Be aware that Amazon links on this page are affiliate links. As part of the Amazon Associate program, qualifying purchases made through these links may result in us earning a commission.
If there is one thing we like here at Lowell’s First Look, it’s a good mystery. Books that include a puzzle, crime or conundrum keep us turning the pages, and if there’s a twist at the end, well, that’s even better. Here’s a look at some recent mystery books we loved, and we’d love to hear your favorite titles or authors in this genre as well!
Amanda’s Mystery Suggestions
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
4 out of 5
I was surprised to like this book as much as I did. I’d say it’s a ghost/paranormal with a touch of horror plot. The story unfolds as the points of view and timeline change throughout the book. You know eventually the different stories will come together and make sense but you don’t know how.
Sara is found dead in 1908 in a field on the property where her house sits. She left behind a diary that told of her life, including some secrets. In present day Ruthie and her sister look for their mother who has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared. In trying to find clues to where their mother has gone the girls discover Sara’s diary hidden beneath some floorboards.
It’s hard to write much more about the plot or characters without spoiling anything. As with any story where the timeline switches the reader is often more drawn to one or the other. I felt more interested in learning more about Sara and her part in the plot than I did in what was going on in present day.
For me, The Winter People was a quick read as I wanted to know what happened to the characters and how their stories came together. I thought that the pacing and even switch between people and timelines was good. Although I didn’t feel like I really loved any of the characters. The end fell a bit flat for me which is why I didn’t rate this 4.5 or 5 stars.
The Invited by Jennifer McMahon
3.5 out of 5
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. I read both this year! Similar to The Winter People I didn’t feel drawn in by the characters. But the plot kept me going. I wanted to know more about the ghosts appearing to Helen. I wanted to know if what happened to Olive’s mom would be revealed.
Helen and her husband start to build a house on land where Hattie died many years ago. Some say that the land is haunted by Hattie’s ghost. Olive, a neighbor, has some mystery to herself. She’s somewhat withdrawn and keeps wondering why her mom suddenly disappeared and hasn’t returned.
The twists at the end of The Invited weren’t surprising to me but I didn’t necessarily figure them out in detail on my own. Overall, I felt invested in what was going on with the story and the characters. I’ll continue to pick up other books by this author.
Maryalene’s Mystery Suggestions
Greenglass House by Kate Milford
4 out of 5 stars
This book has such a timeless feel that I was surprised to see it was published in 2014. There are no TVs, computers or cell phones in Greenglass House, and in this book written for middle grades, you won’t find any swearing or bratty behavior either. I know gritty realism is all the rage nowadays, but sometimes it’s refreshing to read a book where the child is kind and respectful and the parents are loving and supportive.
Milo lives with his adoptive parents, Mr. and Mrs. Pine, in Greenglass House. It’s a rambling old inn that is a frequent stop for smugglers in the fictional town of Nagaspeake. At the start of the book, Milo is getting ready for his Christmas vacation, a time he treasures because the inn never has guests over Christmas break.
Except, a guest does show up….and then another…and another…until the inn is practically crawling with guests. Everyone is acting mildly suspicious, and Milo spends the novel trying to sort out the mystery behind what has brought everyone to Greenglass House.
There were a few things I didn’t love about Greenglass House, including the ending which I thought took a somewhat sinister turn compared to the tone of the rest of the book. Still, I found this to be an overall engaging mystery that would be suitable for readers young and old. The only downside to recommending it in March is that I think it may be best enjoyed in the winter when you can really appreciate the descriptions of snow, ice and endless mugs of steaming hot chocolate.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
5 out of 5 stars
Has everyone already read Gone Girl?
I was a little late to the party myself. This mega-hit was first published in 2012 and was adapted into a movie two years later. I watched the movie when it came out but didn’t get around to the book until last year. I was worried the book wouldn’t be enjoyable because I already knew the plot, but I was wrong. This turned out to be a page-turner from start to finish.
Amy Dunne is just short of perfect. She is self-sacrificing, kind and beautiful…too bad her husband Nick doesn’t seem to like her very much. Then she goes missing on the couple’s fifth wedding anniversary. There is a trail of clues left in the wake of her disappearance, but even if you’re good at piecing them together, you might be surprised at the ending.
Warning! This is not a “body in the library whodunit” type of book with a bloodless crime. Gone Girl has explicit language and content throughout. If you’re looking for a book with uplifting characters and a plot you feel good about at the end, this ain’t it. However, if you love intense psychological thrillers, this book might be right up your alley.
We are always looking for new books to add to our reading list! Share your favorite mystery in the comments below or on our Facebook page.
Leave a Reply