Best Cozy Mystery Books December 2024

The Maid

Molly, a meticulous maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, finds solace in her orderly world of cleanliness. But when she discovers a wealthy guest dead in his bed, her carefully structured life unravels. Suddenly thrust into a murder investigation, Molly must navigate a world she doesn’t quite understand. With her unique perspective and unwavering determination, she sets out to uncover the truth, learning valuable lessons about friendship and human nature along the way. A charming and poignant tale of an unlikely heroine finding her voice.

An Unwanted Guest

Nestled in the Catskills, a remote lodge becomes a chilling trap for a group of strangers. As a blizzard rages outside, cutting off all escape, guests start turning up dead. Paranoia and suspicion grip the survivors, each harboring their own secrets. With no help coming, they must uncover the killer among them before it’s too late. Shari Lapena weaves a claustrophobic tale of murder and deceit that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The Midnight Hour

In “The Midnight Hour,” Elly Griffiths weaves a spellbinding tale that kept me up well past my bedtime. Set in 1960s Brighton, this atmospheric mystery follows PI Emma Holmes as she investigates a missing persons case that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. Griffiths’ knack for period detail and complex characters shines through, making the seaside town come alive with its seedy underbelly and colorful inhabitants. I found myself completely immersed in Emma’s world, rooting for her at every turn. A perfect read for fans of noir and historical fiction alike.

The Zig Zag Girl

In post-war Brighton, magician Max Mephisto grapples with a grisly murder that echoes his old stage act. When DI Edgar Stephens, his former wartime comrade, seeks his help, Max is drawn into a world where illusion and reality blur. As more victims appear, the duo must confront their shared past to unmask a killer with a flair for the theatrical. Griffiths weaves a spellbinding tale of friendship, magic, and murder that kept me guessing until the final, heart-stopping reveal.

The Vanishing Box

Magician Max Mephisto and Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens return in this gripping mystery set in 1950s Brighton. When a girl’s body is found in a trunk, the duo must unravel a web of secrets and lies within the world of variety theater. As they delve deeper, they uncover a sinister connection to Max’s own act. With atmospheric prose and richly drawn characters, Griffiths masterfully blends nostalgia and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the final curtain falls.

The Blood Card

In “The Blood Card,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set against the backdrop of 1950s Brighton. Detective Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to solve a perplexing murder that leads them into the shadowy world of variety acts and television. As they unravel clues from a cryptic playing card, the duo faces personal challenges that test their friendship. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings the era to life, making you feel the sea breeze and hear the carnival music. A thrilling ride that kept me guessing until the very end.

Smoke and Mirrors

In “Smoke and Mirrors,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and magic set in 1950s Brighton. When two children vanish during a pantomime performance, DI Edgar Stephens and magician Max Mephisto reunite to unravel the case. As they delve deeper, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that blur the line between illusion and reality. Griffiths’ vivid prose brings post-war Brighton to life, while her complex characters and clever plot twists keep readers guessing until the very end.

Now You See Them

In “Now You See Them,” Elly Griffiths weaves a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue set against the backdrop of 1960s Brighton. Detective Inspector Edgar Stephens and his wife, former magician Emma, find themselves entangled in a perplexing case of missing schoolgirls. As the investigation unfolds, old friends and new faces collide, unearthing long-buried secrets. Griffiths’ keen eye for period detail and her knack for crafting complex characters shine through, making this a page-turner I couldn’t put down. A must-read for fans of atmospheric crime fiction.

The Stone Circle

Archaeologist Ruth Galloway returns in this gripping mystery, set against the haunting backdrop of Norfolk’s windswept coast. When a young girl’s bones are unearthed near an ancient stone circle, Ruth is drawn into a complex web of secrets and lies. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a chilling connection to a decades-old disappearance. With her keen insight and dry wit, Ruth must navigate personal dilemmas while racing to solve the case before another life is lost. Griffiths masterfully weaves together history, suspense, and human drama in this atmospheric page-turner.

The Lantern Men

In “The Lantern Men,” Elly Griffiths weaves a chilling tale that kept me up late into the night. Dr. Ruth Galloway, forensic archaeologist extraordinaire, is drawn back to Norfolk by a convicted killer’s tantalizing offer. As she unearths long-buried secrets, the line between past and present blurs. Griffiths’ knack for atmospheric storytelling shines through, making the marshlands feel alive with whispered mysteries. I found myself holding my breath during tense moments, completely immersed in Ruth’s world. A gripping read that’ll haunt you long after the last page.