10 Christmas Mystery Books to Read During the Festive Season

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 cozy mysteries, here are some of the best Christmas-themed mysteries to immerse yourself in this holiday season.

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I’ve included Amazon links to each book, but you can also read where to get e-books and audiobooks for free for alternatives. (Check out how to gift Kindle books and how to gift Audible for digital versions.)

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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 cozy mysteries, Charlotte MacLeod’s Rest You Merry is a lighthearted 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 neighbor 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 cozy mystery combines humor, 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 installment 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 heartwarming 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 humor, 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 humor 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 cozy 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 cozying up with a blanket and a warm drink, these Christmas mystery novels add a dash of suspense to the holiday magic. As a gift ideas, 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.

Happy reading!

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: