Top Mystery Books to Read this Fall

The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray

With 90+ ratings and an impressive 4.7 star average, The Mystery in the Margins by L.L. Gray is the first installment in the Havenwood Cozy Mystery series, a cozy paranormal mystery for those who enjoy a little magic with their mysteries.

Red describes in their five star Amazon review why you should add this to your TBR list, “The coziest of mysteries. My fav part? The delicious food! Oh yeah, and the quaint, magical, New England town, its quirky residents, and a mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through! It feels like coming home and going on an adventure at the same time. I can’t wait to return to Havenwood in the next installment.”

“…A terrific start to a new paranormal series. Havenwood is a magical town, with many supernatural creatures. Harper is a witch with minor elemental magic that comes in handy while sleuthing. She is a charming character, full of kindness and intelligence. Surrounding her is a delightful cast of characters – Luna, a talking rabbit & Granny Bea’s familiar, Gideon, a gargoyle and night watchman at the store, Thistle, a dryad living in the garden behind the store, Bella, her childhood friend who lives at the B&B with her parents Honey & Antonio, Grimgor, a small giant, & Finn, a Druid tattoo artist. Plenty of twists along the way as Harper puts together her plans and tries to solve the case. An even bigger surprise with how the winner is determined in the bookshop battle. Full of humor with excellent world building. I look forward to exploring more of Havenwood.” Katherine R. explains in her five star Amazon review.

Lethal Ingredients by Michael Priester

With over two dozen reviews on Amazon, Lethal Ingredients by Michael Priester is the first in The Culinary Criminologist series, and navigates murder, culinary intrigue, and food science.

“Wow, a great detective novel with a fresh plot. Sam and Jack detectives methodically unravel a secret catering company conspiracy and mysterious food poisonings. In short, the plot is unusual and cool. With every plot twist, the story becomes more interesting and captivating. It’s interesting to plunge into the behind-the-scenes of the culinary industry, especially with such an intricate detective story. This book is full of passion and ambition, secrets and clues. I really liked this story.” Piter raves in his five star Amazon review.

Secret Life concurs in their five star Amazon review, “This book grabbed my attention from the first page. The story is well-paced and keeps you wanting more. The characters are relatable, and the plot twists are surprising. I finished it in two days because I just couldn’t put it down. If you’re looking for a fun and easy read, this is it!”

The Cooperating Witness by Michael Avery

With over 50 ratings and a 4.5 star average, The Cooperating Witness by Michael Avery is the first in the Susan Sorella Mystery series; in this installment, Susan must fight corrupt agents, informants, and the mob to protect an innocent man from prison.

“As a lawyer in MA for more than 40 years, this is a first – a legal thriller with plenty of truth about how the system works! But a thrilling and great read for anyone, whether or not they recognize some names, locales, etc. this novel gets my highest recommendation!” Peter D. explains in his five star Amazon review.

Marley S. writes in their Amazon review, “…Down to the sentence-level, Avery reveals that he has the technical expertise of a master prose writer. He weaves flashback, private ruminations, and present action seamlessly, to create a gradual rise in tension and a satisfying, robust narrative. Many scenes have full cinematic grace, invoking all the senses.

The reader’s attention never falters. Avery’s knowledge of the courtroom and the entire process of building a case is clear, and he writes with authority. This is true also of his treatment of the city of Boston (especially the North End). Through fresh descriptive writing and clean, effortless prose, Avery makes this multifaceted city speak and breathe on the pages of his novel…”

Art, Wine, and Crime by Tana L.H. Boerger

With 15+ ratings and a 4.7 star average, Art, Wine, and Crime is the final book in A Lord and Lady Crosswick Mystery series. As the title suggests, readers will find themselves immersed in the finer points of art, wine, and food, while also dodging attempted murder.

Madeline D. explains in her five star Goodreads review, “An American couple, Philip and Genevieve Warwick, have inherited noble titles and a vast estate from an uncle, which includes a portfolio of English and French property. In Art, Wine and Crime (the second installment of the series), the Lord and Lady visit their French holdings for the first time…

The intrigue progresses at a quick pace against a backdrop of wine tastings and art appreciation that shows off the author’s credentials as a connoisseur and leaves readers longing for a personal staff which includes a French pastry chef. The lord and lady deserve to rest on their laurels, surrounded by grandchildren playing in the vineyard, but the author probably has more adventures in store for them.”

“This book grabs you right from the first page. Love how the characters interact, and are developing. Look forward to book 3!” Book Lover concurs in their five star Amazon review.

Southern Cross by P. L. Doss

With over 10 ratings and a 4.4 star average, Southern Cross is the fourth installment of the Joplin/Halloran Mysteries series. In this book, the investigative team of Joplin and Halloran find themselves in the midst of investigating a terrorist plot.

Tom A. raves in his five star Amazon review, “P.L. Doss returns with another compelling page turner! Loyal readers of her Joplin/Halloran mystery series (now totaling four novels), will delight in the twists, turns and fun this (very) topical tale serves up. Clearly informed by the author’s always-impeccable research, memorable character development, keen sense of place and suspense…this latest novel will keep one guessing to the end. While I recommend starting this series with the first book — Enough Rope — this exciting new mystery crime novel can be enjoyed on it own merits, as can each in this popular series by the incomparable P.L. Doss.”

“The latest in the Joplin/Halloran mystery series does not disappoint! As always, the author does her research- this time deep into southern history and how we have and haven’t learned from the past. The setting of the North Georgia mountains lures you in to a peaceful and bucolic setting but you quickly find out that all is not what it seems and there are many secrets hiding in those woods. I love the quick, witty banter between, especially, the Joplins and the Hallorans and there is a shocking, OMG, laugh out loud sequence that I never saw coming. Read the others in the series if you can first but this one can also be read on its own,” Nicole R. writes in her five star Amazon review.