The holiday season is all about twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and . . . solving a chilling crime or two? For fans of mystery, Christmas provides the perfect backdrop for intrigue, with its contrast of snowy serenity and sinister secrets. Whether you're looking to dive into classic whodunits or contemporary thrillers, Christmas crime novels are the perfect blend of festive cheer and page-turning suspense.
This list of the best Christmas mystery books highlights stories that will keep you guessing long after the ornaments are packed away. From cunning detectives to eerie country estates, these Christmas mystery fiction gems are guaranteed to add some thrilling twists to your holiday reading.
Ready to crack the case? Let’s dive into six of the best Christmas murder mystery books ever written.
1. Hercule Poirot's Christmas
- Author: Agatha Christie
- Publisher: William Morrow
- Pages: 272
Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot's Christmas is a hallmark of the genre. A locked-room mystery set during a dysfunctional family’s Christmas gathering, it’s a tale of greed, betrayal, and a murder that leaves everyone a suspect. When the wealthy patriarch Simeon Lee is found savagely killed, the celebrated detective Hercule Poirot steps in to untangle the web of motives and alibis.
This is quintessential Christie—clever plotting, vibrant characters, and an ending that will leave you gasping. It’s a must-read for anyone exploring Christmas murder mystery books or seeking timeless Christmas crime novels to elevate their holiday reading list.
2. A Mistletoe Murder: A Christmas Mystery Novella
- Author: Necole Ryse
- Publisher: Necole Ryse
- Pages: 58
A Mistletoe Murder is a gripping holiday thriller set aboard a train bound for unexpected danger. Ashton Chambers, reeling from a recent divorce, is reluctantly heading to his brother's house for Christmas when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Mikayla Thompson. Known for her charm and sharp wit, Mikayla finds herself the prime suspect in a chilling murder.
As the two are drawn together on the speeding train, secrets unravel, and their fates hang in the balance. This novella blends holiday ambiance with suspense, making it a captivating addition to the list of Christmas murder mystery books. Fans of Christmas mystery fiction will appreciate the dynamic characters and twists that keep readers guessing until the very end.
3. Baby, It’s Cold Outside
- Author: Abby L. Vandiver
- Publisher: Media Web Publishing, Inc.
- Pages: 101
Brigitt VanBuren is ready to kick off her golden years with a dream venture—an event planning business in her newly renovated home in the festive town of Poinsettia. But her plans take a grim turn when she discovers a dead body floating in her basement. Even worse, the evidence points to her sister, Melanie, as a potential suspect.
Amid holiday cheer, Brigitt must solve this puzzling crime to protect her sister and save her new business. A funny, cozy Christmas-themed mystery that will keep you guessing and entertained!
4. The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories
- Author: P. D. James
- Publisher: Random House
- Pages: 240
The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories is a collection of four captivating tales, each offering a unique twist on the classic whodunit. Two stories feature a young Sgt. Adam Dalgliesh, including one set in a "pure Agatha Christie" case, while others explore secret pasts, literary crimes, and long-hidden truths.
P.D. James's hallmark wit, elegant prose, and deep understanding of human nature shine throughout, making this collection a delightful treat for fans of Christmas mystery fiction and brilliantly crafted crime novels.
5. Christmas Is Murder
- Author: Val McDermid
- Publisher: Sphere
- Pages: 244
Christmas Is Murder by "The Queen of Crime" Val McDermid is a masterfully chilling collection of festive crime tales that showcase the author's unparalleled skill in crafting dark, atmospheric mysteries. The stories range from a baron found dead under a silver birch to a writer haunted by a vengeful collaborator.
Highlights include Tony Hill and Carol Jordan pursuing a killer set to strike on Christmas Day and a rediscovered case for a classic detective duo. Perfect for fans of Christmas crime novels, this book is a thrilling companion to those long winter nights.
6. The Corpse in the Snowman
- Author: Nicholas Blake
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Pages: 176
In Nicholas Blake’s The Corpse in the Snowman, amateur sleuth Nigel Strangeways faces one of his most macabre cases yet. Called to a country manor during the holidays, Strangeways uncovers a chilling crime hidden beneath a seemingly innocent snowman. With sharp twists and an unforgettable climax, this golden-age mystery blends holiday charm with spine-tingling suspense.
Blake’s vivid descriptions and clever storytelling cement this as one of the finest Christmas crime novels of all time. It’s a must-read for fans of classic mysteries and snowy settings filled with foreboding tension.
Experience a Live-Action Murder Mystery in Fort Myers, Florida
If you love a good mystery with your holiday cheer, these six books are bound to keep you entertained. But why limit yourself to the pages of a book? Step aboard the Murder Mystery Dinner Train this holiday season and solve a live holiday-themed mystery while enjoying a gourmet five-course meal!
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the yuletide season with friends, family, or fellow mystery lovers. Tickets are selling fast, so book now and make this Christmas truly unforgettable!
Want More Holiday Recommendations?
Check out these other themed guides: