As a young adult, fresh out of high school, I had the privilege of working near a mystery bookstore that tantalized me with its shelves of unknown titles. Despite my best efforts to land a job there, I settled for frequenting the store before work and indulging in mass market paperbacks throughout the day. My passion for mystery novels was rekindled by this daily ritual.
Little did I know that this experience would later inspire me to create a list of 20 hidden gems – mystery books that had escaped my notice despite their quality. Today, as an industry veteran with decades under my belt, I’m confident that many more of these titles would be familiar to me. Yet, the reality is that there are always new authors and books waiting to be discovered, often slipping beneath the radar on new release days.
This list comprises lesser-known mysteries with fewer than 1000 Goodreads ratings, some boasting less than a couple hundred. Spanning cozy mysteries to thrillers and everything in between, I’m excited to share these hidden treasures with you. Some of these titles may be familiar to Book Riot readers, as they’ve been championed by our contributors. Who knows – one of these little-known books might just become your new favorite mystery read.
Blood’s Echo (Veranda Cruz #1) by Isabella Maldonado
As the relentless pursuit of justice in Phoenix’s streets continues, Detective Veranda Cruz’s true motives remain shrouded in mystery. With an unyielding determination to take down a notorious crime family, the question begs itself: how far will she push the limits to achieve her goal?
When You Look Like Us by Pamela N. Harris
In the realm of Young Adult mysteries, a thrilling new tale has emerged, centered around Jay Murphy, a young Black man driven by an unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind his missing sister’s disappearance. What drives him isn’t just familial love; it’s also a sense of responsibility that stems from her vanishing case being met with little attention and effort from authorities.
Iced in Paradise (A Leilani Santiago Hawai’i Mystery #1) by Naomi Hirahara
In this delightful cozy mystery, Leilani Santiago trades the hustle and bustle of life elsewhere for a taste of small-town tranquility by returning to her family’s shaved ice shack in Hawai’i. What she doesn’t expect is to stumble upon a murder scene – specifically, the lifeless body of a surfer.
As she works to unravel the tangled threads of the crime, Leilani must also navigate the treacherous waters of local politics and personal relationships to prevent her father from becoming an unwitting suspect. Can she solve the case before it’s too late?
Haunt by Laura Lee Bahr
Get ready for a thrill ride! If you enjoy your mysteries shrouded in uncertainty and full of unexpected twists, then hold on tight. This gritty Los Angeles noir has a way of blurring reality, making it difficult to discern what’s real from what’s just a product of the protagonist’s fragmented mind. As the detective in this surreal tale, you’ll find yourself navigating a complex web of clues, trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the dead woman who haunts your every waking moment.
Uptown Thief by Aya de León
In the thrilling crime series, a group of entrepreneurial women use their wit and cunning to redistribute wealth by targeting those who have gained it unjustly. Under the guise of an elite escort service, they cleverly manipulate circumstances to take from those who have exploited others and give back to those in need. This captivating narrative is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, highlighting the complexities of justice and morality.
Mr. Bowling Buys a Newspaper by Donald Henderson
In a surprising twist, Raymond Chandler’s favorite novel is said to be the story of Mr. Bowling, a serial killer who develops a peculiar habit – buying newspapers daily in the hopes that someone has finally discovered his crimes. His disappointment is palpable as each day yields no leads, leaving him longing for capture and an end to his murderous career.
Rinn’s Crossing by Russell Heath
In a gripping tale of self-discovery and moral struggle, two individuals from Alaska are forced to confront the darker aspects of their personalities after committing crimes that defy explanation. As the specter of incarceration looms large, they find themselves at a crossroads – will they fight for the world they once believed in, even if it means turning against those closest to them, or will they succumb to the consequences of their actions?
The tension mounts as these two characters navigate the treacherous landscape of their own making, grappling with the blurred lines between right and wrong.
The Hours Before Dawn by Celia Fremlin
This 1960s Edgar Award-winning domestic thriller takes us back in time with its portrayal of a young mother struggling with sleep deprivation as she juggles the demands of raising her children. As her suspicions about their lodger, a seemingly innocuous schoolmistress, grow increasingly sinister, the question becomes whether her paranoia is a product of her exhausted state or a genuine indication that something is amiss.
Past Life by Dominic Nolan
Detective Abigail Boone’s life takes a thrilling turn when she finds herself at the center of a mystery that hits close to home. The victim of a traumatic event, Abigail awakens with no memory of her past, including those closest to her. As she struggles to regain her recollections, she becomes determined to uncover the truth behind her own abduction.
Her only lead is the last case she was working on before her disappearance, a puzzle that may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of her forgotten life.
The Conjure-Man Dies: A Harlem Mystery by Rudolph Fisher
The pioneering work ‘first ever African American crime novel’ was penned in the 1930s by an esteemed writer. This gripping tale revolves around Perry Dart, a skilled and one of ten Black police detectives serving Harlem, who is tasked with solving the murder of an African conjure-man. Notably, Fisher was a prominent figure during the Harlem Renaissance movement, but his life was tragically cut short at just 37 years old in 1934.
