Best Book List for Mystery Readers

We went back to two mystery stores that we reviewed earlier this year to cull some great gift ideas for mystery lovers of all ages.  The Poisoned Pen bookstore in Scottsdale, Arizona is a mystery bookstore that also includes British fiction, science fiction and history.  The Mystery Bookstore in Los Angeles specializes in all things mystery in the Westwood area.  Both bookstores are experts in the field of mystery writing and we’re happy to pass along their recommendations. 

New Mysteries Worth a Spin

The Private Patient by PD James – The latest offering by arguably the greatest living mystery writer.  A country-house murder fuelled by rage at failure and fissures in Britain.

Greasing the Pinata by Tim Maleeny, published by Poisoned Pen Press- a fast caper sure to keep you engaged about the investigation into the death of a former Senator and his son, both bodies found dead in a water hazard on a Mexican golf course.  This title was recommended by both bookstores.

Blackbird, Farewell by Robert Greer – a combination of basketball, murder and mystery as a promising young player is shot to death just before joining a pro team, the Denver Nuggets.

Veil of Lies by Jeri Westerson – in 14th century London, a former knight turned investigator looks into a case of a wife’s adultery which turns far more serious when the husband is killed.  This is the first book is a series worth following.

Ghosts at Work by Carolyn Hart – Ms. Hart’s new character is a form of angel who comes to the rescue of a pastor’s wife when she finds a dead body on her porch and fears she or her husband will be a murder suspect.

King of Swords by Nick Stone – not for the faint at heart, the Miami duo work through a voodoo priestess, a Haitian gang leader and possibly corrupt cops to solve the murders of people with tarot cards found in their stomachs.

For our Younger Mystery Readers

The 39 Clues by Brian Selznick – see our previous review of this adventure

The Houdini Box by Brian Selznick – 10 year old Victor emulates Houdini and actually meets him once in a train station.  After Houdini’s death, Victor receives a box with the initials “E.W.”  It isn’t until many years later that he realizes that “E.W.” stands for Ehrich Weiss.