Christmas Mystery Books
Christmas novels are often uplifting or full of romance, but there are some great Christmas mystery books too! Murder and mischief don’t stop during the holidays in the puzzling stories on this book list.
As both a mystery novel devotee and a Christmas book fanatic, I found myself wishing there were more Christmas mystery novels. When I actively started looking for new ones and reading the ones I stumbled upon, I discovered a treasure trove of mysteries to captivate my attention. Below, you’ll find the ones I recommend most highly.
The Best Christmas 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 Historical Fiction Christmas Mystery Book
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agathe Christie – Jump to section
The Best Christmas Murder Mystery
Murder on the Christmas Express by Alexandra Benedict – Jump to section
The Best Funny Mystery Christmas Novel
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter – Jump to section
*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.
Historical Fiction Christmas Mystery Novels
Hercule Poirot’s Christmas
Author: Agatha Christie
Year: 1938
Genre: Mystery
More info: Hercule Poirot #20
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Simeon Lee has issued a demand for all four of his sons and their wives to return home for the Christmas holidays. Instead of a happy family reunion, he insults and belittles his sons before informing them that they have been cut out of the will. Is it any surprise when he ends up dead and Hercule is called in to investigate?
Why Kirsten loves it
Another wonderful mystery by Agatha Christie. I just adore her mystery books because I am always stumped! They are generally very quick reads, which is why I was able to start and finish this book on Christmas Day. Once again Poirot solves the mystery quite quickly and uncovers many family secrets along the way.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Agatha Christie Books in Order / Christmas Mystery Books
Jane and the Twelve Days of Christmas
Author: Stephanie Barron
Year: 2014
Genre: Historical Mystery
More info: Jane Austen Mysteries #12
Age Range: 14+
Plot
There are a series of suspicious-looking deaths surrounding the home Jane is visiting for the winter holiday. As she strives to solve the mystery before more dead bodies show up, readers are treated to a look at the Christmas traditions of Regency-era England.
Why Kirsten loves it
Did you know there is a whole mystery series featuring Jane Austen as an amateur crime-solver? I had no idea until I stumbled upon this book which takes place over…you guessed it… Christmas.
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books Of All Time / Jane Austen Retellings / Christmas Mystery Books
Murder Mysteries
Plot
This book is so many things in one! It’s a mystery set on Christmas Eve about a train full of people who get snowbound – and then someone gets murdered! Luckily there is a former detective named Roz who will work the case and try to keep everyone safe.
Trigger Warnings
Rape, Domestic Violence
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s more than just a murder mystery though, it also addresses domestic violence and rape – so please go in prepared if those are triggers for you. It’s kind of odd to put all those things in one book, but it works! #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Isolation Novels / Christmas 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
You Better Watch Out
Author: James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth
Year: 2024
Genre: Horror Thriller
Age Range: 18+
Plot
Two days before Christmas, six strangers wake up in a deserted town unsure of how to get there or how to get out. Then, one by one, they start to get murdered. They’ve fallen into the hands of a sinister person who has meticulously planned their deaths. Can they get out alive, or will this be their last Christmas?
Trigger Warnings
Graphic Depiction of Murder
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve never read a Christmas story like this one! It was terrifying and gruesome and so clever – and that ending! My mouth was on the floor!
Find this book in: Serial Killer Books / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024
A Fatal Grace
Author: Louise Penny
Year: 2007
Genre: Mystery
More info: Chief Inspector Gamache #2
Winner of 2007 Agatha Award for Best Novel
Age Range: 13+
Plot
In this second book, CC de Poitiers is found electrocuted in the middle of a curling match. There is nothing more Canadian than curling! Armand Gamache is called in once again to help solve the crime.
Nobody liked CC and it seems like there are a lot of people who might have had a motive to kill her. The plot was great, and although I knew “whodunit”, I enjoyed every minute of this book.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this book even more than the first one. The Canadian in me could not stop laughing at the subtle jabs at the Canadian way of living in the freezing cold winter. I mean, the cold makes your eyes feel like they will freeze in your head if you don’t blink fast enough!
Find this book in: Louise Penny Books In Order / Christmas Mystery Books
Funny Mystery Christmas Books
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year
Author: Ally Carter
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Romance
Spice Rating:đź’‹đź’‹
Age Range: 16+
Plot
After losing her assets to her cheating ex-husband, mystery author Maggie Chase agrees to head to the home of her biggest fan for the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately for her, Ethan Wyatt, another author from her publishing house, is also along for the trip.
It turns out, they have traveled to the home of Eleanor Ashley, a prolific mystery writer (clearly inspired by Agatha Christie) who has a sprawling mansion in the middle of the countryside. During a snowstorm, she mysteriously disappears. Now Maggie and Ethan must work together to try to find her. With murder attempts around every corner and a growing attraction between our leads, this is one fun genre-bending story.
Why Kirsten loves it
Once I started this story, I couldn’t put it down! I was completely swept into the mystery, I was enchanted by the crackling chemistry between our two main characters, and the setting and snowstorm just left me craving a snowy night in. I was utterly charmed by this one and you will be too!
Find this book in: Best Christmas Books of All Time / Christmas Mystery Books / New Christmas Books 2024
The Mistletoe Mystery
Author: Nita Prose
Year: 2024
Genre: Mystery Short Story
More info: Part of The Maid series
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Molly loves Christmas ever since her Gran made it so special every year. Now, she is living with her beloved boyfriend Juan Manuel and he tries to make Christmas just as special for her as when her Gran was alive. But Juan Manuel is acting strange and Molly has trouble reading social cues. What is really going on with him and will she have a merry Christmas?
Why Jackie loves it
This was such a sweet Christmas novella and while, as the reader, I was not surprised, I felt for Molly as she blundered her way through the season trying not to self-destruct.
Find this book in: New Christmas Books for 2024 / Christmas Mystery Books / October 2024 Most Anticipated New Releases
The Christmas Appeal
Author: Janice Hallett
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: The Appeal #2
Age Range: 14+
Plot
The Fairway Players theater group is back and preparing for their Christmas play. They find themselves once again in the middle of a murder that threatens to halt their production.
Hallett puts you in the detective seat as you unravel clues, sift through Christmas letters, and dig into police transcripts to unmask the culprit before the final curtain falls.
Why Kirsten loves it
I was crying-laughing reading this story. It’s equal parts hysterical and cunning. I can never figure out the mystery before the end of Hallett’s books. #gifted
Find this book in: Christmas Books 2023 / Best Christmas Books of All Time / Best Books of 2023 / Christmas Mystery Books
Helpful Tips
- A cozy Christmas mystery is best read on a cold winter’s night, but if you get easily spooked, try reading one to celebrate Christmas in July!
- Many mystery series have Christmas novels within – don’t worry about picking something up in the middle of a series. The authors always do a good job of filling readers in on related past events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Christmas mystery book of 2024
Ally Carter’s The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, hands down! It has a great premise, a bit of romance, and a locked-door mystery that will stump you until the end.
Are there any good Christmas mystery books?
Of course! Check out Janice Hallett’s The Christmas Appeal, Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas, and Alexandra Benedict’s Murder on the Christmas Express to get you started.
Related Content
Epilogue
Christmas mystery books can be hard to find, but I have read quite a few and these are my favorites. Did you find any new Christmas mysteries to read? Did I miss your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
The Best Christmas Books of All Time
If you love these Christmas mystery books, you’ll probably love this look at the best Christmas Books of all time!
