We’re getting into one of my favourite times of the year! I can’t be the only one settling in for hot chocolates and comfy jumpers. And, of course, what goes better with that than a good book? Well, a cosy mystery that’s what! Let’s see if you can predict where this list will lead…
And Then There Were None– Agatha Christie is the QUEEN of cosy mysteries and this is her crowning glory. Annnd I won’t say anything more about the actual book, because this is definitely the sort of book where you need to go in blind. Even though I haven’t read much of her work (yet) it was still hard to resist the urge to put Murder on the Orient Express on here as well… but I guess I kinda just did that 😉
The Seven and a Half Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle– now for something a little more out there! While this is inspired by the legendary Agatha Christie, it is the kind of story where it’s best to have some clue about what’s going on, because it is so unusual. This Groundhog Day murder mystery set at a party is truly one of a kind. I did find it a bit more difficult to get into, but it’s all the more rewarding for the effort!
Academic Curveball– I’m really excited to talk about one of James’ books, cos he’s awesome. And he’s definitely carved out a niche for himself in the cosy mystery arena! Set in a university, this is full of charming characters you can’t help but root for and a plot that’ll keep you hooked!
The Secret History– this is another story set on a college campus and is a book I haven’t been able to shake since I read it this summer. Bound to be a future classic, Tartt’s murder mystery told in reverse is riveting, masterful and a must-read.
Truly Devious– sticking to the New England school setting, which somehow really works for this genre, I have to share a YA take. This series opener was a pleasant surprise for me this year. Though I’d heard a lot about the author, I wasn’t prepared for quite how gripping this book would be. Based around a cold case mystery, I hadn’t anticipated the dual stories working in tandem. Needless to say I’m excited for the sequels!
Dark Places– taking a quick step away from YA for a moment, let’s revisit one of bestselling-sensation Gillian Flynn’s works. As much as I love to wax lyrical about the greatness of Gone Girl, I do have to remind myself that the author is not a one hit wonder. This story about a supposedly solved crime will keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for something with a little more edge, then this is the book for you!
Broken Things– on the surface this is a simple summery thriller about friends accused of murder… but dig a little deeper and this YA delivers some deeper themes. The stories within stories reveal there’s a lot more under the surface.
My Plain Jane– on the topic of metafiction, you can’t go wrong with this retelling of Jane Eyre! Delightful and funny and full of friendly (and not-so-friendly) ghosts, it’s perfect for this time of year.
Shadow of the Wind– this is another book linked to the love of books. Even better, the mystery centres on a book and its enigmatic author. Weaving through the near mythical streets of Barcelona, this is the kind of book where the journey is half the fun.
My Cousin Rachel– Du Maurier is yet another lady who really knows how to grab your attention- and then send you tumbling to uncertain conclusions 😉 Prepare to find yourself wrapped up in the Cornish Moors, facing a precipice of gothic proportions, wondering if you’ll ever get to the bottom of this story… it’s where I’ve been for years. Because this slightly ambiguous read will keep you guessing long after you’ve turned the last page.
And on that’s where I’ll leave you hanging… Have you read any of these? Do you like them? And what mysteries (without spoilers if you can 😉) have really blown you away? Let me know in the comments!
And Then There Were None was really good – I wasn’t feeling it at first, because there were SO MANY characters, and I struggled to remember who was who, but the mystery was great; I was caught completely off guard by the ending. I *love* Dark Places, The Shadow of the Wind and My Cousin Rachel. 🙂 Great list! 🙂
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It was!! Ah I do hear you there- but that ending made the entire book amazing! Glad you like them too. 🙂 Thank you!!
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Cant wait to put jumpers on and fluffy socks and be wrapped up in a blanket reading! Some great books here and my tbr has gone up!!
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hehe I really relate!
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i’ve been wanting to read THE SECRET HISTORY for a while now!!! seems like this fall is as great a time as any 👌🏼 i really like the TRULY DEVIOUS series — i just finished the sequel and i can’t believe i have to wait till january for the third one omg. also, MOTOE by agatha christie is a straight-up classic mystery 👏🏼 love this post!
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Oh I highly recommend it!! Me too!! I can’t wait for the last one! Thank you so much!!
