50 Books to Read If You're an Armchair Detective

As a fan of this genre I really loved this book. It offered a fun and refreshing way to discover exciting new books to read. I loved that we got to read a little about each book. I have added a few of these to my to read list. Thank you for sharing such a great book.

Who doesn't enjoy a good murder mystery? Thrillers and mysteries are my go to genres so list of 50 novels I can work through is always going to be a must have for me. I loved this guide which features a short description of each book, information about the author, as well as the context and legacy of the book. There's even space to record the date you read it and your star rating. At the end, you can list your favourite books, create your own TBR list and make notes. There's a range of classic and modern literature, so there will be something to appeal to everyone. It belongs on the bookshelf of any fan of whodunnits!

I wasn’t planning on reading this so quickly but I started skimming through to see what it looked like and got completely caught up making a list of the books I had already read, books that are currently on my TBR and the new books that I need to look into!

I have a background in design so my attention immediately went to the gorgeous illustrations on each page that represent each of the books and the lovely addition of a graphic to add in your star rating for each book and the date you read it. The design alone makes this the perfect choice for a gift, and I can already think of several crime fiction loving friends who would love this.

Focusing on the ‘cosy crime’ sub genre, the selection of books featured is very varied. I initially thought I would know every one of the books discussed but actually there were quite a few I hadn’t heard of which was a nice surprise.

A really lovely way of keeping track of your reading, even though there is space at the back to add in more of your own choices, I would love more of these covering different sub genres of crime fiction!

I loved this book, it gave a lot of information about the books that I love to read. It gave snippets of information that really caught ,y attention and made me rething books I have read and also want to read books I haven't read yet. Really enjoyable.

This was a fun book, in fact, there were only about 10 writers that I have not read. from those mentioned.. That gives me a few more to explore. Well catalogued, with a good variety of writing styles and a good mixture of detectives. A must for detective book fans. Thanks you NetGalley and the publishers for the DRC

The ultimate coffee table book for the ultimate armchair detective!
The perfect gift for book-loving friends and family, 50 Books to Read If You’re an Armchair Detective will provide lots of inspiration for fans of cosy crime to discover lesser known books and revisit forgotten classics. Whether you’re a Richard Osman fan or a Sherlock Holmes devotee, bibliophile and book blogger Eric Karl Anderson will introduce you to some new and unexpected novels. The book includes an interactive element with space for star ratings, lists of favourite reads, thoughts and dates for beginning and finishing books.

The 50 recommendations encompass a range of authors and books, from classic to contemporary and from across the globe so as to offer the lucky reader plenty of scope.

This is the start of a new series of gift books celebrating books and reading, so if cosy crime isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can also indulge in some love stories with 50 Books to Read If You’re a Hopeless Romantic.

When I started reading this book, I had the intention of marking my favourites along with the ones I’ve already read – well, it turns out that I’ve only read two on the list, but own a third that was gifted to me at Christmas last year – but am sadly yet to read! On the other hand – I now have twenty-three new books added to my TBR!! Too many books, too little time! As they say – buying books and reading books are two very separate hobbies. Here’s to a NEVER ENDING TBR…

