Books
8 cosy Christmas murder mysteries
Christmas is the perfect time to curl up with a cosy murder mystery – especially one with a festive theme. You can expect close-knit rural communities where everyone is a suspect, sharp-eyed detectives piecing together clues, and lavish parties at manor houses that are disrupted by murder.
Whether you’re in the mood for a classic crime novel, or looking for one of the latest bestsellers, we’ve rounded up the best cosy Christmas mysteries below.
Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick
Murder at Holly House by Denzil Meyrick
It’s December 1952, and a stranger’s body has been found in the sleepy village of Elderby. Inspector Frank Grasby is on the case, but before he can solve this mystery, he has another on his hands: the murder of the local doctor’s husband.
As a blizzard cuts the village off from the outside world, Grasby races to uncover the secrets held within this tight-knit community. This festive ‘whodunnit’ has plenty of twists, and we love its warm tone.
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett
It’s Christmas in Lower Lockwood, and an amateur dramatics group is putting the finishing touches to their pantomime. Things are already not running smoothly behind the scenes – and then a dead body turns up.
Now it’s up to lawyers Femi and Charlotte to sift through round robins, emails, and police transcripts to figure out the person responsible. But in this small town, everyone is a suspect.
The Murder Game by Tom Hindle
The Murder Game by Tom Hindle
Nine guests assemble at Hamlet Hall for a 1920s-themed murder mystery party. But before the festivities can commence, one of the guests is found murdered. Everyone there has their own motive for killing the victim – an infamous businessman – and old rivalries run deep…
This murder mystery, set on New Year’s Eve, is perfect for fans of Agatha Christie.
Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff
Murder Most Festive by Ada Moncrieff
Christmas Eve, 1938. The wealthy Westbury family and friends are gathered at their country house for a festive celebration. But on Christmas morning, one of them is found dead, with a pistol beside him and only one set of footprints. It’s down to amateur detective Hugh Gaveston to investigate.
Ada Moncrieff has made a name for herself for her cosy Christmas crime novels. If you enjoy Murder Most Festive, we recommend Murder at the Theatre Royale and Murder at Maybridge Castle.
Murder For Christmas by Francis Duncan
Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
If you’re in the mood for a classic Christmas crime novel, we recommend Francis Duncan’s Murder for Christmas. This locked-room mystery was originally published in 1950 but it’s a timeless tale that’s full of intrigue.
Mordecai Tremaine arrives at a country manor on Christmas Eve, where festivities are in full swing. But at the stroke of midnight, the guests discover a body underneath the Christmas tree – and the victim bears a striking resemblance to Father Christmas. Now, it’s down to Mordecai to investigate – and hopefully solve the case in time to prevent another murder.
Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens
Mistletoe and Murder by Robin Stevens
Robin Stevens’ Christmas murder mystery is a perfect gift for younger readers. It follows the detective duo Daisy and Hazel, who are spending the holidays in Cambridge when, two days before Christmas, there’s a murder.
The young detectives are on the case. But with annoying adults and a rival agency trying to get in their way, they’ll have to use all their cunning to find the killer in time for Christmas.
Murder in the Snow by Gladys Mitchell
Murder in the Snow by Gladys Mitchell
This classic Christmas crime novel stars an amateur sleuth who could rival Miss Marple. Sharp-eyed detective Mrs Bradley is spending the holidays with her nephew at his beautiful home in the Cotswolds. But when local villagers start receiving threatening letters and then a dead body turns up, her festive plans are put on hold as she must solve the murder.
The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict
The Christmas Jigsaw Murders by Alexandra Benedict
On 19 December, renowned puzzle setter Edie O’Sullivan finds a jigsaw puzzle on her doorstep with a disturbing message: ‘Four, maybe more, people will be dead by midnight on Christmas Eve, unless you can put all the pieces together and stop me.’
Edie and her nephew begin to piece together the clues, but when someone is murdered, and found clutching a jigsaw piece, they realise they’re in a race against time. This is a complex, well-plotted mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
What’s your favourite Christmas crime novel? Let us know in the comments below…
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Hercule Poirots Xmas is great