Cozy Up with These 5 Festive Murder Mysteries This Holiday Season

There’s just something magical about reading a good murder mystery and thriller when it’s cold outside. The twinkle of fairy lights, a mug of something warm, and a story full of secrets-it’s the perfect December pairing. Whether you love classic whodunnits, clever holiday anthologies, or stories that unfold like an advent calendar, these five festive mysteries will add a little suspense to your holiday cheer.

Murder Mystery Book List

The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson

Set at a secluded Cotswold manor, The Christmas Guest follows Ashley Smith, an American art student spending Christmas with a new British friend’s family. What begins as a dream holiday turns dark when a local girl is murdered-and Ashley starts to question how well she really knows her hosts. I picked this one because it blends cozy English countryside vibes with a sharp gothic edge that reminded me of a modern Rebecca. Perfect for readers who love psychological suspense wrapped in holiday charm-it’s eerie, elegant, and unexpectedly moving.

You can get a copy of The Christmas Guest by Peter Swanson on Amazon or Bookshop.

Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop Edited by Otto Penzler

This delightful anthology gathers 13 holiday crime stories set in New York City’s iconic Mysterious Bookshop. Each tale-whether it’s about a mischievous theft or a chilling murder-offers its own take on festive mayhem. I loved how every story feels like a quick escape into another mystery, making it ideal for busy December days. If you’re a fan of short, clever mysteries and literary settings that practically smell of old books and pine needles, this one’s for you. It made me feel like I was solving crimes by the firelight, one short story at a time.

You can get a copy of Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop Edited by Otto Penzler on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett

In The Christmas Appeal, Hallett delivers her signature style through emails, letters, and notes that readers must piece together to solve a murder surrounding a small-town holiday play. It’s clever, funny, and brimming with small-town chaos. I chose it because it’s such a fresh, interactive way to experience a mystery-you feel like part of the investigation. This one’s perfect for readers who love community drama, witty banter, and unconventional storytelling. I devoured it in one sitting and closed the book grinning.

You can get a copy of The Christmas Appeal by Janice Hallett on Amazon or Bookshop.

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

Benjamin Stevenson returns with his signature humor and razor-sharp plotting in a Christmas mystery told in advent calendar form. Ernest Cunningham, the snarky narrator we met in Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, investigates a murder at a chaotic family holiday gathering featuring a world-famous magician. I chose this one because it’s fast-paced, laugh-out-loud funny, and surprisingly heartfelt. Perfect for readers who want something a little cheeky with their holiday cheer. It had me smiling, gasping, and texting friends mid-read.

You can get a copy of Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson on Amazon or Bookshop.

The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries Edited by Michael Sims

This gorgeous anthology collects classic crime tales from the golden age of detective fiction-think Arthur Conan Doyle, Dorothy L. Sayers, and more. I included it because it captures the nostalgic charm of curling up with timeless puzzles during the holidays. It’s perfect for readers who crave elegant, old-fashioned mysteries and want to explore the roots of the genre. Reading it felt like unwrapping a box of literary chocolates-each story a surprise, each one satisfying in its own way.

You can get a copy of The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries Edited by Michael Sims on Amazon or Bookshop.

Make Your Own Murder Mystery Advent Calendar

Want to make your December reading even more fun? Combine Christmas Crimes at the Mysterious Bookshop and The Penguin Book of Murder Mysteries to create your own advent calendar of short stories-one mystery a day until Christmas. Or, dive into Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret for an advent-style novel that delivers a fresh twist with each “door” you open.

Which of these holiday mysteries will you be reading first? Let’s chat in the comments-I’d love to hear what’s on your cozy Christmas TBR.