• Meet Taylor
  • Book Reviews
    • Book Reviews by Title
    • Book Reviews by Author
  • Categories
    • Blogging
    • Books
    • Faith
    • Goal Setting
    • Lifestyle
  • Newsletter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Taylor Epperson

Good books + Good living (formerly Bookish Tay)

Categories: Books

9 Mysteries to Binge-Read Right Now

We’re on day 11 of our social-distancing/self-isolation and I finally have been able to get lost in a book.

It was hard for me at first to pick up a book, there was so much going on and I had so much anxiety, but then I started reading Harry Potter again and since then I’ve finished three books! One of them was a thriller and you can bet it’ll be on this list.

I will say that mysteries + thrillers are still pretty new to me. I always avoided them because I didn’t think I’d like them, but then I realized that I love watching crime tv shows and decided to give this genre a try. Some are psychological thrillers, others are more on the mystery side. Either way, these will suck you in and have you turning pages so you know what’s going to happen next.

If mystery/thrillers aren’t your jam, check out my fantasy recommendations or my must-read contemporary list!


9 Mystery books Pink.png

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclaimer for more details.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson. I read this YA thriller trilogy earlier this year and loved it! (Read my full review on Truly Devious!). There’s a private school, a budding detective, murder, and a mystery that’s almost 100 years old. This story is fast-paced and fun and I think I’ll be raving about it for years. Add on Goodreads.

A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro. I read this one a few years ago, but I want to read it again so I can finish the series! I just snagged the first three books on Book Outlet. This is a YA retelling of Sherlock Holmes, only this time Homles is a teenage girl. This series is fantastic and I can’t to finish it! Add on Goodreads

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. You Are Not Alone was my first book by this duo of authors and I can’t wait to read their other books. After Shay sees a woman commit suicide, she becomes sucked into this woman’s life, meeting her friends, and obsessing about why she committed suicide. Because Amanda was also a single woman, struggling to find meaning in her work, just like Shay. I definitely didn’t see the plot twist coming, but it was such a great book! It’s one of the selections on Book of the Month from February. Which means you can sign up for $5 and get You Are Not Alone for $9.99. Add on Goodreads.

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell. What a disturbing and intriguing novel. I listened to The Family Upstairs after Jamie was raving about it a few months ago. I was hooked from the beginning. A daughter who was left behind after her parent’s suicide inherits their old house. But what really happened to her family? Where are her siblings? Who were the other children in the house that everyone talked about? This novel is brilliant and I loved it. I highly recommend listening to The Family Upstairs. (If you join Libro.fm right now and use the code SHOPBOOKSTORESNOW you’ll get two audiobooks for the price of one AND support your local bookstore.) Add on Goodreads.

Long Bright River by Liz Moore was another book I got from Book of the Month. Even though it’s just over 500 pages, I read Long Bright River in less than two days. I was hooked! We follow two sisters who are living very different lives. One is a cop and one is living on the streets as a drug addict. This book talks about the opioid crisis and is definitely a bit heavy. You get more of the police side of things, as that’s the main POV we follow, but this story will suck you in and you’ll be rooting for both sisters and their futures. Add on Goodreads.

The Holdout by Graham Moore. When I saw this on Book of the Month I had to pick it up. It was a legal thriller that made me feel like I was watching a crime tv show. It was fast-moving and I had to know what was going to happen. 10 years after the jury voted not-guilty on a man accused of murder, they come together because one of them says there’s new evidence that proves they voted wrong. But when one of the original jurors ends up dead, what will happen then? I did want more legal drama, as this was a legal thriller, but it was such an enjoyable read. See my full review of The Holdout here and add to Goodreads.

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing. Um. Okay. This one is well, disturbing. It was like watching an episode of Criminal minds but from the perspective of the un-sub. And yet, I could not put it down. My Lovely Wife is all about a couple who have gotten a bit bored in their marriage, and to spice things up, they, well, murder people. It was definitely interesting. I wouldn’t call it a fun or enjoyable read, but just like watching Criminal Minds, it was fascinating. And then at the end you’ll find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew. Add on Goodreads.

Verity by Colleen Hoover. Verity was so messed up and yet, I couldn’t look away. This was Colleen’s first psychological thriller, and while I think I like her romances more, this one was good. I don’t even know how to explain this one. There’s a wife who was in an accident, a husband who’s concerned about his now completely absent wife, and a woman who’s hired to finish the series that the wife was writing. But when she moves into the house, she finds the haunting journal the wife wrote and uncovers things she shouldn’t, weird things start to happen. Everyone is pretty messed up in this book. Like you’ll be shaking your head and wondering if people could ever act like that.

I read this in one sitting (which hasn’t happened much since Von was born). Add on Goodreads.

