If you’ve perused our mystery section you’ve undoubtedly seen staff picks from our mystery expert, Wendy. She’s a lover of mystery novels, reads more than the rest of the staff combined, and will also be leading the Wonderlust Mystery Book Discussion through MSU Extended University. We asked her for ten not-to-be-missed mystery reads that will be perfect for your autumn reading.
The Child by Fiona Barton
The stories of a baby skeleton found in a building site and a child stolen years ago intertwine. Kate Waters makes a great protagonist and the ending is one you won’t see coming.
Gone by Mo Hayder
Officer Jack Caffery and police diver Flea Marley try to locate an 11 year old girl, stolen during a carjacking. The diving aspect really sets this series apart. It’s dark, but so good.
Out of Bounds by Val McDermid
This new series by longtime journalist and mystery writer McDermid follows cold case detective Karen Pirie. The DNA of a teenager put into a coma after a joyriding car crash is suddenly linked to a 22-year-old unsolved murder and Pirie is called in to solve it.
Since We Fell by Dennis Lehane
An agoraphobic woman finally ventures outside her home only to find her husband, who is supposed to be out of town. She must continue facing her fear to figure out what is happening in this story by the ultimate thriller writer.
Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
A mystery within a mystery. While the reader is reading the mystery novel the author is murdered. His editor vows to solve his murder in this fun homage to Agatha Christie.
You Will Know Me by Megan Abbott
Devon Knox is a high school student and Olympic gymnastics hopeful. When one of the coaches at the gym is killed in a hit and run, the jealousies and rivalries ramp up. The Olympic hopeful storyline is realistic and the ending is twisty and SHOCKING.
A Song of Shadows by John Connolly
PI Charlie Parker is recovering in Maine, living next door to a young girl and her mother. Darkness follows Charlie, but so does his helpful, dead daughter. Supernatural and scary!
King Maybe by Timothy Hallinan
LA Burglar Junior Bender finds himself in trouble when he is hired to burgle a ruthless studio mogul. This series is both dark and funny.
Stealing People by Robert Wilson
Six children of wealthy international families are kidnapped in London. Kidnap consultant Charlie Boxer finds that case intersecting with his own. Robert Wilson’s thrillers always deliver and keep you guessing all the way through.
The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill
Dr. Siri Paiboun is the elderly national coroner in 1978 Laos. He is underfunded, understaffed, and possessed by the soul of a Hmong shaman. Wickedly funny, this series has a loveable cast of characters making do (and sometimes making mayhem!).
