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Christmas Mystery Books

Festive Murder Mystery Books to Read During the Holidays

The twinkling lights, cozy fires, and scent of pine might set the stage for cheer — but what if there’s something a little more sinister hiding beneath the tinsel? If you love your holidays with a side of suspense, Christmas mystery books offer the perfect mix of festive warmth and chilling intrigue. From snowbound mansions with secrets to small-town celebrations turned deadly, these stories wrap murder and mistletoe together in the most delightful way.

So, pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, curl up under a blanket, and get ready to unwrap a few mysteries this holiday season — because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a bit of murder under the mistletoe.

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Murder Mystery Novels to Enjoy This Holiday Season

Christmas Mystery Books on my TBR

No Gifts to Bring (The Aspen Notch Mystery Series) by Kathleen McKee

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ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07HBCKKR2
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vinci Books
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2018
Print length ‏ : ‎ 254 pages

No Gifts to Bring (The Aspen Notch Mystery Series) by Kathleen McKee book cover

A snowy pile-up and rescue scam. A theft accusation and two murders. Can Sue clear her name before she’s the next victim?

Distanced by her children and determined not to spend another Christmas alone, Susan Belcroft books a stay at a ski resort, hoping to rekindle her sagging spirit.

With travel to the lodge interrupted by a sudden snowstorm, she and three other stranded drivers accept a seemingly kindhearted rescue, only to find themselves charged with theft.

The stakes increase when police find the accusers’ dead bodies.

No Gifts to Bring is an endearing cozy mystery of love and hope, intertwined with an engaging whodunnit. A young child with disabilities, a flamboyant singer, a handsome traveler, and an irritating private detective open Sue’s heart to the magic of Christmas. If you enjoy a touch of romance and an amateur sleuth who has an uncanny ability to make connections, you’ll love Kathleen McKee’s prequel to the Aspen Notch Mystery Series.

Mistletoe Malarkey (Shayla Murphy Mysteries Book 1) by Stella Bixby

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ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09J3DMRTT
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Ferry Tail Publishing LLC
Publication date ‏ : ‎ December 7, 2021
Print length ‏ : ‎ 222 pages

Mistletoe Malarkey (Shayla Murphy Mysteries Book 1) by Stella Bixby

For more than a year, Shayla and Seamus have built a life together, falling in love, sharing dreams and laughter. Now, they're embarking on a new adventure: spending Christmas with Seamus's family in the enchanting land of Ireland.

Seamus, a down-to-earth park ranger, has always been modest about his background. Living with three roommates and driving a trusty old pickup truck, he never gave Shayla any reason to suspect he was anything but ordinary.

Until they land in Ireland, and Shayla discovers he's practically Irish royalty.

The welcome is warm, but unexpected. The press descends, camera flashes ignite, and Shayla's previously hidden insecurities start to surface. A holiday that was meant to be filled with festive family fun now carries the weight of public scrutiny.

The getting-to-know-you dinner party sets the stage for a complicated holiday. An old flame, a mysterious uncle, and a whole town full of complex characters await Shayla. The table is set with rich Irish fare, traditional music, and sparkling conversation.

But the celebration takes a dark turn when a guest ends up dead.

Local law enforcement are quick to step in, urging Shayla to leave the matter to them. Her policing skills might be respected in the United States, but in Ireland, she's merely a visitor.

Shayla's instincts are sharp, and whether she seeks them or not, clues seem to find her at every turn. Despite warnings from the Gardaí and the tangled web of family dynamics, she can't shake her sense of duty to solve the case.

Set against the picturesque backdrop of a quaint Irish village, adorned with historic charm, this Christmas mystery unfolds with subtlety and suspense. Join Shayla as she navigates family traditions, new relationships, hidden agendas, and a murder that threatens to overshadow the joy of the season.

