Who says murder mysteries have to be grim? Some of today’s most entertaining mysteries combine clever whodunits with witty dialogue, eccentric characters, unexpected situations—and plenty of humor. These books keep you guessing while also giving you something to laugh about along the way.
If you enjoy a good mystery but prefer your murders with a lighter touch, check out these recently published adult fiction titles available with your Livingston Library card.
From amateur sleuths and unlikely detectives to outrageous suspects and delightfully complicated schemes, these stories prove that solving a murder can be just as much fun as it is suspenseful.
The Alphabet Sleuths by Laura Jensen Walker
Four senior friends become accidental sleuths after one of them kills a man in self-defense—and they decide the best way to avoid trouble is to dispose of the body themselves. When another suspicious death occurs, the women put their combined experience, wit, and friendship to work to uncover the truth. A funny, fast-paced mystery featuring four memorable women “of a certain age.”
Bearer of Bad News : A Novel by Elisabeth Dini
After her fiancé disappears, struggling Las Vegas hairdresser Lucy Rey accepts an unusual job delivering a mysterious message in the Italian Dolomites. Soon she finds herself caught up in stolen jewels, family secrets, and an eighty-year-old World War II mystery. Funny, adventurous, and unexpectedly moving, this debut takes readers on a very entertaining international chase.
Dead Men Don’t Play Fetch by David Rosenfelt
Defense attorney Andy Carpenter would much rather be retired, but a friend’s plea for help pulls him into another murder case. When a homeless veteran is accused of killing a wealthy dog-loving philanthropist, Andy takes the case—and finds himself determined to reunite the accused man with his beloved dog. A twisty mystery with Rosenfelt’s trademark humor and canine charm.
Deadly Does It by Abbi Waxman
When Natasha Mason’s AA sponsor begins receiving threatening messages and a suspicious death occurs, Natasha turns to her unlikely sleuthing partner, Julia Mann. Together, the sarcastic Gen Z adrenaline junkie and the former actress, ex-con, and lawyer investigate a dangerous connection to the sponsor’s past. Witty dialogue, quirky characters, and plenty of twists make this a lively mystery.
Everyone in This Bank Is a Thief by Benjamin Stevenson
Ernest Cunningham is used to solving murders, but a bank robbery is a new challenge—even more so when he and the other hostages discover that nearly everyone in the bank has something to hide. When one of the hostages is murdered, Ernest must untangle a locked-room mystery from a series of competing heists. Clever, twisty, and infused with Stevenson’s trademark dark humor.
Finlay Donovan Crosses the Line by Elle Cosimano
Finlay’s nanny and best friend, Vero, is facing theft charges and wearing an ankle monitor after money disappears from her former sorority. Convinced Vero is innocent, Finlay heads to Maryland to find the real thief—but threatening messages and a mysterious stalker complicate the investigation. Another madcap installment filled with schemes, red herrings, and the outrageous situations Finlay fans love.
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
The Thursday Murder Club is back—and this time, murder interrupts wedding preparations. When Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who needs help and then mysteriously disappears, the four friends find themselves investigating a kidnapping, an elusive code, and a fortune worth killing for. Osman once again combines a clever mystery with warm friendships and plenty of humor.
The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose
Molly Gray, the beloved maid from The Maid, is preparing for her wedding when a priceless artifact is discovered—and promptly disappears. As Molly becomes entangled in the mystery, she must use her unique perspective and keen powers of observation to uncover the truth. A charming and heartwarming whodunit with intrigue, secrets, and an endearing heroine.
No One was Supposed to Die at this Wedding : A Novel by Catherine Mack
Mystery novelist Eleanor Dash should be enjoying her best friend’s wedding on Catalina Island, but murder has a way of following her wherever she goes. When a threatening note warns that someone will die at the wedding, Eleanor puts her fictional sleuthing skills to work in real life. A witty, twist-filled mystery perfect for readers who enjoy humor, romance, and a generous helping of suspects.
Poppy Montgomery Gets Even by Gordon Jack
Eighty-year-old Poppy Montgomery isn’t thrilled about losing her driver’s license, being pushed toward retirement living, or watching her friend get scammed by an online romance con artist. With the help of her grandson, Poppy decides to scam the scammers—but when suspicious deaths occur, her revenge scheme turns into a murder investigation. A charming and funny caper that proves you’re never too old for a little adventure.
Rules for Aging and Larceny by Julia London
Four women in their seventies reunite decades after their younger selves discovered a talent for pulling off heists. Now they’re back together for one last job: taking on a wealthy crypto scammer who has wronged one of their families. A spirited mix of friendship, humor, and crime that feels like Ocean’s Eleven meets The Golden Girls.
Vera Wong’s Guide to Snooping (On a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Vera Wong is back, and her talent for meddling is stronger than ever. When a young woman asks for help finding her missing friend, Vera throws herself into the investigation, relying on her instincts, her persistence, and perhaps a little unsolicited advice. Warm, witty, and delightfully quirky, this is a perfect choice for fans of amateur sleuths and found-family mysteries.
A Zoom with a View : A Mystery by Jess Cannon
A Fourth of July celebration in the small town of Blue Oak takes a deadly turn when a body is discovered. As hometown secrets, social-media influencers, and an over-the-top mother complicate the investigation, a local woman finds herself drawn into the search for the killer. A cozy mystery filled with small-town drama, colorful characters, and romantic possibilities.
—Archana, Adult Services & Acquisitions Librarian