The Widow by Fiona Barton – 2016
The Windsor Knot by S. J. Bennett – 2020
The Terracotta Dog by Andrea Camilleri – 1996
The Murder At The Vicarage by Agatha Christie – 1930. In the quaint village of St Mary Mead, life isn’t as peaceful as it first seems. Police are confounded by the sudden murder of Colonel Protheroe, a wealthy and nasty man so disliked that it seems like everyone has a motive. Could it have been Lawrence Redding, a painter who fought in the First World War? Or Anne Protheroe, the Colonel’s beautiful second wife? Or Gladys Cram, the younger secretary spotted carrying a suitcase into the woods at midnight? Only shrewdly intelligent Miss Marple can untangle a case this intricate. As plots of conspiracy, burglary, impersonation and adultery are revealed, we discover there is so much more simmering beneath the surface of this sleepy English community. Christie crafts such a gripping labyrinthine mystery with a wide cast of intriguing characters that there’s little chance of us getting ahead of the game. But that’s what makes this writer one of the ‘Queens of Crime’ and the world’s most translated author. This is the first full-length novel that introduces us to Miss Marple, who appears as a cunning amateur detective in many more tales. This elderly super sleuth with a twinkle in her eyes always has time to gossip.
The Butchers Hook by Janet Ellis – 2016
The Mitford Murders by Jessica Fellowes – 2017
Earthly Delights by Kerry Greenwood – 2014
Different Class by Joanne Harris – 2016
Why Shoot a Butler by Georgette Heyter – 1966. The central detective in most murder mysteries is usually charming. But barrister Frank Amberley, the amateur sleuth intent on solving this case, is excessively arrogant and described as ‘the rudest man in London’. At the same time, he is always one step ahead of the bumbling local police force. Heyer adds wonderful humour to her story by poking fun at her pompous hero while building an intriguing case involving a murdered butler, a suspicious heroine and a country-house party attended by a cast of suspicious characters. Many twists and turns ensue after a dramatic opening, and there is a suspenseful romance. This book seems like it would be the first in a series as it features a group of wickedly memorable characters, but it’s a stand-alone mystery which makes for perfect late-night reading.
A Quiet Life in the Country by T. E. Kinsey – 2014
Artists in Crime by Ngaio Marsh – 1938
The Widow of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey – 2018 This novel presents an entrancing historical murder mystery with a feminist slant set in 1920s Bombay. Perveen Mistry isn’t daunted by being one of the first female lawyers in India. In fact, this makes her all the more determined to prove herself, especially when something about a will left by a wealthy mill owner doesn’t make sense. His widows all express a desire to donate their inheritance to a charity, which will leave them penniless. Preveen journeys to visit these women, who practice strict seclusion as part of their religion, to ensure they know their rights. However, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a larger crime as the estate trustee is found murdered. The case not only leads her on a thrilling journey of discovery, but prompts her to reflect on the tragic events of her own life which have led her to determinedly seek justice for women. The author is the recipient of several Agatha Christie awards!
Caught by Lisa Moore – 2013
Holding by Graham Norton – 2016 (Comedian and TV Personality)
Unravelling Oliver by Liz Nugent – 2013
Jack of Spades by Joyce Carol Oates – 2015. The fictional anti-hero of this dramatic mystery is Andrew J. Rush who is a highly respected author that has been dubbed by the press to be the ‘gentleman’s Stephen King’. Longing to escape the confines of his literary reputation, he writes a series of lurid thrillers using the pseudonym ‘Jack of Spades’. But when his authorial identity runs the risk of being revealed and a woman named C. W. Kaiser accuses him of plagiarism, his life becomes unstable and prone to the same kind of violence found in his sensational novels. There are secrets lurking in basements and mysterious activities in the middle of the night. In following a string of clues, Rush discovers that it’s not so easy to neatly divide his identity. This fast-paced, electrifying read follows a writer’s descent into madness.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – 2020
The No.1 Ladie’s Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith – 1998. After receiving an inheritance from her father, Mma Precious Ramotswe moves to Botswana’s capital to buy a house, a van and an office space to launch the country’s first female private detective agency. She’s independent, empathetic and unafraid to use a gun when it’s needed. We follow the practicalities of starting a business as well as her first cases involving a missing husband, a doctor that might be an imposter and tracking down a boy who has been abducted. Her experiences are as much about getting to know the idiosyncratic members of her community and the country’s beautiful landscape as it is about solving crimes. Though she confronts instances of cruelty and selfishness, precious is warm-hearted, humourous and always seeks joy in life.
Murder at the Mansions by Sara Rosett – 2022. Despite being born into the aristocracy, Olive Belgrave must support herself and has worked hard to become established as the preeminent discreet sleuth for the high-society set of 1920s London. In this story, Olive has just moved into a mansion block that includes maid service and a group of intriguing neighbours. When one of her latest local friends confesses that she saw a dead body which has since disappeared, Olive and her charismatic buddy Jasper investigate whether there is something more sinister going on in this posh building. Through a series of amusing encounters with the idiosyncratic neighbours, she uncovers rivalries, affairs and suspicious activity aplenty. This is a story filled with sparkling banter, mistaken identities, atmospheric descriptions of English high society and puzzling mysteries.
