Best Whodunit Books December 2024

Blue Lightning

Detective Jimmy Perez returns to his childhood home on Fair Isle, seeking solace and a fresh start. But when a brutal murder rocks the tight-knit community, he’s thrust into a complex investigation. As a fierce storm isolates the island, Perez must unravel long-buried secrets and confront his own past. Cleeves masterfully weaves atmospheric tension with rich character development, creating a gripping tale that’ll keep you guessing until the very end. A perfect read for those dark, stormy nights.

Red Bones

Detective Jimmy Perez returns to his Shetland roots in this gripping mystery. When an elderly woman is shot on her land, Jimmy must unravel a web of secrets stretching back to World War II. As he digs deeper, he uncovers long-buried tensions and rivalries in the close-knit island community. Cleeves masterfully evokes the stark beauty and isolation of the Shetlands, weaving a tale that’s as much about the land and its people as it is about murder. I found myself completely absorbed in the atmospheric setting and complex characters.

White Nights

In this gripping Shetland mystery, Detective Jimmy Perez faces a perplexing case when an English artist is found hanging in a local gallery. As midsummer approaches, bringing endless daylight to the islands, Perez delves into the victim’s past, uncovering secrets that challenge his perceptions. Cleeves masterfully weaves the stark beauty of the Shetland landscape with complex characters, creating a atmospheric thriller that kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for fans of Nordic noir.

Raven Black

Raven Black, the first in Ann Cleeves’ Shetland series, is a haunting mystery that seeps into your bones like the chill of a Scottish winter. Set against the stark beauty of the Shetland Islands, Cleeves weaves a tale of suspicion and secrets that kept me guessing until the very end. Her vivid descriptions transported me to this remote community, where I could almost taste the salt air and hear the cry of seabirds. A masterful blend of atmospheric writing and intricate plotting, this book left me eager to explore more of Cleeves’ work.

The Devil and the Dark Water

Embark on a treacherous voyage with Stuart Turton’s “The Devil and the Dark Water,” a gripping maritime mystery that will leave you breathless. Set in 1634, this tale follows a doomed ship’s journey from Batavia to Amsterdam, where dark forces and sinister secrets lurk in every shadow. As a passenger myself, I was captivated by Turton’s masterful blend of historical detail and supernatural intrigue. With each turn of the page, I found myself questioning reality and sanity alongside the characters. A must-read for anyone craving a unique, atmospheric thriller.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

Aiden wakes up in a body not his own, tasked with solving a murder that hasn’t happened yet. He has eight days, eight hosts, and one chance to unravel the mystery of Evelyn Hardcastle’s death at Blackheath Manor. As he navigates through a twisted game of time loops and body-swapping, Aiden uncovers dark secrets and hidden agendas. With each new day bringing fresh revelations and dangers, he must race against time to break free from this nightmarish cycle. Turton’s mind-bending thriller kept me guessing until the very end, leaving me breathless and in awe of its intricate plot.

The Westing Game

Sixteen strangers gather at the reading of eccentric millionaire Sam Westing’s will, each a potential heir to his fortune. As they unravel cryptic clues in a high-stakes puzzle, unlikely alliances form and secrets unravel. I was captivated by Raskin’s clever plot twists and quirky characters, especially the brilliant young Turtle Wexler. This masterful mystery kept me guessing until the very end, reminding me why it’s a beloved classic that still feels fresh decades later.

Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective

Meet Encyclopedia Brown, the ten-year-old sleuth with a knack for solving mysteries that baffle even the adults. In this charming collection of short stories, young readers join Leroy “Encyclopedia” Brown as he cracks cases in his hometown of Idaville. With his encyclopedic knowledge and sharp wit, Encyclopedia unravels puzzles ranging from stolen bicycles to missing pets. Sobol’s clever writing invites readers to put their own detective skills to the test, making this book a delightful blend of entertainment and mental exercise.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

In this classic whodunit, Christie weaves a tale that still leaves readers gasping. I was captivated by the small English village setting and the cast of quirky suspects. Narrated by the affable Dr. Sheppard, the story follows the brilliant detective Hercule Poirot as he unravels the mysterious death of Roger Ackroyd. Christie’s masterful misdirection kept me guessing until the very end. A must-read for any mystery lover, with a twist that changed the genre forever.

And Then There Were None

Ten strangers, lured to a remote island mansion, find themselves trapped by an unseen host with a sinister agenda. As they grapple with their mysterious circumstances, a nursery rhyme becomes a chilling countdown to their demise. Christie’s masterful suspense builds as guests vanish one by one, leaving survivors to question their own innocence and sanity. This haunting tale of guilt and justice keeps readers guessing until the very last page, cementing its place as a timeless classic of psychological suspense.