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer. I just finished reading this one the other day. My full review is coming soon and The New Husband will hit the shelves in April. When Nina’s husband Glen dies (or disappears, no one is really sure) she struggles to put her life together. Then she meets Simon, and while many people, including her daughter, think it’s too soon to be moving on, Nina feels that Simon is perfect for her, in nearly every way. This book had a slower pace, which at times made me not care what was happening, but then the last half of the book I couldn’t stop reading because I had to know what was going to happen. Add on Goodreads. TW: domestic abuse.


9 bingeworthy mysteries.png

These mysteries are sure to take your mind off of everything that’s going on with COVID-19 (for more information be sure to check the CDC’s website). These are some of my favorite thrillers/mysteries and it was so fun to put this list together for you!

Wondering where to get a book if your library is closed? Here are some suggestions:

  • Give your library a call. They may still have some staff working and could do a curbside pickup, if not:

  • Libby, Overdrive, or Hoopla. These all use your library. Just login with your library card and get access to e-books and audiobooks instantly!

  • Libro.fm is my favorite Audible alternative. It’s the same price but you get to pick a local bookstore to support with your purchases. Get your first month/book free here. It’s $14.99/month after your first month

  • Scribd is like Netflix but for audiobooks. They have a decent selection, and you can listen to as many books as you want each month, you just don’t own them as you do with Audible or Libro.fm. Scibd is currently free for your first 30 days!

  • Purchase on Amazon – physical, ebook, or audio. Don’t have a kindle? Download the Kindle app on your phone to read e-books.

  • Use Bookstore Link to purchase from your local bookstore (I may or may not have just ordered 3 books from my local bookstore today…)

Want more book recommendations + weekly inspiration? Sign up for my newsletter!

    What’s your favorite mystery or thriller?

    Share this:

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Pinterest

    You may also like

    About Taylor

    Taylor is an aspiring author, stay at home mom, and avid reader. She loves reading books and talking about them. Because life is short and you should have good books to read.

    Comments

    1. Jen Moyers

      March 24, 2020 at 5:20 pm

      Thanks for this great list! I agree with your reviews of the ones I’ve read . . . and the rest are on my list. Since you liked A Study in Charlotte, you might check out Sherry Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series (this is a historical fiction series, which makes it a little different from the books on your list). It’s another fantastic Sherlock retelling with a feminist angle. SO much fun!!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 25, 2020 at 1:03 am

        I’ll add those to my TBR! That sounds like something I’d enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Kate Vocke

      March 24, 2020 at 8:46 pm

      Just started The New Husband and have loved or are looking forward to a lot of these! Great list!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 25, 2020 at 1:03 am

        I hope you enjoy it!! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Kelsey Harmony

      March 25, 2020 at 12:59 am

      I haven’t read a mystery in such a long time! This is a great list to get started with! Thanks for the recommendations.

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 25, 2020 at 1:04 am

        I just started reading more at the end of 2019 and I love reading mysteries again!

        Reply
    4. Beth

      March 25, 2020 at 1:01 am

      I think I would really enjoy some of these. Our library is closed, so thanks for letting me know about Libby, Overdrive, and Hoopla!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 25, 2020 at 1:04 am

        I hope you’re able to read them! I love using Libby and Overdrive (my library doesn’t use hoopla so I haven’t used that one, but I know some do!)

        Reply
    5. Becky

      March 25, 2020 at 2:32 am

      I love a good mystery! I’ve had A Study in Charlotte on my TBR for awhile but I may have to bump it up because I could use an engaging mystery and I love Sherlock Holmes!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 26, 2020 at 6:02 pm

        You should bump it up! it’s been a few years since I read it, but I really enjoyed it!

        Reply
    6. Kileen

      March 25, 2020 at 3:37 am

      I bet I would love these! I need to check these out while I’m stuck at home!!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 26, 2020 at 6:03 pm

        They will definitely draw you in!

        Reply
    7. Hina Siddiqui

      March 25, 2020 at 8:14 am

      I totally love this genre. I am going to add a few to my reading list. Thanks.

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 26, 2020 at 6:03 pm

        It’s such a great genre! I hope you enjoy the ones you read 🙂

        Reply
    8. Stephanie

      March 25, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      I just found out that my library is doing curbside pick-up and I’m SO HAPPY. I hadn’t thought to grab any mysteries, but now I’m thinking I should request a few of these. Not my typical genre, but it’s a good a time as any to try out something new, right? Those first few piqued my attention for sure!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        March 26, 2020 at 6:05 pm

        YAY for curbside pick-up!! It hasn’t been my usual genre either because I don’t love spooky/creepy things. But these ones were perfect, just enough of that extra tension as you’re reading, but not enough to freak me out! I hope you enjoy them 🙂

        Reply
    9. Taylor

      April 17, 2020 at 12:39 am

      I am downloading ebooks of ALL of these books as we speak!! I love mysteries and these all sound amazing!!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        April 17, 2020 at 3:49 pm

        YAY!!! I hope you love them! I only really started reading mysteries last year and I have no idea why I waited so long!

        Reply
    10. Jennifer Prince

      April 17, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Ooh! Now is the time to grab a book. And I love mysteries. Thanks for the list!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        April 17, 2020 at 3:50 pm

        Yes! Now is the time to grab a new book! I hope you enjoy these!

