Mystery
August 2025

Recent Releases
Death at the White Hart
by Chris Chibnall

Leaving Liverpool for her sleepy coastal hometown, DS Nicola Bridge plans to work less and save her marriage. But when the local pub owner is tied to a chair, killed, and left in the road, Nicola puts in long hours with her new team to solve the case. This "spectacular" (Library Journal) debut by the creator of TV's Broadchurch features well-drawn characters and will please fans of Ann Cleeves. 

*Also available digitally.
Welcome to Murder Week
by Karen Dukess

After her estranged mother's sudden death, Cath Little is surprised to find pre-paid tickets to an English village murder mystery week meant for the two of them. Curious, Cath flies over alone, where she teams up with two other Americans to solve the fake killing, meets a handsome local, and tries to figure out what her mysterious mom was up to. For fans of: romantic mystery novels; murder-less mysteries.

*Digital edition.
Writers and Liars
by Carol Goodman

In the latest thrilling suspense novel from Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author Carol Goodman, a group of mystery authors gathers on a secluded Greek island for a writers retreat, only to discover that their enigmatic host has been murdered and everyone present is a suspect.
The Rushworth Family Plot
by Claudia Gray

While navigating a London social season complicated by family disapproval, Jonathan Darcy and Juliet Tilney become entangled in another murder investigation, one that is complicated by a contested inheritance and threats to loved ones' reputations. Don't miss this 4th Mr. Darcy & Miss Tilney novel if you want to see the young couple's relationship progress. Read-alikes: Stephanie Barron's Jane Austen Mysteries; Sally Smith's A Case of Mice and Murder.

*Also available digitally.
A Botanist's Guide to Rituals and Revenge
by Kate Khavari

After her grandfather's heart attack, botanist Saffron Everleigh returns to the family estate with her new beau and her long-time best friend, Elizabeth. In addition to family tensions, they find a dangerous man pretending to be a cardiologist and a medium preying upon Elizabeth's family, who lost a son in the war. Set in the 1920s, this 4th Saffron Everleigh mystery works for newcomers. Read-alike: Jess Armstrong's The Curse of Penryth Hall.
A Murder for Miss Hortense
by Mel Pennant

In the suburbs of 1960s Birmingham, England, Jamaican immigrant Miss Hortense co-founded a cooperative group to lend money and solve crimes for people who were ignored by officials. Pushed out of the group in the 1970s, she's roped back in as a new millennium dawns and an old member is murdered. This debut novel from a British playwright introduces an appealing older sleuth and includes recipes. For fans of: Uzma Jalaluddin's Detective Aunty.

*Digital edition.
The Busybody Book Club
by Freya Sampson

In a Cornish village, newcomer Nova Davies starts a small book club, which isn't much of a success. But after a theft threatens the future of the community center where the group meets, the club members, who vary widely in age and reading tastes, come together to play sleuth...and then a murder occurs. For fans of: Richard Osman; Robert Thorogood.

*Digital edition.
A Terribly Nasty Business
by Julia Seales

Newly arrived in Regency London, ostensibly to enjoy society with her chaperone, Beatrice Steele pursues private detective work alongside her friend Inspector Drake. She quickly adapts to life outside her small village, and when an actor is accused of a gentleman's murder, Beatrice and Drake take the case. This fun cozy is the 2nd in the Beatrice Steele mysteries. Try this next: Alison Goodman's Ill-Mannered Ladies series. 
A Case of Mice and Murder
by Sally Smith

In 1901, in London's Inner Temple, where lawyers live, learn, and work, Sir Gabriel Ward KC follows a strict daily routine. But after stumbling over the fatally stabbed body of the Lord Chief Justice, he's ordered by his superior to investigate the murder with the help of an eager young constable. Fans of Jess Kidd's Murder at Gulls Nest or Janice Hallett's The Appeal should try this charming series starter.
Mystery Book Discussion Group!
Did you know Portsmouth Public Library has several book clubs, including one devoted just to mystery novels? The library's Mystery Book Club meets at 1 PM on the first Tuesday of each month and is led by our staff members Jen and Christine. All are welcome. Attend in person or online.
 
Click here for more info!
 
The Poacher's Son
by Paul Doiron

Will be discussed at PPL on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

After his hard-drinking poacher father becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a beloved local cop, Mike Bowditch is one of the few who believes the violent womanizer didn't do it and, with the help of a retired pilot, journeys deep into the Maine wilderness to find his fugitive kin--and the real killer.
The Widows of Malabar Hill
by Sujata Massey

Will be discussed at PPL on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

A debut entry in a series by the Agatha Award-winning author of The Sleeping Dictionary introduces Bombay's first female lawyer, Oxford graduate Perveen Mistry, as she investigates a suspicious will on behalf of three Muslim widows living in strict purdah seclusion who become subject to a murderous guardian's schemes for their inheritances.
Contact your librarian for more great books!