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.
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.
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.