven’s captivating voice recordings, weaving past and present as he confronts his troubled youth and the events that landed him in prison. “The Twyford Code” is a must-read for murder mystery enthusiasts, offering a unique format, a dash of historical intrigue, and a code-cracking adventure that will leave you guessing until the very end.
End of Story by A.J. Finn
A.J. Finn’s “End of Story” is a gripping murder mystery with a literary twist. Sebastian Trapp, a reclusive crime novelist haunted by a decades-old disappearance, invites a young writer, Nicky, to pen his biography. As Nicky delves into Sebastian’s past, secrets and suspicions simmer. A chilling discovery in the koi pond throws the narrative into a tailspin, blurring the lines between reality and Sebastian’s own fictional worlds. “End of Story” is a must-read for murder mystery lovers, offering a clever exploration of storytelling itself, where truth and fiction collide in a captivating game of unravelling the past.
The Trees by Percival Everett
Buckle up for a True Detective-esque murder mystery with Percival Everett’s “The Trees.” The small town of Money, Mississippi is rocked by a series of brutal killings: a white man found dead alongside an eerily similar Black man. Enter Detectives Ed and Jim, a sharp duo tasked with untangling the truth. The case takes a bizarre turn when similar murders surface across the country. With a dash of the supernatural and a healthy dose of social commentary, Everett masterfully blends historical trauma with a chilling present. “The Trees” is a critical must-read for those seeking a murder mystery that provokes and entertains in equal measure.
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon
“Mother-Daughter Murder Night” by Nina Simon is a captivating blend of cosy mystery and family drama. When a naturalist is found dead in the California slough, suspicion falls on Beth’s kayaking guide husband, Jack. Refusing to believe it, Beth teams up with her fiercely independent mother, Lana, and her teenage daughter to clear his name. Their unlikely detective trio delves into the secrets of their coastal community, uncovering simmering tensions and hidden motives. Simon’s witty dialogue and well-developed characters make this a delightful whodunit, perfect for readers who crave a captivating mystery with a dash of family dysfunction. This is your Only Murders stand-in.
Cain’s Jawbone by Edward Powys Mathers
Edward Powys Mathers’ “Cain’s Jawbone” isn’t your typical murder mystery, and is perhaps a new species of text for most. It’s a fiendish puzzle disguised as a book. Imagine 100 unbound pages, each snippet hinting at six murders and their perpetrators. The challenge? Reassemble the pages into the only correct order to reveal the story. Brace yourself for a narrative that leaps through time, introduces a cast of suspicious characters, and throws cryptic clues your way. Only the most dedicated puzzlers will crack the code and discover the truth behind the “conveniently forgotten” first wife, Lilith, and her fight for equality. It’s a maddening yet exhilarating feat, a testament to the power of the written word as a puzzle box.
Pick up any of these 5 Juicy Murder Mysteries from any Kunzum store or WhatsApp +91.8800200280 to order. Buy the book(s) and the coffee’s on us.