There’s nothing better than a riveting mystery novel to cure a case of cabin fever. Don’t worry, I’m not going to recommend The Shining, but here are a few other great mysteries (that have nothing to do with being trapped inside) to help chase away the boredom of shelter-in-place.
A Psychological Thriller
The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchinson ($11.99 on Amazon) is a truly unique novel. It’s the first in the Collector series, and it’s not exactly a traditional mystery. It’s a mystery and a psychological thriller and a horror story all wrapped into one endlessly fascinating package.
The story follows two FBI agents as they try to solve the most mysterious and disturbing case of their careers involving a mansion, a garden, and a group of beautiful young women. I read this book in one afternoon because I simply couldn’t put it down. It’s an easy read, and it’s a story unlike any other.
A Classic
Cover Her Face by P.D. James ($9.79 on Amazon) is the first book in the expansive Adam Dalgliesh series and the first book written by the renowned English mystery author. James has a very intellectual style of writing that keeps the reader engaged and on their toes, with a mastery of suspense that is remarkable. Cover Her Face, published in 1962, is a great place to start with James’ novels because it is the start of an incredible series of mystery novels that could keep anyone entertained for a lifetime.
An Easy Read
If you’re looking for a little bit of a lighter read, look no farther. The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair by Joel Dicker ($11.99 on Amazon) is a perfect beach read, even if the beach seems awfully unattainable right now. If that’s the literary vibe you’re aiming for, this novel will satisfy that perfectly.
This is a salacious mystery that’s fast-paced and undeniably entertaining. It follows a young author on a quest for the truth after his mentor and close friend is accused of the murder of a 15-year-old girl. The Truth About the Harry Quebert Affair is also the inspiration for a TV miniseries of the same name starring Patrick Dempsey.
An Emotional Journey
The Good Girl by Mary Kubica ($10.94 on Amazon) is a truly wild ride. Another fast-paced thriller, this book will keep you guessing until the very end. Its twists and turns will keep you engrossed in the story while tugging at your heartstrings all the way. The story follows the kidnapping of Mia Dennett a seemingly perfect girl, and as her story moves along nothing is as it seems.
A Historical Marvel
The Huntress by Kate Quinn ($9.46 on Amazon) is not a traditional mystery. It’s a mystery, historical fiction, and thriller wrapped in one. Quinn is an absolute master of historical fiction and The Huntress seamlessly blends suspense and a substantive, meaningful story.
Quinn’s novel follows several fascinating and very different characters navigating a post-World War II America. Some of them are working to solve a wartime mystery while others are guarding dangerous secrets. The Huntress is a great story that will make you forget all about going outside as you fall into the past and are absorbed in the secrets contained there.
A Scandanavian Tale
The Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg ($9.99 on Amazon) is the first in a series by Swedish author Camilla Läckberg. This is one of my all-time favorite fun facts. Some of the best mystery novels come from Scandanavia, especially Sweden, and this author is one of those that is little known in the States, but absolutely great at what she does.
The Ice Princess is the first in a series following writer Erica Falck as she tries to unravel the mystery of her old friend’s tragic death. Läckberg’s novels always deeply explore the reasons why people do things and the psychology of trauma, making them easy to connect with. It’s easy to get lost in these stories, and there’s plenty in the series to keep you engrossed in Scandanavian murder mysteries until this is all over.
A Popular Story — With Good Reason
If you haven’t already read this one, now is the time. Just do it, I promise you won’t be sorry. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson ($13.20 on Amazon) is one of my favorite books of all time. I wrote my undergraduate thesis on the series. The novel is beautifully written, but not ever pretentious in its style. It is both a suspenseful mystery and a commentary on society, with the two themes blended seamlessly into a tale that will keep you neglecting responsibilities just to read one more chapter. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is one of the most unique and engaging characters in modern literature and her story is both empowering and heartbreaking all at once. This was an ultra-popular read a few years ago, but if you somehow missed out on that craze, this will blow your mind.
A Disturbing Experience
Pretty Girls by Karen Slaughter ($15.75 on Amazon) is not for the faint of heart. I don’t think I’ve ever read something as shocking as Pretty Girls. It’s quite violent, there are no two ways about it. That said, it will keep you hooked until the very last page. The story follows two sisters, Claire and Lydia, who are drawn back together after years of not speaking by a disappearance that is eerily similar to the disappearance of their sister more than twenty years ago. This is the kind of book that will have you saying “Oh my god WHAT!” out loud alone in your living room because the twists are just that good.
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