Best British Mystery Books
British mystery Books are some of our favorite books to read. These books will keep you guessing until the very last page. Oddly enough, I only discovered my love of this genre within the past few years.
My mother is a HUGE mystery reader and could always guess the ending of any mystery. Now that I have fallen in love with this genre, British mysteries are my favorite. I often judge how good a mystery is by whether or not I can guess the ending. I am still not as good as my mom, but I strive to catch up one day.
If British mystery books are not your thing, Kirsten and I have a list of The Best British Books. This list has many different genres so you will be sure to find a book that you love.
I divided this list into mystery series, cozy mysteries, murder mysteries, and more. Kirsten and I have read and loved all these books so I hope you can find your next great read on this list.
The Best British Mystery Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best New British Mystery Book
We Solve Murders – Jump to Section
The Best British Murder Mystery Book
The Guest List – Jump to Section
The Best Modern British Mystery
I Let You Go – Jump to Section
The Best British Mystery Series
The Cuckoo’s Calling – Jump to Section
The Best Historical Fiction British Mystery
Beekeeper’s Apprentice – Jump to Section
The Best Classic British Mystery
And Then There Were None- Jump to Section
*British Mystery Books Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
New British Mystery Books
We Solve Murders
Author: Richard Osman
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author of Thursday Murder Club series
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Steve Wheeler is retired and prefers spending time close to home where he finds comfort in his routines. His daughter-in-law, Amy, is working private security on a remote Island for a famous author, Rosie D’Antonio. When bodies start turning up, it is clear that Amy is being framed for murder. She doesn’t know who or why but she has to turn to the only person she trusts to help keep her safe and outwit a serial killer.
Now, Steve, Amy, and Rosie are on a worldwide hunt to catch a killer before the killer catches them.
Trigger Warnings
murder, drugs
Why Jackie loves it
Rosie D’Antonio is an outrageous, over-the-top author who had me laughing-out-loud. I loved seeing all of the characters thrown out of their comfort zone in this new book which is the first in a series. The plot is fast-moving and sharp. I had no idea who dun it, so to speak, and loved every minute #gifted.
Find this book in: Best New Mystery Books of 2024 / Giftable Books / The Best Books of 2024 / Best British Mystery Books
Beautiful Ugly: A Novel
Author: Alice Feeney
Year: 2025
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Grady Green, an author, anxiously awaits news about the sales of his latest book. He had hoped his wife, Abby, would be with him when the call came, but she was still on her way home. During a phone call with her, he hears the screech of brakes as Abby exclaims that there’s a woman in the road. Despite his desperate pleas for her to stay in the car, Abby gets out to check on the woman. Suddenly, the call cuts off.
When Grady drives to her location, he finds Abby’s car perched dangerously close to the edge of a cliff. The driver’s door is open—but Abby is gone.
A year later, Abby is still missing, and Grady is consumed by grief and insomnia. Struggling to move forward, his editor, Kitty, offers him a lifeline: a chance to escape to a remote Scottish island to work on his next book. Grady needs the money and the change of scenery to start rebuilding his life.
The island, isolated and sparsely populated, has strict rules—no visitors during the off-season and no cars for non-residents. It seems like the perfect place to write. But when Grady sees a woman who looks exactly like Abby, he begins to question his sanity. Is it a cruel trick of the mind, or something much more mysterious? #gifted
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Jackie loves it
Alice Feeney never fails to write a fantastic thriller and this book was no exception. It is fast-paced, smart, and unexpected. Grady is an alcoholic which makes him an unreliable narrator; however, his character is more than just an alcoholic. I often dislike unreliable narrators but I loved this book.
Find this book in: Books About Scotland / Books with Unreliable Narrators / Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Popular Thriller Books / Best British Mystery Books
The Marlow Murder Club
Author: Robert Thorogood
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Marlow Murder Club #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Judith is a 77-year-old crossword puzzle author who enjoys her quiet life with her whiskey in her dilapidated mansion in Marlow. When she is out skinny dipping one nice in the Thames, she hears her neighbor get shot.
The police think nothing is awry so Judith takes to investigating. Soon, there are two more murders and Judith unknowingly brings two more people into the investigation with her- Suzie, the dog walker, and Becks, the vicar’s wife.
Why Jackie loves it
This book was an absolute delight to read. It was witty and funny, and I enjoyed every minute. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Find this book in: Ultimate Beach Reads 2023 / Fiction Serial Killer Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books
British Murder Mystery Books
The Guest List
Author: Lucy Foley
Year: 2020
Genre: Mystery
More info: New York Times Bestseller, June 2020 Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I’ve just read THE thriller
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve become very picky about thrillers recently and this one is hands down my favorite of the year so far. It also made our Best of 2020 list!
