If you're eager to grab your magnifying glass and play the role of a detective without diving into gruesome horror tales, opt for a humorous mystery novel instead. These stories typically follow characters who unravel crimes, all while incorporating lots of comedy and light-hearted scenes throughout the narrative.
Woman's World Editors and avid readers have put together a collection of their most beloved whodunits filled with laughter. What’s even better? A good number of them belong to series, allowing you to continue enjoying your favorite characters once you’re hooked...and chuckling along! With absurd situations and comical scenes, these books promise plenty of laughs. Eager to crack a case? Scroll down for the complete lineup of suggestions. Happy reading!
‘ Finlay Donovan Is Acing It ' by Elle Cosimano
Finlay Donovan seems to be thriving... yet she truly isn’t. As a single mother juggling two kids, she’s finding it tough to complete her upcoming book. Adding insult to injury, her ex-husband dismissed their babysitter without so much as a heads up. However, things take a bizarre turn when someone eavesdrops on Finlay talking about the storyline of her future thriller with her literary agent and mistakes her for an actual hitwoman. Soon enough, driven by financial desperation, Finlay agrees to eliminate a 'nuisance spouse', only to realize later that real criminal activities aren’t something to laugh at—especially since this lands her smack dab in the midst of a homicide probe.
What readers are saying: " Although certain aspects of the mystery may seem somewhat evident or foreseeable, much of the narrative provides invigorating and grimly enjoyable deviations from common conventions. The fact that the leading lady is an experienced woman grappling with everyday issues, yet ventures into a realm of intense criminal endeavors solely to ensure her role as a devoted parent, resonates deeply with me. Some outrageously macabre scenarios had me chuckling aloud, while the conclusion introduces several unexpected turns that maintain suspense until the very end regarding the resolution of all plot elements.
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10 Absolutely Charming Cozy Mystery Novels to Get Cosied Up With!
The books editor at Woman's World (and an avid reader herself) recommends 10 essential cozy mysteries you won’t want to miss – can you crack their puzzles?'Four Aunts and a Wedding' by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Love, laughter, and the mob—this tale has everything! On the day Meddy Chan is set to wed her university love, Nathan, she gets an alarming shock hearing her wedding photographer, Stephanie, mention "eliminating a target." It dawns on Meddy that her service providers might be part of the mafia using her special day as cover for their operations. Her aunts are now dead-set against letting this matrimonial event turn into a criminal hotspot. What readers are saying: " Four Aunties and a Wedding" lived up to all my expectations! It had me laughing out loud with its delightful humor, charming characters, and constant heartwarming moments. This series ranks among my absolute favorites globally, and I sincerely hope the author pens additional stories as I am completely hooked. Should you require an uplifting read, this series will undoubtedly lift your spirits!
‘ The Deceased Person Living Beside Me ' by Lucy Score
Following her divorce and being let go from her job, Riley Thorn resides in a grand house filled with a group of senior citizens, leading quite a mundane existence—until one day, a charming private detective named Nick Santiago arrives at her doorstep with inquiries. This leads to Riley having a prophetic premonition regarding the death of her next-door neighbor. After this grim prediction becomes reality, Riley eagerly seizes the opportunity to assist in uncovering the killer’s identity. As they collaborate closely, their initial hesitations towards romance gradually transform into undeniable chemistry, making them an invincible team. The story unfolds as a humorous yet heartfelt whodunit packed with suspense and endearing personalities.
What readers are saying: " I burst out laughing numerous times while reading this novel. The characters were so enjoyable and the scenarios utterly absurd! I genuinely wish this book gets adapted for the big screen; I’d definitely watch it several times. Its style reminds me of the initial adventures of Stephanie Plum.
‘ One for the Money ' by Janet Evanovich
Stephanie Plum recently found herself unemployed and went through a contentious divorce. Running low on funds, she decides to take up employment with her cousin’s bail bonds business as a bounty hunter despite having zero experience. Confidently believing she’ll manage under the guidance of the skilled and charming Ranger—a top-notch bounty hunter—she jumps into this world headfirst. Together they embark on outrageous escapades filled with excitement that promise plenty of laughs along the way.
What readers are saying: " This was an extremely enjoyable and humorous book. Janet Evanovich possesses a splendidly witty writing style that lends Stephanie Plum a feisty yet genuine narrative voice.
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Bestselling mystery authors like Stephen King, Lisa Jewell, Ruth Ware, and more share the tales they can't get enough of.
Detectives, peril, criminal activity, and mayhem – we invited our top writers to unveil their cherished mystery books!‘ Each time I go on vacation, someone passes away. ' by Catherine Mack
The initial book in the Vacation Mysteries collection, Each time I go on vacation, someone passes away. Follows the imaginary novelist Eleanor Dash as she embarks on a book tour in Italy. All she desires is to survive the tour and then eliminate her primary character, Connor Smith, in her upcoming novel—can’t one wish for such simplicity? Clearly, this seems impossible due to various complications. When someone tries to harm the real Connor—the attractive yet annoying confidence artist she became entangled with a decade ago and who continues to be inseparable from her life—Eleanor gets drawn into solving the mystery.
