The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to get into the festive spirit than with a good book? Christmas mysteries are a great way to combine the magic of the season with the thrill of a whodunit. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, or police procedurals, there's a Christmas mystery book out there for you. In this article, we'll explore some of the best Christmas mysteries to get you in the mood for the holiday season.
Christmas mysteries offer a unique blend of festive atmosphere, intriguing plots, and memorable characters. They're the perfect way to escape into a world of snow-covered landscapes, crackling fires, and detective work. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fire, and get ready to dive into some of the best Christmas mysteries around.
Classic Christmas Mysteries
If you're looking for a traditional Christmas mystery, you can't go wrong with the classics. Agatha Christie's "Hercule Poirot's Christmas" is a timeless tale of murder, mystery, and mayhem set during the holiday season. Another classic Christmas mystery is "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, which features Sherlock Holmes investigating a mysterious Christmas goose.
Modern Christmas Mysteries
In recent years, Christmas mysteries have become increasingly popular, with many modern authors putting their own twist on the genre. One of the most popular Christmas mystery series is the "Christmas Bookshop" series by Jenny Holliday, which combines festive atmosphere with clever plotting and engaging characters. Another great modern Christmas mystery is "The Christmas Train" by David Baldacci, which follows a journalist as he investigates a mystery on a train traveling from New York to Chicago during the holiday season.
Cozy Christmas Mysteries
Cozy mysteries are a staple of the genre, and Christmas cozy mysteries are no exception. These books typically feature amateur sleuths, quirky characters, and a focus on atmosphere over gore or violence. One of the best cozy Christmas mystery series is the "White House Chef" series by Julie Hyzy, which features a chef who solves mysteries in the White House during the holiday season. Another great cozy Christmas mystery is "The Christmas Cookie Club" by Lori Wilde, which follows a group of friends as they solve a mystery involving a cookie exchange.
Historical Christmas Mysteries
Historical Christmas mysteries offer a unique blend of festive atmosphere and historical accuracy. One of the best historical Christmas mystery series is the " Maisie Dobbs" series by Jacqueline Winspear, which features a psychologist and private investigator solving mysteries in post-World War I England. Another great historical Christmas mystery is "The Winter Rose" by Jennifer Donnelly, which follows a young woman as she investigates a mystery in 19th-century New York City during the holiday season.
Police Procedural Christmas Mysteries
Police procedural Christmas mysteries offer a more realistic take on the genre, focusing on the investigative process and the work of detectives. One of the best police procedural Christmas mystery series is the " Inspector Morse" series by Colin Dexter, which features a gruff but lovable detective solving mysteries in Oxford, England. Another great police procedural Christmas mystery is "The Ice Princess" by Camilla Läckberg, which follows a detective as she investigates a mystery in a small town in Sweden during the holiday season.
Paranormal Christmas Mysteries
If you're looking for something a little different, paranormal Christmas mysteries might be the way to go. These books typically feature supernatural elements, such as ghosts, vampires, or witches, and offer a unique twist on the genre. One of the best paranormal Christmas mystery series is the "Xanth" series by Piers Anthony, which features a magical world where Christmas is a major holiday. Another great paranormal Christmas mystery is "The Christmas Spirits" by M.M. Kaye, which follows a group of friends as they investigate a mystery involving a haunted mansion during the holiday season.
Christmas Mystery Anthologies
If you're looking for a sampling of different Christmas mysteries, an anthology might be the way to go. One of the best Christmas mystery anthologies is "The Big Book of Christmas Mysteries" edited by Otto Penzler, which features a collection of Christmas mysteries from some of the best authors in the genre. Another great Christmas mystery anthology is "Mystery in White: A Christmas Crime Story" edited by Martin Edwards, which features a collection of Christmas mysteries from some of the best authors in the UK.
Get Ready for the Holiday Season
With these Christmas mysteries, you'll be well-prepared for the holiday season. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, or police procedurals, there's something on this list for everyone. So, grab a cup of hot cocoa, settle in by the fire, and get ready to dive into some of the best Christmas mysteries around.
We hope you've enjoyed this list of Christmas mysteries! Which one will you be reading first? Let us know in the comments!
What is a Christmas mystery?
+A Christmas mystery is a type of mystery novel or story that takes place during the holiday season. It often features a festive atmosphere, intriguing plots, and memorable characters.
What are some popular Christmas mystery authors?
+Some popular Christmas mystery authors include Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Jenny Holliday, David Baldacci, and Julie Hyzy.
What is the difference between a cozy mystery and a police procedural?
+A cozy mystery typically features an amateur sleuth, quirky characters, and a focus on atmosphere over gore or violence. A police procedural, on the other hand, focuses on the investigative process and the work of detectives.