Best Amateur Sleuths Books of 2026

"Small Mercies" by Dennis Lehane is a gripping novel set in the summer of 1974 in Boston's Irish American enclave, Southie. Mary Pat Fennessy's daughter goes missing, and a young Black man is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As Mary Pat searches for her daughter, she uncovers dangerous secrets that threaten the Irish mob's business. Against the backdrop of the city's desegregation of public schools, the novel explores themes of revenge, family love, festering hate, and insidious power. Lehane's writing is superb, with every page holding a line or passage to savor and admire. This is a must-read for fans of literary fiction.

Homecoming: A Novel by Kate Morton is an intricate and spellbinding novel that spans generations. The story begins with a shocking crime that echoes across continents and generations. Jess, a journalist, discovers a true crime book chronicling a long-buried police case, the Turner Family Tragedy of 1959, which has a shocking connection to her own family. The novel explores what we would do for those we love, how we protect the lies we tell, and what it means to come home. Morton's layered writing leaves surprises for even the keenest of detectives. This is storytelling at its finest.

The Thursday Murder Club, a debut novel by Richard Osman, is a witty and entertaining murder mystery that follows four septuagenarian friends who meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes. When a local developer is found dead, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly finds themselves in the middle of their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, our unorthodox but brilliant gang must catch the killer before it's too late. Osman's exceptional debut mixes mirth and murder, delivering a clever and compelling story that is both smart and funny. Mystery fans are going to be enthralled.

The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is the fourth installment in the popular Thursday Murder Club series. The book follows the gang as they investigate a dangerous package that goes missing on Boxing Day, leading to a rising body count and their most deadly opponents yet. The characters are well-formed and the camaraderie among them is admirable. Osman has crafted a satisfyingly complex whodunit full of neat twists and turns. The book is heartwarming, enthralling, and a remarkable achievement. It is an engaging addition to the cozy animal mysteries genre and highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery.

Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a captivating mystery novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties. The story revolves around Vera Wong, a lonely shopkeeper who takes it upon herself to solve a murder in the most peculiar way possible. Despite living alone, Vera is not needy, and she likes nothing more than sipping on a good cup of Wulong and doing some healthy detective work on the Internet. The book is filled with wisdom, heart, intrigue, and humor. Every chapter is bursting with unique characters that will keep you engaged until the very end.

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman is the second installment of the New York Times bestselling Thursday Murder Club series. The story revolves around Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, also known as the Thursday Murder Club, who are trying to solve a murder case while also helping an old friend accused of stealing millions of dollars' worth of diamonds. The book is a delightful mix of humor and mystery, with engaging characters that will keep readers hooked. The Man Who Died Twice is a must-read for fans of amateur sleuth books, and it will not disappoint.

From a Far and Lovely Country: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (24) is the latest installment in Alexander McCall Smith's beloved series. In this book, Mma Ramotswe's expertise is required to resolve a delicate dispute, showcasing her tact, affability, and good sense. This heartwarming story demonstrates that even the most complex problems can be solved with kindness, grace, and logic. McCall Smith's writing is engaging and entertaining, making for an enjoyable read. The book is a great addition to the Women's Domestic Life Fiction Books category, and fans of the series will not be disappointed.

The 6:20 Man: A Thriller by David Baldacci is a gripping novel that delves deep into the world of finance and the corruption that lies within it. Former soldier turned financial analyst, Travis Devine, finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy and a murder investigation after his coworker and ex-girlfriend is found dead. As he navigates through the treacherous halls of power, Devine becomes the target of a killer with their own agenda. Baldacci's masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists keep readers on the edge of their seats. This book is a must-read for fans of thrillers and suspenseful action fiction.

The Golden Spoon is a thrilling locked-room mystery novel that combines the suspense of Only Murders in the Building with the excitement of The Great British Bake Off. The story follows six bakers as they compete on a TV show set in a Vermont estate. However, when a body is discovered, everyone becomes a suspect. The Golden Spoon is an exciting and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The unique blend of mystery and baking competition makes this book a must-read for fans of both genres.