As an avid mystery reader, one aspect of the genre I love the most is knowing that however tumultuous the situation is at the beginning, by the end of the novel the state of affairs will be set right again. Real life is never so certain. Here are three mystery novels wherein regular everyday people solve crimes and put their communities to right.
A Deadly Inside Scoop by Abby Collette
Win Crewse has returned to her hometown of Chagrin Falls, OH to take over and revitalize the ice cream shop started by her grandparents. When an old business enemy of her family returns to town, and is swiftly found dead, Win’s father comes under suspicion and Win starts investigating in order to clear his name. Can she convince people to buy ice cream in winter, and also find a killer? A gentle mystery with a winning heroine.
Skin Deep by Sung J. Woo
Korean-American Siobhan O’Brien’s first case as an independent private investigator is to find a friend’s daughter, gone missing from college in upstate New York. What should be an easy favor for a friend is complicated by contentious campus politics, questionable connections to an elite yoga and meditation retreat, and shady financial dealings protected by powerful people. While not technically an amateur sleuth, as a character O’Brien brings the energy of a newcomer to her first case.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
In a peaceful retirement community in rural England, the four members of the Thursday Murder Club keep their minds sharp by examining unsolved police cases from the past. When a developer involved in a contentious expansion of their community is murdered, they put their skills to use on a fresh case. This is a light, humorous mystery that does a nice job centering the experiences and skills of older adults.
Find more suggestions on our Mystery and Thriller booklist.
~ posted by Andrea G.
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