Best Mystery Books of 2026

Mad Mabel

Author: Sally Hepworth

Year: 2026

Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery

More info: Bestselling author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is an 81-year-old woman who has worked very hard to conceal her past. No one ever suspects little girls or old ladies of doing anything criminal. When a new little girl moves into Elsie’s neighborhood, she works very hard to become Elsie’s friend. Little does she know that 50 years ago, Elsie was known as mad Mabel, and she hopes that the past will not repeat itself.

Trigger Warnings

Child Abuse, Mental Illness

Why Kirsten loves it

I’m used to Sally Hepworth writing chilling thrillers that keep me guessing, but this story was so much more than that. Instead of a thriller, I was treated to the history of a fascinating woman often associated with death in her past. As Mabel’s story unfolded, my heart went from guarded to wary to absolute tender love for Mabel.

The character arc for Mabel reminded me of that silly saying from the donkey in Shrek – in the best way. The layers of this woman! And I loved the growth of her neighbors and they learned more about her. This is one of my favorite stories of the year so far – especially with the narrator choice of an old and young Mabel in the audiobook. It really brought the story to life. #gifted by MacMillan Audio and St. Martins Press.

Find this book in: Books with Older Protagonists / Best Beach Reads 2026

The Secret Lives of Murderers’ Wives

Author: Elizabeth Arnott

Release Date: March 3, 2026

Genre: Thriller
More: March 2026 GMA Book Club Pick

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Beverly, Elsie, and Margot are all wives of convicted killers. The three women form an unlikely friendship while trying to make a new future for themselves. Everyone around them wonders how they could not have known what their husbands were doing. When a new killer hits the news, the three women decide to join forces to catch the killer. Who could be better than people who have shared their lives with one?

Trigger Warnings

description of murder

Why Jackie loves it

This book is well-written and unique, with a cast of characters that I loved. I love the way the women came together. I listened to my copy of this book and the narrator is fantastic. #gifted from PRH audio

Find this book in: Best Fiction Serial Killer Books

The Escape Game

Author: Marissa Meyer & Tamara Moss

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Genre: YA Mystery

More info: Bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Season four of The Escape Game ended when Alicia Angelos, a contestant, was found murdered on the set during the finale. Everyone believes her sister, Sierra, who was also a contestant on the show, was the killer. But there was never evidence to convict her.

Now, it is six months later, and season 5 is starting. The show shocks everyone when Sierra is a contestant again. This season, the game is trying to find Alicia’s killer. The teams all compete in escape rooms. Can Sierra’s team stay in long enough to get answers?

Trigger Warnings

Murder

Why Jackie loves it

This book was fun from start to finish. I loved it. The escape rooms were so clever, and the cast of characters is fun and quirky. Each character has their own reason for being on the show, which adds depth to the story. #gifted by PRH Audio

Find this book in: YA Thriller Books / Best Beach Reads 2026

A Sociopath’s Guide to a Successful Marriage

Author: MK Oliver

Year: 2026

Genre: Mystery Thriller

Age Range: 16+

Plot

This funny mystery is all about Lalla, a woman trying to do it all – help her husband make partner, get her daughter into an exclusive private school, secure her dream home, and host a damn-good birthday party for her 4-year-old. All of which hits a snag when she murders a thief attempting to break into her house, and kinda likes it. Now she needs to frame a friend, dispose of a body, and figure out how to hide her past from the police.

Why Kirsten loves it

I love to root for an anti-hero, and Lalla is the perfect one! Lalla’s unique inner monologue made for delightful reading, and the increasingly fraught scenarios were humorous and suspenseful at the same time! Lalla’s narration style won’t be for everyone but if you liek Joe’s narration in You or the story Best Offer Wins, then this will be right up your alley. #Gifted by Atria and S&S Audio.

Find this book in: Cozy Mystery Books / Best Beach Reads 2026

How to Cheat Your Own Death

Author: Kristen Perrin

Year: 2026

Genre: Mystery

More info: The Castle Knoll Files #3

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

In the 1960s, Frances is in London, attending university and taking psychology classes, when she crosses paths with Vera, a socialite and artist who quickly becomes her friend. When Vera turns up murdered, Frances becomes a suspect and needs to find a way out of suspicion.

Meanwhile, in the present, Annie is also in London visiting her artist mother, Laura, after a murder just like Vera’s happens just outside Laura’s studios. Clearly, the murders are connected, but can Annie figure out how and solve Vera’s murder in the process?

Why Kirsten loves it

It was fun to see Annie and Frances in London, solving an art crime instead of in their not-so-sleepy country town. I’ve grown to love the main cast of characters for this charming series, and I hope it continues into the future. Indeed, the ending seemed to hint that we would be heading back to Castle Knoll again! Gifted by Putnam.

Find this book in: Best British Mystery Books