Adaptation Information
This story is soon to be a TV series on Hulu. Liz Tigelaar is set to write and produce the show.
Find this book in: Locked Room Mysteries / Books Like People We Meet on Vacation / Best British Mystery Books / Books Becoming Movies in 2024 / Best Beach Reads / British Books /Best Psychological Thriller Books / Popular Thriller Books / Best Reese Witherspoon Books
Party Girls Die in Pearls
Author: Plum Sykes
Year: 2017
Genre: Historical Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This British mystery book takes place at Oxford University in the 1980s when a socialite is murdered. Ursula Flowerbutton, an English country girl, is trying to investigate the murder for the college paper while trying to befriend the glamorous crowd.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a comedic spoof and the outfit descriptions alone had me giggling. I hope it becomes a series of mystery books because I would love to read more of Flowerbutton and her Sloane Ranger friends. The secret societies and prestigious schools make this one of our lighter dark academia books set in college. It’s just a really fun pick.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books / Dark Academia Books / Books Set in College / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Books Set in the 80s
The Magpie Murders by
Author: Anthony Horowitz
Year: 2017
Genre: Mystery
More info: Winner of the Macavity Award for Best Novel, NPR Best Book of the Year
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range:
Plot
Susan Ryland is an editor who is working with Alan Conway, as she has for years. He has been writing about the detective Atticus Pünd for years and is very successful. In Conway’s book, Pünd is investigating a murder at Pye Hall, but the more Suan reads, the more she is unsure how much of the book is fiction. In this book, you uncover the murder of a mystery author while also reading his book about murder. Are they interconnected?
Why Jackie loves it
There is a murder mystery within a murder mystery in this well-written and thoughtful book. Anthony Horowitz is an internationally best-selling author for a reason. This book will keep you guessing until the last page. The idea is truly unique and so well executed.
Find this book in: Mystery and Thriller Novels About Writers / Jewish Authors and Writers / Best British Mystery Books / Best Books of 2017
Modern British Mystery Books
I Let You Go
Author: Clare Mackintosh
Year: 2016
Genre: Thriller
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The book begins with a mother’s worst nightmare. Her son slips out of her grip and into the street where he is struck and killed by a car. This happens almost immediately. This was important to me so that it would not be too heart-wrenching.
Now the search is on for the driver of the car. The police are trying to find the driver of the car and are willing to chase any lead to find answers in the horrendous hit-and-run.
Jenna moves to the Welsh coast to escape the loss of her child and her painful past.
Trigger Warnings
Death of a child
Why Jackie loves it
This domestic thriller grabbed me, shook me, and then gently put me down. I was given a ride and wasn’t sure what hit me. This book had a few things that I was not expecting and I loved it. Years after reading it, it is still one of my favorite thrillers I have ever read.
Find this book in: British Mystery Books / Popular Thriller Books/ Best Psychological Thriller Books
Girl on the Train
Author: Paula Hawkins
Year: 2015
Genre: Thriller
More info: #1 New York Times Bestseller
Movie Starring Emily Blunt
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Rachel takes the same train every day and peers out the window watching people. She watched two people in particular as they led what appeared to be a perfect life until one day she saw something terrible while watching them.
She reports it to the police but, can they trust a dysfunctional alcoholic? This is a domestic thriller story that will have you questioning who is telling the truth from the beginning until the end. Unreliable narrators like Rachel make the best page-turners! You’ll never know what to believe!
Trigger Warnings
Alcoholism
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a thriller that is unexpected and original. The unreliable narrator is one of my favorite thriller tropes and Hawkins did it to perfection in this book.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved to hate Rachel. She is the perfect unreliable narrator and I never guessed what would happen next.
Find this book in: Books with Stalkers / Domestic Thrillers / Unreliable Narrators / Psychological Thriller Books / British Books / Nonlinear Narrative Novels / Paula Hawkins Books Ranked / Amnesia Books
The Appeal
Author: Janice Hallett
Year: 2022
Genre: Thriller
More info: International Bestseller
Best Book of 2022 by The New York Times
Crime Writer Association New Blood Dagger Award
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
I was utterly charmed by this unique murder mystery book! The premise is great – a detective duo has been given a stack of correspondence (text and emails) and asked to read through and determine who was murdered, why, and who was wrongly accused.
Of course, we readers get to come along for the ride – reading their post-it notes or texts to each other as they try to solve the mystery. I was desperately trying to solve it along with them but I was stumped!
The ending was truly shocking and the many twists and turns had me flying through the story. I read part of it and listened to part. Both formats make for a wonderful experience! This is one I’ll be recommending this pick from the ultimate list of mystery books for years to come!
