Books Like...

The Twelve Days of Murder by Andreina Cordani is a twisty thriller set in a snow-covered Scottish mansion, where a group of unlikable characters from a university murder mystery club reunite for one last event. This Agatha Christie-esque tale unfolds in a dual timeline, allowing readers to experience the past and present from different points of view while piecing together the mystery of who is behind the murders. The clever integration of the Twelve Days of Christmas theme adds a festive twist to the suspenseful narrative, keeping readers engaged with numerous red herrings and unexpected plot twists.

The writing style is characterized by an atmospheric and suspenseful tone, immersing readers in the chilling setting and the complex dynamics among the characters. Although some felt the multitude of characters was initially confusing and detracted from their connection to the story, the overall execution is seen as well-crafted and enjoyable. The book offers a satisfying mystery with a dash of gore, perfect for those looking for a dark yet festive read during the holiday season.

After the death of the family matriarch, eight cousins and in laws converge on the Armitage family's Yorkshire mansion, Endgame House, for one last round of the traditional Christmas Game. The stakes are high, as Aunt Liliana's will dictates that the game's winner will become the heir to Endgame House itself. As the weather outside worsens, the various resentments, alliances and shared histories of the protagonists immediately become clear as the cousins reconnect and settle into Endgame. For our heroine, Lily Armitage the Christmas Game provides not only the opportunity to inherit Endgame, but also to solve her mother's mysterious death 21 years previously.

The Christmas Murder Game is an entertaining seasonally themed read, combining the long tradition of the snowed-in country house murder mystery, echoes of the board game Cluedo, and the crime fiction trope of the deadly treasure hunt. Alexandra Benedict's narrative is structured around the traditional twelve days of Christmas, with a clue in the form of a sonnet riddle being provided at some point on each day. Puzzle lovers like myself will delight in the liberal use of anagrams, literary and musical allusions, and word association with which the participants, and by extension the reader, must contend.

'The Appeal' by Janice Hallett is a murder mystery novel that unfolds through emails, text messages, and other correspondence within a small town amateur dramatics society. The story revolves around the amateur production of a play and a fundraising campaign for a little girl's medical treatment, all while keeping the reader guessing about the motives and relationships of the characters involved. The format of the book, told entirely through written correspondence, provides a unique and engaging way to reveal the intricate web of social dynamics and secrets within the group.

The author, Janice Hallett, skillfully crafts a narrative that allows readers to piece together the events and motivations behind the mystery through the characters' own words. The book offers a fresh and original approach to storytelling, drawing readers into the lives of the characters through their emails and messages, creating a sense of voyeurism and intrigue as the plot unfolds.

"Death of a Gossip" in the Hamish Macbeth series by M.C. Beaton follows Constable Hamish Macbeth as he investigates the murder of Lady Jane Winters, a notorious gossip columnist, during a fishing school in Lochdubh, Scotland. The story unfolds with quirky characters, a cozy mystery setting, and a unique detective style portrayed by Hamish Macbeth, which sets the stage for a classic whodunit with a Scottish twist. The writing style is described as light-hearted and engaging, capturing the essence of a British cozy mystery with elements of humor and traditional murder mystery tropes.

One by One by Ruth Ware is a fast-paced thriller set in a French chalet where an avalanche and blizzard cut off the inhabitants from the rest of the mountain, leading to a series of mysterious deaths. The story is told from alternating points of view, creating a suspenseful atmosphere reminiscent of Agatha Christie's works. The plot revolves around a group of co-workers from a music networking app company called Snoop who are trapped in the chalet, testing their relationships and revealing hidden motives as the body count rises.

A group of friends from Oxford and their significant others spend the New Year's holiday in a secluded Lodge in Scotland. One ends up dead, sparking suspicions among the group. The narrative toggles between the days leading up to the murder and the aftermath, gradually revealing the victim and the killer. The characters are complex, harboring resentments, secrets, and conflicts, adding layers to the locked room mystery set in a snowbound hunting lodge. The author, Lucy Foley, crafts a suspenseful tale with a cast of unlikeable characters, keeping readers guessing until the end.

'The Word Is Murder' by Anthony Horowitz is a cleverly crafted murder mystery that follows the investigation of the murder of a woman, Diana Cowper, who is found dead in her home just hours after arranging her own funeral. The story centers around a unique partnership between a disgraced ex-detective, Daniel Hawthorne, and author Anthony Horowitz, who is roped in to write a true crime book about the case. Horowitz skillfully blends fact and fiction, inserting himself as a character in the narrative, leading to a compelling mix of real events and imaginative storytelling. As the duo delves into the case, they uncover a web of motives, suspects, and twists that keep the reader guessing until the surprising solution is revealed.

The book weaves together multiple storylines, including a double murder case involving Diana Cowper and her son, adding layers of complexity to the central mystery. Horowitz's writing style incorporates elements of metafiction, humor, and intricate plotting to create a captivating narrative that blurs the lines between reality and fiction. With a rich cast of characters, red herrings, and gradual elimination of suspects, 'The Word Is Murder' offers a riveting exploration of crime-solving, character dynamics, and the interplay between the author's own life and the fictional world he creates.

The Black Echo revolves around LAPD detective Harry Bosch who is drawn into a murder investigation involving a fellow Vietnam veteran. As Bosch delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex plot tied to a bank robbery, all while navigating challenging relationships with his superiors and an FBI partner. The book is praised for its impressive police procedural elements, well-developed characters, and gritty details that immerse readers into the heart of Los Angeles and Bosch's past in Vietnam.

'The Turn of the Key' by Ruth Ware is a suspenseful mystery thriller that follows the story of Rowan Caine, a nanny accused of murdering one of the children she was caring for. The book is written in a unique format, primarily through letters, which creates an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative. As Rowan navigates her new job at a secluded smart house in Scotland, she uncovers disturbing secrets and mysterious occurrences, leading to a chilling and twisty plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The story is filled with creepy and spooky elements, blending modern technology with a Victorian setting to enhance the suspense and mystery. Readers are taken on a journey of unraveling the truth behind the events at Heatherbrae House, with unexpected twists and turns that culminate in a shocking and ambiguous ending, leaving unanswered questions and a sense of unease.

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware follows the story of Harriet Westaway, also known as Hal, who receives a letter about an inheritance from her grandmother, Hester Westaway, a woman she never knew existed. Desperate for money, Hal decides to attend the funeral and reading of the will, only to uncover a web of family secrets and mysteries that she must navigate. As she delves deeper into the Westaway family, Hal finds herself in danger and must untangle the truth about her parentage amidst a backdrop of isolation, deception, and dark revelations.

Ruth Ware's writing in The Death of Mrs. Westaway is described as engrossing, gothic, and suspenseful, reminiscent of classics like Rebecca. The book combines elements of family turmoil, long-buried secrets, and a brooding Cornish mansion, all wrapped up in a twisty mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With a compelling protagonist, shifty characters, and a questionable will, Ware's storytelling style draws readers in and immerses them in a modern take on the classic gothic mystery genre.