Mysteries Around the World
May 12, 2023
Read a mystery set anywhere outside of the USA. No passport or tickets necessary – Why spend money and stress on travel when you can go anywhere in the world with a good story?! And if you are a fan of the mystery genre you are in luck. Many talented authors have written whodunnit page-turners set in a wide variety of locations. Pick a country, pick a mystery, and be transported.
The Dry by Jane Harper
Australia. Let’s start down under. Australian author Harper kicks off her ‘Aaron Falk Series’ with this engaging mystery. Set in the farming town of Kiewarra during a drought, investigator Falk is forced to review a crime from the past and face a community that turned their backs on him 20 years ago.
Still Life by Louise Penny
Canada. This first book of the ‘Three Pines Series’ introduces you to a rural town of quirky characters and the popular series hero, Armand Gamache.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
England. The first book in a bestselling mystery series set in a cozy retirement village. When a developer is found dead, a group of residents are on the case, whether the local police appreciate it or not! Charming and engaging this series has captured the hearts of mystery readers, young and old.
The Keeper of Lost Causes by Jussi Adler-Olsen (translated by Lisa Hartford)
Denmark. Our introduction to detective Carl Mørck finds him recovering from a life-threatening case and leading Department Q, the less-than-prestigious dept that deals with cold cases. If you like strong settings and a flawed hero with quirky side characters this series will appeal to you.
In the Woods by Tana French
Ireland. If you like gritty crime with complex and flawed characters then you can join the numerous fans of this wildly popular series by Tana French. This first book in the ‘Dublin Murder Squad Series’ introduces detective Rob Ryan and his partner Cassie Maddox as they investigate the murder of a 12-year-old girl.
The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
India. Our heroine, Perveen Mistry, is a lawyer seeking to protect women’s legal rights in Bombay 1920s. When she helps write the Will of a wealthy man she is suspicious of the intentions. As tensions escalate to murder, Perveen steps in to help. This story is special because it is partly inspired by the real-life first female lawyer in India.
Malice by Keigo Higashino (translated by Alexander O. Smith)
Japan. Police detective Kyochiro Kaga must solve the “who” and the “why” of an author’s death. This twist on the “locked room” mystery will show you why this is an international bestselling series.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
Lagos, Nigeria. This debut smash hit has a clever, dark humor mixed with a bunch of twisty thrills. Korede, the older sister, has always cleaned up her younger sister’s messes. But now it would seem that includes the bloody mess of murders. Plural. With a strong setting and fresh voice, this book has captured the heart of many mystery readers.