Best Christmas Mysteries & Thrillers

‘Tis the season for cozying up by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa, but why not add a touch of suspense and intrigue to your holiday traditions? In our quest to make your Christmas season a little more thrilling, we’ve curated a list of the “Best Christmas Mysteries & Thrillers” that will keep you on the edge of your seat, even amidst the festive decorations and twinkling lights. From chilling whodunits to heart-pounding suspense, these books offer a unique twist on the traditional holiday cheer. So grab a blanket, turn down the lights, and get ready to embark on a festive journey filled with enigmatic puzzles, sinister plots, and seasonal secrets as we explore the most captivating Christmas mysteries and thrillers.

Twice on Christmas by McGarvey Black

Twice on Christmas by McGarvey Black tells the harrowing story of college sophomore Rose Grandon. After a late-night choir practice for midnight mass, Rose takes a fateful shortcut through Harbor Park, where she becomes the victim of a brutal assault that leaves her for dead. In the wake of this traumatic event, Rose discovers that she is pregnant and makes the brave decision to keep her unborn child. However, the shadow of her attacker looms large, as he continues to strike twice a year, specifically on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The narrative takes an even more chilling turn when the assailant learns about the existence of his daughter, introducing a complex and deeply unsettling dynamic to the story. Twice on Christmas is a suspenseful and emotionally charged tale of resilience and the enduring impact of a single night’s events, with the specter of the assailant casting a long and terrifying shadow over the lives of Rose and her daughter.

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Message in the Snow by Dawn Merriman

Message in the Snow by Dawn Merriman unfolds on Christmas Eve, following Gabby and Lucas on their way home from a festive dinner. During their journey, they become increasingly aware that something is amiss, leading them to a scene of a car wreck and two missing children. What started as a quiet and peaceful Christmas Eve quickly transforms into a heart-pounding chase to rescue the abducted kids.

As Gabby’s psychic abilities come into play, the story delves into intriguing mysteries and secrets, enveloping the reader in an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The tale becomes a thrilling and captivating adventure as Gabby strives to uncover the truth behind the children’s disappearance, making Message in the Snow a riveting and unforgettable Christmas mystery.

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Christmas and Other Horrors: An Anthology of Solstice Horror edited by Ellen Datlow

Christmas and Other Horrors: An Anthology of Solstice Horror, edited by Ellen Datlow, takes readers on a chilling journey through an array of original short stories that explore the dark and horrifying facets of winter solstice traditions from around the world. From the eerie Austrian Schnabelperchten to the skeletal Welsh Mari Lwyd, these tales shine a spotlight on the eerie and dangerous traditions intertwined with the festive season.

This anthology offers a diverse range of tales that skillfully blend the mystique of cultural rituals with spine-tingling horror elements, immersing readers in an unsettling world where the line between celebration and fear is razor-thin. Christmas and Other Horrors presents a captivating exploration of the darker side of holiday traditions, making it an ideal choice for those who seek to add a touch of macabre to their seasonal reading.

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Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger introduces readers to Madeline Martin, the resilient owner of a bookshop who also happens to be the sole surviving victim of a convicted murderer. When a true crime podcaster arrives in town with the intent of reopening the cold case, Madeline is thrust into a bone-chilling investigation that revolves around the disappearances of multiple women.

As the truth begins to unravel, it becomes evident that the terror Madeline thought she left behind is much closer to home than she ever imagined. Christmas Presents is a suspenseful and thought-provoking story that combines the elements of true crime, psychological suspense, and the holiday season, making it a riveting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Dashing Through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

Dashing Through the Snow by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark transports readers to the picturesque village of Branscombe, New Hampshire, where a massive lottery win should be the talk of the town, but it is overshadowed by a mysterious disappearance. Enter Alvirah Meehan and Regan Reilly, amateur sleuths with a knack for unraveling mysteries.

Their arrival in town for a festive holiday festival entangles them in a web of secrets, leading to a fast-paced holiday mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. The holiday season takes on a suspenseful and enigmatic twist in Dashing Through the Snow, where charming characters and a compelling plot combine to create a page-turning Christmas mystery that captures the heart and imagination.

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The Twelve Deaths Of Christmas by Marian Babson

The Twelve Deaths Of Christmas by Marian Babson revolves around Maude Daneson’s festive rooming house in London. However, the festive atmosphere is marred by a series of brutal and seemingly senseless killings that send shockwaves through the community. As the suspense and fear build, it becomes increasingly evident that the killer is closer to everyone than anyone realizes.

This novel immerses readers in an atmospheric and bone-chilling narrative where a cozy Christmas setting becomes the backdrop for a series of sinister events. The Twelve Deaths Of Christmas is a tale that masterfully blends holiday traditions with suspenseful storytelling, creating an unforgettable and gripping experience for fans of thrilling mysteries.

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NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

In NOS4A2 by Joe Hill, readers are introduced to Victoria McQueen, a young woman who possesses a secret and unique gift for finding lost things. Using her extraordinary abilities, she embarks on a dark and supernatural journey that takes her to eerie and otherworldly places, setting the stage for a spine-tingling narrative filled with suspense, horror, and a relentless pursuit.