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Completely agree regarding And Then There Were None. It was my first Agatha Christie and it shook my world! I actually included it in a recent post about crime fiction as example of a great plot. The Secret History is also a favourite of mine!
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Ahh it was the same for me!! That’s really cool! And secret history was absolutely brilliant!
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I just downloaded Murder on the Orient Express, looking forward to reading it this fall.
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oh that’s brilliant for this time of year- hope you enjoy!
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Thank you, I’m sure I will!
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I loved My Plain Jane too! A little different from the first one but with the same lovely tone, humor and unique retelling at once. I love Agatha Christie too!
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Yes I really agree with you! She’s brilliant 😀
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I so agree with you that Agatha Christie is the queen of mysteries! I’ve started reading both Miss Marple and Poirot series, Only got a few books into each series, but hope to continue them soon!
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She really is! I’m in a similar boat- but I hope to continue soon too!
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Thank you. I love all these books. We will have so much to talk about!!!
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You’re welcome 🙂
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I really enjoyed Truly Devious, Broken Things, and Dark Places.
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Ah glad you agree!!
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I haven’t read these, but “The Shadow of the Wind” certainly sounds appealing! I recently enjoyed “Stranger Diaries,” which is a standalone by Elly Griffiths, British author of the wonderful “Ruth Galloway Mysteries.” A “modern Gothic mystery,” Stranger Diaries contains many elements that I love: school setting, literary references, and strong women characters.
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Oh it really is! And stranger diaries sounds right up my street as well- I love all those elements 😀
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Dark Places is a great pick. It was so creepy!
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it really was!
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I haven’t read any of these but really want to read My Plain Jane and Broken Things! Hope you have a lovely and spooky October!
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Oh definitely recommend them! Thank you! You too!!
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I love And Then There Were None – not sure if you’ve read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd but I read it on holiday this year and I think it’d make the perfect Autumn cosy mystery
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oh I haven’t- but it’s on my list- I think I’ll have to try and get to it sooner rather than later then- thanks for the recommendation!!
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Terrific list! Of all of these, I’ve read a few… and My Cousin Rachel has been on my to-read list for years now. I need to get to it, finally!
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Thank you! oh I highly recommend it!!
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Great list! I love the Agatha Christie mysteries I’ve read so far (including And Then There Were None) and want to read more of them (including Murder on the Orient Express). And Evelyn Hardcastle is on my TBR for this fall, so hopefully I’ll get to it very soon!
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Thank you!! me too! oh definitely recommend it!!
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I am so jealous of all the books you’re able to read. So, how many books do you average each year? I never get past 48 – I’m a profoundly slow reader but I do love to read.
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Well it really depends on the year- usually between 150 and 200 books a year. Definitely agree I’m lucky to be able to read that much 🙂
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Holey moley, Ms. Cannoli – that’s about a book every other day! I’m lucky to get in a book a week and often don’t make that goal. Now I’m really jealous!
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The Shadow of the Wind is one of my favorites. I love Daniel, Bea and all the other characters. A great mystery–a submersion into old Barcelona. My Cousin Rachel has just become an addition to my TBR list. 😀
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It’s one of my favourites too- I absolutely love it. Me too!! Really agree! Oh definitely recommend it!!
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I LOVE And Then There Were None – one of my favorite mysteries of all time. I need to read more Christie. I agree, mysteries are perfect for fall reading.
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It’s brilliant!! Me too! Yes!
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The 7 1/2 deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is such a good book. It had its problems, for me no ending was going to live up to that suspense, but it was just so thrilling that I had to give it five stars.
With And Then There Were None, it had been so highly recced that I was nervous about it but you’re right, one of the best and creepiest of her mysteries.
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Agatha Christie. Always. And the one you picked is one of the tenser ones.
Anything by Dick Francis. They are more thrillers than cozy mysteries, though. Hot Money is particularly good.
Started Early, Took My Dog and One Good Turn, both by Kate Atkinson
I, too, liked Gone Girl, though I can’t say I’d have wanted to spend more time with any of the characters except perhaps Boney.
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I am really happy to see 7 1/2 Deaths on here, I loved that mindf**k of a book so much! I have a few of these on my TBR, Broken Things is staring at me
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