As cool weather starts to creep in and nighttime falls a bit earlier, it’s the perfect time of year to curl up with a cup of tea and lose yourself in a good mystery. Which is probably why the first week of October is Mystery Series Week.
The best part about reading a mystery series is getting to really know the quirks and idiosyncrasies of the starring and recurring characters across multiple books, and getting a chance to watch the author grow in real time. Plus, many mystery series have overarching storylines and themes in addition to the whodunit at the centre of the novel: Will the lead detective ever solve the murder of his family? Will the forensic anthropologist ever catch the killer that got away? Will the two bantering partners ever admit their feelings for one another?
Ranging from YA to classics to modern detectives, here are some of the KWL team’s favourite mystery series.
Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene
The classic amateur sleuth, Nancy Drew was responsible for inspiring young girls everywhere to start solving (or writing) mysteries
The Hardy Boys by Franklin W. Dixon
Brothers Frank and Joe are two of the original Teen Detectives, always solving the mysteries their adult counterparts couldn’t figure out.
Hercule Poirot Mysteries by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s best known detective, Poirot solved mysteries for over fifty years, which means you have PLENTY of books to read if you dive into this series.
Temperence Brennan Novels by Kathy Reichs
A different type of mystery novel, forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan follows the science to solve her mysteries.
Casey Court Legal Thrillers by Aime Austin
Fighting for her clients and against a corrupt legal system, Casey Court is a protagonist to cheer for.
Grant County Mysteries by Karin Slaughter
Karin Slaughter is known for telling gruesome tales so approach with caution, but know you won’t be disappointed.
The Kate Waters Series by Fiona Barton
Three books intertwined, all from multiple POVs, these thrillers will have you on the edge of your seat trying to unravel the mystery at hand.
Detective Gina Harte by Carla Kovach
A series of British Police Procedurals that will have you hooked in no time.
Ashbury/Brookfield Books by Jaclyn Moriarty
Told entirely through sticky notes written to the protagonist’s mother, this is a wildly different take on solving a mystery.
Bonnie & Clyde Mysteries by Julie Anne Lindsey
Staring an amateur sleuth and her feline companion, these cozy mysteries are perfect for a fall afternoon.
The Lost Ones by Sheema Kamal
If dark and psychological is more your vibe, this is a series you do not want to miss.
What are your favourite mystery series?