A Decline in Prophets by Sulari Gentill
The thrilling whodunit unfolds aboard a passenger liner en route from New York to Sydney. As the authorities close in on the killer, Rowland Sinclair – a wealthy socialite and the captain’s prime suspect – must navigate his way to prove his innocence before arriving at their destination. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery, which I discovered through Rincey’s endorsement.
Notably, it’s the second installment in the series, allowing for a seamless entry point despite being part of a larger narrative. With no prior knowledge required, you can easily jump into the story and follow along.
Lapse by Sarah Thornton
Intricately woven with the thrill of an Australian mystery, this gripping tale is sure to captivate fans of Jane Harper and Candace Fox. The story revolves around the enigmatic coach of a football club, whose own secrets are as complex as those surrounding the sudden departure of her star player just before the crucial finals. What’s more fascinating is that Thornton, the author, has a background in law, lending a level of authenticity to her crime narrative.
Bury Me When I’m Dead (Charlie Mack Motown Mystery #1) by Cheryl A. Head
The dynamic detective agency in Detroit, run by Charlie Mack, is the subject of a captivating series. The first book takes us on a journey as Charlie and her team venture to Alabama to investigate the disappearance of an individual, only to find themselves entangled in a complex case.
Amidst the intricacies of the mystery, Charlie’s personal life becomes increasingly complicated due to her mother’s declining health and the rekindled romantic triangle between herself, her girlfriend, and ex-husband. I was recommended this series by Jamie and am eagerly anticipating the next installment.
A Prayer for Travelers by Ruchika Tomar
The understated brilliance of this novel is remarkable, considering its impressive awards cabinet, which includes the prestigious PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Fiction. However, it’s surprising that this hidden gem doesn’t receive more attention. The story follows two young women stuck in a dull California town, whose budding friendship takes a dark and violent turn.
The World’s Greatest Detective by Caroline Carlson
In this captivating whodunit, two young friends Toby and Ivy embark on an unforgettable adventure. Toby assists his uncle’s detective agency, while Ivy has always fancied herself as a sleuth extraordinaire. Their combined curiosity leads them to enter the World’s Greatest Detective contest – an event that unexpectedly spirals into a real-life murder investigation.
As they navigate this complex case, can these youthful detectives prove themselves capable of outsmarting a cunning killer or will they find themselves in over their heads?
Three-Fifths by John Vercher
In this gripping debut novel, the city of Pittsburgh serves as the backdrop for a powerful exploration of identity and deception. The protagonist, a biracial Black man who has been passing as white, is forced to confront the secrets he’s kept hidden for so long when his friend returns from prison with a newfound extremist ideology. The friend’s transformation has far-reaching consequences that threaten to upend Bobby’s entire life.
Meanwhile, the reappearance of his estranged father adds another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation.
Finding Claire Fletcher by Lisa Regan
As the curtain closes on Detective Connor Parks’ marriage, he embarks on a solo mission to drown his sorrows. A chance encounter with an enigmatic woman at a local watering hole leads him down a path of unexpected intimacy, only for her disappearance to thrust him into a case that defies his every investigative instinct, forcing him to confront the darker side of human nature.
Rhode Island Red by Charlotte Carter
Nanette’s life is a tangled web of problems – her romantic relationships are on shaky ground, and then a fellow busker turns up dead in her kitchen. But things take a deadly serious turn when it’s revealed that the victim was actually an undercover cop. As the investigation unfolds, Nanette finds herself squarely in the crosshairs.
With her reputation already tarnished by the circumstances of the murder, can she unravel the mystery surrounding the police officer’s death and the legendary saxophone that seems to be at the center of it all before she becomes the main attraction behind bars?
Blue Night by Simone Buchholz
In the midst of a high-profile career, state prosecutor Chastity Riley’s professional life is put on hold as she enters witness protection. This development proves to be only the starting point for a series of events that will keep her on her toes. While initially forced to lay low, Chastity quickly becomes entangled in the plight of another individual also under police protection – an enigmatic man with a story that resonates deeply with hers.
As she delves deeper into his situation, their shared quest to take down a formidable Albanian mafia kingpin begins. However, it appears that Chastity’s next case might just be her own murder.
The Night in Question by Nic Joseph
Intrigue seekers, rejoice! I’ve just wrapped up writing a new thriller that’s got me hooked. It’s the story of Paula, a determined cab driver who’s racing against time to raise funds for her husband’s mounting medical bills. When she gets an opportunity to pick up a celebrity fare with a woman who isn’t his wife, she seizes it as a chance to strike it rich – or at least, that’s the plan. But when the woman is found murdered days later, Paula’s scheme takes a deadly turn.
I’ve already devoured the manuscript and can’t wait to dive back in. If you’re a fellow mystery buff like me, be sure to check out our curated selection of whodunits, including our newsletter Unusual Suspects and podcast Read or Dead.