Mystery Novels

Mysteries are so fun to read, whether I’m solving along with the detectives or just breathlessly turning pages to find out what happens. Check out my earlier post with other mystery recommendations. I’ve enjoyed some excellent mysteries for adults lately (though some of these would also be okay for teens, depending, of course, on your teen).

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala (2021)

Manansala’s amateur detective in this cozy mystery is Lila, who has returned home to recover from a break up. While helping at her family’s restaurant, a customer dies, and Lila starts investigating. Manansala weaves in Filipino food and traditions into the mystery. First in a series!

The Spare Man by Mary Robinette Kowal (2022)

This sci-fi mystery is an homage to The Thin Man, right down to the pet dog. Tesla — a well-known inventor and heiress — is on her honeymoon and in disguise so she can enjoy life away from celebrity for a while. But when someone on the spaceship is murdered and her husband is accused, she leaps in to solve the mystery.

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn (2022)

Four women have long worked as assassins for a clandestine organization, but now they are ready to retire. Their company sends them on a cruise to launch their lives of leisure. While at sea, they realize that someone is trying to kill them all. Raybourn has created a suspenseful and often funny thriller that also takes on the topic of aging.

Better the Blood by Michael Bennett (2023)

Hana is a detective for the Auckland police in New Zealand. When she is sent a video that leads to the discovery of a murdered body, it throws her into tracking a serial killer. His targets are linked to the killing of a Maori chief decades ago. Since Hana is also Maori, she is torn between duty and culture as she pursues the culprit. I heard that this might be the beginning of a series, and I certainly hope that is the case.