Holiday Book Gift Guide for Mystery Lovers
Clever Clues, Cozy Whodunits, and Suspenseful Twists That Sleigh
Listen up, sleuths and seasoned page-turners! The holidays are upon us, which means it’s time to swap awkward sweaters, questionable fruitcake, and — most importantly — books. But not just any books. I’m talking about mystery books — the kind that make you say:
Just one more chapter before bed… Okay maybe two. Actually… the whole book.
Whether you’re shopping for your favourite detective-in-training, your cozy-mystery-binge-watching partner, or the friend who solves every true-crime podcast before the credits roll, this list has something for every clue-loving heart.
1. Holiday-Friendly Classics That Feel Like Winter
What’s better on a snowy night than a classic detective tale that’s seasonal without being cliché?
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Nothing says holiday mystery like Agatha Christie’s festive detective story — a holiday gathering, a family full of secrets, and one murder too many. It’s traditional, twisty, and perfect for reading by the fire with a mug of cocoa.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding
Still with Christie, this is a short-story collection featuring everyone’s favourite Belgian sleuth in seasonal capers — ideal for stocking stuffers or last-minute gifts.
Tip: Classics never go out of style — and many readers love revisiting beloved detectives year after year.
2. Contemporary Mysteries with Twisty Plots
If your reader has devoured the golden age greats and wants something fresh, modern mysteries are everywhere right now — packed with suspense, humour, and clever plotting.
The Missing Half — Ashley Flowers
A gripping mystery about two women haunted by unsolved disappearances who come together to uncover the truth. It’s emotional, twist-filled, and impossible to put down.
With a Vengeance — Riley Sager
A noir-tinged thriller with a luxury-train backdrop, revenge plots, and a killer at large — the perfect pick for someone who likes their mysteries with style and danger.
The Impossible Fortune (Thursday Murder Club #5) — Richard Osman
The newest instalment of the beloved Thursday Murder Club series (think: retirees solving crime with wit and charm) — great if your giftee loves cozy mysteries with heart and laughs.
We Solve Murders — Richard Osman
Another Osman hit with a fresh cast, clever dialogue, and clever plotting — a gift that keeps on giving for anyone who likes cozy sleuth antics.
3. Something Unexpected — Deep, Dark, or Seriously Clever
For the mystery lover who’s already read everything in sight, reach for something outside the usual box.
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer
Ragnar Jonasson’s locked-room mystery playfully turns the genre on its head with an author as the missing person being hunted down.
The Bookbinder’s Secret — A. D. Bell
A mystery where rare books are the clues — perfect for the book nerd who wants intrigue and bookish charm.
The One You Least Suspect — Brian McGilloway
A compelling detective story full of moral ambiguity, tension, and gripping pacing.
4. Bonus: Pair Books with Thoughtful Extras
Want to make your gift extra unforgettable? Wrap the book with:
- A bookmark that says “Case Closed.”
- A mystery-themed mug (“I’d rather be solving crimes”).
- A puzzle or murder-mystery jigsaw (because sleuthing shouldn’t stop when the book ends 🧠🧩).
Pro tip: Bundling gifts instantly makes them feel personalized and extra thoughtful.
Final Clue: Why This Gift Wins Every Time
Mystery readers don’t just read stories — they live them. A great mystery book is:
- Atmospheric — perfect for chilly nights.
- Re-readable — the best twist reveals only get better with hindsight.
- A memorable gift — because nothing says “I thought about you” like a book chosen just for them.
So this holiday season — whether you’re channelling your inner Poirot, gifting the latest thriller, or pairing a classic with a cozy mug — you’re giving much more than paper and ink. You’re giving adventure, suspense, and smiles.
And while you’re curating the perfect stack of mysterious reads this holiday, why not toss in a couple of my own stories too? If your giftee loves clever sleuths and small-town intrigue, they’ll get hooked on Paula Langford’s escapades — starting with Checked Out at The Imperial, where a poisoned receptionist and hidden hotel secrets make for a delightfully twisty cosy mystery, and continuing with Murder Most Dramatic, a standalone case of rivalries and red herrings in the seaside town of Brightcombe. And for the reader who prefers their mysteries with a chill in the air, Midnight in The Aravis delivers a snow-bound thriller set in an opulent ski lodge where family tensions run as deep as the Alpine drifts. Perfect to pair with a hot drink and fuzzy socks — and an easy way to introduce someone new to your work!
Happy sleuthing and even happier gifting!