Miss PYM Disposes – Josephine Tey – 1946. An inheritance allows Lucy Pym the ability to indulge in pursuing her favourite subject: psychology. She writes an extremely popular book about it and gets invited to guest lecture at a physical training college. There she becomes close to an array of bright students. Though the girls’ training focuses on building healthy bodies and many seem destined for success, Miss Pym begins to wonder if such rigorous exercise is good for their mental health. Her concern comes to the fore when a horrible incident in the gymnasium makes her see that some of these girls might not be as good-natured as they first appear. Using her psychological expertise she endeavours to deduce whether the tragedy was an accident or something more sinister.
A Meditation on Murder by Robert Thorogood – 2015.
Can you hear me? by Elena Varvello – 2016
The Clock Strikes Twelve by Patricia Wentworth – 1944.
The Bodies in the Library by Marty Wingate – 2019. Every Agatha Christie fan dreams of what it would be like to work alongside a detective to uncover a murder, but no one ever imagines they would end up as the body. Except that’s what happens when a fanfiction writers’ group meets at a Georgian home in Bath, which contains an extensive and impressive first-edition library including many volumes of golden-age mystery stories, and one of the participants ends up dead. Their meeting had been organised by the library’s new curator Hayley Burke, who has secretly never read a mystery in her life. But when local police are baffled by the case, she steps in to investigate it, save her job and learn the skills it takes to solve a whodunit. The clever concept of this novel is carried out with cheeky good humour as Hayley sifts through clues, gets assistance from the library owner’s cat and investigates a range of equally untrustworthy suspects.
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear – 2003
Burglars Can’t be Choosers by Lawrence Black – 1977. A gentleman burglar is an unlikely hero. Though Benrie Rhidenbarr is a thief and an expert at picking locks, he maintains certain principles: to only steal from the rich and never commit acts of violence. This charming upper-class criminal’s schemes are well planned and carefully executed – until one job goes very badly wrong. Bernie is commissioned to steal a small blue box from a New York City apartment, but during the heist he’s intercepted by two policemen who also discover a body on the premises. Before they can arrest him, he escapes, but now he’s the prime suspect and must track down the real murderer before he is captured. A fast-paced mystery ensues, which involves almost every character in it’s tangle of intrigue. This wickedly funny story introduces a loveable rogue who has subsequently appeared in a dozen novels featuring his misadventures.
Murder in an Irish Village by Catherine O’Connor – 2016
In the Woods by Tana French – 2007.
Murder on Cape Cod by Maddie Day – 2018.
Goodnight Beautiful by Aimee Molloy – 2020.
Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters – 1975.
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson – 2004
An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson – 2008. Who would make a better super-sleuth than a famous author of mysteries? In this first novel of Nicola Upson’s inventive historical mystery series, we’re introduced to a fictionalised version of crime writer and play write Josephine Tey, who appears here as both the heroine and the detective. Set in 1930s London, this novel describes Tey’s journey to attend her own debut stage play of Richard of Bordeaux and how she becomes involved in a perplexing murder case. Try team’s up with Detective Inspector Archie Penrose to investigate the flamboyant and suspicious theatre troupe, as the investigators are certain one of the performers or crew is behind the crime. The colourful lives in this interwar environment are wonderfully evoked. It’s also a case as layered as any from the golden age of detective fiction but features more modern, in- depth psychological portraits. Upton’s novels are both a living tribute to Josephine Tey and a clever crime series in their own right.
Murder in the G Major by Alexia Gordon – 2016
The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle – 1905.
The Vanished Bride by Bella Ellis – 2019
The Darkening Bride by Laura Anderson – 2018
Poison For Teacher by Nancy Spain – 1951. A series of bizarre pranks occur at girls’ school Radcliff Hall and the headmistress is frantic with worry. Not only are these antics increasingly menacing, but they are also becoming deadly. In desperation, she visits a Baker Street detective agency run by the daring and clever Miriam Birdseye. This ex-revue star joins her friend Natasha to go undercover as teachers at the school to investigate what’s really happening. There they encounter a cast of peculiar staff members and disaffected schoolgirls. The plot is thick with blackmail, scandal and sexual affairs, but it’s all extremely tongue in cheek. Though there is plenty of intrigue, the entertaining story is primarily concerned with it’s characters’ journeys and witty interactions. For those who like their mysteries infused with humour and absurdity, this outrageous romp will tickle. *Though the author’s writing was progressive at the time, be aware that it’s satire also contains dated and problematic references to race.*
Fingersmith by Sarah Waters – 2002