        Reply
    11. Jordyn

      April 17, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      I’ve heard really good things about "You are Not Alone" and "Verity" but, as pathetic as this sounds, I’m a little worried I’ll get too scared ? I have never heard of the Libro.fm app but I LOVE that it supports independent bookstores, now I have to try it out!!!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        April 17, 2020 at 10:21 pm

        I totally get that! You Are Not Alone was actually not as scary or suspenseful as I thought it was going to be. I scare easily, and that one never had me on edge, so it’s worth picking up! And Verity was more on the disturbing side, but there were moments that I was a little on edge.

        Reply
    12. Nicole Flint

      April 20, 2020 at 3:51 pm

      I just downloaded audible so i’m going to see if some of these are available! My lovely wife is going to be the first one i’ll check out!! Reminds me of snapped on oxygen!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        April 21, 2020 at 12:50 am

        YAY! Audible is a great service to use! I hope you enjoy the audio version of My Lovely Wife!

        Reply
    13. Megan Elliott

      April 22, 2020 at 4:34 pm

      Ohhh thank you so much for this list!! Mysteries are by far my favorite. Definitely checking these out!

      Reply
      • Taylor Epperson

        April 23, 2020 at 1:17 pm

        You’re welcome!! Mysteries are so so great! I hope you enjoy these!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Photo of person (me) with one hand on my chin, my elbow on books

    Hi there! I'm Taylor! I'm an aspiring author and book lover. On my blog, you'll find great book recommendations and tips for following your dreams! I'm so glad you're here!

    About me

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    Follow

    Popular Posts

    13 Books to Read if You Enjoyed To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

    Contemporary books lying on a wooden table

    11 Contemporary Books to Read When You Need a Distraction

    Follow @tayloreppersonwrites

    Have you ever met a bookstagram friend in real lif Have you ever met a bookstagram friend in real life?!  Tonight, me and my sis met up with Ashley (some of you knew her from her old account Ashley the reader) we’ve met up before, but this time we remembered to take a picture!  It can be so easy to get caught up in the numbers here on intstagram. To forget why you started. I joined bookstagram because I wanted to talk about books with people who also liked books. But the relationships I’ve made have been so special and life changing!  I’m grateful for each friend I’ve met here. If we talk often in DMs, know that if I ever talk to my husband about you I say “oh my friend _____ said this today” y’all are the real deal and so many of you have been my lifeline to adult connection as I became a mom and again as we have been living through the pandemic!  All this to say, send that DM to someone. Start the conversation. You never know if you’ve just met a new, life long friend! 💕
    “He is risen! He is risen! Tell it out with joyf “He is risen! He is risen!
Tell it out with joyful voice.
He has burst his three days’ prison;
Let the whole wide earth rejoice.
Death is conquered; man is free.
Christ has won the victory.  He is risen! He is risen!
He hath opened heaven’s gate.
We are free from sin’s dark prison,
Risen to a holier state.
And a brighter Easter beam
On our longing eyes shall stream.”
- He Is Risen hymn  Happy Easter friends 💕
    There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes re There’s been a lot going on behind the scenes recently 💕  More details about the next big thing happening with my writing on my blog.  Link in bio 🥰 @tayloreppersonwrites
    Another sweet romcom that just made me feel like t Another sweet romcom that just made me feel like this 🥰🥰🥰🥰  I read 5 books in March and 3 of them were by @authorsarahadams and I’m not even mad about that! If you want books that will make you smile, have sweet romances and swoon worthy men, you should pick up her books. And if you don’t do it now, don’t worry, because I’ll probably talk about her books till the end of time! (PS you can read them for free on Kindle Unlimited!)  What was your favorite read in March?
    What are the books that you always recommend? The What are the books that you always recommend? The ones that people on booksta often associate with you?  I love recommending books (who knew 😉) but there are a few that I’ll always recommend!  ✨ The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
🎸 The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner
🧑‍🚀 The Gravity of Us by Phil Stamper
🏔 Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center
🎭 Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham
🥁 Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid  These are just 6 from my list 😂 I have so many books that I love and just want to shout about. What book do you love to shout about and wish that more people read?? Let me know in the comments!
    Who’s a new to you author that you discovered an Who’s a new to you author that you discovered and now want to read all of their books??  For me it’s @authorsarahadams 😍😍 I finished The Off Limits Rule earlier this week. This book had me laughing out loud and I honestly loved every second!  If you’re looking for something fun, quick, and light hearted, then this book is for you! It’s a closed door romance, so most of the steam happens off the page, which I didn’t mind.  This book made me super happy and the second book in this series comes out next week and I can’t wait to read it (and everything else Sarah’s written)  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - it was exactly what I needed right now and I’m so glad I picked it up! Have you read this one?  #tayeppreads

    Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions

    Copyright © 2021 · Taylor Epperson | Theme by Blog Pixie