One of the things that makes books so great is there’s something for everyone. While some people enjoy thought-provoking books that cause them to to question the way the world works, other people just want something fun to read while they ride the subway to work or sit out on the beach. For those who enjoy the latter, romantic mysteries often provide great options. Filled with suspense, love, and even some humor from time to time, this genre often seems to “have it all.”
So whether you’re looking for something with CSI vibes or a book that lets you escape to exotic destinations, chances are you’ll love at least one — if not all — of these nine must-read romantic mysteries.
Deep Dark by Laura Griffin
Best For: Anyone who enjoys CSI and well-crafted suspense
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo
Laney Knox agrees to assist the Austin Police Department when they investigate a recent murder, but she has no idea what she’s signing up for. Not only is her assigned partner, Detective Reed Novak, an entirely different case to crack, but the clues seem to be pointing to a startling conclusion — Laney may very well be the killer’s next potential victim. Can Laney and Reed put their heads together to find the perpetrator and keep Laney safe? Or will Laney suffer the same fate as the previous victim?
With plenty of witty banter and sexual tension to go along with the mystery, this addicting page-turner will have you entranced from beginning to end. Although technically the tenth novel in a series, you can enjoy any of Griffin’s Tracers romantic mysteries as stand-alone books. There’s no denying that Deep Dark is one of Griffin’s best works, even if it does make you think twice about using any dating apps!
Flawless by Heather Graham
Best For: Anyone who loves a complex storyline
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo
Criminal psychologist and pub owner Kieran Finnegan shows up at a New York jewelry store with a simple mission — keep her youngest brother out of trouble. Instead of simply returning the gem her brother stole, she soon finds herself thrown into the middle of an investigation of a string of diamond thefts completed by rivaling gangs. Along with FBI agent Craig Fraiser, Kieran plans to solve the case that seems to revolve around her pub’s interesting crowd of regulars. She just hopes she can keep her growing feelings for Fraiser — and the backstory on why she was at the jewelry store that day — under wraps.
This highly-acclaimed romantic suspense by Heather Graham completely captures the sense of community that surrounds most family-run town pubs. However, the story isn’t at all predictable! Flawless contains numerous unexpected twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat. In fact, you’ll wonder who actually stole the diamonds and who didn’t up until the very end.
Known by Kendra Elliot
Best For: Anyone who enjoys characters with a damaged soul
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible
A brutal snowstorm hits the Cascade Mountains. Chris Jacobs is still scarred from childhood trauma, but he doesn’t let that stop him from rescuing Gianna Trask and her teenage daughter hiding in their SUV after their vacation home burns to the ground. As Trask waits out the storm with Jacobs, a set of discoveries at Trask’s now charred cabin force both Trask and Jacobs to confront their troubled pasts and trust each other if they want to make it out of the storm together — and alive.
Throughout the course of this well-crafted suspense novel, Kendra Elliot leads readers on a dangerous journey that leaves the characters forever changed. However, this novel doesn’t just provide a great romantic mystery — it’s also a highly accurate portrayal of how abuse shapes survivors. If you’re looking for a great storyline that provides something deeper than a traditional whodunit, add Known to your list of next reads.
Mr. Perfect by Linda Howard
Best For: Anyone who loves the quintessential “hero,” witty one-liners, and a “chick lit” feel
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible
When Janie and her friends sit down to make a checklist for their own “Mr. Perfect,” they never imagined their silly little list would fall into the hands of coworkers — let alone the local media. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens. And the results soon turn deadly. Now Janie and her sexy neighbor Sam Donovan are left to figure out who murdered her friend before he strikes again.
Any Linda Howard fan will tell you that her books are great, but Mr. Perfect is more than just great — it’s absolutely outstanding! Not only does it have all the elements of a good romantic mystery book (a macho man, a fun heroine, and a feisty relationship), but there are countless witty one liners and a thrilling plot thrown into the already steamy mix. Once you pick this one up, you won’t be able to put it down until you devour the entire thing. I promise.
Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart
Best For: Those who loved Jane Eyre and similar classic novels
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AbeBooks
When Englishwoman Linda Martin arrives in France to take over the governess duties for nine-year-old Philippe at Chateau Valmy, she feels like she’s stepped into a wondrous dream. Philippe’s uncle, Leon de Valmy, is arrogant and dynamic, but suffering from paralysis. Raoul’s son, Philippe’s cousin, seems utterly attractive, but dark. When accidents begin to plague young Philippe soon after Linda’s arrival, she can’t help but wonder if Raoul is the one to blame.
Stewart wrote a string of romantic suspense novels during the 1950s and 1960s that later earned her a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Romance Writers of America and several Edgar nominations from the Mystery Writers of America. Although many of her novels are worth reading, Nine Coaches Waiting continues to make the cut on lists of top mystery novels, and it’s Stewart’s single nod to gothic novels.
One for the Money by Janet Evanovich
Best For: Anyone who loves a bit of comedy in their romantic mysteries
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million
Stephanie Plum is down on her luck. She lost her job, her car, and her husband. If she doesn’t find a way to earn some cash, she’s going to be without a place to live before long. So she asks her sleazy cousin Vinnie to hook her up with a job as a bail bond enforcer. Things start smelling like t-r-o-u-b-l-e, though, when Stephanie’s first assignment is to bring in her ex-boyfriend, Detective Joe Morelli. But Morelli is wanted for murder and is tough to find. So Stephanie calls on some unlikely experts to aid her in her mission — like Grandma Mazur and a sex worker named Lula.
If you’re looking for a book that’s nothing but pure entertainment from cover to cover, then Janet Evanovich’s One for the Money is your golden ticket. Between the fast scene changes and a frivolous yet fun main character, this book doesn’t keep you waiting. Don’t worry if you blow through it in a day or two, though, because the series has 26 novels and counting.
Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier
Best For: Anyone interested in reading a timeless classic
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Audible
From the moment she arrives in the gray stone mansion on the Cornish coast, Mrs. Maxim de Winter feels the phantom presence of Maxim’s first wife, the beautiful yet enigmatic Rebecca. As she lives in the shadows of her predecessor’s legacy, the new Mrs. de Winter is determined to put together the dark secrets and shattering truths about Rebecca’s life (and death).
From the unforgettable first line to the shocking conclusion, Du Maurier’s Rebecca set a gold standard for romantic suspense novels. Now a Netflix film starring Lily James, Armie Hammer, and Kristin Scott Thomas, it’s no wonder this timeless classic has never once gone out of print since Du Maurier first published it in 1938.
Spellbound In His Arms by Angel Sefer
Best For: Anyone looking for romantic mysteries with an exotic setting
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AbeBooks
On the Greek Island of Corfu, Reporter Jackie Alexander must work with Detective Michael Apostolou to investigate the mysterious deaths of Greek tycoon Andreas Demiris’ heirs. However, Jackie and Michael soon find that their suspicions aren’t the only things devouring them — so is the heated passion between them.
Just like most other books by Angel Sefer, Spellbound In His Arms is filled with great romance as well as a riveting, movie-like plot that keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. Not only is this one of Sefer’s best-selling novels, it has also been the #1 rated romantic mystery on Goodreads.
The Witness by Nora Roberts
Best For: Anyone looking for a light read
Available From: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, AbeBooks
To escape the clutches of her controlling mother, Elizabeth finally lets loose and drinks and dances the night away at a nightclub. However, she lets a strange man with a seductive Russian accent lure her to a house — and the events that unfold that night change her life forever. Twelve years later, Elizabeth ends up living a completely different life as Abigail Lowery in a small town nestled in the Ozarks. Although she tries to lay low and keep to herself, Police Chief Brooks Gleason feels like she must need protection, and he wants to know why.
No list of romantic mysteries is complete without at least one Nora Roberts novel, so here it is! Like many other books by Roberts, The Witness has it all: a quirky heroine, a pulse-pounding plotline, and a hint of romance. However, it’s the power within this brilliant, damaged young woman (Elizabeth/Abigail) and the depth of her cold-blooded, heartless mother that really make this particular Roberts story sing.
Although we carefully curated this list of romantic mysteries novels, we probably left out at least a few notable titles. Let us know if there’s anything we should add and which of these books you’re most looking forward to reading!
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