With a touch of romance, a hint of intrigue, and the authentic warmth of an Irish Christmas, this tale is a perfect fireside read. Embrace the season with this engaging holiday mystery, as Shayla proves that love, loyalty, and the pursuit of truth transcend borders.

King of Christmas A Choose Your Own Path Psychological Thriller by J.E. Rowney

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ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FTMV52YR
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little Fox Publishing
Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 21, 2025
Print length ‏ : ‎ 524 pages

King of Christmas A Choose Your Own Path Psychological Thriller by J.E. Rowney book cover

Not every path leads to the truth. But every one brings you closer to him.

Eight missing children. One urban legend. A town that stopped asking questions.

They call him the King of Christmas—a red-cloaked figure said to haunt Pine Hollow, taking children who’ve done wrong. Always on Christmas Eve. Always leaving behind a trail of footprints in the snow… and a single silver bell for every home that's lost a child.

Jenny Matthews, now a Boston journalist, returns to the snowbound town she fled decades ago to investigate the disappearances.

Officially, she’s here to write about the legend.

Unofficially, she’s chasing something much closer to home.

The police won’t help. The town won’t talk. And this year a new family will receive a silver bell.

In this unique psychological thriller book, you decide what Jenny does next.

Will she uncover the truth—or become the next to vanish?

Will she expose the legend—or step straight into it?

Will she find redemption—or lose everything trying?

KING OF CHRISTMAS is a uniquely immersive Choose Your Own Path psychological thriller where your decisions shape the story. Every choice matters. Some truths are buried deep. Some paths lead to justice. Others to regret.

Choose carefully. The King of Christmas is watching.

Christmas Mystery Books Recommended by Readers

I asked the reading community on Twitter (or X as it's now called) to give me some recommendations for mystery books set during the holidays and they didn't disappoint. I know I'll be adding a lot of these to my TBR.

"There's a great Slow Horses short story, 'Standing by the Wall', set at Christmas. Also, I'm rereading 'Small Things Like These' by Claire Keegan. So good. Oh, and I've just remembered John Banville's grim but fab 'Snow'." @AllisonPer323

"Christmas in Castleby by J M Simpson is a brilliant read 📚 🎄" @em_nightreader

"The Christmas Appeal - Janice Hallett. Also A Cornish Christmas Murder and The Cornish Christmas Pantomime Murder by Fiona Leitch. Denzel Meyrick’s historical mystery series. Set in 1950s Book 1 Murder at Holly House Book 2 The Christmas Stocking Murders Both good reads." @ProudHeadTeach1

"Mince Pies and Murders by J.R. Leigh" @PandaMum14

"Murder On The Christmas Express and The Christmas Murder Game - Alexandra Benedict. The Christmas Appeal - Janice Hallett. Christmas Is Murder - Val McDermid. There are several by Agatha Christie too!" @DeborahS31

"Alexandra Benedict has released three or four Christmas mystery books over. the last few years - she also peppers the story with extra quizzes and challenges 🤩" @grabthisbook

"Murder at Holly House by the fantastic Denzil Meyrick" @LizWebbAuthor

"My favourites are: Christmas murder game (Alexandra Benedict). You Better Watch Out (Sarah Naughton). Each year I do a wintry list (here's last year) which contain a range of genres but includes several mysteries" @SifaPoulton

"Chris Frost’s crime thrillers, The Killer’s Christmas List and The Christmas Tree Killer. Oskar Jensen’s Helle and Death (definitely winter, not sure Christmas). Benjamin Stevenson’s Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret." @f33lthesun

As the snow falls and the fairy lights twinkle, there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a story filled with secrets, surprises, and just a touch of Christmas magic. Christmas mystery books capture both the warmth of the season and the thrill of a good puzzle — perfect for those long winter evenings. So pull up a blanket, pour yourself a steaming mug of hot chocolate, and let a little festive intrigue keep you turning the pages until the very last clue is revealed.

Don’t forget to share your favourite Christmas mystery in the comments — after all, even the best detective loves a good recommendation.