There are a huge number of Christmas murder mystery books out there, from cozy mysteries set against the backdrop of local businesses preparing for the festive season, to older classics that use the country-house mystery to full effect. And it’s not surprising that many murder mysteries are set at Christmastime — wintry weather can be both a useful obstacle that the author can throw in their sleuth’s path, or a medium for clues (footprints in the snow aren’t just the province of true crime). Add to that the tension caused by families coming together, the confusion and stress of holiday travel, and the backdrop of Christmas parties or events, and you have the ideal setting for a cracking murder mystery. Here are some of the best Christmas crime novels and short story collections, with fiendish mysteries for you to solve. If this has whetted your appetite for cozy mysteries set at the end of the year, try our rundown of 5 Winter Mysteries That Are Cozier Than a Cup of Tea. To round out your crime reading, check out our list of 15 of the Best Mystery Books of All Time.