Trigger Warnings
Cancer
Why Kirsten loves it
This is the first of Janice Hallett’s book and it firmly placed her in the “must-read” author category. The format of this book is brilliant and her other books are equally entertaining, well-written, and brilliantly plotted.
Find this book in: Detective Books / The Ultimate List of Mystery Books / British Mystery Books/ Epistolary Novels / Janice Hallett Books in Order
British Mystery Series Books
The Cuckoo’s Calling
Author: Robert Galbraith
Year: 2012
Genre: Mystery
More info: Corman Strike #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Cormoran Strike is a private investigator on the verge of failure when a client walks through the door with an amazing story. He is the brother of the recently deceased Lulu Landry, a famous supermodel.
Why Kirsten loves it
If I am honest, I would have read this book no matter what because of who wrote it. However, I kept reading the series because I love it. The last book was close to 700 pages so, there was no way I was reading that if I wasn’t totally invested in these characters.
Why Jackie loves it
Rowling has a way of starting small, introducing you to characters, and sucking you in. Cormoran Strike is the exact opposite of Chief Inspector Gamache. He is flawed and cranky but, you will love him just the same.
Find this book in: British Mystery Books / Detective Books
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Author: Alan Bradley
Year: 2009
Genre: YA Historical Mystery
More info: Flavia De Luce #1
Age Range: 12+
Plot
This is the first book in the Flavia De Luce series. This 11-year-old aspiring chemist is a wonderful heroine who is smart and precocious. In this first book, it is 1950 and Flavia has a love of poisons. When she finds a man taking his last breath in a cucumber patch, she is not scared at all, rather, she delights in solving the mystery.
Why Kirsten loves it
Flavia is an absolute delight to read as she’s easily one of the most unique characters in a mystery series. My dad recommended this series to me. I read it, loved it, and promptly passed it on to my 12-year-old. I love that this story works for readers of all generations.
Why Jackie loves it
This is one of the best first mystery books for younger readers as it does not have violence.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / Best Mystery Books of All Time / Best Books for 13-year-olds / British Mystery Books / Mystery Books for Kids / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Fun Books for Teens / Books with Food in the Title
Maisie Dobbs
Author: Jacqueline Winspear
Year: 2003
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Maisie Dobbs #1
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Maisie Dobbs is not your typical private investigator. For a start, she is a woman working as a PI in 1929. She is a psychologist and a detective who trained under renowned Maurice Blanche a former member of Scotland Yard. She branches out and decides to start her own business.
Maisie’s first case seems like it should be a simple case of infidelity. Instead, it leads her to a murder and back to WWI where she was a nurse. She is smart, thoughtful, and fun to read.
Why Kirsten loves it
I read this cozy mystery novel in one day. It was so refreshing to see post-war England through Maisie’s eyes as she entered a field dominated by men. I cannot wait to read more books in this fabulous series.
Find this book in: Detective Books / Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Jazz Age Novels
Historical Fiction British Mystery Books
The Beekeeper’s Apprentice
Author: Laurie R. King
Year: 1944
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
This one is for all the Sherlock fans out there. It takes place after the classic canon ends with the introduction of the retired Holmes and his new neighbor – Mary Russell. When an American Senator’s daughter is kidnapped, Holmes and his protege are called to help Scotland Yard with the case.
Why Kirsten loves it
I adore this historical mystery book series, as does my dad who is a mystery reader exclusively. This series is has more than a dozen books already, each better than the last. I love seeing Mary and Sherlock’s relationship change over the series as Mary hones her skills.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Fiction / Best Historical Mystery Books / Ultimate List of Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Detective Books
Mr. Churchill’s Secretary
Author: Susan Elia MacNeal
Year: 2012
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Maggie Hope #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The thing I love about Susan Elia MacNeal is that she doesn’t make the females in her series meek. She puts them center stage in the middle of the war; solving mysteries, spying, fighting, and the like.
In 1940’s London, Maggie Hope has just started working at 10 Downing Street as a secretary for Winston Churchill. Soon, Maggie is drafted to serve her country as she attempts to thwart an assassination attempt.
Why Kirsten loves it
The women in this historical fiction mystery series are tough cookies who don’t need a man’s protection. I adored Maggie Hope who is a whipsmart, fearless protaganist. I’m only a few books into this British mystery series but I love each one.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Best Books About WWII / Books about Female Spies
Plot
This story takes place a few years after Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy get married. While the Darcys are preparing for a ball, Lydia comes hurtling up the drive claiming that Wickham has been murdered. Soon the whole family, along with the Bingleys, are plunged into the investigation and its aftermath.
