This list is in order of submission.
The Oxford Detective Society, Faith Martin
This is a cold case cozy that is the first book in a well-reviewed series.
Cover Her Face: An Adam Dalgliesh Mystery, PD James
First in a well-known series about a Scotland Yard police detective with a penchant for poetry. I have watched and enjoyed the 2021 BBC series.
The Mystery Guest, Nita Prose
I enjoyed The Maid when we read it, and this is the second book in the series. This time, Molly is trying to clear a coworker’s name, rather than her own.
The Mermaid, Anki Edvinsson
I like to read a Nordic Noir every once in awhile, and this well-reviewed book promises a “controversial and exciting ending.”
The Nine Tailors, Dorothy Sayers
Back in the 1980’s I read many of her books. I remember this being one of my favorites. It’s an old fashion, cozy?, mystery.
Drowning With Others, Linda Keir
I read it and it contains things that I really love in mystery fiction: cold case, secrets from long ago, family dynamics. Not action packed but really well written.
Has Anyone Seen Charlotte Salter, Nicci French
Nicci French is the pseudonym of two writers and I read an entire series they wrote together and really liked it. This is the first entry in another series they wrote together. I love a cold case and this writing duo does mystery and tension really well.
History Lessons, Zoe B Wallbrook
I am always looking for a cozy that isn’t twee and this one combines academic, mystery and humor. I haven’t read it, but the sample seems promising.
Five Little Pigs (Murder in Retrospect), Agatha Christie
Topping off my suggestions this year with yet another cold case, this time Christie style. I feel like we should have a Christie book every year, and this one is considered one of her best. Consistently shows up in top-ten Christie lists
Desert Star, Michael Connelly.
Renee Ballard is back on the police force. I am interested is how it goes in the new department.
The Red House Mystery, AA Milne
Described as lighthearted, adventurous and funny. The only mystery written by the author of Winnie The Pooh.
The Thin Man, Dashiel Hammett
One of the most defining novels of the Noir genre. The last book written by Dashiel Hammett and inspired a film series featuring the lead investigative pair.
Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line, Deepa Anappara
Reviewers describe this book as beautiful, but difficult, challenging, but important (especially for a Western audience). Apparently, has a wonderful ending worth the challenge.
How to Solve Your Own Murder, Kristen Perrin
A fun cozy mystery with a unique premise and alternating timelines. Also, if reviewers are to be believed, a true surprise ending.
A Great Deliverance, Elizabeth George
I’ve seen the TV series and want to try out the books.
The Decagon House Murders, Yukito Ayatsuji
I am looking to expand beyond American and British authors and have heard that this mystery is very good.
The Murder at World’s End, Ross Montgomery
The remote island setting reminded me of a classic Christie setup.
Death of an Author, E.C.R. Lorac
An investigation into the death of a mystery writer appealed to my enjoyment of the meta.
Grave Expectations, Alice Bell
I was looking for a book recommendation like Maz Evans Over My Dead Body and this was an interesting match. I enjoyed Maz’ 2nd book That’ll Teach Her on Audible but cannot imagine reading it so didn’t want to recommend it. Also set in England with that country’s sarcasm and a ghost who helps a medium investigate.
Bloodhounds, Peter Lovesey
4th book in Detective Peter Diamond series and a locked room! Another book on my “to read” list. Back when I disliked reading in the middle of a series I did read 1 & 2 in series and thoroughly enjoyed them. Detective Diamond reminded me of Rankin’s Rebus and remembered them being a strong police procedures, with good pace and humor. Also beautiful setting of Bath, England. Not sure why I didn’t continue with series other than too many books to read!