By Ashley, Cashmere Library
Fall is the perfect time for all things spooky, scary, and mysterious, and we’re celebrating with Mystery Series Week! Do you love a good cozy mystery? Or perhaps a thrilling crime mystery that delves into the occult? You might prefer mysteries set elsewhere in the world, relatable recurring characters that feel like old friends the second you begin reading, or mysteries with a dash of fantasy to keep you on your toes! Good news – you can find all of these types of mysteries and more at your local library! Do you have young readers? Check out some of our mystery suggestions for young adult and middle grade readers as well!
Adult Mysteries
Agent Pendergast Novels by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
With 21 current novels starring the mysterious Agent Pendergast, this series is for those who like to mix their mysteries with a helping of occult horror and a generous splash of thrills. Start with Relic (Print) (Ebook).
Detective By Day Mysteries by Kellye Garrett
Dayna Anderson is a former actress who’s gotten mixed up with murder in the fast-paced world of Hollywood and has found herself pursing the killers as an amatuer detective. If you like fast-paced mysteries, everything Hollywood and stardom, and likeable, funny characters, consider checking this series out! Start with Hollywood Homicide (Print)(Eaudiobook).
Inspector Gamache novels by Louise Penny
An introspective mystery series based in Canada with characters that feel like friends from the first page, the Inspector Gamache novels by Louise Penny are perfect for readers who like a little ambiguity in their mysteries. No character is all good or all bad in Penny’s novels, including the ones in the spotlight. Start with Still Life (Print)(CD Audiobook)(Ebook)(Eaudiobook).
Hawthorne and Horowitz Series by Anthony Horowitz
In this unique series, author Anthony Horowitz writes himself into his books as part of a detective duo. If you love a mystery with an intriguing story line and a good plot twist, try this series out! Start with The Word is Murder (Print)(CD Audiobook)(Ebook)(Eaudiobook).
Veronica Speedwell Mystery Series by Deanna Raybourn
A fun series of adventurous books with a daring, spunky heroine out to solve crimes, this historical mystery series has a little bit of everything – family intrigue, likeable characters, and a dash of romance! Start with A Curious Beginning (Eaudiobook).
Dr. Ruth Galloway Mysteries by Elly Griffiths
If your interest has ever been piqued by the idea of forensic archaeology, this may be the series for you! Starring Dr. Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist, and DCI Harry Nelson, these books solve crimes by blending together different disciplines. Start with The Crossing Places (Print)(Ebook).
Easy Rawlins Mystery Mysteries by Walter Mosley
Starting in the late 1940’s, Mosley introduces amatuer detective Easy Rawlins, an African-American man living in L.A. As the series progresses, Easy takes on more detective work, often taking on cases that deal with race relations and economic issues in L.A. If you like good historical mysteries, this series by best-selling author Walter Mosley is one to try! Start with Devil in a Blue Dress (Ebook).
Young Adult Mysteries
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
This atmospheric series stars lead characters Audrey Rose Wadsworth and Thomas Cresswell as they work together to solve crimes in the Victorian-era. With mysteries including some of the more gruesome famous personages, such as Jack the Ripper, Prince Dracula, and the White City Devil, these books are sure to keep you on your toes. Start with Stalking Jack the Ripper (Print)(Ebook).
Sea of Ink and Gold Series by Traci Chee
An immersive fantasy series combined with a mystery, this series tells the tale of Sefia, who is looking for the truth about her father’s death and her aunt’s disappearance. Check out this series if you’re ready for a dystopian mystery that will grab, and keep, your attention. Start with The Reader (CD Audiobook)(Ebook)(Eaudiobook).
The Agency Series by Y.S. Lee
Mary Quinn is our heroine in this historical mystery series set in Victorian England. After attending Miss Scrimshaw’s Academy for Girls, actually a secret detective agency, Mary travels around England using a variety of disguises in an effort to solve crimes. A fun series for any age, fans of historical fiction and Victorian mysteries will love this series! Start with A Spy in the House (Ebook).
Middle Grade/Junior Mysteries
Wells and Wong Series by Robin Stevens
Meet Hazel Wong and Daisy Wells – founding members, and only members, of the Wells and Wong Detective Society! English boarding school students in the 1930’s, Hazel and Daisy will find their skills, and their friendship, put to the test as they investigate a series of murders. Start with Murder is Bad Manners (aka Murder Most Unladylike)(Print).
Greenglass House Series by Kate Milford
Milo’s parents own the Greenglass House, a hotel full of interesting guests. When Milo and Meddy, the cook’s daughter, are thrown together into a mysterious adventure involving some of the current guests, they must try to figure out exactly what’s going on around Greenglass House. Start with Greenglass House (Print)(Ebook)(Eaudiobook).
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
A secret society formed by children with unique gifts by the “mysterious Mr. Benedict,” find themselves on various top secret missions where their skills will come in handy for saving themselves, – and others. Start with The Mysterious Benedict Society(Print)(Ebook)(Eaudiobook).
The Pathfinders Society by Francesco Sedita, Prescott Seraydarian, Steve Hamaker
A series of graphic novels starring a group of young treasure hunters who are determined to find their town’s legendary treasure – even if you’ve never read a graphic novel before, try this series out! Fun and fast-paced, you won’t be disappointed! Start with The Mystery of the Moon Tower(Print).
Interested in more Murder Mystery fun? Check out the Facebook pages for the Cashmere, Peshastin, and Leavenworth libraries during the week of October 10th – 17th for a fun online murder mystery with new clues posted each day! Or come inside the Cashmere, Peshastin, or Leavenworth libraries and solve the mystery with our interactive Murder Mystery boards during that same week, October 10th – 17th!
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