Favorite Reads: Travel-Themed Mysteries
I love a cozy romance, but sometimes I’m in the mood for a cozy murder. (This is exactly why I love Only Murders in the Building on Hulu. It has You’ve Got Mail Upper West Side/autumn in New York vibes, but with murder.)
When it comes to traveling, there’s nothing better than getting lost in a good mystery. There’s something about the twists, turns, and suspense of a mystery novel that feels perfect when you’re on the move. Maybe it’s the way the stories unfold bit by bit, much like a journey itself, or how they keep your mind engaged through all the waiting that comes with travel.
For me, a great mystery is like the perfect travel companion—thrilling enough to make the time fly, but engrossing enough that I don’t even notice the hustle and bustle around me.
In this post, I’m sharing some of my favorite mystery reads that have accompanied me on various trips. These books have kept me guessing, entertained, and, best of all, distracted from any travel mishaps along the way.
Whether you’re into classic whodunits, psychological thrillers, or atmospheric crime novels, there’s a little something here for every mystery lover on the go.
So, if you’re packing your bags and looking for the perfect book to bring along, consider one of these gripping mysteries. Trust me, they’ll make your next adventure even more exciting.
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A Dangerous Crossing by Rachel Rhys
Set on a glamorous ocean liner in 1939, this atmospheric mystery follows a young woman on a voyage from England to Australia. The slow-building tension and historical backdrop make for a gripping read.
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson
This gripping Cold War-era thriller takes you on a global journey through the eyes of an FBI agent turned CIA spy. Set against the backdrop of 1980s international politics, the novel weaves together espionage, race, and family, delivering both action and depth. It’s a smart, thought-provoking thriller that’s just as much about identity as it is about intrigue. Perfect for those who love their spy novels with a little extra substance.
An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena
When a group of strangers is trapped in a snowstorm at a remote inn, someone starts killing them off one by one. It’s an old-school locked-room mystery that will keep you glued to the pages.
Before the Fall by Noah Hawley
A private jet crashes into the sea, leaving only two survivors. As the investigation unfolds, so do the secrets of the passengers, blending a gripping mystery with a crash-course in survival.
Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
Classic Agatha Christie strikes again with Death in the Clouds, where Hercule Poirot solves a murder that occurs in mid-air from Paris to London. (Or does it?) It’s peak Christie: witty, sharp, and with enough twists to keep you guessing until the very last page. If you’ve got a long flight ahead, this is the perfect book to make it fly by (pun totally intended).
I could name so many Agatha Christie-Poirot books here, but I’m going to limit myself to one. (And I know I said I’d limit myself to one, but I would also suggest Murder on the Links and The Mystery of the Blue Train. And of course, you can’t go wrong with Murder on the Orient Express or Death on the Nile—just stick to the books and not the film versions of either of these.)
One by One by Ruth Ware
Imagine being snowed in at a swanky mountain chalet in the French Alps with your coworkers, only to have them start disappearing one by one. Ruth Ware delivers the ultimate whodunit-meets-ski-trip thriller in this novel, where the tension is as icy as the setting. It’s a page-turner you won’t want to put down—just don’t read it on a solo cabin getaway.
The Guest List by Lucy Foley
Who knew a wedding on a remote island off the coast of Ireland could turn into such a murder-fest? The Guest List is all about secrets, drama, and murder, wrapped up in Lucy Foley’s signature suspense. It’s a juicy, modern-day take on the locked-room mystery that’ll have you side-eyeing your next party invite.
The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
Set at a summer camp deep in the woods, this thriller unravels old secrets as the main character returns to the scene of a long-unsolved mystery. Dark, suspenseful, and packed with twists.
The Lost Man by Jane Harper
Set in the vast, unforgiving Australian Outback, this mystery follows a family grappling with a suspicious death. The isolated setting is as compelling as the secrets it holds.
The Night Manager by John Le Carré
For fans of international intrigue, this classic spy thriller takes you from luxury hotels in Switzerland to dangerous dealings in the Middle East. It’s a sophisticated, globe-trotting mystery packed with espionage.
The Paris Diversion by Chris Pavone
Set in the heart of Paris, this high-stakes thriller follows a terrorist plot, shady financiers, and an international conspiracy. It’s fast-paced and full of unexpected twists that will keep you hooked.
The Sanatorium by Sarah Pearse
A remote, snowed-in luxury hotel (that also happens to be a former sanatorium; talk about repurposing a building) becomes the perfect setting for a series of mysterious disappearances. The chilling atmosphere and eerie secrets make for a perfect travel-themed thriller.
The Villa by Rachel Hawkins
Murder, music, and messy friendships come together in this deliciously dark tale set in Italy. The Villa is part dual-timeline mystery, part psychological thriller, and fully addictive. It’s got all the vibes of a rock-and-roll summer gone wrong—perfect for anyone who loves a good, twisty ride.
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
Brace yourself for a beautifully crafted web of secrets, lies, and heartbreak. This is the kind of book that punches you in the gut and leaves you reeling. It’s an atmospheric, coming-of-age mystery set in New England that’ll keep you guessing until the jaw-dropping final reveal.
