3 Must-Read Mysteries from the 2022 Fall Reading Guide

There’s just something about the fall season that makes me crave a good mystery and thriller—the kind of story that makes you stay up way too late flipping pages. If you’re anything like me, the 2022 Fall Reading Guide Mysteries and Thriller Books section was tailor-made for your TBR. This lineup features clever plots, unlikely investigators, and cases that pull you in from the very first page. Whether you’re in the mood for murder with a side of wit, a cold case with heart, or a noir-tinged Hollywood mystery, these books all deliver something extra.

Top 3 Mysteries and Thriller Books

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn

Killers of a Certain Age introduces us to four elite assassins—Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie—who are being forced into retirement after decades of working for a secret organization. As a farewell, they’re sent on a luxury cruise, only to discover that they’re actually being targeted for assassination. But these women didn’t survive this long without learning a few tricks of their own.

I selected this book because I was craving something bold and fresh—and it delivered. These women are smart, sharp, and absolutely unforgettable. It’s perfect for readers who love fast-paced thrillers with feminist flair (think Ocean’s 8meets The Thursday Murder Club), and it made me feel both empowered and wildly entertained.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

In the third installment of The Thursday Murder Club series, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim—our lovable group of retirees—dive into another cold case, this time focusing on the mysterious death of a TV journalist who was investigating a tax fraud scandal. But of course, things are never as simple as they seem, and soon danger finds its way back to the peaceful Coopers Chase retirement community.

I included this title because Osman has a gift for making murder feel charming without sacrificing the emotional depth of his characters. If you love character-driven mysteries with warmth, wit, and a good twist (Agatha Christie fans, this is for you!), this book hits the spot. It made me laugh, gasp, and tear up a little—all in one afternoon.

You can get a copy on Amazon.

Double Exposure by Ava Barry

Double Exposure follows Kate, a young private investigator who’s hired by a Hollywood heiress to look into the decades-old murder of her parents. But as Kate digs into the glitzy, dangerous underbelly of Los Angeles, she uncovers long-buried secrets that some would kill to keep hidden.

I picked this one for readers who love atmospheric, noir-style thrillers with strong female leads and complex emotional layers. Kate’s journey is as much about solving the case as it is about navigating her own haunted past. It gave me a satisfying blend of grit, glamour, and psychological suspense—and it left me wanting more.

You can get a copy on Amazon

Which Mystery Will You Pick First?

I’d love to know which one of these thrillers you’re adding to your fall reading list! Have you already read one? Let’s talk about it. Leave a comment below so we can talk books, twists, and cozy fall vibes.