I just finished reading some long and heavy books, and am looking for a fun, light mystery/thriller that I'll actually enjoy! I don't mind it being a little campy and absurd, but I would like for the writing to be decently good.
Some thrillers/mystery books I've enjoyed:
– What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
– Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty
– You Deserve to Know by Aggie Blum Thompson
– The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
– In the Woods by Tana French
– Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Some books of this genre I really did not enjoy, because I found them predictable or too absurd, or didn't like the writing:
– I Will Find You by Harlan Coban
– We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
– Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
– Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Thank you!!
by Significant_Box_9991
17 Comments
Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart. Then, the sequel The Medusa Protocol. Third one will be out this year. They are quick, have decent storylines and actually make me laugh.
Anything by Carl Hiaasen
The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith (I loved Sharp Objects and you can also read Gone Girl)
– **[Popcorn](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8830.Popcorn)**
Mrs. Plansky’s Revenge by Spencer Quinn
Something Missing by Matthew Dicks
Both are more mystery than thrillers but also were lighter, fun reads.
And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie
Everyone in my Family has Killed Somebody
Elvis Cole and Joe Pike
My fave is Overture to Death, Ngaio Marsh
Not for the faint of heart!
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers; Homicide and Halo Halo; Arsenic and Adobo; Detective Aunty. I’d categorize them as cozy mysteries!
*Magpie Murders* by Anthony Horowitz is a clever meta-mystery, a mystery-within-a-mystery that feels literary and satisfying without being heavy, perfect if you like Tana French but want something a bit more playful.
I’ve been enjoying books by Belinda Bauer. Â
Rubbernecker is the first one In the series I am reading
I loved All the Colours of the Dark. Stayed up way too late finishing it.
The Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child is my go-to for this type of reading. The first one to read is Relic. They’re all great and not super intense.Â
I second Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart! His stories are relatable, hilarious, and quite the thrill ride!
I read mostly female authors too, but what you’re describing is a terrific series known as The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman. There are five or six books now. Reading them in order is probably recommended but not crucial as the mysteries are one per book. Enjoy!
David Rosenblatt writes a series of light hearted mysteries involving dogs. They are fun and well written.