The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin – 1958. Louise Henderson is an over-burdened mother struggling to cope with multiple demanding offspring, a baby who cries through the night and a husband unwilling to participate in the housework or care for the children. To ease the family’s financial worries, they take in an affable woman named Vera Brandon as a lodger. But as Louise feels dazzling effects of sleep deprivation, she worries that Miss Bradon is overly familiar and has sinister motives for inhabiting their house. Is she spying on Louise and making a play for her husband? There’s a judicious balance of funny observations and terrifying moments in this concisely written tale. The story is set in 1950s London when gender demarcation ruled and mental health wasn’t a consideration. It’s a book which is different from a traditional crime story, as it is more of a psychological suspense in a domestic setting. However, it contains a mystery with many chilling moments as we sympathetically follow Louise’s crumbling home life. This debut won the 1960 Edgar Award for best mystery novel and is viewed as a precursor of the domestic noir.
The Family Chao by Lan Samantha Chang – 2022
The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo – 1946
The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji – 1987. For a group of University students who are part of a mystery club, the opportunity to investigate the murder of a couple on a deserted island off the coast of Japan proves to be too tempting. However, after travelling there, things quickly turn sinister as the club members start being killed off one by one. Kawaminami is a man on the mainland who also has a keen interest in detective stories, and while macabre events unfold on the island, he receives a letter accusing him of murder. He desperately seeks to uncover how this is connected to the island deaths. Meanwhile, club member Ellery races against time to discover the killer and bring the grisly murder of these students to an end. Many thrilling plot twists and shocking disclosures ensue. Influenced by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, but with Ayatsuji’s unique take on the classic tale.
The Old Man in the Corner by Baroness Orczy – 1908. What if one of the world’s most clever detectives could solve crimes without even getting up from his chair? A journalist named Polly Burtom converted with a nameless old man while they sit in the corner of a London tea-room. The gentleman happens to believe that if the proper intelligence is applied when considering the known facts, there is no such thing as a mystery in connection with any crime. Polly tests his assertion by presenting him with many sensational cases which have baffled the police. These range from takes of missing spouses to families trying to swindle each other, blackmail schemes and several murders. The eccentric old man solves them using nothing but his powers of deduction while tying complicated knots in a piece of string. Though none of the perpetrators are ever brought to justice, this clever collection shows that tales of mystery are the ultimate brain-teasers! Though Baroness Orczy was best known for her series of novels featuring the Scarlet Pimpernel, she also regularly wrote detective stories to sell to magazines.
Bruno, Chief of Police by Martin Walker – 2008
Andean Express by Juan De Recacoechea – 2000.
Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch – 2011
Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers – 1923
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins – 1868. At the center of this classic mystery is a rare diamond which is Rumoured to be cursed. It is bequeathed to Rachel Verinder who wears it to a lavish party celebrating her eighteenth birthday at her moyher’s estate. However, when the diamond disappears, an investigation takes place during which the plethora of suspects include party guests, family members, Rachel’s suitors, servants, three Indian jugglers and even Rachel herself. Though renowned detective Sergeant Cuff makes many inquiries and settles upon a certain theory concerning the case, at first nothing can be officially proved. The story is told through letters from people connected with the incident, and by following their subjective accounts, we discover some startling revelations and piece together the truth behind this highly intriguing mystery. Each narrator is wonderfully idiosyncratic and engaging in their own way. This was first serialised in Charles Dickins’s magazine – All the Year Round.
The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie – 1920 This was Agatha Christie’s first published novel, wrote during the First World War. She was partly inspired by her time working as a nurse ministering to Belgian soldiers to create her famous moustachioed character of Hurcule Poirot. This tale of mystery is narrated by Arthur Hastings, a soldier on leave who is staying at the country major house of Emily Inglethorp, an elderly wealthy woman who is discovered dead after being poisoned with Strychnine. Hastings enlists the help of his friend Poirot, who delicately works alongside investigating officer Inspectir Japp. There is a large number of suspects atnStyles Court who all have secrets that they’re desperate to conceal, but they are no match for Poirot, who always stays one step ahead if them – and us. The end includes a wickedly clever twist and establishes Poirot as a first-rate detective who cannot be fooled by red herrings. Agatha Christie brilliantly describes her Belgian hero’s cunning ability to carefully analyse seemingly insignificant facts. It’s impressive how fully formed he appears from the beginning, and it’s no wonder he became one of the world’s most beloved detectives appearing in thirty-three novels and more than fifty short stories.
I was so glad that Agatha Christie was featured in this list twice – for Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. I have read both of these books but I have yet to read The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman – something that I’m going to endeavour to do before the year is out! Hopefully… I have chosen my favourites from the descriptions given by Eric Karl Anderson to write about here, but have highlighted all twenty-three that are now making my already cluttered TBR – about ready to burst.

