Mystery fiction reading guide

Heroes and villains. Puzzles and tests. Thrillers and killers. Who doesn't love a good mystery?

Mystery is a broad term that covers stories in a lot of different styles, and settings from the grand to the gritty.

From historical whodunnits, to the golden age of crime writing, cosy and quirky amateur sleuths like Poirot and Father Brown, to the war-torn and world-weary Jack Reacher. We’ve got detectives and psychopaths, accidental heroes, unwitting victims, and vigilante justice – there’s something for everyone in this popular genre, and this page is your doorway into a world of intrigue!

Happy sleuthing…

If you like reading about crimes that actually happened check out our True crime reading guide.

Mystery fiction reading lists

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Mystery & Thriller - New & Trending

Unputdownable mystery titles released within the past year and thrilling reads that are all the rage on social media and bestseller charts.

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Mystery & Thriller - Essential Reading

A mix of timeless classics that have excited readers for decades, and newer titles that are quickly becoming go-to staples.

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Mystery & Thriller - Hidden Gems

From domestic thrillers to police procedurals, dig into under-appreciated hidden gem thrillers and find secrets waiting to be uncovered.

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New Zealand Mystery & Thriller

Dig into these crime and mystery novels from authors all around the motu, featuring characters and settings from both Aotearoa and overseas.

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LGBTQIA+ Mystery & Thriller

These mystery and thriller novels feature LGBTQIA+ characters, often exploring deeper themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth.

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Contemporary Mysteries

Set in the present-day with relatable characters and realistic stories - page-turners that reflect the latest trends in mystery fiction.

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Cosy Crime & Whodunnits

Quirky sleuths, tiny villages, and ensembles of curious could-be killers abound - fun titles that offer both murder and a jolly good time.

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Psychological & Domestic Thriller

Unreliable characters, buried secrets and jaw-dropping twists -, these thrillers will keep you up late uncovering the layers in their plots.

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Police Procedural Thrillers

These police procedurals feature skilled detectives solving gruesome crimes through interrogating suspects and some clever deduction.

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International Crime

From dark Scandi noir to hardboiled Japanese mysteries - a selection of the best crime offerings from renowned authors all over the globe.

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eBooks

Return to reading lists

Kickstart your reading with librarian-created lists of the most readable and enjoyable fiction.

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Return to Reading: Mystery

Accessible yet captivating, these books offer a thrilling escape - perfect for those rediscovering the excitement of mystery novels.

ChristchurchLib

Staff List

Return to Reading: New Adult Mystery

With gripping plots, intriguing twists, and complex characters, these stories explore suspense, crime, and the thrill of solving puzzles.

ChristchurchLib

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