Best Mystery Books January 2025

LaRose

LaRose, Louise Erdrich’s haunting novel, weaves a tale of tragedy and redemption in North Dakota. When Landreaux Iron accidentally kills his neighbor’s son, he follows an ancient custom and gives his own son, LaRose, to the grieving family. As the two families grapple with loss and forgiveness, LaRose becomes a bridge between them. Erdrich’s lyrical prose and deep understanding of Native American culture create a powerful, unforgettable story of love, justice, and the enduring bonds of family.

The Round House

Thirteen-year-old Joe’s world shatters when his mother is brutally attacked on their North Dakota reservation. Struggling to cope, he seeks answers and justice, delving into the complex web of tribal and federal laws. Erdrich’s haunting prose weaves a coming-of-age tale with a gripping mystery, exploring themes of identity, family, and the lingering effects of historical trauma. As Joe grapples with adulthood’s harsh realities, his journey becomes a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the power of community.

The Keeper of Lost Things

Anthony Peardew, a once-successful author, has spent decades collecting lost objects, hoping to atone for a promise broken long ago. As his life nears its end, he entrusts his assistant Laura with the task of reuniting these treasures with their rightful owners. Struggling with her own broken heart, Laura finds unexpected solace in this peculiar mission. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, Hogan weaves a charming tale of love, loss, and the power of seemingly insignificant objects to bridge the gaps between people. It’s a gentle reminder that even in our darkest moments, hope can be found in the most unlikely places.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

Elsa is seven, precocious, and utterly devoted to her eccentric grandmother. Their nightly adventures in a fantastical world of fairy tales are Elsa’s refuge from school bullies and her parents’ divorce. When her beloved granny dies, Elsa is left with a series of letters, each a quest to deliver an apology. As she embarks on this treasure hunt, Elsa uncovers the colorful, often painful stories of the quirky tenants in her apartment building, realizing that her grandmother’s imaginary world wasn’t so make-believe after all. A touching, whimsical tale of love, loss, and the power of storytelling.

Anxious People

Backman’s “Anxious People” is a delightfully quirky tale that had me chuckling and tearing up in equal measure. It’s a story about a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation, but it’s so much more than that. The characters are beautifully flawed and relatable – I found myself in each of them. Backman’s wit shines through, making this a heartwarming exploration of human nature and the connections that bind us all. A must-read for anyone who’s ever felt a bit lost in life.

The Lady and the Unicorn

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of 15th-century Paris with Tracy Chevalier’s “The Lady and the Unicorn.” This captivating tale weaves together art, passion, and intrigue as it unravels the story behind a set of mysterious medieval tapestries. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the sights, sounds, and smells of a bygone era, while her complex characters grapple with desire, ambition, and societal expectations. I found myself utterly entranced, unable to put the book down as I followed the intertwining fates of nobles, artisans, and dreamers.

Remarkable Creatures

Mary Anning’s keen eye and relentless curiosity unearth extraordinary fossils along England’s Jurassic Coast, challenging 19th-century scientific beliefs. As she forms an unlikely friendship with Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster, their shared passion for paleontology defies societal norms. Chevalier’s vivid prose brings to life the salty sea air and the thrill of discovery, while exploring themes of female friendship, class divide, and the struggle for recognition in a male-dominated field. A captivating tale of two remarkable women who dared to challenge the world’s understanding of prehistoric life.

The Virgin Blue

Ella Turner’s move to rural France stirs up unexpected emotions and vivid dreams about her enigmatic ancestor, Isabelle du Moulin. As Ella delves into her family’s past, she uncovers a haunting legacy of religious persecution and forbidden love. Chevalier weaves a mesmerizing tale that spans centuries, blending historical intrigue with contemporary self-discovery. Through vivid prose and rich detail, she explores the enduring power of family secrets and the quest for identity. A captivating read that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page.

Portrait in Sepia

In “Portrait in Sepia,” Isabel Allende weaves a mesmerizing tale of family secrets and personal discovery. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Chile, we follow Aurora del Valle’s journey to uncover her past. Allende’s vivid prose brings to life the sights and smells of old San Francisco and Valparaíso, while exploring themes of love, loss, and identity. I found myself completely absorbed in Aurora’s world, feeling her joys and sorrows as if they were my own. A truly captivating read that lingers long after the final page.

Of Love and Shadows

In this haunting tale of passion and political turmoil, Isabel Allende weaves a tapestry of love and resistance in a country gripped by fear. Irene, a fearless journalist, and Francisco, a daring photographer, find themselves drawn into a dangerous investigation that will change their lives forever. As they uncover the brutal truth behind disappearances and murders, their growing love becomes a beacon of hope in a world of shadows. Allende’s lyrical prose and unflinching portrayal of human resilience will stay with you long after the final page.