What readers are saying: " Reading this was incredibly enjoyable! The author excels at sowing doubt about various characters as potential suspects in the crime. I adored the backdrop of Italian tourism and how the interactions between the characters—ranging from renowned writers to jealous siblings to devoted book club members—are portrayed. You have the option to overlook the footnotes if desired; however, they contain a wealth of humor and hints, making their inclusion highly worthwhile.
‘ The Newcomer ' by Mary Kay Andrews
An exhilarating adventure starts as Letty Carnahan discovers her sister, Tanya, lifeless on the ground inside their New York city home. Convinced that Tanya’s unscrupulous former partner, Evan, is responsible for this tragedy, Letty decides to protect her 4-year-old niece, Maya, from further harm. She hastily moves them both to a quiet inn located near a tranquil Florida seaside community. With an urgent desire to escape Evan and support young Maya through her emotional turmoil, Letty faces new challenges. Her path crosses with attractive Detective Joe, whose assistance could prove invaluable not only professionally but personally too.
What readers are saying: " I remained wide-awake throughout the night just to keep reading this tale! It was impossible for me to doze off before uncovering its conclusion. This book ranks among the top reads I have enjoyed in ages! I wholeheartedly suggest giving it a go. Trust me; you'll find no reason to regret it."
'In My Family, Everyone Has Committed Murder' ‘ by Benjamin Stevenson
This variation of a traditional mystery shouldn’t be overlooked. Every member of Ernest 'Ernie' Cunningham’s family has committed murder at some point. Several members have gone so far as to kill multiple times. However, Ernie speaks with absolute honesty rather than exaggeration. Here’s the catch: Ernie himself admits to having taken a life too—so whose was it?
What readers are saying: " In Every Family of Mine, There’s Been A Killer Benjamin Stevenson’s work is truly a treasure that held my attention throughout. This mystery book masterfully blends wit, cleverness, subtle nuances, and surprising turns, resulting in an exceptional literary journey.
‘ Mother-Daughter Murder Night ' by Nina Simon
Gilmore Girls In this humorous tale from bestselling author Nina Simon, murder mystery intertwines with comedy as we follow three women living in a quaint seaside community. A highly successful businesswoman and grandmother named Lana Rubicon, along with her adult daughter Beth and her teenage granddaughter Jack, face unexpected turmoil when Jack discovers a corpse during a kayaking trip. This discovery makes Jack an unforeseen suspect in a murder case. Consequently, the Rubicon family gets entangled in a web of hidden truths, deceptions, and longstanding feuds within their community that were never meant to be uncovered.
What readers are saying: " The relationships within a family come into focus among a mother, daughter, and granddaughter. Through their collaboration, love and forgiveness triumph over bitterness as they jointly unravel a community mystery. It’s an engaging tale that maintains suspense right up to the conclusion.
‘Arsenic and Adobo' by Mia P. Manansala
A wonderfully indulgent mystery unfolds as Lila Macapagal returns to her hometown following a painful split-up. Her new mission: rescue Auntie Rosie’s struggling eatery. However, things take a dark turn when the visiting food critic — none other than Lila’s ex-partner — collapses and dies post an argument with her. Now labeled the prime suspect, Lila enlists her favorite aunt, trusted friend and loyal dachshund named Longanisa to uncover the true killer. fast.
What readers are saying: " I enjoyed this novel during our book club meeting and absolutely adored it! The plot had me intrigued throughout. I particularly appreciated the numerous culinary references. Set against the backdrop of Filipino traditions, the narrative depicted a family that would go to great lengths for one another, illustrating an unwavering familial bond and deep affection.
‘ Caramel Pecan Roll Murder ' by Joanne Fluke
This delightful whodunit, brimming with delectable recipes, sees Hannah stepping away from her job at The Cookie Jar. Instead, she’s tasked with preparing pastries at the nearby inn during a fishing contest. However, things take a grim turn when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of Sonny Bowman, who happens to be the event’s famous spokesman. With assistance from her sister, Andrea, Hannah sets out to create all the baked treats required while unraveling the mystery. and apprehend the wrongdoer before it's over time!
What readers are saying: " I'm a big fan of Joanne Fluke's novels and recipes, and this particular book was just as delightful. Hannah truly shines as she simultaneously navigates baking for the participants of a fishing competition and unravels a murder mystery! The author also leaves us with an intriguing teaser for what’s to come in the subsequent installment."
To add more books to your TBR list
11 Historic Mysteries That Will Take You Back to an Era Filled with intrigue and suspense!
Top 10 Book Plot Twists: These Exciting Reads Are Guaranteed to Leave You Gripped Until the End
10 College-Set Books That'll Take You Back to Your Academic Years: 'Ninth Planet' and Others
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