Why Kirsten loves it
My favorite part about this story was getting to see Elizabeth and Darcy’s marriage. Pride and Prejudice ends as they declare their love for one another, so it was nice to see how they had grown as a couple. I was not as engaged in the mystery element as I was expecting to be, but perhaps that’s because I was so interested in revisiting some of my favorite characters.
Find this book in: Best Historical Mystery Books / British Mystery Books / Pride and Prejudice Retellings
Classic British Murder Mystery Books
And Then There Were None
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1939
Genre: Classic Mystery
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
A mysterious person is trying to right the wrongs of the past by luring unsuspecting criminals to a deserted island…and then murdering them one by one. But who is the killer? Why are they killing? And just how long have they been stalking their prey? You have to figure out whodunit in this unreliable narrator book.
Why Kirsten loves it
This Agatha Christie book is one of the best stories she has EVER written. It was fast-paced, totally engaging and I did not see the ending coming. Each murder was more clever then the one before. Check out the black and white movie based on the book. It’s great!
Why Jackie loves it
A classic for a reason, Agatha Christie broke the mold with this book. It’s one of the most well-plotted mysteries I’ve ever read.
Find this book in: Unreliable Narrator Book / Best Classic Novels / Historical Mystery Books / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Best Mystery Books / Locked Room Mysteries
The Complete Sherlock Holmes Collection
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Year: 1887-1927
Genre: Mystery
More info: International Bestseller
Age Range: 12+
Plot
Sherlock Holmes’ ability to solve each crime is fascinating. His observations are astute and I can never, ever guess who committed the crime.
If you are looking for the best mystery books of all time, Sherlock Holmes cannot be missed. This complete collection has all the short stories and the 4 Holmes novels.
Why Kirsten loves it
I am a HUGE detective story lover and no one does detective stories better than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. These books have inspired countless adaptations and retellings since their initial publication.
Find this book in: Sherlock Holmes Books / Literary Classics / Best Mystery Books / British Mysteries / Short Stories / Detective Books
Cozy British Mystery Books
Murder at Gulls Nest
Author: Jess Kidd
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Nora Breen Investigates #1
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Nora Breen was a nun who kept in touch with her former novice through letters. When the letters stop arriving, Nora is worried and heads to the Gulls Nest Hotel in Kent. Soon, there are murders left and right, and Nora has to confront her past while trying to solve the mystery of where her friend went.
Why Kirsten likes it
The 1954 setting added a lot to the story. While set in a seaside town, the beach didn’t have much to do with the plot; instead, the converted mansion was at the heart of the mystery. If you are a fan of Maggie Hope or Maisie Dobbs, you’ll enjoy the first in this new mystery series.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books
The Windsor Knot
Author: S. J. Bennett
Year: 2021
Genre: Mystery
More info: Book 1 of 5: Her Majesty the Queen Investigates
Age Range: 15+
Plot
This cozy murder mystery was an absolute treat. I loved
Together they figure out who was behind the murder at Windsor Castle during one of the Queen’s Dine-and-Stays. This pick from books about Queen Elizabeth II is perfect for fans of Maggie Hope, Maise Dobbs, and the Royal Family.
Why Kirsten loves it
I love the idea that Queen Elizabeth would have been an investigator as well. It made me smile and the plot was a delight.
Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Books About Queen Elizabeth II / British Mysteries / Ultimate Beach Reads 2021 / Best British Mystery Books
Plot
This story is based on the premise that a different lineage has been atop the British throne. When the king drops dead from poisoning at Balmoral castle on Christmas day, the only people in the house are The King’s immediate family, the head of security, and the King’s personal chef.
Why Jackie loves it
This was a fun and quick murder mystery set at Christmas time. This who-dun-it is a fast, fun read that is perfect for the Christmas season.
Find this book in: Christmas Books for 2022 / Christmas Mystery Books / Best Cozy Mystery Books / Best British Mystery Books
Expert Tip
Do you need help choosing a British mystery book? I can help!
- Are you a “Kirsten” or a “Jackie”? Have a look at who wrote the descriptions of the books and why we like them. This is a great way to help you decide which book to choose.
- Have a look at the subgenres on the list. Kirsten and I divided the books so that you can have an easier time choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which British author is known for mystery novels?
The two most well-known British mystery writers are Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In recent years, authors like Anthony Horowitz and Richard Osman are gaining popularity.
Related Content
Epilogue
Did you find something on our list of British mysteries? Which do you think are the best British mystery books?
The Ultimate List of Mystery Books
Love Mysteries? This is a list of the best mystery books carefully divided by sub-genre for anyone who lives a good mystery as much as I do.
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