Mystery Reader's Advisory
Library E-Resources
Novelist
A reader's advisory resource assisting you find new books to read. Contains best book lists, author read-alikes, book reviews, author profiles, book discussion guides, and much more.
Literature Resource Center
Find up-to-date biographical information, overviews, full-text literary criticism and reviews on more than 130,000 writers in all disciplines, from all time periods and from around the world.
Read It In Order!
A site to die for... if you love mysteries! Search for mysteries, thrillers, and crime novels by author, character name, historical period, location, and even character occupation. Also includes awards lists and proper order for series.
The Classics
Every genre has its masters and Mystery/Thriller is no exception. The innovation and creativity of these authors paved the way for the writers of today.
Anthologies
Don't have time for a full book, but still need your Mystery fix? Check out these anthologies - you would be surprised how much action, adventure and sleuthing can happen in just a few pages!
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Best American Mystery series
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Big Book of Jack the Ripper
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Big Book of Rogues and Villains
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Boston Noir
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Creature Cozies
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Face-off
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Matchup
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Thriller: Stories to Keep You Up All Night
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Thriller 2: Stories You Just Can't Put Down
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Thrillers: 100 Must-Reads
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World's Finest Mystery and Crime Stories
Write Your Own Mystery!
Have you ever aspired to be a mystery writer? Do you have an idea for the perfect who-done-it? These books will get you started!
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The Elements of Mystery Fiction by William G. Tapply
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On Writing: a Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
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The Self-Publisher's Ultimate Resource Guide
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Talking About Detective Fiction by P.D. James
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The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery
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The Writer's Market
Award Winners
Looking for something new to read? These Mystery and Thriller awards showcase the best of the best every year.
Please note that while our website does contain a small number of outside curated links (primarily to local, governmental, and non-profit sites covering subjects of interest to our patrons), we regret that we are unable to spend the time to fully evaluate unsolicited links that are sent to us for inclusion on our site; therefore we do not act on these recommendations.
Compiled by Deanna Parsi.
Last updated 5/25/2023. J.R.
If You Like...
Unreliable Narrators
Did you like Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train? Are you drawn in by the possibility that the narrator might not be telling you the truth? Then check out these shifty authors:
The English Mystery
These authors can trace their roots back to Agatha Christie, though perhaps with a bit more danger, suspense and technology. If you are a fan of P.D. James or Elizabeth George, then these modern sleuths might appeal to you:
Scandinavian Thrillers
Scandinavian authors have a distinct style all their own. If you liked the The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, here are a few other authors that have same gritty appeal:
Spy Thrillers
International intrigue, exotic locales, the fate of the world hanging in the balance...if this sounds like the adventure you have been looking for, check out these spy masters:
No Rules Thrillers
Do you ask yourself "What would Reacher do?" as you are reading a thriller? Here are some series that feature good guys and gals who aren't afraid to bust out their tough side in the pursuit of justice:
Political & Military Thrillers
These heroes are spies, politicians and military men. They might have different world views, but they all agree that they would do anything to defend and protect their country:
Thriller Masters
Domestic, psychological or scary? Unlikely hero or avenging mom? Serial killers or just serial criminals? However you like your thrillers, these masters of the craft will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Hard-Boiled Mysteries
Do you like your detectives with a certain amount of gritty swagger? These leading men walk the line as they rid the mean streets of criminals:
Mysteries in the Great Outdoors
Sometimes the setting is as much a character in a story as the people. Travel to some of the wild places of the United States with these intrepid sleuths:
Medical Thrillers
Are you intrigued by forensic science? If you don't get squeamish about the details, then these thrillers are for you:
Art & History
Dan Brown showed readers that you could enjoy a good thriller and learn something about art and history at the same time:
Police, Detectives and PI's
They get paid to track down the bad guys, but for these men and women, truth and justice are more than just a job.
Laugh Out Loud Mysteries
Do you wish that Stephanie Plum was your BFF? Here are some mystery writers that add a twist of comedy with their crime:
Amateur Sleuths
Do you relate to Miss Marple? These leading ladies do too - solving mysteries with their wits, despite not having the proper credentials:
Romantic Thrillers
Who says you can't find true love while solving a crime? These writers know how to turn up the heat:
Solving Mysteries with a Furry Friend
Everything is better when you have your best friend at your side. These amateur sleuths solve crimes with the aid of their intuitive four-legged pals:
Food Mysteries
Here are some sleuths that understand that you can solve crime much faster if there are snacks involved:
Legal Thrillers
Are you fascinated by the courtroom drama? These legal eagles defend the innocent and put the bad guys behind bars:
Mystery in a Foreign Land
Are you a world traveler? Or just wish you were? These authors will take you around the world with their stories of mystery and suspense:
Historical Mysteries
Perhaps you would rather travel back in time, when detectives had only their wits, and not a smart phone, to help them catch a killer: