Even with all the craft shows and crazy holiday schedules, I've managed to read (well as you all know, listen) quite a few books. This month's collection of murder mysteries strays a bit more into cozy murders than I usually do, however, they're not so cozy you'll feel like you're wrapped in cotton wool and everything has a happy ending.
I hope you enjoy the murder mystery audiobooks I've reviewed and it helps you find new reads for the month and into the new year!
7 Murder Mystery Audiobooks You'll Want To Read
A Cast of Falcons by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
This is the second book in the Nell Ward Mystery series. I enjoyed the first one so much, I immediately downloaded the next few in the series. (Sorry not sorry!) As I mentioned in last month's book blog, this is a cozy murder mystery series, that's not too cozy. In fact, A Cast of Falcons is a little more red wedding meets Miss Marple. Think a wedding with families at odds, multiple deaths, and secrets galore! Find this book on Amazon.
A Mischief of Rats by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
The murders and mystery continues in the Nell Ward mystery series. The third book in the series takes place just a few months after the second book concludes. I find it very entertaining that the detective James mentions that Nell is basically Miss Marple and finds it very suspicious that Miss Marple is always on the scene of a murder to find the culprit. The third installment in this series is filled with classic car racing, murder (obviously), family drama, and even counterfeiting. It's an entertaining read from start to finish. Find this book on Amazon.
The Bingo Hall Detectives by Jonathan Whitelaw
This is another cozy murder mystery that takes places in a small British village. I though this book was going to be more Thursday Murder Club, but instead it was full of gossipy older townsfolk and tense family dynamics. As someone who doesn't enjoy this kind of tension between people, I really struggled to work my way through this mystery. If you love those comedic murder mysteries on Netflix, then this might be your thing. I just couldn't do it. Normally the drive to figure out the killer will help me finish a book, even if I'm not loving it. The character dynamics were too much for me to want to finish this one. Find this book on Amazon.
A Generation of Vipers by Sarah Yarwood-Lovett
This is probably my favorite book in the Nell Ward series so far. This case involves a serial killer, an abundance of suspects, red herrings galore, and somewhat of a twist. While I had strong suspicions of who the killer was, it wasn't until it was revealed that I knew I was right. This book will keep you guessing and on your toes the entire time. Find this book on Amazon.
Crime on the Fens by Joy Ellis
Stepping away from the cozy murder mysteries I was reading earlier this month, Crime on the Fens is much grittier and intense. If you like Irish murder mysteries that are broody and deep, then this one is a good read. While it covers some darker topics, I was glad Ellis didn't go into graphic detail. I'm looking forward to continuing this series! The characters really grew on me. Find this book on Amazon.
Death Comes to Marlow by Robert Thorogood
If you love a cozy locked room murder mystery then you'll enjoy this book. I was hoping this book would also be somewhat similar to the Thursday Murdery Club series, and in some ways it it, I also found the main characters to be a bit too chaotic for my liking. This is the second book in this series and while I enjoyed it, I don't think I'll continue the series. Find this book on Amazon.
The Stranger Diaries by Elly Griffiths
This is one of those books that I was hooked from the onset and wanted to continue reading until I was done. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to binge read all night and day. But the wait was worth it. This murder mystery has a bit of gothis horror thriller in it that was an interesting thread throughout the book. And I say this as someone who doesn't do horror or scary- it's worth it! I enjoyed the different perspectives of the murder and was definitely kept guessing the entire book. Find this book on Amazon.
The Embroidery Side of Things:
As you probably guessed from the introduction to this post, most of my time listening to murder mystery books this month was spent, prepping kits, prepping for craft fairs, or driving to and from craft fairs. This month has been busy!
So much so that I've put my shoe book work on pause so that I can focus on the holiday season. I have managed to fit in a few projects while at these winter markets and as down time for myself at the end of the day.
I played around with more stumpwork while getting snuggles from Henley. She's not a big snuggler, so I soaked up every minute of this that I could! For this 3D embroidery project, I tried a new wire slip (the 3D flower petals) technique. I'm still on the fence out it, but am very happy with how the find design turned out. I'm thinking this will be a new kit in 2024.
Additionally, I somehow found time for a non-embroidery related project. After surfing Pinterest, I had a dream about a quilted sweatshirt pocket. And since I had a plain sweatshirt that I rarely wear, I figured I'd give it a try. And it worked out! I'm beyond chuffed this idea came together so well and so quickly.
So that's it for this month. Thanks for tuning in to see what murder mysteries I've been reading and what I've been stitching behind the scenes. I hope you find a book that excites you.
***Thanks for reviewing my recommendations. This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase an item listed, I may receive a small portion of the sale. Thanks!***