I hope you enjoy reading about these armchair detective-worthy books as much as I have, and that you hopefully discover some hidden gems that whisk you away into another world for a few hours and give you some respite from reality – we all need that now and then to ‘try’ to keep us sane!

My thanks to the author and Murdoch Books for my advance copy to review via Netgalley. This book is due out 13th October 2022!!

FOUR CRIME WORTHY STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐

My Mum Love the Richard Osman Book Series & I Quite Enjoy the Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Sherlock Holmes, Brother Cadfael & Inspector Morse Series & This Book give insight into Which is the Best!
Thanks to Net Galley & Eric Karl Anderson for this Book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this title and discovered many books from this genre I would like to read. It covers classic and contemporary titles, bestsellers and more niche titles (including translations). I had read a few of the novels mentioned, and I really appreciate the inclusion of translated titles (as I wouldn't generally pick-up on those, unless recommended by a friend). My reading tastes are eclectic so this is a great book to keep on standby the next time I fancy reading a detective novel.

Indulge Your Passions..
Armchair detectives rejoice and delve into this fun, escapist tome for a short while whilst indulging your passions. It’s short and sweet but packed with book suggestions - or books that you may want to revisit if already read. Ranging from classic to contemporary crime and everything in between, there’s something here for every crime lover. The interactive element allows notes and star ratings.

This is the dream book for fellow crime fiction lovers. As a Agatha Christie super fan I engulfed this book, furiously scribbling titles to add to my “To Be Read” pile! Anderson gives a great spoiler free synopsis of the 50 books, just enough to whet your appetite so you want to read more. I can already think of 6 or more friends for whom this would make a lovely gift.

Perfect for either somebody who needs a place to begin their detecting as well as a reference if you want to try something a bit different. Good summaries for each book. Thanks to Netgalley.