Hi! I've recently found a love for what I call, for lack of a better term, 'quirky mystery' books. The way i'd define that subgenre (totally made up, i'm sure): funny, light(er)-hearted mystery/thriller books, where the main protagonist isn't part of the police (or at least i've yet to find one with a police officer as a main character).
Some examples I've read:
- The Thursday Murder Club
- We Solve Murders
- Assassins Anonymous
- Too Old for This
- Dial 'A' for Aunties
And then some that are on my TBR:
- The Finlay Donovan Series
- The Vera Wong Series
- Tita Rosie's Kitchen Mysteries
- Detective Aunty
I'd like to find more books in this totally made up subgenre. I've tried more serious mysteries, and We Solve Murders/Assassins Anonymous is about as serious as I can go while still enjoying myself, at least for now. So I'd welcome any and all suggestions you think would fit in this niche.
by shiftinganathema
3 Comments
Charlotte Illes is Not a Detective by Katie Siegel
A Hearth Witch’s Guide to Magic and Murder by Kiri Gallagher (if you’re open to a bit of fantasy sprinkled in but it’s more mystery than fantasy)
You might enjoy Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot books as well.
Robin Stevens writes a series of books about a girl’s detective agency set mostly in a private girl’s school just after the war (2nd WW).
I’ve listened to the audiobooks and I think the narrator for the first few really brings the characters to life. If you like “cosy” murder mysteries then give them a whirl.
not exactly niche, especially these days. ed mcbain’s 87th precinct has plenty of humor and quirky characters, especially the deaf man books.
also check out sue grafton, lawrence block (bernie, keller), donald westlake and harlan coben (not his standalones). and lynwood barclay’s quartet of early novels.