Looking for Christmas mystery books? I’ve got you covered.
Nothing complements the chilly weather and holiday glow like a good mystery, and what could be better than a holiday-themed thriller to keep you on your toes?
Whether you’re into classic whodunits, atmospheric noir, or cosy mysteries, here are some of the best Christmas-themed mysteries to immerse yourself in this holiday season.
- 1. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
- 2. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
- 3. Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
- 4. The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay
- 5. Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod
- 6. A Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton
- 7. Silent Night by Robert B. Parker
- 8. A Christmas Party (Envious Casca) by Georgette Heyer
- 9. The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories by P.D. James
- 10. Tied Up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh
- More Christmas Mystery Books
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1. Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie
In Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, famed detective Hercule Poirot is invited to a family gathering during Christmas, where he encounters an unexpected murder.
The family patriarch, Simeon Lee, is found dead after a heated argument with his relatives.
As Poirot delves into the investigation, secrets unravel, and each family member becomes a suspect. Christie’s masterful storytelling and plot twists make this a holiday must-read.
“It is, then, your opinion that crime is bound up with a sense of festivity?”
2. The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding by Agatha Christie
Another gem by the Queen of Crime, The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding is a short story collection featuring Hercule Poirot and includes festive mysteries ideal for December nights.
From a stolen ruby to a jewel hidden in a Christmas pudding, these stories capture the warmth of the season while delivering suspenseful mysteries. Christie fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this holiday-themed collection.
“The truth, however ugly in itself, is always curious and beautiful to seekers after it.”
3. Murder for Christmas by Francis Duncan
In Murder for Christmas, Private investigator Mordecai Tremaine is invited to spend Christmas at the country estate of Benedict Grame, only to find that one of the guests is murdered.
As Tremaine investigates, he uncovers secrets hidden within the seemingly idyllic holiday gathering. Set in the 1940s, this atmospheric mystery brings a classic whodunit with all the trimmings.
“Christmas is supposed to bring out the best in people, not their worst.”
4. The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay
Set in a grand English country house, The Santa Klaus Murder is a golden-age mystery is a blend of holiday cheer and suspense.
When the family patriarch is found dead on Christmas morning, everyone, including the person dressed as Santa, becomes a suspect.
Mavis Doriel Hay’s intricate plotting and detailed characterizations make this a richly layered mystery that transports readers back to the golden age of detective fiction.
“Christmas can be a trying time, especially for families. There’s nothing like an enforced gathering to bring out the worst in people.”
5. Rest You Merry by Charlotte MacLeod
For fans of cosy mysteries, Charlotte MacLeod’s Rest You Merry is a light-hearted and humorous Christmas caper.
The protagonist, Professor Peter Shandy, tries to escape the town’s holiday festivities, only to find himself embroiled in a murder investigation when a neighbour is found dead.
It’s full of charm and wit, making it a fun, holiday-themed mystery with an unconventional sleuth.
“Christmas decorations should be banned as a public nuisance!”
6. A Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton
For a short but delightful holiday mystery, join Police Constable Hamish Macbeth in a small Scottish village as he investigates a series of Christmas-related mysteries: a missing cat, a stolen Christmas tree, and a child’s disappointment in the holiday season.
A Highland Christmas is a cosy mystery combines humour, charm, and warmth, with just enough intrigue to make it a satisfying Christmas read.
“The Highlands were always beautiful in winter, and Christmas brought out a certain magic.”
7. Silent Night by Robert B. Parker
In this holiday instalment of Parker’s Spenser series, Boston-based detective Spenser teams up with a young boy facing homelessness.
Set against the bustling backdrop of a wintry city, Silent Night offers a heart-warming twist on the season of giving.
While it’s a bit grittier than the other titles on this list, it’s a well-paced story for readers who like their mysteries on the edgier side.
“It’s the season of giving, and yet, here in the cold, we see the season’s true poverty.”
8. A Christmas Party (Envious Casca) by Georgette Heyer
Known for her wit and humour, Georgette Heyer delivers a holiday mystery set during a Christmas family gathering. When a relative is found dead in a locked room, suspicion falls on each family member.
Filled with wit, family drama, and an intricate plot, A Christmas Party is a locked-room mystery perfect for those who enjoy a blend of humour and suspense.
“The best way to ensure peace in the family is to have no family at all.”
9. The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories by P.D. James
The Mistletoe Murder collection includes four holiday-themed mysteries by the masterful P.D. James. Ranging from cosy to haunting, each story combines suspense with the charm of Christmas.
“The Mistletoe Murder,” in particular, offers a classic, Agatha Christie-inspired holiday tale with a twist.
James’s storytelling is elegant and compelling, making this an ideal pick for the holiday season.
“It was a Christmas I shall never forget; the mistletoe was not the only thing that left a bitter taste.”
10. Tied Up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh
In this Roderick Alleyn mystery, the inspector is invited to a manor house Christmas celebration where the holiday festivities take a dark turn when a servant goes missing.
The atmosphere is chilling yet festive, blending holiday spirit with suspense. Fans of classic British mysteries will find Tied Up in Tinsel an engaging and satisfying read.
“Christmas is the season of goodwill, but apparently, it’s also the season for murder.”
More Christmas Mystery Books
Whether you’re curled up by the fire, sipping on hot cocoa, or cosying up with a blanket and a warm drink, these Christmas mystery novels add a dash of suspense to the holiday magic.
As a gift idea, why not stick one in your loved one’s stocking this year or even create your own book advent calendar?
Let me know if you have any further recommendations for Christmas mystery books in the comments below.
For more festive reading suggestions, check out the best Christmas books for adults , Christmas romance novels, and the most nostalgic Christmas books for kids that adults love too.
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