As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a chilling and gripping world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, leaving them on the edge of their seats. NOS4A2 is a dark and atmospheric tale that showcases Joe Hill’s talent for crafting intricate and captivating narratives in the horror genre, making it a must-read for those who crave suspenseful and supernatural thrills.

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The Christmas Train by David Baldacci

The Christmas Train by David Baldacci is a heartwarming and thrilling Christmas tale that revolves around a journalist’s cross-country journey on a train during the holiday season. Along the way, the journalist encounters a cast of quirky characters, experiences the magic of the holiday spirit, and discovers the true essence of Christmas.

Baldacci’s narrative blends heartwarming moments with suspenseful twists, creating a feel-good story that resonates with the joy and wonder of the season. As the train weaves through the country, readers are treated to a charming and uplifting holiday adventure that reminds us of the power of hope, love, and the unexpected joys that can be found during Christmastime.

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The Snowman by Jo Nesbø

The Snowman by Jo Nesbø is a chilling crime novel featuring the indomitable Detective Harry Hole. In this suspenseful tale, Harry investigates a series of gruesome murders that coincide with the arrival of the first snowfall, setting the stage for an atmosphere of dark and atmospheric suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Nesbø masterfully crafts a narrative filled with intricate plot twists, complex characters, and a relentless sense of foreboding. As the snow falls and the body count rises, readers are taken on a gripping and unrelenting journey through a world of suspense, betrayal, and chilling revelations. The Snowman is a riveting and dark crime novel that is sure to leave readers with a sense of unease and excitement until the very end.

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Related: A Bundle of Hot Christmas Romance Novels

Hercule Poirot’s Christmas by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie invites readers to join the legendary detective Hercule Poirot in Hercule Poirot’s Christmas. As the holiday unfolds, Poirot finds himself embroiled in a complex murder mystery that defies easy solutions. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a traditional Christmas celebration, but soon takes a sinister turn as secrets, motives, and vendettas come to light.

Christie’s mastery of the classic whodunit genre shines through in this suspenseful holiday tale. With a cast of intriguing characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, Hercule Poirot’s Christmas delivers a captivating and engaging story that keeps readers guessing and eager to uncover the truth.

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The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

Set during the Christmas holidays, The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware is a suspenseful thriller that takes place aboard a luxurious cruise ship. When a journalist believes she has witnessed a murder in the cabin next door, she becomes entangled in a web of deception and danger.

As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a gripping and atmospheric narrative where the sea, the ship, and the isolation of the voyage create an intense backdrop for a thrilling mystery. Ware’s skillful storytelling and the relentless tension of the story make The Woman in Cabin 10 an edge-of-your-seat read that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

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The Family Plot by Cherie Priest

The Family Plot by Cherie Priest is a haunted house thriller with a Christmas twist. A salvage crew embarks on the challenging task of dismantling an old Southern mansion, but they soon discover that the house holds dark secrets. As the holiday season approaches, the atmosphere takes a sinister turn, and readers are drawn into a tale of suspense and mystery that blends the allure of a haunted house with the eerie backdrop of Christmas.

The Family Plot presents an intriguing and spine-tingling narrative that explores the boundaries between the natural and supernatural. Cherie Priest skillfully weaves a tale that keeps readers enthralled, with the holiday season serving as a backdrop to a chilling and memorable story.

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The 19th Christmas by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

The 19th Christmas by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is a gripping addition to the Women’s Murder Club series that will keep you on the edge of your seat. In this enthralling thriller, readers are reunited with San Francisco’s beloved detective Lindsay Boxer and her group of close-knit friends. The novel kicks off with a festive holiday atmosphere, but the mood takes a dark turn when a criminal mastermind known as Loman threatens to disrupt Christmas in the city with a series of high-profile heists.

As Lindsay and her friends face the most formidable adversary of their careers, they must join forces to solve the mystery and prevent further chaos. This heart-pounding tale combines the warmth of the holiday season with the suspense of a high-stakes crime investigation, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy crime-solving, camaraderie, and a dash of Christmas spirit.

With James Patterson’s trademark storytelling prowess and Maxine Paetro’s co-authorship, The 19th Christmas delivers a roller-coaster ride of suspense, surprises, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the Women’s Murder Club or a newcomer to the series, this novel is sure to captivate your imagination and keep you guessing until the very end.

Get it now: Amazon

As we reach the conclusion of our journey through the “Best Christmas Mysteries & Thrillers,” we hope you’ve found these reads to be the perfect addition to your holiday reading list. These books provide a delightful contrast to the usual festive cheer, adding a layer of excitement and intrigue that can make your Yuletide season all the more memorable. Whether you’re solving perplexing mysteries with your favorite sleuths or navigating treacherous plots in snowy landscapes, these novels are sure to transport you into the heart of the holiday season with a dash of suspense.

As you immerse yourself in these gripping tales, remember that the magic of Christmas isn’t confined to warm and fuzzy moments; it can also be found in the pages of thrilling stories that captivate our imaginations. So, whether you’re unwrapping gifts, sipping eggnog, or simply seeking a quiet escape from the holiday hustle and bustle, these Christmas mysteries and thrillers offer a unique way to celebrate the season. We wish you a suspenseful and mysterious holiday season and hope these books add an extra layer of excitement to your festivities. Merry reading and a thrilling Christmas to all!